Things to do with kids in Virginia Beach, VA this weekend

There are 25 kid-friendly events in Virginia Beach, VA this weekend (Oct 16 to Oct 18), including Halloween Nights at the Virginia Aquarium, Great Neck Library 50th Anniversary Celebration, and Nature Walk Storytime and Scavenger Hunt.

Friday

October 16
  • 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Nature Walk Storytime and Scavenger HuntTCC/City Joint-Use Library · Virginia Beach, VA, 23453, US
    Spooky-themed storytime followed by a guided nature walk and scavenger hunt for ages 3–5. Registration required; bring weather-appropriate clothes.
  • 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Preschool ArtPungo-Blackwater Library · Virginia Beach, VA, 23457, US
    Hands-on art time for 3–5-year-olds and caregivers featuring exploratory, messy projects. Registration required.
  • 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Baby Open PlayTCC/City Joint-Use Library · Virginia Beach, VA, 23453, US
    Unstructured playtime for caregivers and babies to socialize and explore a warm, welcoming space. No registration required.
  • 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM First ArtVirginia MOCA
    Creative, hands-on art exploration for 2–5-year-olds and caregivers using paint and sensory materials.
  • 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM Baby PaintWindsor Woods Area Library · Virginia Beach, VA, 23452, US
    Messy, sensory painting for babies and caregivers; wear play clothes. First-come seating—pick up an entry ticket at the front desk.
  • 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM Finger Gym: PumpkinsKempsville Area Library · Virginia Beach, VA, 23464, US
    Pumpkin-themed fine-motor activities that build hand strength and scissor skills for ages 3–7 with a caregiver. Registration required.
  • 1:30 PM Dolphin Watching Boat TourVirginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center · 717 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
    A roughly 90-minute boat trip to spot bottlenose dolphins and hear commentary from onboard educators.
  • 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM Crafty Book Fridays: There's a Monster in Your Book by Tom FletcherOceanfront Area Library · Virginia Beach, VA, 23451, US
    Storytime and a themed craft for ages 2–12 with a caregiver; registration required.
  • Tide Pick 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Halloween Nights at the Virginia AquariumVirginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center · 717 General Booth Blvd
    Costume-friendly evening at the Aquarium with Halloween activities and costumed characters. Adult $38, youth $33.
  • 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Friday Night HoedownVirginia Beach Farmers Market · 3640 Dam Neck Rd
    Free live country and classic rock bands at the city farmers market, rain or shine. Bring a lawn chair.
  • THE SPONGEBOB MOVIETown Center of Virginia Beach
    Outdoor screening of The SpongeBob Movie beginning at sundown. Bring a blanket or chair for a family-friendly movie night.

Saturday

October 17
  • Tide Pick 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Great Neck Library 50th Anniversary CelebrationGreat Neck Area Library · Virginia Beach, VA, 23454, US
    A day of family activities, crafts, history displays, face painting, storytimes and cake as the library marks its 50th anniversary.
  • 10:00 AM Step UP for Down Syndrome Hampton RoadsMount Trashmore Park: 310 Edwin Drive · 314 Edwin Dr
    Awareness walk and family festival with resource fair to support individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
  • 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Baby Open PlayGreat Neck Area Library · Virginia Beach, VA, 23454, US
    Bring your 3–24 month-old for unstructured play and social time in a warm, caregiver-and-child friendly space. No registration required.
  • 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Bricks at the BeachTCC/City Joint-Use Library · Virginia Beach, VA, 23453, US
    Kids in grades K–5 can build imaginative creations using stackable bricks and other materials. Drop-in; no registration required.
  • 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM DIY Trick-or-Treat BagsTCC/City Joint-Use Library · Virginia Beach, VA, 23453, US
    Decorate spooky trick-or-treat bags with supplied craft materials in a caregiver-and-child friendly setting. Registration required.
  • 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM First ArtVirginia MOCA
    Young children (ages 2–5) and caregivers explore painting, sensory play and hands-on art activities together.
  • 11:00 AM Ghoula PaloozaGreat Neck Recreation Center · 2521 Shorehaven Dr
    A family-friendly Halloween celebration with costumes and seasonal activities for kids and caregivers.
  • 11:00 AM Dolphin Watching Boat TourVirginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center · 717 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
    Board a guided boat tour to spot dolphins and enjoy coastal wildlife viewing from the water.
  • 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Indoor CarnivalKempsville Area Library · Virginia Beach, VA, 23464, US
    Fall-themed indoor carnival for ages 12–18 with games, snacks and seasonal activities; registration is required.
  • 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM Teen Throwback Movie and Craft, Monster StyleMeyera E. Oberndorf Central Library · Virginia Beach, VA, 23452, US
    Teens watch Monsters, Inc. and make a monster feltie with sewn and no-sew options; ages 12–18. Registration required.
  • 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Halloween Nights at the Virginia AquariumVirginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center · 717 General Booth Blvd
    Costume-friendly evening at the Aquarium with Halloween activities and costumed characters. Adult $38, youth $33.

Sunday

October 18
  • 1:30 PM Animal Ambassador Center Behind the ScenesVirginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center · 717 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
    Tour the Animal Ambassador Center, meet ambassador animals and watch a personal enrichment session with staff.
  • 1:45 PM Sharks Behind the ScenesVirginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center · 717 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
    Go behind the scenes to learn about shark care and biology from aquarium staff with close-up viewing opportunities.
  • 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM Teeny Tiny Bedazzled Pumpkins!Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library · Virginia Beach, VA, 23452, US
    Teens decorate tiny pumpkins with rhinestones and other bling in this hands-on craft session. Registration required for ages 12–18.

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