Battleship Overnights: The Wisconsin

This weekend we got to experience something I never thought I'd do.. sleep on a battleship. The historic battleship Wisconsin offers overnight stays with behind the scenes, not open to the public tours, talks with naval experts, and an overnight stay in the berthing compartment. 

We arrived at the ship at 6:30 and headed in through Nauticus. There were about 30 people during our visit. After reviewing the rules (no candy outside of the Mess Hall included), we began a tour of the ship and were able to see behind the scenes section where our tour guide patiently answered question after question from the group of ?? . Then we headed inside Nauticus to watch a short movie on the ship. We headed back to make up our bunks and tuck in for the night. In the morning we were served a hot breakfast and kids were able to participate in a flag presentation. There was also time to tour more of the ship for those who wanted. 

This is a great activity for groups or for families. Children must be 4 or older, and they must have an adult with them at all times. There are ladders to climb and lots of things to step over. Youth group overnights are $74 a person, or adult/family overnights for $120 a person. Parking is available in the garages directly across the street. You bring your own pillow and sleeping bag. Be ready to learn a lot, get your steps in, and make some memories! 

 

The Town Square Play Cafe

Located in the Deep Creek area of Chesapeake, the Town Square Play Cafe is a new indoor play area for ages 0-6. A family owned business, the indoor play space has gross motor play such as slides, swings, and lots to climb on. For fine motor, kids can play with gears on the walls, magnatiles, scarves, and more. Kids can also engage in imaginative play in the vet area, grocery store, farm, sand box, ice cream shop, doll houses, and more. Our favorite part was the interactive projection sandbox, which adjusts the scene as you dig. There is also a gated baby area. 

Day passes for ages 1 and older are $15, with a sibling add on of $8. Children under one are $8. Ten packs of play passes offer a discount at $120. After school play specials are $8. There is also a membership option. The cafe is open 9:00-4:00 Monday through Friday, and 8:00-10:30 Saturday and Sunday. Birthday parties take place on the weekend after general play. It is recommended that you book in advance, as there is a limit on capacity. 

Half day summer camp options are available for potty trained children ages 2.5 to 6, with options for 2 days a week in the morning, to 3 afternoons, and between. Themed weeks include Superheroes, Space, Fun on the Farm, and Water World. 

Firefly: Charlottesville

 On our latest trip to Snowshoe, as always when we take our boys, we had to stop for a break half way home.  My husband found this awesome restaurant in Charlottesville and it was the perfect stop for us. Firefly advertises as a family-friendly restaurant and game room. One great thing - you can see the games from your table, so you never have to take your eyes off the kids, but you can take a break while you sit and eat for a few. There is an awesome menu with typical bar food as well as tons of vegan options. I ordered the jackfruit wonton nachos, labeled as an appetizer, but a huge amount of food that I couldn't finish in one sitting. The boys got the vegan bites (nuggets) on the kids menu. My husband got a regular burger, and everyone enjoyed their food. 

They are open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Friday and brunch or dinner on Saturdays. There is trivia on Tuesday, Bingo on Wednesdays, and Karaoke on Thursdays. There are pinball machines, arcade games, and skeeball for purchase as well as a wide variety of board games that you can play for free at your table. The paid games take quarters or dollars, and there is an ATM on site. There is free parking in a small lot up front and an additional lot in the back. If you're looking for an easy stop on your way out of town through Charlottesville, check them out! 

Apelu Island Cafe

We stopped by Apelu Island Cafe on a whim after the St. Paddy's Day parade in Norfolk last weekend and after passing it a few times and waiting for it to open. We were greeted right away, and we ordered while the kids went over to check out their play area. Small and tucked in where it won't bother anyone, it is a small play area with just enough items to hold the attention of their younger guests. There are some card and table games also for all to enjoy. 

The cafe is owned by four Samoan sisters and offers Polynesian specialties. All of the employees had huge smiles and spoke to everyone around us. The customers were friendly and people held easy conversations. There are both communal seating options as well as independent tables. 

It's a great spot to stop in for a coffee with friends while you play a game, or to get a some work done while your kid plays for a little while. The shop is open seven days a week with hours ranging from 7-5, and is located on East Little Creek Road in the shopping center with Walmart Supercenter. Businesses that welcome in families are my absolute favorite kind to support!  

Jurassic World Live Tour

We spent the rainy Saturday at the Hampton Coliseum for Jurassic World Live Tour. The tour features a brave, smart, and fierce female scientist who uncovers an evil plan and works to save her dinosaur. I loved that this typical male dominated industry had a female lead who saved her male partner. In the STEM world, women still only make up 35% of the industry. I loved this for the girls in the audience. Super powerful. 

The show had some explosives, but nothing too loud or extreme. There was a variety of dinosaurs, and my kids were silent and watching the entire time.