Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin
A real Norfolk waterfront visit that blends naval history, harbor views, and one of the city's most recognizable attractions.
Downtown, Waterside, and Nauticus · Half day
Family travel guide
Things to Do in Norfolk with Kids
Norfolk makes for a relaxed waterfront weekend with museums, local restaurants, and easy access to the rest of Hampton Roads. Each choice includes a pace, weather, or access cue for planning with children.
Norfolk Botanical Garden
A calmer Norfolk outing for gardens, walking paths, and a more nature-forward break from the downtown waterfront.
North Norfolk, Gardens, and Zoo
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a Hampton Roads coastal outing built around the broad Virginia Beach boardwalk, Atlantic shoreline, and the refined oceanfront promenade that gives Norfolk an easy beach-side contrast.
Virginia Beach Day Trip Corridor
Waterside District Walk
Save this for when when you want views and activity without overplanning.
Downtown, Waterside, and Nauticus
Chrysler Museum and Ghent Day
Chrysler Museum and Ghent Day is a Norfolk cultural outing built around the Chrysler Museum of Art, walkable Ghent streets, and the leafy neighborhood character that gives the city a well-suited non-harbor counterpoint.
NEON, Ghent, and Museum Corridor
MacArthur Memorial
A distinct Norfolk civic-history stop centered on the MacArthur Memorial's neoclassical architecture, downtown lawn setting, and one of the city's clearest standalone heritage landmarks beyond the harborfront.
Downtown, Waterside, and Nauticus
Town Point Park and Battleship Waterfront
A distinct Norfolk harbor-history stop centered on the civic waterfront and battleship views, giving the itinerary a more distinctive riverfront landmark than a soft museum-day placeholder.
Downtown, Waterside, and Nauticus
Harbor Cruise
A compact way to spend time on the water if the weather cooperates.
Harbor Cruise District · Half day
Virginia Zoo
A major Norfolk family-friendly attraction built around lush pathways, naturalistic habitats, and the city's strongest animal-and-garden experience outside the harborfront core.
North Norfolk, Gardens, and Zoo
Hermitage Museum & Gardens
A high-signal arts and culture stop that adds a distinct indoor option to the destination's existing activity mix. Build it into the day when this is the part of Norfolk visitors would otherwise miss.
Downtown, Waterside, and Nauticus
Wells Theatre and Virginia Stage Company
A strong arts addition that fills a genuine gap in Norfolk's current top-attractions mix and works naturally in guides, itineraries, and map recommendations.
Downtown, Waterside, and Nauticus
Confirm current details with Official Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin information before departure.
Travel conditions, access, and reservations can change. Check official sources close to departure.