Family events in Chesapeake, VA

Head to the Chesapeake Friday Farmers Market for a weekly lineup of fresh local favorites. You can browse produce, meats, cheeses, eggs, breads, microgreens, sauces, sweets, and more, plus there will be a variety of food trucks each Friday. The market is held at Knells Ridge, one block west of Battlefield Boulevard, behind Chesapeake Regional Healthcare. Weather permitting.

Week 9 of Camp FIT4MOM Southwest Chesapeake brings Disney Week to Chesapeake City Park, featuring imagination, movement, and themed classes inspired by princesses, superheroes, and classic characters. The celebration includes a special playgroup after class where little ones create their own paper crowns to wear like Disney royalty. This hands-on craft encourages creativity and play, building cheerful memories filled with make-believe fun.

This East Coast Hikers event visits the historic Cape Henry Lighthouses on Fort Story with a slow, self-paced climb to the top of a narrow tower of 191 steps. Two lighthouses sit side by side. The older lighthouse is free to climb, and the newer lighthouse requests a voluntary $12 donation that helps preserve the lighthouses. The plan includes gathering at the base for group photos before the ascent, and participants are encouraged to bring cold drinks. At the top there are views and a refreshing breeze off the Chesapeake Bay. The base is open to all visitors on International Lighthouses Day, and guests should let the guard know they are visiting the lighthouses.

The Coast Guard Day Show and Shine at the Portsmouth Children’s Museum presents a relaxed, non-judged car showcase with free entry for display vehicles. Customs and classics across imports and domestics are welcome. Each entered vehicle receives a complimentary lunch voucher, and additional food will be available for purchase. Activities are planned for both kids and adults, and The Deloreans will perform a free concert. An expanded display area is planned to accommodate more vehicles. There are no sponsors, no advertising, no vendors, and no formal awards. Gift cards will be offered for crowd favorites, and there may be prizes for top cars. A brief load-in period takes place before the showcase begins, and the event wraps up at the museum.

This community evening features three food trucks serving meals and a chance to connect with friends and neighbors. Families are welcome and everyone is invited to take part. Attendees are encouraged to bring a canned food donation for the local food pantry to support neighbors in need.

Take part in a one day wheel class that makes a fun, creative outing for couples, friends, or families. Reserve a spot in advance online or at the studio, then attend the session you choose.

Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos bring their show to the TGIF Summer Concert Series at Bennett’s Creek Park in Suffolk. This free community concert invites everyone to enjoy live music in a casual outdoor setting. Food and drinks will be sold on site, and guests 21 and older can purchase alcoholic beverages with valid ID. Please note that coolers and canopies or tents are not permitted. Dogs are welcome when kept on a leash. For the latest weather information, call (757) 514-7250, extension 5. For general details, contact Suffolk Parks & Recreation at (757) 514-7250.

Settle into the weekend with an evening tram tour through the wildlife refuge. As the day winds down, look for wildlife activity and take in vivid sunsets over Back Bay. Enjoy the scenery at one of the most peaceful times to visit.

Stop by the Western Branch Splash Park for “Glow in the Park” as part of the Splash Park Summer Events. There will be games, music, giveaways, and photo opportunities, and the event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, so bring your own folding chairs or picnic blankets. Please note the park will close from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM for setup.

This open gym welcomes anyone ages 5 and older, whether or not you have a membership. The cost is $15 per participant. Registration is available through the portal.

Set out on a walking tour that reveals Downtown's haunted history, mixing eerie ghost stories, true tragedies, and tales of odd experiments from another dimension. Over about 1.5 hours, the route spans roughly 1.7 miles and highlights the spooky character of Norfolk. The experience starts outside the USS Battleship Wisconsin, with parking available in nearby Downtown garages. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $20 for children. The subject matter skews mature, so parents may use their discretion for younger participants. If the tour is canceled due to rain or low participation, purchasers will receive a full refund and an email notice. No refunds are issued for those who do not attend.

Explore Hoffler Creek before public hours on a monthly Early Bird Walk guided by local birding experts. The route includes Lake Ballard and nearby areas, offering many chances to see and hear a variety of local species. This free event welcomes everyone, from beginners to seasoned birders. Binoculars are recommended.

Runners take to the 400 meter oval at Greenbrier Christian Academy in Chesapeake, Virginia for a mile on the track, completed in four laps. The one mile race is organized in heats with assignments based on predicted times, and on-course support includes a single aid station offering water and a replacement drink. Young children can participate in a Tot Trot, a 400 meter run for ages 5 and under that is free with registration, and the event also features a competitive distance medley relay with legs of 1200, 400, 800, and 1600 meters.

Cavalier Ford Chesapeake Square hosts a community car show in support of Trails of Purpose, a mental health nonprofit, with the Mustang Club of Tidewater welcoming all years, makes, and models of passenger cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The day is designed for all ages, with free admission for spectators and parking directed by event staff next to the show field. Participants register on site only for $25 plus two or more cans or boxes of non-perishable food, which will be donated to a local food bank. Payment is accepted by cash or check at the venue, and there is no online registration. Unofficial offers to register online should be disregarded. Clubs that want to park together should arrive together and follow the parking plan provided by staff. All vehicles in the show area must be registered. This is a judged event with multiple class awards and top honors for Best in Show, Dealer’s Choice, Charity Choice, and Club Participation. A driver meeting precedes judging, registration closes before judging concludes, and the awards ceremony and a 50/50 drawing wrap up the show. The schedule may be adjusted if weather or other factors require it. Vendors are welcome. Spaces are $25 plus a non-perishable food donation and accommodate a 10x10 shelter and table near the show vehicles, with the option to request additional space. For details, email mustangcluboftidewater67@yahoo.com. Confirmed vendors include Comparion/Hagerty Insurance and La Gringita Lemonade Drink Stand. Trails of Purpose will also be on site to share information about services that support service members and their families as they navigate the effects of trauma, transition, and other challenges related to military service.

Work alongside the VB Master Gardener Water Stewards to build a 55 gallon sealed rain barrel. Each barrel is $85 and comes with a Diverter kit for installing on an existing downspout at no extra cost. This hands-on activity welcomes families. To help prevent algae, plan to paint the white barrel before installing it. The workshop takes place at VB Farmers Market, inside the Rural Heritage Center located on the back loop. Advance registration is required.

Snout and About is a weekly outing where community members can take a shelter dog out for the day. No prior experience is needed, children are welcome, and all necessary supplies are provided.

The Salvation Army Suffolk Corps, partnering with Sinclair Communications, is providing Write Stuff backpacks filled with school supplies for local students who need them. Distribution is first come, first served while supplies last. This program is for grades K through 12 only and does not include pre-K. To receive a backpack, a parent or guardian must present an unexpired government-issued ID, proof of residency, and the child's birth certificate. Families must live in Suffolk, Franklin, Smithfield, Isle of Wight, or Southampton.

Hosted by The Wandering Makers, this one day outdoor market at Mount Trashmore brings together local makers, artisans and small businesses for a full day of summer fun. Browse handcrafted goods, enjoy a variety of food trucks and take in live music, all in a family friendly setting with interactive activities and prizes at no cost. Featured experiences include The Wandering Rose Game, a scavenger style search where finding a hidden rose earns a reward at The Wandering Makers table with a limit of one prize per guest. The Wandering Library offers a free, donation based exchange of books, puzzles and games. Shoppers receive a raffle ticket with each purchase from participating vendors for the Shop-to-Win raffle and a chance to take home one of two artisan filled prize baskets. Crowd favorites like the potato sack race, a hula hoop challenge and a new summer water toss add playful competition, with prizes available. The focus is on celebrating creativity, uplifting small businesses and creating shared memories for all ages at Mount Trashmore. Vendor applications are closed.

Summit Pointe hosts a marketplace that blends flea market finds, farm market offerings, and a bustling vendor village for a fun, upbeat experience. A variety of sellers come together to share their goods and create an inviting atmosphere. Opportunities for vendors are available.

Head back to class with a playful Rodney Dangerfield vibe at VA Vintage’s back to school sale. Expect freshly replenished racks and shelves filled with vintage pieces for kids, dorm rooms, or a dose of nostalgia, along with notable discounts. Complimentary treats will be available, and shoppers can look forward to a few unexpected surprises.

Children will help hardworking pollinators by transforming a terracotta pot and tray into a colorful watering station. Using bright paints that butterflies, bees, and other pollinators are drawn to, participants can decorate their piece with a mushroom-inspired look or create a design of their own. Recommended for ages 3 and older, with adult assistance possibly needed. The fee is $15 and includes instructions and all materials. Register in store or online, and walk-ins are welcome while supplies last.

Students and families can get ready for the new school year through a community giveaway of free school supplies. The focus is on removing barriers so children start with confidence, supported by their community. Families have the chance to connect with local organizations and celebrate a new year of learning. Registration is required.

Experience a Diagon Alley themed back to school bazaar at New Realm Brewing Co. in Suffolk. Browse handpicked local makers with magical merchandise, geeky creations, and school year essentials. Take part in a house sorting style activity, capture memories at a DIY photo booth with themed sets, and enjoy New Realm craft brews and other beverages while you explore. Admission is free and the event is open to all ages, creating a family friendly outing for witches, wizards, and muggle friends.

Explore a different plant each month at Greenbrier Library. Learn how to grow it, discover how it supports wildlife, and find out which pollinators or insects rely on it for food. Interactive activities, interesting tidbits, and giveaways add to the experience. Everyone is welcome, and no registration is needed.

Step into Japanese paper marbling with a hands-on Suminagashi crafternoon. You will learn the process behind this mesmerizing art form and create your own one-of-a-kind masterpiece. No prior experience is needed, so it is a great activity for families and all skill levels.

Set aside a date night or simply take a break while the kids enjoy time in the gym with gymnastics games, pizza, a craft, and more. Open to children ages 3 and up. The price is $30 per child, and space is limited.

Free and open to the public, this stargazing outing with the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers offers views of planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. No telescope is necessary, and an informal Telescope 101 session is available for anyone who wants help with a new telescope or to learn how telescopes work. Please use flashlights with red lenses or covers only. In summer, bring bug spray, and consider a camp chair if you plan to stay a while. The gathering takes place at the Northwest River Park Equestrian Area. Do not enter through the main park entrance. After passing the first gate, park outside the large gateposts and walk to the telescope area, following on-site parking signs. This event depends on suitable weather.

Discover the darker side of the Virginia Beach oceanfront on a guided walk that shares eerie boardwalk tales of ghosts, pirates, lingering hauntings, and malevolent spirits. Hear accounts of shipwreck victims and tragic suicides, along with legends of treasure said to be buried by Blackbeard. The experience lasts about one hour and covers roughly a mile. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Content leans toward adult themes, so parents should decide whether their child is ready for it. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children. If a tour is canceled because of rain or low turnout, purchasers will be notified by email and receive a full refund. No refunds are issued for no shows, since the tour usually sells out. The walk begins where the boardwalk meets 22nd Street at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

At Portside, TT&M Community Services LLC presents a Portsmouth back to school bash that brings families together with community resources, school supplies, food, entertainment, and other activities. The focus is on helping students start the new school year with confidence while connecting the community. Participation opportunities are available for vendors, community resource partners, and event sponsors, and school supply donations are being accepted. Vendor and sponsorship information can be found on the event flyer.

The Farmer’s Market at Bridgeport Suffolk returns with a community-focused showcase of local agriculture, handmade creations, and music. Look for area growers, makers, and musicians sharing their talents and goods in a lively market setting. This series takes place on the second and fourth Sundays through August.

Enjoy a refreshing drink that makes a difference at Bubba's 33. The Anthem LemonAid event raises funds for the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, specifically its Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. For each lemonade purchased during the event, Bubba's donates $1. Members of The King’s Daughters will also set up a lemonade stand to gather additional donations, all in support of The King’s Daughters and CHKD.

A relaxed LEGO meetup at Atlantis Games & Comics - Portsmouth where participants can start a new project, continue a current build, or simply spend time with other fans. The gathering features HardLUG, a Hampton Roads LEGO User Group.

The Void presents its first Kids Market, a family friendly marketplace focused on creativity, entrepreneurship, and community. Young sellers take center stage, alongside vendors offering products, services, and experiences created specifically for children. Browse handmade creations, baked goodies, kid oriented activities, and other imaginative offerings while budding business owners run their own stalls and share what they have been working on. Kids Yoga with Skys the Limit Yoga will be held in the Earth Studio, and school supply donations will be collected to benefit local schools as students head back to class. A complete list of vendors will be announced closer to the event, celebrating the small business spirit in the next generation.

Children’s Harbor Olde Towne offers a maritime themed summer camp, Anchors Aweigh, where children explore the ocean world and playful pirate lore while building curiosity, creativity, and confidence in a safe, engaging environment. Each week brings a fresh focus, including All Hands on Deck, Pirates of the Caribbean treasure quests, Ocean Conservation, Safe Harbors, Shark Week, Marine Biologist in Training, Sailing the Seven Seas, a Coastal Carnival beach party, Deep Sea Explorers, Coast Guard in Training, and a Captain’s Farewell. Families can expect theme based activities, hands on learning and creative play, a nurturing and structured setting, and experiences that support social growth and teamwork.

Fond Memories, a local five-singer vocal group, presents a single summer show at the Town Center Plaza in Virginia Beach. The performance highlights classics from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and more. Attendees can bring lawn chairs and dancing shoes. A lineup update: original member Frank Cubillo, also known as Frank Sings Frank, returns for this performance to fill in for his best friend and current member Jim Groeninger, also known as Jimmy G Sings, who will not be appearing.

A season of maritime adventure, discovery, and memorable fun unfolds at Children’s Harbor Chesapeake with a nautical summer camp that charts a fresh voyage each week. Themes range from welcoming new crew members and pirate treasure quests to ocean stewardship, harbor safety, a spotlight on sharks, budding marine biologist skills, journeys across the seven seas, a coastal carnival beach celebration, deep sea exploration, an introduction to Coast Guard roles, and a final captain’s sendoff. Campers dive into interactive, project-based activities tailored to each theme, all within a caring environment that encourages friendships, creativity, and social growth. The program is designed to spark imagination, strengthen confidence, and inspire lasting curiosity about the water and the world.

Children ages 3 and 4 can take part in every-other-week summer sessions filled with gymnastics games and playful activities. Half-day programs are offered for $35 per day, and snacks and drinks are provided. Registration is open through the portal.

This advanced camp is tailored for riders who are already able to jump at the x-rail level. The program blends learning and saddle time, offering a look at equine anatomy and confirmation alongside hands-on horse care and stable management. Participants refine their skills with pole work, grid exercises, and dressage patterns. Time on the trail is part of the experience, and the fun continues with horse-themed games and creative crafts to bring home. Registration is available on the organizer’s website.

Join the Classic Rock Camp at School of Rock Chesapeake to study iconic 60s and 70s rock music, including bands and artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones. Campers spend each day on rehearsals, practice, music-based games and activities, and they also cover rock history and the stagecraft needed to perform. On Friday, students put on a live performance of the songs they worked on throughout the week. Ages 10 to 18, with some experience recommended.

Join Potts N Paints of Great Bridge for a one-day art camp for kids age 5 and up. Campers will work on at least two art projects during the day, with a snack break included. There is a lunch break between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, and kids may watch a movie or play games. Projects can include pottery painting, clay handbuilding, wheel throwing, glass fusing, canvas painting, mosaics, and other fun crafts. Campers are grouped by age, and they’ll need to bring a lunch, snack, and drink.

FIT4MOM Southwest Chesapeake presents a summer playgroup at Mount Trashmore featuring a DIY Boats activity designed for a creative, hands-on morning with little ones. Kids will design and build simple boats, then enjoy imaginative water play that nurtures creativity, problem solving, and sensory exploration. The focus is on summertime fun, imagination, and spending meaningful time together within the FIT4MOM community.

Curiosity Camp brings a weekly adventure in learning to the Downtown Suffolk Library, where elementary-age explorers and their families dive into new topics through hands-on activities and creative projects. From science and art to history and nature, each session encourages curiosity, imagination, and discovery in a welcoming library setting. This program is free and open to people of all abilities. For accommodation requests, call 757-514-7323 and ask for the Community Learning Manager. Library membership is not required to participate. This session takes place in Meeting Room 1 and Meeting Room 2.

Join the Summer Gymnastics Tumbling Camp at River Crest Community Center, a fun, high-energy program for athletes ages 6 to 14 of all skill levels. Campers will work on essential tumbling skills each day through drills and flexibility practice, plus games and team activities to help build strength, confidence, and technique.

This mini camp is a music and movement class led by a certified Zumbini instructor, designed to support early childhood development through playful activities. It’s for children ages 0 to 4, and a caregiver must participate. The camp runs for three days with a 45-minute session each day.

A playful summer gathering by Camp FIT4MOM Southwest Chesapeake at City View Park highlights hands-on lemonade-in-a-bag fun and simple boat crafts that encourage little ones to imagine, explore, and enjoy sensory play. The activities center on creativity and sweet summertime moments shared with the FIT4MOM community.

Main Library offers a storytime with reading, singing, dancing, and a craft. It is open to ages 0 to 5. For more information, or to coordinate attendance for groups larger than eight children, call 757-393-8501.

Join a summer writing workshop where tweens and teens can write, imagine, and share their stories. Over the course of the multi-week program, participants work on key storytelling elements, with week three focusing on plot structure.

A free kids' movie will be shown at Churchland Branch Library. For more information, call 757-686-2538.

This early childhood program is an interactive storytime that builds early literacy with stories, rhymes, songs, and more for toddlers and preschoolers attending with their caregivers. It is designed for children ages 2 to 5. The program takes place at Downtown Suffolk Library in Meeting Room 1 and Meeting Room 2. Admission is free, and people of all abilities are welcome. If accommodations are needed, call 757-514-7323 and ask for the Community Learning Manager. Facilities bringing a group of five or more should contact the Community Learning Manager. Library membership is not required to participate.

Each month features a new edible plant you can grow and enjoy straight from your garden. Sessions cover caring for plants from sprout to harvest, ways to manage diseases and pests, and recipe ideas, plus giveaways and other extras. This program is open to all, and no registration is required. Individuals who need disability-related accommodations may contact the Chesapeake Extension office at 757-382-6348 during regular business hours at least 10 days in advance. Virginia Tech is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, and Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments that provides equal opportunity.

Watchhouse takes the stage as part of the Oceanfront Concert Series at 31st Street Park in Virginia Beach, a free outdoor performance set alongside the boardwalk with the ocean as a backdrop. This series brings music lovers together in the parks along the shoreline to enjoy live sounds in a classic coastal setting. Admission is free and open to all. Guests may bring a beach blanket, a towel, or a beach chair without a foot rest or canopy, as well as a small cooler. Outside food and drinks are allowed, but no alcohol is permitted. Re-entry is available with a hand stamp, and strollers are allowed. Items not permitted include alcohol, open containers of any kind, glass containers, bicycles, scooters, skateboards or other vehicles, pets except certified service animals, professional camera or video equipment, and umbrellas.

This early literacy storytime features stories, rhymes, songs, and more for babies and their caregivers. It is designed for children from birth through 24 months. The program takes place in the Adult Room and Children’s Area at North Suffolk Public Library. Attendance is free and open to people of all abilities. For accommodations, call 757-514-7323 and ask to speak with the Community Learning Manager. Facilities bringing a group of five or more should contact the Community Learning Manager in advance. Library membership is not required to attend.

Mrs. Fay hosts a story time at Cradock Branch Library with a mix of stories, crafts, and songs. For more information, call 757-393-8759. If you are bringing a group of more than eight children, please call ahead.

A messy play time designed for babies from 0 to 2 years old. For more information, call 757-393-8501.

Manor Branch Library hosts a welcoming storytime for little ones, featuring read-alouds, songs, dancing, and a simple craft activity. It is designed for children ages 0 to 5. For more information, or if you plan to attend with a group of more than eight children, call 757-465-2916.

Designed for the littlest listeners, this baby-focused story time includes short stories, songs, playful bounces, and relaxed playtime. It is intended for infants up to 18 months. For more information, call 757-393-8501.

This in-person program at the North Suffolk Public Library invites toddlers and preschoolers, together with their caregivers, to enjoy an early literacy focused storytime featuring picture books, rhymes, songs, and playful activities. It is designed for children ages 2 to 5. Activities take place in the Adult Room and the Children’s Area. Attendance is free and open to people of all abilities. To request accommodations, call 757-514-7323 and ask for the Community Learning Manager. Facilities bringing groups of five or more are encouraged to contact the Community Learning Manager in advance. A library card is not required to participate.

Come explore the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math with hands-on experiments and activities. This STEAM program is held in the Russell Memorial Library Activity Room.

Neptune Festival’s Symphony by the Sea Concert Series returns for its 15th season, bringing free outdoor performances to 31st Street Park along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. This installment features Symphonicity Orchestra. Arriving early is recommended, as these popular evenings tend to fill the park. For those seeking extra convenience, VIP memberships for the full season are available for $175 per person. Benefits include reserved seating at all five shows, valet parking, pre-concert receptions with light hors d’oeuvres and a selection of beverages, complimentary popcorn and bottled water during performances, and two ticket vouchers per member for an additional Virginia Symphony Orchestra concert as well as two for a Symphonicity concert. Rain dates are available as needed. Children 16 and under are free with a paying member.