Top 10 Reasons to Take the Kids to Norfolk
NORFOLK, Va – Norfolk is located on the world’s greatest natural harbor, where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. A trip to this city by the Bay can include wonderful activities for all ages and is especially suited for family exploration. Here are 10 great reasons to escape to the new Norfolk, Virginia with the kids:
- Passport To Fun. At $19.95 per person, plus tax, Passport To Fun offers a 25 percent discount on the cost of admission to all participating attractions and a savings of 10 to 20 percent at restaurants and local retail stores. Participating attractions include The Chrysler Museum of Art; Nauticus, Nauticus; The Norfolk Botanical Garden and the Virginia Zoological Park.
- Nauticus. The interactive science and technology complex exploring the power of the sea features hands-on exhibits including interactive computer and video activities, exotic sea life, touch pools, shark petting and fun for all family members.
- Virginia Zoological Park. The 100-year old Virginia Zoo, nestled on 53-acres along the Lafayette River, is home to over 350 animals and offers something for everyone. Animal lovers over the age of 13 can even register for the Keeper for a Day Program and spend a day caring for the animals. The new African continent exhibit, the largest expansion in the Zoo’s history, offers a glimpse at the exotic animals of the Okavongo Delta in Botswana.
- The Chrysler Museum of Art. Travelers can stroll through 5,000 years of art history, including a distinguished collection of decorative arts, and a growing collection of photography at this renowned museum. It offers changing exhibitions and educational activities for all ages.
- Free festivals on the waterfront. Music, arts, historical and cultural festivals are Norfolk’s specialty. Throughout the year, annual festivals staged along the waterfront include the Virginia Children’s Festival, Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food Festival, Reggae on the River, and the Town Point Jazz and Blues Festival.
- USS Wisconsin. Right on the Norfolk waterfront adjacent to Nauticus, is berthed the world’s largest battleship. Guests can tour the decks of this floating monument for a unique glimpse into the nation’s history.
- Harbor Cruises. Visitors can cruise past nuclear submarines, giant aircraft carriers and cargo ships while relaxing on the decks of a harbor cruise ship.
- MacArthur Center. The $300 million shopping center contains over one million square feet and features more than 120 shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. And for the kids, there is an indoor amusement center.
- Norfolk Botanical Garden. With one of the largest collections of azaleas, camellias, roses and rhododendrons on the East Coast, the Norfolk Botanical Garden offers 155 acres of beauty to be enjoyed by all ages. Kids can explore the Worlds of Wonder garden or create seasonal arts and crafts each Saturday afternoon with the NatureKids program.
- Fun Food Finds. Doumar’s - The original owner of this 1950’s style diner shows off the first ice-cream cone making machine that wowed the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. Rowena’s Jam and Jelly Factory - Visitors may tour the factory to see how Rowena’s almond pound cakes, jams and sauces are made, have afternoon tea or browse through the gift shop full of wonderful products and whimsical gifts for all ages.
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