Family-Friendly Downtown: A Kid’s Guide to Norfolk 

Whether planning a weekend family outing or looking for interactive weekday activities, Downtown Norfolk is packed with kid-friendly spots that make exploring the city fun for all ages. From massive naval ships to creative hands-on art studios, the downtown district serves as an ultimate urban playground. 

Grab Bites for a Waterfront Picnic 

Before heading to the parks, stop by Granby Street to pack the ultimate picnic basket. These local spots offer great grab-and-go options that please both parents and pickyeaters: 

• Mercato di Grazia: An authentic Italian market and deli offering handmade sandwiches, imported cured meats, cheeses, and specialized treats. 

• Delicious Deli: Perfect for a quick, casual lunch, featuring massive chopped cheeses, classic grill items, paninis, and halal options. 

• MacArthur General Store: A local downtown bodega stocked with organic snacks, cold beverages, and quick grocery essentials to round out the meal. 

• Juniper & Jam: Located inside Selden Market, this neighborhood spot features small-batch jams, baked goods, fresh house-made lemonade, and seasonal, from scratch grab-and-go lunches. 

• VA Goods: Located inside Selden Market, you can find classic Virginia snacks like popcorn, nuts, chocolate and more! 

Once the basket is full, head straight over to Town Point Park, The Pagoda, or Fountain Park to spread out a blanket on the grass and enjoy lunch with a view of the passing boats. 

Town Point Park also has a large kid’s fountain running on the hot summer days!  

Hands-On Science and Discovery 

• Nauticus: Science and maritime history come alive at this interactive museum. Kids can explore hands-on exhibits and walk the decks of the legendary battleship USS Wisconsin located right next door.  

Creative Hubs and Neighborhood Spaces 

Downtown offers several spaces where kids can let their imaginations run wild, listen to stories, or create their own masterpieces. 

• Slover Library: Far from a traditional library, the dedicated youth spaces here feature interactive play areas, gaming zones, and innovative design labs. It is a fantastic free spot for family reading hours and community storytelling events. 

• Selden Market: This dynamic indoor market arcade regularly hosts family-focused pop-ups, creative workshops, and youth art showcases. It is a wonderful space to stroll, grab a sweet treat, and explore local innovations. 

Arts and Creative Expression 

Introduce little ones to the visual arts through engaging, interactive environments that welcome young creators. 

• d’Art Center: Located in the NEON District, this community hub gives kids a chance to view vibrant contemporary art and watch resident artists work in their studios. Keep an eye out for scheduled youth art classes, camps and community workshop days. 

• Chrysler Museum of Art: With free admission for everyone, the museum is highly accessible for families. Children love exploring the sprawling galleries, participating in family gallery tracks, and watching mesmerizing live glassmaking demonstrations at the nearby Perry Glass Studio. The Chrysler is hosting a variety of summer camps for your little ones to express their creativity! 

Why It Matters: Bringing kids downtown connects them to the culture, history, and community of the region. Navigating the city streets, exploring museums, and playing along the waterfront turns a simple day trip into an unforgettable learning experience. 

Ready to head downtown? Parking just got a lot easier. To support local families and businesses, the City of Norfolk offers the first 2 hours of parking for FREE at 14 select downtown garages and lots. 

Note: After the initial 2-hour free period, standard hourly rates apply. Please keep in mind that special event parking (like major concerts or festivals) is typically excluded and may require a flat collect-on-entry fee.