Free Fun in Downtown Norfolk
There's no shortage of free things to do in Downtown Norfolk, including family-friendly events and activities! We've put together some of our favorite free activities for you here!
Historic Museum & Activities
Learn all about a great American hero at the MacArthur Memorial, a museum & research center dedicated to preserving and presenting the story of the life of Douglas MacArthur. Admission is free! Also explore the Cannonball Trail, a walk-it-yourself tour connecting historic sites woven among featured attractions in Downtown Norfolk. Visit the Armed Forces Memorial to reflect and pay your respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, located in Town Point Park. This monument consists of 22 cast bronze letters depicting actual text written to loved ones by members of the Armed Forces who never returned from war.
Art Museums
If you're in the mood for a dose of culture, head to the Chrysler Museum of Art, which boasts one of America's top collections of glass art, and so much more - and admission is free! Across the street is the state-of-the-art Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, which offers exciting free demos of glassmaking. Admission is free at d'Art Center, also located in the NEON District, and the center includes working artist studios on campus.
Murals & Public Art
Downtown Norfolk is home to Norfolk's NEON District, which is overflowing with creative murals and public art pieces. We're pretty proud of the NEON District and encourage you to go explore. Check the NEON's Facebook page to see if there are any guided mural tours coming up, or go on a self-guided mural tour using the NEON's website to guide you. The many stunning and unique art pieces and murals make for some great photo ops!
Seen the NEON District and craving more? Here's all of Downtown Norfolk's Public Art and where to find it.
Selden Market Events
Selden Market hosts many fun events like Vintage Sunday, New Moon Market, and its Black Matters series that are fun to attend whether you are actively shopping, window shopping, or just want to get out on the town and mingle with some new people. Most events also have entertainment, whether a DJ or community discussion of some kind. Be sure to follow Selden Market's Facebook to stay up to date on upcoming event information.
Town Point Park & the Elizabeth River Trail
Here in Downtown Norfolk, we have front row seats to an amazing, breathtakingly beautiful waterfront that we just love showing off. Consider a picnic, a game of catch, or just soaking up some sun and enjoying the view in Town Point Park. Part of the 10.5 mile long Elizabeth River Trail runs through Town Point Park along the gorgeous waterfront, and through the peaceful, tucked away oasis at Pagoda Gardens, the perfect place to relax, picnic, and play in free, open space. With easy-to-follow trail signage, the trail is a beautiful way to enjoy a summery day and get a little exercise while you're at it!
Battleship Wisconsin
While entry into Nauticus, Norfolk's maritime-themed science & technology center, and aboard the Battleship Wisconsin is not free, you can still check out the Battleship from outside and review historic plaques telling the story of one of the largest and latest battleships built by the U.S. Navy.
Mermaid Hunting
Mermaid statues are scattered throughout Downtown and some of Norfolk's other neighborhoods. Use this map to help you find them all!