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! 

Pixels and Pints

One place we love to stop in is Pixels and Pints on Colonial Street in Norfolk. I love that it is locally owned and has that old school Norfolk charm.  Look our for their family friendly afternoons on Saturday and Sunday when they open at 12:00. While they are open late, after 9 pm it becomes a 21 and up venue. You can trade cash for tokens at the machines or add game tokens to your bill. There is free parking directly outside and behind the restaurant. 

6 places for tweens in Hampton Roads on a Rainy Day

Located in Virginia Beach, Surge is part trampoline park, part climbing gym, and part gaming. Check it out and plan to spend most of the day. There are family specials, birthday parties, and more. 

Painting With A Twist has several locations, but we have visited the Hampton location for their family painting days. Classes are usually about 2 hours. 

More than just an ice cream shop, Superheroes has video games that customers can play while they eat. Superheroes is located just outside of Lynnhaven Mall. 

Purchase batting cage time for tweens who need to get some energy out, or drop kids off for camp at Dbat. 

Top Golf is outside, but is covered. We love to go on a day where it looks like it might rain or it's raining slightly. It wont be as crowded, and you'll likely get right in. 

Mission Laser 757 is located in Norfolk, and is a great place to get some energy out. Play one game or purchase a whole night pass. 

 

The Fun Box

We crossed the water over Spring Break to check out "The Fun Box," located outside of Patrick Henry Mall. The Fun Box will spend the spring there and then travel back to Virginia Beach this fall. The Fun Box was created by the oldest sibling of ten from the foster care system and wants to give families a place to play. What's cool about this place is that adults are invited and encouraged to play, too. We did... and not only did we laugh the whole time, but our watches told us that our hearts were racing. 

Their location is open Fridays at 4:30- 6:45, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30- 6:45. Tickets are sold in 75 minute blocks and then they close down to clean in between sessions. Our favorite thing about this park was the staff. Not only was there staff around every corner, but they were engaged with the kids and enforcing the rules to keep everybody safe. Snowcones and water are available for purchase on site.

 

Painting With A Twist

I've been putting in more of an effort to spend one-on-one time with my kids recently, so my oldest and I checked out "Painting With A Twist" in Hampton on Sunday. On Sunday afternoons, they offer family days, where an artist sketches out the painting for you to make it a little easier, and then instructs you on how to fill it in. We chose to each paint an otter in such a way that they were holding hands, but there are lots of offerings on upcoming dates. Paintings are between $27-$29 depending on the size canvas you'd like. This includes a snack and a non-alcoholic drink, also. Our class was 1.5 hours. It was a great experience for us, because it's something new that we hadn't done together. We want to go back and check out the "Paint Your Pet" night next!