Color Me Mine: Norfolk

We recently spent a perfect Friday night at Color Me Mine pottery paint studio in Norfolk. We walked in about 6:00 and were greeted right away. The hostess helped us pick from their wide variety of pieces, including piggy banks, Lego and Minecraft characters, animal figurines, dog bowls, trays, mugs, and little statues. Pieces are about the $20-$40 range depending on what you pick. 

From there you'll head over to the paint wall. The hostess explained to us that we needed three coats to make the color pop and showed us different painting techniques. There were all size brushes, sponges, trays, droppers, and everything else you can think of. 

We picked our colors and got to work. I'm shocked to say that all three active boys sat for an hour and half working while laser focused. We chatted about art, resilience, making mistakes, and it was heartwarming to see the boys helping each other out. While I wasn't sure about taking three wild guys into a shop where everything is breakable, they were calm and easy going the whole time. Everyone was asking to come back and picking out their next pieces to paint before we even finished with what we were working on. (There is a book vase is calling my name!) 

They are open daily from 10-9. The studio fee is $10 no matter the size pieces you pick, but check their calendar because there are Military Monday specials some weeks, nurse and teacher days, ladies nights, mini Mondays, and family fun days where the studio fee is cheaper. There are also summer camp, birthday party, and Kids Night Out options, so if you have an artist at home, be sure to head to their website. You'll leave your item for about a week and they will call when it's ready to be picked up. Super easy, you just show up, paint, and head out! 

Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy

Now through Tuesday, March 31-April 5th, Mrs. Doubtfire is live at Chrysler Hall. Every 90's kid will remember their favorite Scottish Nanny, which has become a internationally acclaimed hit musical. Now we get to take our kids and introduce them to this classic. Based on the movie, the musical tells the story of an out-of-work actor who is determined to spend time around his kids. My kids laughed out loud multiple times, and while there was adult humor it went right over their heads. I felt like the story was more relatable now that I'm an adult, and gave us some jumping off points to talk about on the way home including family makeup, how hard relationships can be, and even the use of technology in the house. The run time is two hours and thirty minutes including one intermission. 

Chrysler Hall offers concessions in the lobby before the show and during intermission. Options are sodas, alcoholic drinks, popcorn, and candy. There is lots of parking available downtown, including the Scope Garage, the Bank St. Garage right across the street, and the Brambleton Lot, all for ten dollars. A little farther away you can also park in the MacArthur Center lot for $2.00. 

Next up for Broadway in Norfolk is Disney's The Lion King, the world's number one musical, at Chrysler Hall April 30-May 17th. 

WinterFest 2026

WinterFest is back and bigger than ever this year! New this year is Kingdom of the Snow Queen, an immersive magical trail through the indoor museum  that we loved so much we walked through it twice. 

We almost made this mistake of missing the Snow Queen's Royal Circus, a 35 minute show with jugglers, magicians, and an aerialist. Shows are at 6:00 and 7:30, plus 9:00 on weekends. You'll also want to say hello the talking Christmas tree and talking polar bear. 

Then, you'll head outside where you'll see over two million lights. People have told me before that they didn't realize you could go down inside the battleship, so make sure you don't miss it! We loved the snowball mayhem section which was outside on the porch of Nauticus, too! 

Along the riverwalk you'll want to see the trees in Town Point Park and the beautiful Pagoda. You can also purchase a combo ticket for a 30 minute ride around the harbor on the Victory Rover. It will allow you to have a great view from the water. 

You'll want to purchase your tickets online to save $3.00. Adults are $22.00, children are $18.00, two and under are free. There is a military discount. You'll select your entrance time within a one hour window. We spent about 3 hours total inside of the museum and the ship itself, plus more time to do the Riverwalk. You don't want to miss this season! 

Just Birdies

New in Norfolk, Just Birdies is located in Lambert's Point and is perfect for a hot or rainy day. Book a bay for up to six people to play simulator sports and carnival games. Games include golf, zombie dodgeball, balloon pop, jewel match, bottle breaking, football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, cricket, bocce, and rugby. Many of the sports have several different games included. What we loved about it is that it isn't just playing video games where you're sitting still. In these bays, you'll be aiming at a screen but using real balls and physically working to play. It gets kids up and moving to burn off energy. The bays are $40 an hour. 

They do book parties, and they have a weekly golf league. Check their events page for their live music schedule. They offer a summer play pass, good from now until August 31 with daily play for 2 hours on Monday-Friday from 11-5,  and Saturday and Sunday from 10-2. The pass works for a group of up to six and you'll also get 10 percent off of food and nonalcoholic drinks. I'm already planning our next trip! 

Bogey's 757

Located in the Chelsea district of Norfolk, Bogey's offers 18 courses to putt, plus a practice green outside. What really sets Bogey's apart is the level of interaction on their holes. You'll be playing games like foosball against the other people in your group, zipping on  zipline, bouncing your ball for pong, or spinning giant propellers while you putt. My favorite part was that the holes were all handmade by the owner, and they are locally themed. You can truly tell that a lot of love went into this place. 

Bogey's is open Wednesday through Friday from 3-9 and Saturdays and Sundays from 12-9.  Head to Bogey's, then stop next door at Smartmouth and grab dinner from a food drink plus drinks while the kids play one of their many games. It's a perfect afternoon/evening combo. 

General admission for the putt putt and outdoor putting green is $14 for adults and $12 for kids under ten. You can add an additional round for $8. On site they have a golf simulator for $30-$50 per hour. They also do birthday parties where you can rent a private room. 

TREX Playland

We finally made it out to TREX Playland, Norfolk's newest indoor play area.  The Playland is made up of a huge multi-level indoor jungle gym and activity center, five inflatables, an arcade, a concession stand, and an area just for toddlers. The center is locally owned and opperated and is located on Military Highway in Norfolk across from Military Circle Mall. 

Grippy socks are required, but you can bring your own or purchase a pair for $3.00. We loved that you could bring your own and not have to purchase ones specific for this venue. They are open Tuesday through Thursday from 2-7, Fridays from 2-8, Saturdays from 10-8, and Sundays from 11-7. Admission price is based on height. Guests under 36 inches are $13.20 for the toddler area, and guests 36 inches to 5 feet are $22.00 to play everywhere else. There is no charge for adults. Reentry is allowed. There are also monthly membership packages. 

The concession stand offers prepackaged snacks as well as pizza. The place felt clean, organized, and appropriately staffed. We look forward to returning. 

Model Railroad Museum of Hampton Roads

Located inside of MacArthur Center, the Model Railroad Museum of Hampton Roads is open Friday-Sunday from 12-6. There is no cost to enter the museum, which is located on the second floor. While the museum isn't finished, visitors can see them building their models and see train sets zooming around. There is also a children's play area with wooden train sets. 

The museum does offer free school tours on Wednesdays, where they will talk about the STEM aspects of model railroading. They hope to continue to grow the museum. Stop by next time you're downtown! 

Pixels and Pints

One place we love to stop in is Pixels and Pints on Colonial Street in Norfolk. I love that it is locally owned and has that old school Norfolk charm.  Look our for their family friendly afternoons on Saturday and Sunday when they open at 12:00. While they are open late, after 9 pm it becomes a 21 and up venue. You can trade cash for tokens at the machines or add game tokens to your bill. There is free parking directly outside and behind the restaurant. 

Norfolk Admirals

Last weekend we headed down to Scope to see the Norfolk Admirals play. We hadn't been since my oldest was very small, and the youngest had never been, so it was a perfect time to see them play. This season the team is doing really well, and I was excited to see that they had a great crowd. 

Some things I learned about discounts on tickets: 

• Teachers, first responders, military, and college students receive $5 off tickets. 
• Season tickets go on sale in February, and offer a 30% discount per ticket. Their unused ticket policy is similar to the Tides, where you can trade in any unused tickets for current games. 
  
• Groups of ten or more can save using their group ticket sales 
• Flex Vouchers offer savings when you purchase six or more vouchers which can be traded in for tickets. 

Also, a note that Sunday and Wednesday nights have a happy hour special which offers discounts on drinks and food. 

The boys enjoyed the game and are already asking to return! 

Cirque DeParis

In town from Europe, and here in Norfolk for the first time, Cirque DeParis features jugglers, tight-wire walkers, laser dancers, clowns, and more. We all really laughed a lot during this show, which I didn't expect. Another highlight for the kids was the laser show which had all the kids in the crowd up and screaming. There is crowd participation, and the show has several interactive parts. 

The show is in town September 5-15th, and is performing in the back side parking lot of the Norfolk Premium Outlets. There are both afternoon and night time shows available. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for kids for general admission bleacher seats. You can pay a little more and get floor chair seats also. Popcorn, Nachos, and Cotton Candy are for sale for $10-$15. The show was 90 minutes with an intermission. 

Glass Light Art Gallery

Stop by the Glass Art Gallery inside the Glasslight Hotel in downtown Norfolk next time you're in the area. The museum is completely free, and it's open daily from 8-8. With over 65 pieces and rotating exhibits, it's worth it to pop in for a visit a few times a year. We spent about 40 minutes inside the museum and the boys enjoyed it.

The museum is located inside of the Glasslight Hotel on Granby Street. It is walking distance to MacArthur Center, Slover Library, and Nauticus. There is lots of paid parking available on the street or in any of the downtown garages. 

Apelu Island Cafe

We stopped by Apelu Island Cafe on a whim after the St. Paddy's Day parade in Norfolk last weekend and after passing it a few times and waiting for it to open. We were greeted right away, and we ordered while the kids went over to check out their play area. Small and tucked in where it won't bother anyone, it is a small play area with just enough items to hold the attention of their younger guests. There are some card and table games also for all to enjoy. 

The cafe is owned by four Samoan sisters and offers Polynesian specialties. All of the employees had huge smiles and spoke to everyone around us. The customers were friendly and people held easy conversations. There are both communal seating options as well as independent tables. 

It's a great spot to stop in for a coffee with friends while you play a game, or to get a some work done while your kid plays for a little while. The shop is open seven days a week with hours ranging from 7-5, and is located on East Little Creek Road in the shopping center with Walmart Supercenter. Businesses that welcome in families are my absolute favorite kind to support!  

UNO Pizzeria & Grill

 I am so excited to share about our experience last night at Uno Pizzeria and Grill! We knew that on Tuesdays kids eat free, but I didn't know until recently that on the first Tuesday of the month they had a craft for kids as well as a "decorate your own style" kid's dessert. 

We arrived a few minutes after 5:00 and were seated immediately. The kids were brought a Valentine's Day picture frame craft to complete, which they worked on while the adults looked over the menu. On Tuesdays appetizers are half off, so we ordered the giant fried ravioli to share.  When we ordered our meal, the waitress asked the kids if they wanted to make their own pizzas, which I thought meant to pick their toppings. I was surprised when she told me that they would bring out the dough, sauce, and cheese and that the kids would assemble the pizzas themselves. They were then taken back to the kitchen so they could see the pizzas being put into the oven. 

While we ate, "would you rather" questions scrolled on the nearby t.v., which took over our conversation at the table. Some were silly, others were gross, and some I refused to pick an answer on. The kids asked for their "assemble your own ice cream sundaes" at only a $2.89 upcharge on the kid's menu. Since their meals were already free, we obliged, forgetting that they would also be bringing out cookies for the kids to decorate. The kids had a blast and my oldest said it was the best restaurant he has ever been to. 

The Norfolk Uno location has been revamping their programs to bring in more families.  They held an early New Years Eve party for families and they have an upcoming Princess Brunch.  Kids eat free every Tuesday, and they have a happy hour from 4-7. Wednesdays, they have a burger special for $9.99. There are vegetarian and vegan options. We had a great time, and we look forward to returning soon.

Disney On Ice: Mickey's Search Party

We had such a fun time at Disney On Ice, Mickey's Search Party tonight at Norfolk Scope. Here until January 1st, the show includes Mickey's crew, Moana, Coco, Toy Story, Aladdin, Frozen, and Tinkerbell and the pirates from Peter Pan. This show, more than others, included tons of stunts that kept even us adults wondering how it was done. You can purchase tickets here.  Shows are Friday and Saturday at 12:00 and 4:00, and Sunday and Monday at 1:00. Easy to find parking is available at Scope, in the Wells Fargo garage across the street, or at MacArthur Center, and there is a Tide stop right outside of Scope. Enjoy! 

Mission: Laser 757

 Opening this weekend, Mission Laser is the new hangout for kids in Hampton Roads. While you wait to play, there are arcade games and the crew will entertain the kids. Then you'll head into the first zone where you'll be briefed on your mission and how to use the laser guns. You'll then load into your vests and get ready to play. They do offer lightweight vests for littles that don't have the sensors on them. They can still carry a gun to play with. The game lasts about 20 minutes. Inside you can aim for the other players or targets around the room. There are several surprises around the arena, including a Legends of the Hidden Temple type head, whose eyes glow when the target is shot. 

Birthday party options are available. They include two games of laser tag and time in the party room. They even offer school fundraising nights as well as field trips. 

The building was clean, the staff was friendly, and we had a blast. This weekend they have an introductory sale of only $6 per game.  

Aquaticus: Norfolk

As part of Nauticus's multimillion dollar redo, Nauticus is opening Aquaticus this weekend. Specifically for ages 2-12, this hands on play area encourages both fine and gross motor skill work. Kids can climb up to a ship where they can play at the steering wheel, slide down slides, run through a field of seaweed, and play with a variety of sensory items. 

Right now you can snag tickets for only $5 for the opening weekend online. They are also currently discounting their memberships by 50%. Nauticus already had one of the most affordable memberships around, so this makes them a really great deal. 

If you're coming with a dad or grandpa, they are doing a special event where you can purchase biodegradable golfballs which can be hit off of the back of the Wisconsin. 

Smaland

Ikea has reopened Smaland, their children's play area. Kids between 37-54 inches who are completely restroom trained are welcome to play for up to an hour. Parents will complete forms at the front desk and each kid will get a wristband with the parent's phone number. They will call with any issues. 

Things to do include lounging in front of the TV, coloring, trains, trucks, things to climb on, Velcro darts, balls with targets, and more. Current hours are 10-5, with the plan to expand once school is out. 

As an added bonus, if you've never had an Ikea veggie dog, grab one on your way out. They are one of my favorites, and at only $.90 you literally can't beat the price!