4 Toddler Approved Things to Do at Waterside District

If you haven't been down to the Waterside District yet, you need to check it out. Waterside is an open concept with restaurants, music, bars, and dancing. You may be like me and think that because it's a bar atmosphere at night, that it isn't the best place for kids. Great for a date night or a ladies' night out, but kids? Wrong. Here's four things to check out.


01. Grab a snack at The Fudgery and Carolina Cupcakery
When you walk into Waterside if your mouth starts to water, it's from the smell of these two places. The Fudgery was part of the original Waterside and is back in action making fudge. Peanut Butter fudge- YES! My students (who I know sometimes read this blog.. Hi Madisyn!) can speak for my love of all things peanut butter. They have free samples and are some of the most energetic people I've ever met. They have an entire repertoire of fudge songs that they sing. It's almost like a little show. Carolina Cupcakery has actually been featured on Food Network and is a family run business out of Camden, N.C. not too far from us. They have free samples too, and use 100 percent natural ingredients. We used them for my bridal shower too. We tried the lemon drop and the carrot cake. As you can see, we waisted no time!





02. Ride the Skystar Wheel
I'll admit I was worried about R being scared, but he wasn't at all. Each car is a fully enclosed, air conditioned gondola that holds up to six people. From the top of the 12 story view you can see boats, people, cars, the Tides stadium, and even a rooftop dance class! The wheel will travel around four times for a total of about 12 minutes. They sell Jody's popcorn right outside. Check out the Nauticus combo ticket, Military Mondays, or the two pack ticket for a deal. You can purchase tickets here or at the wheel.

Here we go!! 



03. Catch a Movie
This summer Waterside has a free outdoor movie series. They are offering a free kid's meal for every adult entrée purchased at Blue Moon and Guy Fieri's Smokehouse. On June 20th they are showing Boss Baby, which my students at school have talked about all year. Bring a lawn chair and a blanket.


(Totally stole this pic from their website!) 
04. Watch the boats
"Toot, toot!" is what R yells when he sees a boat. That was constant while we walked along the waterway. Boats are coming and going. There is live music outside regularly, and lots more to do outside. The crush bar outside has a giant connect four game and several ping pong tables.



Some upcoming events at Waterside:


  • Burgers on the Beach- Every Thursday from 11-3 they offer 1/2 price burgers and drink specials 
  • Yappy Hour- A monthly event where you can bring your pup! All those with their dogs will get drink specials and 10% off their meal. 
  • Norfolk Run Club- meets the second Thursday of every month 
  • June 20: Family movie night: Free!  
  • June 22-23- Amish Outlaws concert: Free! 
  • June 29: Sir Sly concert: Free! 
  • July 14: Taco festival 
  • July 18: Family movie night: Ferdinand