While Virginia Beach is known for its beaches and outdoor attractions, it also offers numerous experiences that are easy for visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy. From strollers and wheelchairs to multi-generational family outings and sensory-sensitive travel needs, Virginia Beach offers plenty of ways to explore at your own pace. Here we highlight five of the top accessible attractions in Virginia Beach for those with young kids, strollers, mobility needs, sensory considerations and multi-generational groups that are designed to make visitors feel comfortable and included.

#1 Owl Creek Landing

Owl Creek Landing is one of Virginia Beach’s newest outdoor attractions, set across 38 acres of wooded and open space. The facility hosts the first spiral observation tower, a 65-foot open-air structure inspired by European outdoor adventure centers and is fully ADA-accessible. The wide, gently spiraling ramp makes it easy for visitors of all abilities to reach the top, whether using a wheelchair, pushing a stroller or just wanting a light stroll. Two staircases are available for those who prefer to get their hearts racing.

Take a stroll on the elevated Treetop Canopy Walk, accessible to people of all abilities from the observation tower. Another option is to check out the Forest Trail, a half-mile trail located along the ground-level wooded paths. Children and adults alike will be entertained by the Forest Trail signs that tell the story of how everything in nature is connected beneath the forest’s surface with hosts Fungy the Fungi and Rootsy the Tree. Kids can take a pitstop at the Children’s Treehouse Village to climb, explore and use their imagination in the treehouses. Adults can join in on the fun or watch from below at one of the attraction’s benches and picnic tables.

In addition to its physical accessibility features, Owl Creek Landing also works to make nature experiences more financially accessible through its partnership with Museums for All. Guests who show an EBT card and photo ID receive free admission for up to four people, while children ages 2 and under are always free. 

#2 Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Just a short stroll away from Owl Creek Landing is the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, another accessible option for families of all ages and abilities. The Aquarium is an ADA-compliant facility with indoor and outdoor options, enabling families to choose an experience that fits their interests and comfort levels. Stroll at your own pace on a self-guided adventure or participate in one of the many special events. With stroller-friendly walkways, elevators and wide paths, take your time to enjoy exhibits featuring  sharks, sea turtles and numerous other marine creatures. Kids can enjoy the interactive exhibits and touch pool, plus a few play areas with water tables and other activities.

In addition, the Virginia Aquarium is certified as Sensory Inclusive with designated quiet and headphone zones, plus an option to check out a sensory bag that includes noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys and feelings thermometers.

For visitors looking for a more active outdoor adventure, The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium, located a short walk along scenic Owl Creek, offers a range of outdoor activities, including ziplining, climbing, ropes courses and treetop trails.

#3 JT’s Grommet Island Beach Park

JT’s Grommet Island Beach Park is one of the most unique attractions in the Virginia Beach area, as it was designed with accessibility at every turn, from its wheelchair-accessible entrance to the thoughtful details throughout the playground. Its location right off the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, which has wide paved paths and ramps to beach access points, is a draw for families.

The 15,000-square-foot fully accessible playground features wheelchair-friendly, poured-in-place surfacing and inclusive play elements designed for children of varying abilities. Raised sand tables allow for building sandcastles at varying heights, while a sensory board for children who are autistic or visually impaired and a sway boat provide fun play opportunities. Fully accessible dolphin, surfboard and wave sculptures encourage imaginative play, while accessible seating areas with umbrellas on the decking round out the experience, where everybody can play together.

#4 Children’s Museum of Virginia

Families looking for an indoor experience on rainy days or during hot weather should check out the Children’s Museum of Virginia in nearby Portsmouth. Designed for children ages 1-11, the museum has an array of interactive, hands-on experiences, including a city exhibit for pretend play, a bubble station, one of the largest antique toy and model train collections on the East Coast, a planetarium with rotating shows and more.

Both floors of the museum are wheelchair accessible, with an elevator providing access to the second floor. Families can also check out noise-reducing headphones and weighted vests. A Sensory Guide to the Exhibits is a very thorough document available for families to learn more about accessibility at the museum and prepare for their visit.

#5 Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

For a quieter indoor experience, explore the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, where rotating exhibits encourage creativity and conversation for visitors of all ages. The museum offers numerous exhibits, classes and events on a rotating basis throughout the year covering a range of topics. The building is wheelchair accessible and has stroller-friendly galleries. It’s a comfortable option for families and sensory-sensitive visitors seeking a calmer, creative experience.

Several accessibility resources are designed to help visitors feel more comfortable during their visit. Lightweight portable chairs, audio tours for the exhibits and large-print labels are available to enhance your experience. Sensory bags containing items to help with sensory overload are available for loan at the Welcome Desk. The museum also provides a Social Story to help individuals and families prepare for their visit in advance.

Conclusion

Virginia Beach offers numerous indoor and outdoor attractions, from nature adventures and beaches to museums and family-friendly activities. For families and individuals who benefit from easier mobility or a quieter experience, the attractions in Virginia Beach that we highlighted here provide opportunities to slow down, explore at their own pace and tailor the experience to their own needs. With stroller-friendly walkways and sensory-aware environments, these attractions offer thoughtful and inclusive spaces.