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! 

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. 

Norfolk Admirals

Last weekend we headed down to Scope to see the Norfolk Admirals play. We hadn't been since my oldest was very small, and the youngest had never been, so it was a perfect time to see them play. This season the team is doing really well, and I was excited to see that they had a great crowd. 

Some things I learned about discounts on tickets: 

• Teachers, first responders, military, and college students receive $5 off tickets. 
• Season tickets go on sale in February, and offer a 30% discount per ticket. Their unused ticket policy is similar to the Tides, where you can trade in any unused tickets for current games. 
  
• Groups of ten or more can save using their group ticket sales 
• Flex Vouchers offer savings when you purchase six or more vouchers which can be traded in for tickets. 

Also, a note that Sunday and Wednesday nights have a happy hour special which offers discounts on drinks and food. 

The boys enjoyed the game and are already asking to return! 

Cirque DeParis

In town from Europe, and here in Norfolk for the first time, Cirque DeParis features jugglers, tight-wire walkers, laser dancers, clowns, and more. We all really laughed a lot during this show, which I didn't expect. Another highlight for the kids was the laser show which had all the kids in the crowd up and screaming. There is crowd participation, and the show has several interactive parts. 

The show is in town September 5-15th, and is performing in the back side parking lot of the Norfolk Premium Outlets. There are both afternoon and night time shows available. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for kids for general admission bleacher seats. You can pay a little more and get floor chair seats also. Popcorn, Nachos, and Cotton Candy are for sale for $10-$15. The show was 90 minutes with an intermission. 

Glass Light Art Gallery

Stop by the Glass Art Gallery inside the Glasslight Hotel in downtown Norfolk next time you're in the area. The museum is completely free, and it's open daily from 8-8. With over 65 pieces and rotating exhibits, it's worth it to pop in for a visit a few times a year. We spent about 40 minutes inside the museum and the boys enjoyed it.

The museum is located inside of the Glasslight Hotel on Granby Street. It is walking distance to MacArthur Center, Slover Library, and Nauticus. There is lots of paid parking available on the street or in any of the downtown garages. 

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!  

UNO Pizzeria & Grill

 I am so excited to share about our experience last night at Uno Pizzeria and Grill! We knew that on Tuesdays kids eat free, but I didn't know until recently that on the first Tuesday of the month they had a craft for kids as well as a "decorate your own style" kid's dessert. 

We arrived a few minutes after 5:00 and were seated immediately. The kids were brought a Valentine's Day picture frame craft to complete, which they worked on while the adults looked over the menu. On Tuesdays appetizers are half off, so we ordered the giant fried ravioli to share.  When we ordered our meal, the waitress asked the kids if they wanted to make their own pizzas, which I thought meant to pick their toppings. I was surprised when she told me that they would bring out the dough, sauce, and cheese and that the kids would assemble the pizzas themselves. They were then taken back to the kitchen so they could see the pizzas being put into the oven. 

While we ate, "would you rather" questions scrolled on the nearby t.v., which took over our conversation at the table. Some were silly, others were gross, and some I refused to pick an answer on. The kids asked for their "assemble your own ice cream sundaes" at only a $2.89 upcharge on the kid's menu. Since their meals were already free, we obliged, forgetting that they would also be bringing out cookies for the kids to decorate. The kids had a blast and my oldest said it was the best restaurant he has ever been to. 

The Norfolk Uno location has been revamping their programs to bring in more families.  They held an early New Years Eve party for families and they have an upcoming Princess Brunch.  Kids eat free every Tuesday, and they have a happy hour from 4-7. Wednesdays, they have a burger special for $9.99. There are vegetarian and vegan options. We had a great time, and we look forward to returning soon.

Disney On Ice: Mickey's Search Party

We had such a fun time at Disney On Ice, Mickey's Search Party tonight at Norfolk Scope. Here until January 1st, the show includes Mickey's crew, Moana, Coco, Toy Story, Aladdin, Frozen, and Tinkerbell and the pirates from Peter Pan. This show, more than others, included tons of stunts that kept even us adults wondering how it was done. You can purchase tickets here.  Shows are Friday and Saturday at 12:00 and 4:00, and Sunday and Monday at 1:00. Easy to find parking is available at Scope, in the Wells Fargo garage across the street, or at MacArthur Center, and there is a Tide stop right outside of Scope. Enjoy! 

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.  

Aquaticus: Norfolk

As part of Nauticus's multimillion dollar redo, Nauticus is opening Aquaticus this weekend. Specifically for ages 2-12, this hands on play area encourages both fine and gross motor skill work. Kids can climb up to a ship where they can play at the steering wheel, slide down slides, run through a field of seaweed, and play with a variety of sensory items. 

Right now you can snag tickets for only $5 for the opening weekend online. They are also currently discounting their memberships by 50%. Nauticus already had one of the most affordable memberships around, so this makes them a really great deal. 

If you're coming with a dad or grandpa, they are doing a special event where you can purchase biodegradable golfballs which can be hit off of the back of the Wisconsin. 

Smaland

Ikea has reopened Smaland, their children's play area. Kids between 37-54 inches who are completely restroom trained are welcome to play for up to an hour. Parents will complete forms at the front desk and each kid will get a wristband with the parent's phone number. They will call with any issues. 

Things to do include lounging in front of the TV, coloring, trains, trucks, things to climb on, Velcro darts, balls with targets, and more. Current hours are 10-5, with the plan to expand once school is out. 

As an added bonus, if you've never had an Ikea veggie dog, grab one on your way out. They are one of my favorites, and at only $.90 you literally can't beat the price! 

Macarthur Center Kids' Club

Now in Macarthur Mall's 360 studio is programing for kids. Join the Kids' club, for ages 10 and under. They offer classes, storytimes, and entertainment. There are monthly events and giveaways plus discounts at several stores. 

During Spring Break, April 10-15, visit from 2-4 for an event with Bubbles the Clown. Bubbles is an entertainer who will have the kids doing the limbo and hula hoop contests. Kids can get a balloon animal and their face painted and play a variety of games. All of the activities are free! Stay tuned for events on Thursdays all summer long! 

Norfolk Tides Promotions 2023

Season long: 

• $2 Tuesdays, grab a beer or a popcorn for $2.00. 
• Winedown Wednesdays: $5 glass of wine 
• Free Car Wash Friday: If the Tides have a clean inning, each person will receive a free car wash at Green Clean Express Auto Wash 

April 9th: Take free photos with the Easter Bunny.

April 21: STEAM Education Night

April 22: Star Wars Night

April 23: Bark in the Park 

May 6: Fireworks 

May 7: Visit form the Oriole Bird 

May 20: Fireworks 

May 30: Bark in the Park 

June 3: Fireworks 

June 13: Bark in the Park 

June 16: Boy Scout Night 

June 17: Fireworks 

June 18: Father's Day Pre-Game Catch on the Field 

June 28: Turn Back the Clock Night 

June 30: Negro League Tribute Night 

July 1: Fireworks 

July 2: Fireworks 

July 3: Fireworks 

July 14: Youth Jersey giveaway 

July 15: Fireworks 

July 16: Bark in the Park 

July 25: Baseball Card Giveaway 

July 29: Fireworks 

July 30: Princess Night 

August 1: Bark in the Park 

August 2: Baseball Card Giveaway 

August 5: Fireworks 

August 22: Turn Back the Clock Night 

August 23: Baseball Card Giveaway 

August 26: Fireworks 

August 27: Halloween Night 

September 5: Baseball card giveaway 

September 9: Fireworks 

September 16: Fireworks 

September 17: Bark in the Park 

REACH: Big Free Bookstore

The Big Free Bookstore has a new location at Janaf Shopping Yard. Visitors can come twice a week and get two free new books and two free used books at each visit. 

It's not a scam, REACH, which stands for Reading Enriches All Children, knows the impact that covid had on our community. They set up the bookstore so that people had books and literature, no matter what. The books range from baby books to adult contemporary. I loved that there was representation of different cultures and religions. 

The bookstore is funded by donations, the community, corporate partnerships, and grants. They also have programs for stocking daycares and classroom libraries for teachers. Take your kiddos by and check it out! 

Nauticus: Game Changers Exhibition

Open now until April 30th, Game Changers Exhibition is the new traveling exhibit at Nauticus. Visitors can discover how video games have progressed and changed over time, while playing some favorite games of the past. Over 120 of the most influential games, including some of our absolute favorites are in the exhibit. Play 16 games like Pac-Man, Mario, and Guitar Hero. 

Test your knowledge, and match popular video game soundbites to their game, step inside a game and see yourself as a game character, or play Tetris on a giant gameboy. 

As a note, much of the second floor of Nauticus is closed for renovations. You can still play with the magnetic fish, jump around on the floor projector, play in "Our Mighty Seaport", and go aboard the Battleship Wisconsin. The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is also open (and free) on the second floor. 

Tickets are $15.95 for adults or $11.50 for children. Children 3 and under are always free. 

Nauticus Toddler Time

One of our favorite museums, Nauticus in Norfolk has announced that they will be offering a new Toddler Time program for children ages 2-3. Classes will include hands on STEM learning and educational content. Children ages 3 and under are free everyday at Nauticus, so it is a perfect time to bring them. Admission to Nauticus includes this program as well as their many exhibits including aquariums, play areas, and learning zones, as well as self guided tours on the Battleship Wisconsin. 

January’s date is already sold out. Sign up for February! The first 50 tickets are FREE! 

Membership to Nauticus is one of the most affordable deals around, and now you've got another reason to visit every month.