Langley Speedway

For two Lightning McQueen lovers, Langley Speedway was the place to be last weekend. It was our first time at a race, and I had no idea how kid friendly the speedway is. There has been racing at Langley for 72 years, with racing from March to October. They are the oldest professional sports enterprise in Hampton Roads and the longest-running sports enterprise in Southeastern Virginia. 

We went on Halloween weekend, so there was a Trunk-or-Treat happening. We got to see all of the cars up close and personal and meet the drivers. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors or military, $7 for kids ages 6-12, and free for 5 and under. Snag a family pack of two adult and two children's tickets for $35. Races run from March to October. The race that we attended began at 5 and ended about 8:30. You can bring in a soft-sided cooler with drinks and snacks.  There is a children's playground right on the grounds, and kids were playing throughout the race. Be sure to bring headphones, as the cars are loud. 

Mission: Laser 757

 Opening this weekend, Mission Laser is the new hangout for kids in Hampton Roads. While you wait to play, there are arcade games and the crew will entertain the kids. Then you'll head into the first zone where you'll be briefed on your mission and how to use the laser guns. You'll then load into your vests and get ready to play. They do offer lightweight vests for littles that don't have the sensors on them. They can still carry a gun to play with. The game lasts about 20 minutes. Inside you can aim for the other players or targets around the room. There are several surprises around the arena, including a Legends of the Hidden Temple type head, whose eyes glow when the target is shot. 

Birthday party options are available. They include two games of laser tag and time in the party room. They even offer school fundraising nights as well as field trips. 

The building was clean, the staff was friendly, and we had a blast. This weekend they have an introductory sale of only $6 per game.  

Disney On Ice: Magic In the Stars

Disney On Ice: Magic In The Stars is here in Hampton Roads. Head over to the Hampton Coliseum on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. This was our first show, but I've always wanted to go. We picked this one because the boys' favorite Disney movie was represented, Cars. 

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Expect to see elaborate costumes and floats, people hanging from the air, story telling that weaves the movies together, and lots of music and dance. You'll be amazed at the athletic ability of the cast. 

The show is about 90 minutes long with a 15 minute intermission in the middle. Be sure to pack a jacket, as the ice has to stay cold. 

Be aware, there are lots of toys for sale. Kids love the light up toys that you'll see all over the arena. Let them know if you'll be able to purchase ahead of time and what your limit for spending is. 

Ski Resorts Round Up

We love Hampton Roads, but one thing that it doesn't offer is ski slopes. We have to travel to get our runs in, so here's a rundown of the pros and cons of each ski resort nearby. 

Massanutten: 

Pros: Massanutten is only a 3.5 hour drive from Hampton Roads. Massanutten offers There are four green slopes and a learning area with a magic carpet. They have a huge indoor waterpark which is great for kids. They also have tubing for people 36 inches and up. They have escape rooms, an arcade, ice skating, virtual reality and more. Massanutten regularly has live music and events happening during the year. 

Cons: Massanutten is a smaller resort with only 3 blacks and no double blacks. Their group lessons only begin at age 7 and only last for 1.5 hours. They do offer private one hour lessons for all ages. 

Wintergreen: 

Pros: Comparable to Massanutten is Wintergreen. About the same distance away, Wintergreen also offers snowtubing for 42 inches and up, recommended age 6 and up. Wintergreen offers private, group, and full day lessons for children. 

Cons: Wintergreen doesn't offer as many apre ski options as other resorts. Outside of skiing and tubing, there isn't much to do for kids. Lessons and children's programs fill up extremely quickly. 

Seven Springs: 

Pros: Perhaps the most family friendly of the options, Seven Springs offers tons of options for kids. Splash in the pool, play in the arcade, go bowling, swimming, or skating. Seven Springs has the movie scene type of lodge. Seven Springs is a large resort with 49 trails and 14 lifts. They offer private and small group lessons for ages 4 and older. Seven Springs also offers night skiing. We went to Seven Springs when I was a kid, and we always loved it.

Cons: Seven Springs has wide open spaces, but some of their runs are shorter. Seven Springs is the farthest away at about 6.5 hours. 

Snowshoe:

Pros: Snowshoe is an upper class resort that has some of the best and the longest runs on the East Coast. Snowshoe offers full day, partial day, small group, and private lessons. They also offer a preschool ski program. Snowshoe does have a small pool which is free to swim in if you book through Snowshoe. Snowshoe's sister mountain, Silver Creek, is right next door and offers both day and night skiing with the same lift pass. 

Cons: Snowshoe is the most expensive of all of these options. There is not much to do for young children outside of skiing, and most everything costs to do. Parking is paid and limited. 

Wherever you plan to go to get on the mountain, have a great time. Remember that everything takes five times longer with kids, and you likely wont get many runs in. But, if you set your expectations before you go, you'll have a blast!