Live the Life: Visit Virginia Beach #VirginaBeach

 Summer is an endless playtime for kids and adults alike.  The outdoors is open for creative play whether it be just playing in the back yard in the grass or even heading to the beach combing for shells.  As a child we spent many a weekend heading to the seaside to spend as much time outside with Mother nature and now that I have two little ones of my own we head to the seaside often armed with bucket, spade, sandwiches and beach towels.  Although its mid July we haven't quite finalized our summer vacation but Virginia Beach sure sounds like a fabulous place to visit.  Here are some fun things for us to do at Virginia Beach:  1. Biggest sandbox you've ever seen - there are many beaches that its hard to choose from and surely cannot be all done in one vacation.  For fun family tourist beaches I'll probably check out the Resort Area beaches first.  For some quiet time we can head south 15 miles to the Sandbridge/Pungo area and once the kids need some calm waters the Chesapeake bay area looks so tranquil. 

2.  A vacation isn't a vacation until you are away from your home and surroundings.  There are many places to choose to stay from rental homes to hotels and B&B's.  Since we are a family of four we'll probably head to a hotel although a rental home would be great for washing beach towels and kicking back but then that sounds like being home ; )  3. Of course  the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is a must see.  Our kids love visiting ocean wildlife.  The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center hosts over 800,000 gallons of aquariums and live animal habitats focusing on Virginia’s diverse and unique marine environment.
 4.  The Family Great Adventures Series is my kind of free.  Families can take part in an interactive adventure that leads them to various sites along the boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue to unravel a mystery. During each adventure, participants can dress up as characters, use “brain and brawn” to win the contest at hand, and settle into the sand for a family-friendly movie shown on a giant inflatable screen on the beach! All events are free and open to the public. Dates: Thursday, June 23, Thursday, June 30, Thursday, July 14, Thursday, August 4, Thursday, August 18, Friday, September 9.   5. More free events include the summer at the Symphony by the Sea concert series.  In Neptune's Park at 31st Street, this concert series will feature the Tidewater Winds, Symphonicity and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. All shows begin at 7:30 and are free and open to the public. Performances dates: July 27, August 11, August 24 & September 21.

6.  For the funky beachgoers on August 26-27 you can dig your toes in the sand at a stage right on the beach at 24th St. and get to groovin' with a variety of bands, free for your enjoyment. Food, merchandise, and dance contests all contribute to a festive, "funky" vibe!
 7. There's nothing better than being on vacation and eating out.  It reminds you are on vacation as you are not tied to the kitchen preparing 3 square meals.  When we head to the shore seafood is on our list as it has to be fresher than inland.  I'm sure the restaurants and cafe's in Virginia Beach will offer us plenty to keep us all happy.    8. Shopping is always on my agenda, whether it be combing through the wonderful treasures on the boardwalk or the sophisticated stores of urban Town Center.  For me its a window shopper's paradise and the kids are given a little money to spend which teaches them the value of money.  They can hop from store to store wondering what to buy.   9. If we can get babysitters a open water fishing trip would be so awesome, but dramamine would need to be taken as I'm not good on water.
 10.  For the men in my life Golf is obviously an attraction.  For me thats just fine as I can head to the spa for a relaxing massage or pedicure. About Virgina Beach
Virginia Beach entices visitors to “Live the Life” year-round! Located in the southeastern corner of the state, Virginia Beach is four hours southeast of D.C. by car and within a day’s drive or less from two-thirds of the U.S. population. For visitor information, call 1-800-VA-BEACH (800/822-3224) or visit http://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/ for online trip planning. 

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Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Virginia Beach Tourism blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.