Free Summer Fun in Hampton Roads

If you're like most families, you are looking for fun things to do in the summer with your kids. But sometimes summer fun can get expensive. I love having fun, but I also love finding things to do with the kids that either is free, or doesn't cost much at all. I am the queen of finding good deals. So if you live in the Hampton Roads area, I can tell you about the all the fun free activities you can enjoy with your children.

The most obvious thing is the parks. The Newport News Park has three different play areas. They also have walking trails and ponds. But what's nice about the play areas is that they are not in the direct heat. They are surrounded by trees that provide shade, so you aren't sweating while watching the kids play. Picnic tables are nearby so you can take your lunch too. Another park is the Riverview Farm Park off of Mencheville Ave. I like this one best because it has a variety of things for the kids to do. There are two different play areas. One is for the older kids, while a shorter version is on the other side of the grounds for toddlers and younger children. They can climb across bridges, crawl through tunnels, and slither down slides. There are swings, merry-go-rounds, riding animals, and bouncing cars. They have covered picnic areas right in the middle of the park that are perfect for either a picnic lunch, or a birthday party. They have restrooms on site and a small concession stand.

Free movies. Yes, I said free movies. During the summer there are movie theaters that show free movies during the week for children. Regal Kiln Creek 20 in Newport News show two different movies at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. You can also watch free movies at the Regal Cinemas in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. In fact, any Regal Entertainment Group theater shows free movies all across the country. You can find a list of movies at http://www.regmovies.com/freefamilyflicks/ffffresults.jsp.

Story time is another free and fun thing to do with your kids. Barnes and Noble has story time at 10:30 on Tuesday mornings. If you aren't an early bird, you can go on Thursday night at 7. Both times include stories, crafts, and cookies. After that, the kids can play in the reading area while you sip on a latte.

Public libraries always offer story times during the summer. They're usually in the morning. Most libraries offer a schedule of activities they have for the summer. Some have arts and crafts mornings, and puppet shows. And yes, they are all free. Most libraries have a summer reading program that you can get your kids involved in (and reading a book is free) and they receive little prizes and toys for reading a certain amount of books over the summer. York County Public Library also has children's videos that you can check out. So if you are like me and still own a dinosaur VCR, check one out for rainy days.

Another fun freebie is the beach. Whether you go to Yorktown Beach, or VA Beach, they both have sun, sand, and surf. If you are in the military, FT. Eustis has the Sand Pool. It is a man made little beach on the base, but it is perfect for families. But, they do charge a whopping .50 for entry. On one end of the Sand Pool, the water is shallow enough for a two year old to play in and have a good time. The water is only about a foot deep. The opposite end is deep enough for the adults; similar to a regular pool. There are slides that go into the water. Surrounding the Sand Pool are swings, slides, picnic tables, and grills. They have a small concession stand that sells water and drinks, and there are bathrooms with showers available. So it is the perfect place to make a day trip.

Don't forget Vacation Bible School. Most churches have it every summer. Bluebird Gap Farm in Hampton is also free and a blast for the kids. They have a petting farm, barnyard animals, wild animals, and picnic areas. They also have a concession stand and a playground. The website is
http://www.hampton.gov/parks/waterfront_and_feature_parks.html.

So if you are looking for fun, free ideas in Hampton Roads this summer, I hope you will look into some of the ideas I gave you. There are plenty of things to do. Not only do you need to keep them entertained so they aren't bored, you need to maintain your own sanity as well. Have a safe, busy, and free summer.