Dinosaur Quest: Virginia Living Museum

Here now at the Virginia Living Museum, Dinosaur Quest is an interactive way to learn more about dinosaurs. With both indoor and outdoor components, visitors can view animatronic dinosaurs (one that spits water!) and then test your knowledge in a dinosaur maze, full of activities. 

You'll want to check the programing schedule for supplemental activities like their planetarium shows (you must purchase tickets), their Ambassador Animal Show, and their Super Science Show. Also be on the lookout for their T.Rex Trek where a walking dinosaur will make its way through the museum, and their Dino Discovery Family Camp In. 

As always at the Living Museum there is so much to see with indoor and outdoor components. This visit we found a butterfly house and a fairy garden play area which we had never seen before. If you have a dinosaur lover, be sure to head there before the exhibit leaves on September 7th! 

Just Birdies

New in Norfolk, Just Birdies is located in Lambert's Point and is perfect for a hot or rainy day. Book a bay for up to six people to play simulator sports and carnival games. Games include golf, zombie dodgeball, balloon pop, jewel match, bottle breaking, football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, cricket, bocce, and rugby. Many of the sports have several different games included. What we loved about it is that it isn't just playing video games where you're sitting still. In these bays, you'll be aiming at a screen but using real balls and physically working to play. It gets kids up and moving to burn off energy. The bays are $40 an hour. 

They do book parties, and they have a weekly golf league. Check their events page for their live music schedule. They offer a summer play pass, good from now until August 31 with daily play for 2 hours on Monday-Friday from 11-5,  and Saturday and Sunday from 10-2. The pass works for a group of up to six and you'll also get 10 percent off of food and nonalcoholic drinks. I'm already planning our next trip! 

Bogey's 757

Located in the Chelsea district of Norfolk, Bogey's offers 18 courses to putt, plus a practice green outside. What really sets Bogey's apart is the level of interaction on their holes. You'll be playing games like foosball against the other people in your group, zipping on  zipline, bouncing your ball for pong, or spinning giant propellers while you putt. My favorite part was that the holes were all handmade by the owner, and they are locally themed. You can truly tell that a lot of love went into this place. 

Bogey's is open Wednesday through Friday from 3-9 and Saturdays and Sundays from 12-9.  Head to Bogey's, then stop next door at Smartmouth and grab dinner from a food drink plus drinks while the kids play one of their many games. It's a perfect afternoon/evening combo. 

General admission for the putt putt and outdoor putting green is $14 for adults and $12 for kids under ten. You can add an additional round for $8. On site they have a golf simulator for $30-$50 per hour. They also do birthday parties where you can rent a private room. 

TREX Playland

We finally made it out to TREX Playland, Norfolk's newest indoor play area.  The Playland is made up of a huge multi-level indoor jungle gym and activity center, five inflatables, an arcade, a concession stand, and an area just for toddlers. The center is locally owned and opperated and is located on Military Highway in Norfolk across from Military Circle Mall. 

Grippy socks are required, but you can bring your own or purchase a pair for $3.00. We loved that you could bring your own and not have to purchase ones specific for this venue. They are open Tuesday through Thursday from 2-7, Fridays from 2-8, Saturdays from 10-8, and Sundays from 11-7. Admission price is based on height. Guests under 36 inches are $13.20 for the toddler area, and guests 36 inches to 5 feet are $22.00 to play everywhere else. There is no charge for adults. Reentry is allowed. There are also monthly membership packages. 

The concession stand offers prepackaged snacks as well as pizza. The place felt clean, organized, and appropriately staffed. We look forward to returning. 

Model Railroad Museum of Hampton Roads

Located inside of MacArthur Center, the Model Railroad Museum of Hampton Roads is open Friday-Sunday from 12-6. There is no cost to enter the museum, which is located on the second floor. While the museum isn't finished, visitors can see them building their models and see train sets zooming around. There is also a children's play area with wooden train sets. 

The museum does offer free school tours on Wednesdays, where they will talk about the STEM aspects of model railroading. They hope to continue to grow the museum. Stop by next time you're downtown!