Must see attractions while you're living in hampton roads

 Busch Gardens Williamsburg – A world-class theme park with thrilling rides, kid-friendly attractions, and seasonal events like Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town. Military families can take advantage of the Waves of Honor program for free or discounted tickets.

Water Country USA (Williamsburg) – Virginia’s largest water park, featuring wave pools, lazy rivers, and waterslides for all ages.

Ocean Breeze Waterpark (Virginia Beach) – A family-friendly water park just minutes from the oceanfront with slides, a lazy river, and a huge wave pool.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (Virginia Beach) – Home to sea turtles, sharks, otters, and interactive exhibits, plus a nature trail and boat tours to spot dolphins and whales.

The Virginia Zoo (Norfolk) – A fun destination for families, featuring over 500 animals, a petting zoo, and an outdoor adventure park.

Virginia Living Museum (Newport News) – A unique mix of wildlife exhibits, planetarium shows, and interactive science displays. 

Hunt Club Farm (Virginia Beach) – A family-friendly farm featuring a petting zoo, pony rides, a treewalk adventure, and seasonal festivals. Their Military Appreciation Days offer free admission on select dates.

Teeny Tiny Farm (Various Locations) – A mobile petting zoo that does pop-up events, birthday parties, and farm visits. Great for little animal lovers!

Bluebird Gap Farm (Hampton) – A peaceful, free-entry farm with goats, pigs, chickens, a playground, and a walking trail. Perfect for an afternoon outing.

Munden Point Park (Virginia Beach) – While not a zoo, this quiet park along the North Landing River has open fields, wooded trails, and is a great spot for spotting local wildlife.

Colonial Williamsburg – Step back in time to explore historic homes, meet costumed interpreters, and experience 18th-century life. Military discounts are available.

Jamestown Settlement & Yorktown Battlefield – Learn about America's earliest settlers and explore Revolutionary War history.

Nauticus & USS Wisconsin (Norfolk) – A maritime museum featuring hands-on exhibits and one of the largest battleships ever built.

The Military Aviation Museum (Virginia Beach) – Showcasing one of the world's largest collections of historic aircraft, many still in flying condition.

Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe (Hampton) – A fascinating, free-entry museum inside a real fort! Learn about its history and see where Jefferson Davis was held after the Civil War.

Mariner’s Museum & Park (Newport News) – A must-see for anyone interested in maritime history, featuring shipwrecks, naval artifacts, and a beautiful park with trails. Military discounts available!

Ferry Plantation House (Virginia Beach) – A historic home with a spooky reputation! They offer ghost tours and historical talks about Virginia Beach’s past.

Norfolk Botanical Garden (Norfolk) – A stunning 175-acre garden featuring themed gardens, a butterfly house, boat tours, and a children’s garden with splash pads. Active-duty military receive discounted admission.

Red Wing Park (Virginia Beach) – Home to a gorgeous Japanese Garden, picnic spots, and nature trails. A peaceful retreat in the middle of the city!

Chesapeake Arboretum (Chesapeake) – A hidden free gem with miles of wooded walking trails, a historic farmhouse, and gorgeous gardens.

The Hermitage Museum & Gardens (Norfolk) – A historic waterfront estate with beautiful gardens, art galleries, and a peaceful walking trail along the river.

False Cape State Park (Virginia Beach) – One of Virginia’s most secluded beaches, only accessible by hiking, biking, or boat. You’ll feel like you have the place to yourself!

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (Suffolk/Chesapeake) – A must-visit for nature lovers, with scenic trails, boardwalks, and rare wildlife sightings.

Mount Trashmore (Virginia Beach) – Once a landfill, now an iconic local park with hiking trails, picnic areas, and one of the best skateparks in the region.

Dinosaur Land (White Post – Slightly Outside of Hampton Roads) – A roadside attraction with life-sized dinosaur statues that’s been around for over 50 years.

Kiptopeke State Park (Eastern Shore, a short drive from Hampton Roads) – A hidden beach spot with old shipwrecks, making for unique kayaking and fishing experiences.

Elizabeth River Trail (Norfolk) – A scenic waterfront trail connecting different parts of the city with bike paths, picnic spots, and amazing views.