Painting With A Twist

I've been putting in more of an effort to spend one-on-one time with my kids recently, so my oldest and I checked out "Painting With A Twist" in Hampton on Sunday. On Sunday afternoons, they offer family days, where an artist sketches out the painting for you to make it a little easier, and then instructs you on how to fill it in. We chose to each paint an otter in such a way that they were holding hands, but there are lots of offerings on upcoming dates. Paintings are between $27-$29 depending on the size canvas you'd like. This includes a snack and a non-alcoholic drink, also. Our class was 1.5 hours. It was a great experience for us, because it's something new that we hadn't done together. We want to go back and check out the "Paint Your Pet" night next! 

Jurassic World Live Tour

We spent the rainy Saturday at the Hampton Coliseum for Jurassic World Live Tour. The tour features a brave, smart, and fierce female scientist who uncovers an evil plan and works to save her dinosaur. I loved that this typical male dominated industry had a female lead who saved her male partner. In the STEM world, women still only make up 35% of the industry. I loved this for the girls in the audience. Super powerful. 

The show had some explosives, but nothing too loud or extreme. There was a variety of dinosaurs, and my kids were silent and watching the entire time. 

EVO

We ventured over to Peninsula Town Center in Hampton last weekend and checked out EVO for the first time. EVO Entertainment has a movie theater, arcade, and bowling alley. We didn't check out any movies, but we did eat, play games, and bowl. 

The bowling is rented by the half hour or hour, rather than the typical rental by games style. The clock counts down on the screen which is great for young kids who have trouble transitioning and need a little bit of a reminder. 

We grabbed arcade cards to play games. You can purchase the cards based on time, which don't allow you to play the claw machine type games, or you can purchase a card based on points which allow you to play all games. We opted for the hour style card which was the perfect amount of time. On Wednesdays they offer half priced games. 

*We were given free passes to visit EVO but all opinions are my own. 

Langley Speedway

For two Lightning McQueen lovers, Langley Speedway was the place to be last weekend. It was our first time at a race, and I had no idea how kid friendly the speedway is. There has been racing at Langley for 72 years, with racing from March to October. They are the oldest professional sports enterprise in Hampton Roads and the longest-running sports enterprise in Southeastern Virginia. 

We went on Halloween weekend, so there was a Trunk-or-Treat happening. We got to see all of the cars up close and personal and meet the drivers. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors or military, $7 for kids ages 6-12, and free for 5 and under. Snag a family pack of two adult and two children's tickets for $35. Races run from March to October. The race that we attended began at 5 and ended about 8:30. You can bring in a soft-sided cooler with drinks and snacks.  There is a children's playground right on the grounds, and kids were playing throughout the race. Be sure to bring headphones, as the cars are loud. 

Casemate Museum

Located on Fort Monroe, the Casemate Museum details the military history of the fort. Fort Monroe, also called Freedom Fort for its role in the Civil War, is the oldest defensive fort in the United States. Its construction began in 1609, and the museum shares more than 400 years of history. The brick casemates held both weapons and prisoners, the most famous being Chief Black Hawk and Jefferson Davis. 

The museum is free to visit and is open Wednesday through Saturday 10-4. Tickets are required and can be picked up at the nearby Visitor Center. There is free parking in front of the center. From there you'll walk across a foot bridge, over the moat, and into the museum. We spent about 35 minutes in the museum. Afterward, walk around the fort itself and up to the pet cemetery. 

Hampton University Museum

I've been wanting to get to the Hampton History Museum for awhile now, and it was one of the must do items on our summer list. I think it's really important to have the kids visit art museums and to see perspectives from cultures different than our own. 

The museum was founded in 1868 and was the first museum of African American art. It is also one of the oldest museums in Virginia. The museum has galleries dedicated fo African American, African, Native American, Asian, and Pacific art. 

We spent about 35 minutes in the museum. Some of the high points were the tools that we saw in some of the art, the colors, the way that different artists used different mediums, and the subject matter. We had some great discussions about the Underground Railroad and the life of Harriet Tubman. We also talked a lot about the way Native Americans lived in different houses depending on their needs, and the natural resources that they used. The museum hit several points that directly support the Virginia SOLs at the elementary level. 

If you'd like to visit, the museum is free. You'll pass a guard on the campus who will direct you to the free parking lot. The museum is open Monday-Friday 8-5, and closed on weekends and major holidays. No photographs or videotaping is allowed inside. 

Hampton Holiday Wonder Walk

Visit Hampton nightly from December 19th-25th, 5 - 8 pm for a completely free holiday experience. There's a trail that is part of the Waterwalk Path, which connects Hampton's Air Power Park and Bluebird Gap Farm. 

Head to the Hampton Coliseum parking lot and turn right, walking toward the water. When you reach the neighborhood, keep going back into it.  You'll pass through lighted and themed sections, including one where members of the Hampton community have decorated trees. There are also stations for a toss game, coloring, and making a craft. Hot chocolate and a few snacks are available for purchase. Santa's mailbox is on site for letter drop off. This is a great addition to your holiday plans!  

If you're spending the day in Hampton, there is lots to do for kids. Checkout Air Power Park or Bluebird Gap Farm. You can also checkout the carousel, Air and Space Science Center, Hampton History Museum or grab a coffee at Firehouse Coffee 1881. There are even more options on our index! 

Jurassic Quest

Dinosaurs have taken over the Hampton Roads Convention Center this weekend in Hampton. Travel back in time and visit these dinosaurs this weekend only. A warning, prep your kids because these dinosaurs move and make noise, something I hadn't warned my youngest about and he jumped about a foot. Grab an activity hunt on the way in, and stop at each location listed to do a family activity and snap a photo. Once you're done, you can trade this in for a dino tattoo as you exit. 

After going through the exhibit, stop at the fossil table and kids can ask their expert tons of questions. Then head to the dino training show. It runs for about 15 minutes at the bottom of the hour. Last show is usually at 6:30. 

For an additional $15, you can purchase a wristband for kids to enjoy a variety of activities including several bounce houses, play areas, and driving mini jeeps, riding on moving dinosaurs, doing a craft, or playing at the sports station. There are two bounce houses and a play area just for ages 3 and under, and the jeep riders must be under the age of 6. Otherwise, parents can purchase tickets for $5 each. Keep in mind that the activities are on a timer in order to make sure that everyone gets a turn, so those tickets will run through quickly if you go that route! Save 10% off the ticket price with code Dino10! 

Bluebird Gap Farm: Updates!

We stopped by one of our favorites, Bluebird Gap Farm in Hampton, and were so excited to see that they are working on new updates! Besides the usual animals, playground, and gardens, the city of Hampton has added in a pathway which leads around to a beautiful duck pond, more structures for all kinds of birds, and is currently building aviaries for what looks like three birds. One is a red-tailed hawk, but the other two don't have signage yet. There is also a new section with three emus. 

Also new is the rock play garden inside the Adventure Woods section. I am so excited to come back as it gets warmer to see what else is coming! More details about Bluebird Gap Farm here. 

Dinosaurs of Antarctica

My youngest is suddenly fascinated with dinosaurs. The great news is that playing now at the Air and Space Science Center (previously the Air and Space Center, more on the name change here.) This film takes viewers to the polar area of Antarctica millions of years ago to see what used to be forests and swamps filled with dinosaurs and other reptiles. Even stranger is that these animals all had to live in six months of darkness during the winter. 

The Imax theater has been totally redone and tickets are included in your admission. This particular movie (there are typically two choices at a time) shows Wednesday-Sunday 11, 1, 3, and at 4 and Sundays 1, 3, and at 4. 

 

Hampton:Our Favorite Places

Hampton is across the tunnel for us, but we like to make the trip because we find new things to explore. There is lots of history, beautiful nature, and tasty treats. Be sure to grab breakfast at Mango Mangeaux, and head to The Grey Goose for lunch and a cupcake! 

Here are our top picks for Hampton:

We love, love, love this gem. Always free and always a great time. 

Another freebie, Air Power Park has an outdoor and indoor part. Have kids run around and checkout the air crafts. 

Of course the Air and Space Science Center is on the list. With a name change, new exhibits, and a renovated Imax theater, this museum is one to hit if you're in Hampton. Catch a movie, included in your ticket price. 

Sandy Bottom is a great place to spend some time in nature. Here's the details. 

No trip to Hampton is complete without riding the carousel. It is so affordable and a fun stop for kids. 

The Hampton History Museum is good for kids who are interested in Native American life. There is a replica of a Longhouse. The museum is small, but the two floors include information from the time of the Powhatans to modern boating techniques. I wasn't aware of the ties to crabbing that Hampton had, or that the entire city had once burnt down. (There is a picture of those cupcakes I mentioned too!) 

Find adventure on the perfect toddler length "hike" at Grandview Nature Preserve. The name says it all.

Stop into this coffee shop and grab a drink while your kids snack on an ice cream cone and play with the toys. 

This is a traveling show, but a version of it comes to Hampton every year. Perfect for train loves young and old. 

We look forward to spending more time in Hampton! Have a favorite that's not on this list? Let me know so we can check it out! 

Fall Family Festivals in Hampton Roads

With Rosh Hashanah this week, fall is officially here! During fall in Hampton Roads there is so much to do, eat, see, and so many places to play. Enjoy! 

September: 

Beach Music Weekend- Sept. 10-12 

Taco Fest- Sept. 11 12-8 (kids under ten free) 

Hampton Roads Pride Fest- Sept. 12 12-4

A Taste of Suffolk Downtown Street Festival - Sept. 11, 11-5

Growl Fest at the Virginia Zoo- Sept. 11 5-9 

Isle of Wight County Fair- Sept. 16-12

Mt. Pleasant Christian School Fall Fest- Sept. 17-19 9-5

Apple Extravaganza- Sept. 18, 10 am

The Great Food Truck Festival- Sept. 18, 11-6

Chubby's Pumpkin Festival: Sept. 22- Oct. 31 

Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend- Sept. 24-26 

Epps Farm Supply Fall Fest- Sept. 25 8-3

Virginia State Fair- Sept 24-Oct. 3

Hunt Club Farm Harvest- Sept. 25-Oct. 31 10-6

Greek Fest (drive thru)- Sept. 30-Oct. 2 10:30-7

October: 

Virginia Beach KOA Fall Festival- Oct. 1-3

Chubby's Pumpkin Festival: Sept. 22- Oct. 31 

Virginia Children's Festival- Oct. 2 10-3

Great American Food Festival- Oct. 6 3-7

Suffolk Peanut Fest- Oct. 8-10 10am-11pm 

Bluebird Gap Farm Fall Festival-Oct. 17-18 10-5

MOCA Family Fest- Oct. 17 10:00

Neon Festival- Oct 21-22

Newport News Fall Greek Festival- Oct. 21-22 11-9

Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show- Oct 22-24 10-5

First Baptist of Suffolk's Fall Festival Trunk or Treat- Oct. 29 6-8 

City Center Fall Festival- Oct. 30 12-6

Ambassadors for Christ's Fall Fest- Oct. 30 6-9

November: 

Lynnhaven River Now Fall Festival- Nov. 6 

Oyster and South Festival at Greenbrier Farms- Nov. 20

Summer Meal Offerings

Local summer meal offerings. (Updated as more cities post their information.)

Chesapeake:

Hampton:

For more information, contact Edwina Forrest at (757) 727-2350 or via email at eforrest@hampton.k12.va.us.

Norfolk:

• The summer meals program is open to all children 18 & under, free of cost. Select locations start serving summer meals on Monday, June 21st.

  The summer meals program spans beyond schools to various recreation centers, camps, community centers, and libraries across Norfolk to help us reach Norfolk children where they already are. 

  No enrollment necessary, just simply show up to a feeding site during serving times.

• As School Nutrition prepares to transition into the summer academic break, there will be some changes to the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). 

  What is not changing:

  • Breakfast and lunch will be offered free of charge on all operational days to children participating in educational and childcare programs occurring in Norfolk Public Schools.
  • Grab-N-Go breakfast and lunch for any child (age 18 and under) will be available free of charge at the updated locations listed below. Meals may be picked up by a child or an adult.  Enrollment in an NPS program is not required. 
  • Meals for the weekend will be available on the last serving day of each week.

  What is changing:

  • There will be no meal service during the week of June 21-25. If you will need food assistance during this time, please contact the Office of School Nutrition by June 17^th at schoolnutrition@nps.k12.va.us. 
  • Plans for mobile meal service will be announced very soon!!! Please continue to check our web site and follow us on social media at @SchoolMeals_NPS.   
  • Effective June 28, Grab-N-Go meals (choice of hot and cold options) will be available at the following schools, Monday- Thursday. Times are listed below.

  1. Camp Allen Elementary                                      12:00 PM- 1:00 PM        
  2. Coleman Place Elementary                                 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM
  3. Ingleside Elementary                                         11:00 AM- 1:00 PM
  4. James Monroe Elementary                                 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM
  5. Larchmont Elementary                                      11:00 AM- 1:00 PM
  6. Ocean View Elementary                                     11:00 AM- 1:00 PM
  7. Norview Elementary                                            1:00 PM- 2:00 PM
  8. Richard Bowling Elementary                               11:00 AM- 1:00 PM
  9. Southside STEM Academy                                    1:00 PM- 2:00 PM
  10. Helena Elementary                                            11:00 AM- 1:00 PM
  11. Tarrallton Elementary                                        12:00 PM- 1:00 PM
  12. Tidewater Park Elementary                                  1:00 PM- 2:00 PM
  13. Willoughby Early Childhood Center                     12:00 PM- 1:00 PM

  • Effective week of July 14, Grab-N-Go (cold) meals will be available at the following Norfolk Libraries from 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM on a first come, first served basis.

  14. Baron F. Black (6700 E Tanners Creek Drive)    Tuesday & Wednesday 
  15. Blyden Branch (879 E Princess Anne Road)      Monday & Tuesday
  16. Janaf Brach (124 Janaf Shopping Center)        Wednesday & Thursday
  17. Jordan Newby Anchor (1425 Norchester Ave)   Friday only
  18. Mary Pretlow Anchor (111 W Ocean View Ave) Tuesday- Friday
  19. Park Place Branch (620 W 29th St)                  Friday only
  20. Slover (235 E Plume Street)                           Tuesday- Friday

Virginia Beach: 
Summer Food Service will resume Monday, June 28, via the regular drive-thru model. Both breakfast and lunch meals will be provided Monday-Thursday between 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., with Thursday’s bag containing breakfast and lunch meals for Friday-Sunday. All students, whether in a face-to-face summer program or picking up meals through the drive-thru model, will receive a free breakfast and lunch.

Meal pickup service will be offered at the following schools:

The Robot Zoo: Virginia Air and Space Science Center

The Virginia Air and Space Science Center (reopened with a new name!) is currently hosting The Robot Zoo. The exhibit shows mother nature as a true engineer through robot animals and hands-on activities. The exhibit fits perfectly with several Virginia Standards of Learning including animal adaptations, simple machines, and the design process. Through the robots, you can see how animals' bodies work. The exhibit has made its way across the nation to both Children's Museums and Science Centers. I'm so excited for the Air and Space Science Center, as they are really increasing both of their hands on exhibits and their attractions for children. As always, an Imax movie is included with your visit. The Robot Zoo will be on exhibit from June 5th to September 6th. 

Firehouse Coffee 1881

I am forever looking for places that are great for both kids and adults. I'm thrilled to say that Firehouse Coffee 1881 meets that criteria. Offering coffee and tea, as well as smoothies, baked goods, sandwiches and ice cream, Firehouse Coffee is run by a mom who understands the needs of kids. She has a bookshelf of firetruck toys for kids to play with while visiting. Indoor and outdoor seating is available and pets are allowed. 

Firehouse took over the building that was the oldest fire department for the US army, which began in 1829, and was built in 1881. They are open Tuesday through Thursday 7-4 and Friday through Sunday 8-5.