Chesapeake Adventures: Family Fun on a Budget!
Discover endless family fun in Chesapeake's scenic wonders and welcoming community!
19 July 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Chesapeake, located on the east coast of the United States, offers a perfect family-friendly getaway. Explore its rich history and culture by visiting historical sites such as the Chesapeake Arboretum and the Chesapeake Planetarium. Engage in outdoor activities like hiking in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge or enjoying a day at the Chesapeake City Park, complete with playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports courts, making it an ideal destination for a fun-filled family vacation.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Start the day with a scrumptious breakfast at The Egg Bistro, a local gem serving up fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon that will dance on your taste buds.
- Take a leisurely stroll through the majestic Chesapeake City Park, complete with picturesque trails and a dazzling lake, perfect for a family picnic.
- Unleash your inner adventurer at Treeumph! Adventure Course, where you can zip line through the treetops like a mischievous squirrel.
- Feast on an indulgent lunch at The Gourmet Gang, a delightful eatery serving wraps that are so big, you'll wonder if they're hiding an entire animated squirrel inside.
- Discover the enchanting world of art at the Chesapeake Art Center, where you can marvel at breathtaking exhibitions and even try your own hand at creating a masterpiece.
- Finish the day with a delicious seafood dinner at the Big Woody's Bar & Grill, where fresh catches of the day will make you want to dive into the Chesapeake Bay itself.
- Start the day with a hearty breakfast at The Roast Rider Coffee + Tea, a whimsical café with an impressive selection of caffeinated potions to fuel your adventure.
- Embark on a thrilling kayak expedition through the Great Dismal Swamp, where you can spot elusive wildlife and maybe even catch a glimpse of Chesapeake's legendary swamp monster (or so they say!).
- Refuel with a quick bite at The Leaping Lizard Café, a quirky spot where you can enjoy mouthwatering sandwiches while pondering the possibility of talking lizards.
- Immerse yourself in history at the Chesapeake Central Library, where you can delve into tales of the city's past or lose yourself in a book about wizards and magical creatures.
- Satisfy your cravings with a delightful dinner at The Bier Garden, a lively pub offering German delicacies, where the beer floweth like a magical potion brewed by Chesapeake's very own wizards.
- End the day with an exhilarating family bowling session at AMF Chesapeake Lanes, complete with neon lights, funky music, and triumph in the face of stubbornly resistant pins.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Chesapeake in the United States by plane is to fly into Norfolk International Airport (ORF), which is located 15 miles north of Chesapeake. There are several major airlines that fly into this airport, including American Airlines, Delta, and United.
Car
The best way to get to Chesapeake by car is to take Interstate 64 or Interstate 464, which both run through the city. If you’re coming from the north, take I-64 eastbound and exit at Greenbrier Parkway. If you’re coming from the south, take I-464 north and take the exit for Battlefield Boulevard.
Train
There is no train station in Chesapeake, Virginia. The closest train station is the Newport News Amtrak station, which is located about 25 miles east of Chesapeake. From there, you can take a taxi or rent a car to get to Chesapeake.
Boat
The best way to get to Chesapeake by boat is to take a cruise to Norfolk, Virginia, which is located just north of Chesapeake. From there, you can take a taxi or rent a car to get to Chesapeake.
Bus
The best way to get to Chesapeake by bus is to take the Greyhound bus to the Norfolk Bus Station, which is located about 10 miles north of Chesapeake. From there, you can take a taxi or rent a car to get to Chesapeake.