Race to the tops of castle towers, soar across bouncy bridges, glide through the air on a swing, or just coast down a tunnel slide. No matter what your children are up for, Chesapeake’s playground options are sure to keep your youngsters entertained for hours.
Located in Chesapeake City Park, Fun Forest’s multi-use playground area is the perfect setting for kids of all ages to burn off some energy, learn some new skills, and have tons of fun. From monkey bars to climbing walls, there are plenty of ways for children to ascend to new heights.
This play space, originally built by volunteers, also has a sandbox area with tons of communal toys for digging, building, or simply enjoying the sand. Nearby you’ll also find a number of animal statues, which are also perfect for climbing. And, beyond sculptures of sharks, turtles, and whale tails, many other hidden gems and enticing play places await.
And, for young ones who need a break in the action, take them for a walk around the perimeter to read a story, which is offered through the Chesapeake Public Library system. Let your child read the pages displayed or, scan the QR code, and the story will be read out loud to you.
In search of more reading opportunities? Fun Forest also has a Little Free Library, where books for children of all ages can be found, borrowed, and shared. Ample parking and a handful of picnic shelters, which are ideal for a snack (or meal!) break, make this playground an easy choice for a morning or afternoon outing.
Let imaginations run wild at Elizabeth River Park. With beautiful scenery, plenty of free space to run around, and a playground for the little tots, this is the perfect spot to let the kids burn some energy, while the parents can take in the views. A fishing license is not required to fish from the park's pier, and you can grab popcorn or their famous slushy from the Snack Shack located near the pier. You can take a walk on the wild side on the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge. Follow the walking path to the top of the Bridge, the tallest in Coastal Virginia.
Those in search of even more family-friendly fun can head to Destination Playground at Deep Creek Park, where children of all abilities have the opportunity to play together. This ADA-accessible playground received an award from PlayCore for creating an outdoor play environment that promotes inclusiveness and physical activity. With a wide variety of activities, games, and equipment, the kids can be entertained for hours. Plus, the entire play area is completely fenced in and offers cushioned flooring, giving parents some extra peace of mind.
No matter what outdoor adventures you and your troop are up for, Chesapeake’s many play spaces make it a great location for all kinds of families. A complete list of parks in Chesapeake, VA can be found here.
