Family Weekend at the Virginia Beach Neptune FestivalEnjoy a family weekend in Virginia Beach filled with the Neptune Festival and relaxed oceanfront fun. Explore the boardwalk, discover marine life at the aquarium, and make time for playground stops and casual coastal meals, with family-friendly hotel options for unwinding between adventures.Authorsalex_a_jeffries
DestinationsVirginia BeachItinerary

Day One: Welcome to Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk
Families can explore at their own pace on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a paved oceanfront promenade with a stroller-friendly surface. Beach views, public art, and places to stop for a snack line the way.
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Neptune Statue
Larger than life and cast in bronze, the Neptune Statue is one of Virginia Beach's signature landmarks. Kids can spot the sea creatures in the sculpture before the whole family gathers for a memorable beach photo.
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Book Tours
Neptune Festival
Families have plenty to enjoy together at the Neptune Festival, an oceanfront celebration of art, music, and beach-centered events. There's enough variety to choose activities that suit different ages, though some events require separate admission.
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Sand Sculpting Championship Pavillion
Skilled artists from around the world create the elaborate sand sculptures on display at this exhibition. The imaginative subjects and intricate details give children and adults a lot to discover together.
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Waterman's Surfside Grille
Right on the oceanfront, Waterman's Surfside Grille serves seafood and other casual coastal favorites, with a children's menu for younger diners. Settle in for a family meal in a relaxed, welcoming setting with beach views.
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Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Virginia Beach's oceanfront offers a broad sandy beach for sandcastle building, shoreline walks, and seaside play. Families can enjoy simple beach activities together, with adults supervising children closely near the water.
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Day Two: Neptune Festival Family Fun

Neptune's Park
Concerts and events take the stage at Neptune's Park, the oceanfront green space beside the Neptune Statue. When festival crowds and programming allow, families have room to relax and enjoy the seaside setting.
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Grommet Island Park
Grommet Island Park is an accessible beachfront playground with ramps, sensory play elements, and equipment designed to welcome children of different abilities. Its inclusive design helps families enjoy playtime together right beside the beach.
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Mellow Mushroom Virginia Beach
At Mellow Mushroom, a casual pizza restaurant with colorful décor, the menu includes pizzas and other easygoing favorites. Shareable pies and children's options are a convenient choice for families with different appetites.
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Day Three: Explore Virginia Beach

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Animal habitats and educational exhibits introduce visitors to marine life at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Between close-up wildlife viewing and hands-on learning opportunities, children and adults have plenty to explore together.
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The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium
Up among the trees, The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium features climbing challenges and zip lines. Different challenge levels encourage confidence and teamwork, and it's a fun option for families with children who meet the course requirements.
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Chix on the Beach
Chix on the Beach is a laid-back beachfront restaurant serving seafood and casual American favorites. With a children's menu and convenient beach access, it's an easy stop for a family meal during an oceanfront outing.
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Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk
Families can explore at their own pace on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a paved oceanfront promenade with a stroller-friendly surface. Beach views, public art, and places to stop for a snack line the way.
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Where To Stay

Hyatt Place Virginia Beach / Oceanfront
Hyatt Place puts families on the oceanfront in a relaxed beach setting, with easy access to the sand and boardwalk. The location is convenient for alternating seaside outings with downtime in the room.
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The Sitio
Step outside The Sitio and you're at Atlantic Park's wave pool, where surfers ride machine-made waves in full view of the pool deck. The 20-room boutique hotel is small by design, with a custom surfboard rack and Belgian linens in every room and private balconies over the lagoon in select suites. The Bunk Suite fits a family with four queen beds and a living area, and the concierge can set up surf sessions and lessons.
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Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort
At the northern end of the oceanfront, the Marriott resort has a polished coastal feel, direct beach access, and indoor and outdoor pools. Families can mix beach play with pool time and retreat from the busiest festival areas.
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Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort
Every room is a suite at this beachfront Embassy Suites resort, so families get separate living and sleeping areas for a more comfortable stay. Included breakfast and indoor and outdoor pools help with settling into a family-friendly routine between festival outings.
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The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, Autograph Collection
The Cavalier is a restored historic hotel where grand architecture and landscaped grounds meet an elegant coastal style. Family recreation includes an indoor pool and seasonal beach club access, though the hotel sits back from the beach rather than directly on the boardwalk.
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