Explore Virginia Beach’s great indoor attractions during a rainy day. From stepping into Virginia Aquarium’s underwater tunnels to free-falling at iFly, there are lots of exciting things to do for the entire family. Additionally, climb up a spiral staircase in a lighthouse, eat dinner at a movie theater, or let your kids run wild at a bounce house. Best of all, most points of interest are within proximity to many Virginia Beach vacation rentals. Chase away rainy day blues with these activities.
1. Virginia Aquarium
Explore the Virginia Aquarium Bay & Ocean Pavilion to experience the amazing habitats of over 300 species of marine creatures. Linger at the touch tanks to pet starfish and rays, and stroll through underwater tunnels that reveal sea animals swimming above and beside you. The aquarium’s National Geographic 3-D, six-story theater shows short documentaries and full-length feature films, including Disney and other family-friendly movies. Browse the local crafts, artwork, and t-shirts in the two aquarium stores to find gifts and mementos. When the crew gets hungry, the Aquarium Cafe serves sandwiches, salads, desserts, and more. For rainy days, this is a great place to find all-around entertainment, dining, and shopping.
2. Old Cape Henry Lighthouse
Lace up your walking shoes and climb the spiral staircase of the old Cape Henry lighthouse. Upon reaching the top of the 165 steel steps, you enter the circular lantern room to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. Whether you’re up to the climb or not, be sure to browse the lighthouse-themed gifts in the museum store. The lighthouse is located on the Fort Story Joint Military base at the northeastern-most point of Virginia Beach, with Asian and seafood restaurants located to the west along Shore Drive.
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3. Cinema Cafe and Beach Cinema Alehouse
Located in Kemps River Shopping Center on the west side of the city, Cinema Cafe gives you the dinner-and-a-movie experience in one place. Place your orders for burgers, pizzas, popcorn, candy, and drinks at the counter, and the wait staff takes care of you thereafter. Just a mile from the Boardwalk, the Beach Cinema Alehouse on Laskin Road features a full dinner of casual American foods along with drinks and micro-brews. Both theaters are family-friendly establishments where you get to catch first-run flicks while making it a family adventure.
4. Virginia Beach Bounce House
When a rainy day has the kids bouncing off the walls of your Virginia Beach vacation rental, take them to the Bounce House. There’s a separate area with inflatables made just for your toddlers. While the kids play, you’re free to relax and enjoy the free wi-fi. Look for the bounce house in Lynnhaven Crossing, adjacent to Lynnhaven Mall. One of the largest malls on the East Coast, it contains more than 180 stores, including restaurants and an 18-screen movie theater.
5. Escape Room Virginia Beach
Take your t’weens and teens to Escape Room Virginia Beach for a fun and challenging adventure. Your team gets locked into a themed room, and you have 60 minutes to figure out how to get out. Put your heads together to find the clues, solve the puzzles, find missing items, and carry out your escape. Whether you escape on time or not, they’ll let you out anyway, so you might as well head over to the Landing Zone Restaurant and Bar to refuel. You’re on the west side of the city just off of I-264, and this spot .3 mile from the Escape Room.
6. Military Aviation Museum
The Military Aviation Museum’s indoor hangars house some fascinating vintage airplanes, many of which still work. Get close-up looks at beautifully-restored military planes that flew during both world wars. Located at Virginia Beach Airport, the museum is about 15 miles south of the center of the city. The closest restaurant is a casual diner, the Bee and the Biscuit, about 3 miles north of the museum.
7. The Old Coast Guard Station
Adjacent to the 24th Street Park on the Boardwalk, the Old Coast Guard Station Museum and Gift Shop stands as a reminder of the history of Virginia Beach. The two-story museum displays photographs and artifacts that date back to World War II. The exhibits include coast guard records and relics, including a lifeboat, uniforms, and items retrieved from shipwrecks. The gift shop features books, souvenirs, and pirate-themed memorabilia. The convenient location puts you in close proximity to a variety of restaurants, including Honey Bee Restaurants and Tautog’s, just across Atlantic Avenue.
8. iFly
Defy gravity at iFly, an indoor skydiving experience in a vertical wind tunnel. To ensure safety, an expert guide flies with you and your kids who are ages three and older. A trainer explains how to relax and teaches the hand signals that you need during your flight. After you put on your flight suit, helmet, and goggles, your guide takes you into the flight chamber where you lean in and feel yourself lifted up by a cushion of air. Each participant gets a flight certificate, and videos and photos of your flights are available. It’s conveniently located on Pacific Avenue with the 25th Street Municipal Parking Lot. CP Shuckers Cafe is right across Pacific Avenue and Dough Boys California Pizza is just a block east, on Atlantic Avenue.
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