where do i take a 2 and 6 year old to in va. please dont say zoo.?

Question

my grandkids live in newport news, va.

Answer 1

You could go to the Aquarium in VA Beach. Or even just go to the beach for awhile, I bet the kids would love that. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is also a good place for kids. Lots of kiddie rides for the age range that your grandkids are. There are also pet shows and music shows.

Good luck in finding something!

Answer 2

Mariner Science Museum. VA Beach, Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens in Williamsburg--threre is also a waterpark that I can't think of the name of. Then drive up to Toano and go to Ben and Jerry's!

Answer 3

There is a giant water park and a Busch Gardens near Williamsburg. Both could be fun -- especially for the 6 year old.

Answer 4

How about a nature trail trek? How about a visit to a farm where they take adopt hurt or endangered species? How about to a dairy? A candy factory? On a short day trip, passenger train ride? How about to a library, where they always have childrens books, how about to an indoor play area? Sign them up for childrens music classes.. then take them on the days that you have them for one - 2 hrs long. How about to a field where you can get a little close next to the fence and your kids can smell and mabe pet the animals?

Put their bikes in your car, take the bikes with you to the park and let them ride their little bikes around. Take them where you can meet other moms or dads so they can create friendships with other little angels.

Answer 5

Having lived up and down the east coast, I am very familiar with
that area.
Right there is Waterside.., in Norfolk..,Old town .., in Portsmouth
.., The State Reservation .., in Virginia Beach.., the beach at Virginia Beach.., Cousteau's marina.., the old boat House.., in Norfolk.., on and on I can go.

Answer 6

play ground?? park...my six year old niece loves to bowl..and minature golf

Answer 7

if your in cananda you can go to the indoor playground.

Answer 8

Kids' Paint Days
Peninsula Fine Arts Center
August 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 and 31; 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Kids can come and enjoy painting in our Hands On For Kids Gallery and enjoy different activities each week. Designed for children of all ages accompanied by an adult, the Gallery is open daily for self-directed activities. Call for activity schedule, program hours and registration information. Included in regular admission. Adults, $5.00; children (4-15), $3.00; seniors, students and military, $4.00. 101 Museum Drive, [phone], www.pfac-va.org.

Mariners' Moments
The Mariners' Museum
August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; 2:30 p.m.
Each week explore a different facet of maritime history. Topics include: Who Were the First Pirates? (August 1); Blackbeard and Friends (August 8); Swashbuckling Women (August 15); Pirates in our Own Backyard? (August 22) and Swashbuckler: The Romance of the Pirate (August 29). Included in regular admission. Adults, $8.00; children (6-17), $6.00. 100 Museum Drive, [phone], www.marinersmuseum.org.

Port Warwick in Performance: Summer Sounds in Styron Square
Port Warwick
August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Pack a snack, grab your lawn chair and join the crowd for these free concerts. Throughout the entire summer, Hampton Roads' best musical performers will take you away on wafts of sound and sensation. August performers include Mike Jacobs (August 2); FAB (August 9); Barely Above Sea Level & Matt Thomas (August 16); L.F. Edwards & The First Class Bank (August 23) and Fat Tony (August 30). Patio and indoor dining also available at restaurants located around Styron Square. Free. Beverages for sale. Loftis Boulevard at Jefferson Avenue, [phone], www.portwarwick.com.

Meet Prince John
Lee Hall Mansion
August 2 and 16; 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Journey back to April of 1862 and meet one of the Civil War's most colorful and engaging generals. John Bankhead Magruder is the man who is known to history as Prince John. Don't miss this unique chance to tour one of Virginia's most beautiful mansions and meet this flamboyant figure from the past. Included in regular admission. Adults, $6.00; seniors (62+), $5.00; students (7-18), $4.00; children under 7, free. 163 Yorktown Road, [phone], www.leehall.org.

Wild and Starry Night
Virginia Living Museum
August 3; 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
On the first Thursday of every month, enjoy all the permanent indoor exhibits at the Virginia Living Museum and telescope viewing of the night sky (weather permitting). Special planetarium program at 7:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. and other special presentations by the museum's education department and organizations such as the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, National Audubon Society and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Monthly evening event celebrates the museum's 40th birthday. Free. 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, [phone], www.thevlm.org.

Arts Café
Peninsula Fine Arts Center
August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Every Thursday, enjoy a changing array of live music, performance art, video and other activities over chardonnay, coffee and conversation. Join us for “Parent's Night Out” every third Thursday of each month. Parents can enjoy Arts Café for themselves, while children are involved in supervised art activities n the Hands on for Kids gallery. Food and beverages provided. Free admission. Donations encouraged. 101 Museum Drive, [phone], www.pfac-va.org.

Oliver!
Peninsula Community Theatre
August 4 – 6, 11 – 13, 18 – 20 and 25 – 26; Friday and Saturday 8:00 p.m.; Sunday 2:30 p.m.
Adapted from Dickens' classic novel, Oliver! is a dramatically involving and artistically impressive musical. It's about an orphan, Oliver Twist, who is befriended by the pick-pocketing Artful Dodger and recruited into the gang of boy thieves led by Fagin. The villainous Bill Sikes casts his long shadow over Oliver and his friends, but the young orphan is still able to find loving care in the most desperate of circumstances. Full of memorable melodies and splendid lyrics, Oliver! is a timeless piece. This is a family show where children, parents and grandparents alike can enjoy a community theater presentation together! $15.00. 10251 Warwick Boulevard; Peninsula Community Theatre Box Office, [phone], www.peninsulacommunitytheatre.org.

Hayrides
Newport News Park Campground
August 5, 12, 19 and 26; 7:00 p.m.
Hayrides are back for the summer. Bring family and friends for a leisurely 45-minute hayride along Newport News Park 's Bikeway. Rides are free, but each participant will need to pick up a ticket (available after 6:30 p.m. on the program date) at the campsite office. 13564 Jefferson Avenue, [phone], www.nnparks.com.

Family Films at the Fountain
City Center at Oyster Point
August 5 – 26 (Fridays); 8:30 p.m.
See free family-friendly films under the stars at City Center at Oyster Point's stunning, five-acre fountain. Bring your own lawn chairs/blankets. Popcorn (of course!) and more movie food and beverages will be available for purchase. Films are: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (August 5); Kicking & Screaming (August 12); The Sound of Music (August 19) and Finding Nemo (August 26). Rain dates are Sunday at 8:30 p.m. Free, food and beverages for sale. Fountain Plaza, Town Center Drive, (757) 757-327-0947, www.citycenteratoysterpoint.com.

Bird Walks
Newport News Park, Picnic Area 1
August 6 and 20; 7:00 a.m.
The Hampton Roads Bird Club has monitored the bird population of Newport News Park since 1965! Join club volunteers in the Picnic Area I parking lot every first and third Sunday of the month for some early morning birding. Be prepared to car pool to several areas in the park. Beginners are welcome. Binoculars and field guides are recommended. Free. 13560 Jefferson Avenue, [phone], www.nnparks.com.

Civil War Children's Camp
Endview Plantation
August 7 – 10 and August 21 – 24; 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Includes camp life, drills, skirmishes and basic soldier's equipment. For boys and girls ages 8-12. $150.00 per child. Advance registration required. 362 Yorktown Road, [phone], www.endview.org.

Miss Sallie's Academy
Endview Plantation
August 7 – 10 and August 21 – 24; 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For girls ages 8-12. Includes tour of local historic sites, needlework instruction, etiquette, parlor games, dancing, campfire cooking. $150.00 per child, includes supplies. Advance registration required. 362 Yorktown Road, [phone], www.endview.org.

Story and a Walk
Newport News Park Discovery Center
August 9; 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
For pre-school children and their caregivers. We'll share a story at the Discovery Center then take a short walk to look for things we just read about. Dress for the weather. Free. 13560 Jefferson Avenue, [phone], www.nnparks.com.

Song, Story and Praise
Endview Plantation
August 9 and 23; 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
A living history program designed to teach visitors how religion was part of everyday life during the 19th- century. Guests will be invited to sing hymns with the staff. Included in regular admission. Adults, $6.00; seniors (62+), $5.00; students (7-18), $4.00; children under 7, free. 362 Yorktown Road, [phone], www.endview.org.

Stargazing
Newport News Park
August 11 and 25; Sunset
Members of the Virginia Peninsula Astronomy/Stargazers (VPAS) will be on-site to share their knowledge of the evening skies. Drop by just after sunset for a glimpse of the night sky (weather permitting). Free. 13560 Jefferson Avenue, [phone], www.nnparks.com.

Papier-Mâché Workshop with artist Mary Onley
The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center
August 12; 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Mary Onley, known as "Mama Girl," is a self-taught artist who lives in her hometown of Painter. Workshop participants will construct their own papier-mâché creation, in the style of Onley. $10.00. Reservations required. 2803 Oak Avenue, [phone], www.newsomehouse.org.

Summer Saturdays: The Treasured Bay
The Mariners' Museum
August 12; 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Discover the marvelous estuary of the Chesapeake Bay, and the impact humans have had on its history and health. Explore a woodland lake and the coastal sand dunes that surround it. Participants will learn about the seafood industry as well as the history of the military and the commercial importance of the bay. A typical sailors' craft, snacks, and a musical performance by Bob Zentz await those with saltwater in their veins. Registration required; call [phone]. Members, $35.00, for two adults and two children; non-members, $40.00, for two adults and two children. 100 Museum Drive, [phone], www.marinersmuseum.org.

World War II Children's Summer Camp
Virginia War Museum
August 14 – 17; Times to be announced
Recruits will learn World War II history and participate in drills and battles. Equipment includes a rifle, helmet, and knapsack. Age 8-12, $150.00 per child. Reservations required. 9285 Warwick Boulevard, [phone], www.warmuseum.org.

The Half Pint Children's Series present Children's Story Hour
Yoder Barn Theatre
August 19; 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
On the third Saturday of each month, guest readers will read books for pleasure and information focused on the monthly theme. Snack and milk will be provided. Recommended age: 8 and under. Free and open to the public. 660 Hamilton Drive, [phone], www.yoderbarn.com.

King-Lincoln Music Festival
King-Lincoln Park
August 19; Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Reggae, R & B and other regional musicians perform at this family festival featuring free kids activities and rides. Food and beverages for sale. Free admission. 600 Jefferson Avenue, [phone], www.nnparks.com.

Story Time
Virginia Living Museum
August 19; 10:00 a.m.
The third Saturday of the month is always “story time” at the Virginia Living Museum. Free. 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, [phone], www.thevlm.org.

Weekend Safari: Fossils for the Kids
Virginia Living Museum
August 19; 7:00 a.m. to noon or 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Youngsters can enjoy a half-day fossil collecting trip. Our area is exceedingly rich in fossils! Visit one privately owned local area in search of fossils that relate Tidewater's fascinating prehistoric history. Bring your collecting bag and you'll fill it with treasures! Minimum age is 6 years; 14 years without an adult. Members, $16.00; non-members $28.00. Advance registration required. 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, [phone], www.thevlm.org.

World of the 1860s: Music of the 1860s
The Mariners' Museum
August 19; 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Follow your ears through the galleries of the Museum, listening to a variety of instruments and musicians as they recreate the sounds of music from the 1860s. Included in regular admission. Adults, $8.00; children (6-17), $6.00. 100 Museum Drive, [phone], www.marinersmuseum.org.

Community Day
Peninsula Fine Arts Center
August 20; 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy family art activities and programs. Textured portrait art activity for children 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Free. 101 Museum Drive, [phone], www.pfac-va.org.

Summer Saturdays: Armor: The USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia
The Mariners' Museum
August 26; 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Can you pass a Navy physical? Are you prepared to sew on your own buttons? How do you feel about hard tack and beans for dinner? Learn these answers and more as we explore the reasons behind the development of the ironclad vessels, CSS Virginia and USS Monitor; as well learn about life on board an ironclad vessel during the Civil War. Registration required; call [phone]. Members, $35.00, for two adults and two children; non-members, $40.00, for two adults and two children. 100 Museum Drive, [phone], www.marinersmuseum.org.



Ongoing Events and Exhibits

AAU Baseball 2006 Division I National Championship (12 & Under)
Stoney Run Athletic Complex
Continuing through August 5; Times to be announced
Be a part of this national boys baseball tournament attended by 2,000 athletes. For tournament venues and times, visit AAU Baseball Web site at www.aaubaseball.org/pages/tournaments/div1national.html. Admission fees to be announced. 15194 Warwick Boulevard, [phone].

AAU Junior Olympic Games
Various locations in Newport News and Hampton Roads
Continuing through August 5; Times to be announced
Newport News will host competition for girls and boys in basketball, baseball, swimming and diving tournament attended by 1,500 athletes. For tournament venues and times, visit AAU Junior Olympics Games Web site at www.aaujrogames.org. Games Passport, $40.00 (5 and under free); Daily Ticket, $10.00 (5 and under free). [phone].

Living With Art: Modern & Contemporary African American Art from the Alitash Kebede
Peninsula Fine Arts Center
Continuing through August 27; Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This exhibition presents a variety of works by many of the most important African American artists from the modern and contemporary periods. Norman Lewis, Charles Alston, Palmer Hayden, and Lois Mailou Jones are from the period of the Harlem Renaissance while artists Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Alma Thomas, Charles White and Elizabeth Catlett, are included in the group who were active during the period of the WPA. Artists included in the contemporary period are Herbert Gentry, Richard Mayhew, Ed Clark, Mel Edwards, Al Loving, Bill Hutson, Betye Saar and Lezley Saar, plus many others. Adults, $5.00; children (4-15), $3.00; seniors, students and military, $4.00. 101 Museum Drive, [phone], www.pfac-va.org.

Mama Girl
The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center
Continuing through September 4; Monday, Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mary Onley, known as "Mama Girl," is a self-taught artist who lives in her hometown of Painter. Her lyrical sculptures, similar to papier-mâché, but without wire or other frame, consist exclusively of newspaper. They poignantly mirror the experience of being black in America. $2.00 suggested donation. 2803 Oak Avenue, [phone], www.newsomehouse.org.

The Cowboy Astronomer Planetarium Show
Virginia Living Museum
Continuing through September 10; 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
This skillfully woven tapestry of star tales and Native American legends is combined with constellation identification, star-hopping and astronomy tidbits. It is all told from the unique viewpoint of America 's best-selling cowboy poet Baxter Black, who has traveled the world plying his trade and learning the sky along the way. $3.00 per person. 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, [phone], www.thevlm.org.

Laser Beatles and Laser Magic
Virginia Living Museum
Continuing through September 10; 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Music for the eyes as spectacular images dance across the planetarium dome to the music of the Beatles in Laser Beatles (1:30 p.m.) or the music of artists such as Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Enya and Elton John i n Laser Magic (3:30 p.m.). $5.00 per person. 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, [phone], www.thevlm.org.

Ironclad Evidence: Stories from the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia
The Mariners' Museum
Continuing through September 30; Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Relive the night crewmembers from the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor fought for their lives as the vessel slipped beneath the cold Atlantic Ocean waves on December 31, 1862. Catch a glimpse of what life was like aboard the Monitor through letters written by a sailor. Stand just inches from the original architectural drawing of the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia. This new exhibition features artifacts, original documents and images from the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia to help bring to life the lives, warfare, history and times that made these two vessels such an important part of this country's naval history. Included in regular admission. Adults, $8.00; children (6-17), $6.00. 100 Museum Drive, [phone], www.marinersmusem.org.

The Scoop on Poop
Virginia Living Museum
Continuing through October 1; Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, Noon to 5:00 p.m.;
Memorial Day to Labor Day (May 29 to September 4) 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily Fish do it, frogs do it, even pythons, eagles and elephants do it. The Scoop on Poop is a new traveling exhibition based on the popular book by science writer Dr. Wayne Lynch. It leads visitors on an investigation of what poop is and how animals use it - to build homes, hide from enemies, attract mates, send messages, cool off and yes, some even eat it! The exhibition also explores the ways veterinarians, field biologists, farmers, Masai tribesmen and power companies make use of animal waste. The Scoop on Poop treats the subject with a tactful blend of good science and fun. Included in regular admission. Adults, $13.00; children (3-12) $10.00. Planetarium admission, $3.00. Combination tickets, adults, $15.00; children (3-12), $12.00. Group rates available for ten or more. 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, [phone], www.thevlm.org.

The Nelson Touch
The Mariners' Museum
Continuing through December 31; Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Relive the night crewmembers from the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor fought for their lives as the vessel slipped beneath the cold Atlantic Ocean waves on December 31, 1862. Catch a glimpse of what life was like aboard the Monitor through letters written by a sailor. Stand just inches from the original architectural drawing of the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia. This new exhibition features artifacts, original documents and images from the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia to help bring to life the lives, warfare, history and times that made these two vessels such an important part of this country's naval history. Included in regular admission. Adults, $8.00; children (6-17), $6.00. 100 Museum Drive, [phone], www.marinersmuseum.org.

Swashbuckler: The Romance of the Pirate
The Mariners' Museum
Continuing through December 31; Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Is life lacking a certain adventure? Dreaming of a sea cruise? Secretly harbor a desire to plunder a galleon? Find out if a pirate's life is for you this summer with Swashbuckler: The Romance of the Pirate. Explore the appeal of pirates through film and literature. Learn what makes a movie into a “swashbuckler” and what stories inspired some of Hollywood 's legendary films. And how does a grinning rogue of fantasy compare to the desperate men (and a few women) who made a living by stealing from others on the high seas? So bring the kids along; it's good, clean, family fun – until someone has to walk the plank. Included in regular admission. Adults, $8.00; children (6-17), $6.00. 100 Museum Drive, [phone], www.marinersmuseum.org.


NOTE: This calendar was compiled based on information submitted to the Newport News Tourism Development Office. All events are subject to cancellation and date and time changes. Attraction operating hours, as well as admission and event fees, are subject to change without notice. Please contact event planners directly to confirm information. Additional Newport News events can be found online at www.nnparks.com.