Chesapeake Arboretum

The Chesapeake Arboretum, a treasure in Virginia, spans 48 acres of land and is sometimes referred to as “nature’s classroom” since visitors and tourists can learn all about the area’s plant and animal life.

The farmhouse on which the Arboretum is located was erected in the 18th century. There are also themed gardens that span throughout the site apart from this period building.

Attractions inside include a fragrance garden, an antique rose garden, and a hardwood forest to explore if you’re looking for something a little more rugged.

The venue is also a station on the South Chesapeake Loop of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail. So if you’re in town, make sure you don’t miss out on this natural wonder.

Northwest River Park

The Northwest River Park, as the name suggests, is located on the leafy banks of the Northwest River in Chesapeake’s southeastern region.

The park has a total area of 763 acres, so there is a wide variety of activities here. Anyone wishing to enjoy the indigenous flora and fauna in Virginia will find it here, and there are pathways running throughout the park that allow you to take in its natural beauty.

Picnic spots and playgrounds are available for younger visitors, while a mini golf course called “Dude Ranch” is available for - you guessed it - dudes and dudettes. This is also a stop in the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, so if you enjoy bird watching, you’ve come to the right place.

Battlefield Park

Battlefield Park was built as a monument in honor of the Battle of Great Bridge which was fought during the American Revolutionary War in December of 1775.

To that purpose, there are a variety of activities you can do here, including an interpretative historic pathway, a re-creation of the causeway of 1775, and an outdoor auditorium.

A memorial dedicated to the Patriot troops who died here was also erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution and is located at the park’s entrance on Battlefield Boulevard. If you wish to learn more about the history of the area, there are free tours available every day.

Chesapeake Planetarium

Anyone interested in learning more about the wonders of the universe can visit the Chesapeake Planetarium and learn more about them. The planetarium is housed within the Chesapeake Municipal Center and boasts the distinction of being Virginia’s oldest planetarium.

If you visit, you will be able to see exhibitions that will teach you everything you need to know about the galaxy, as well as programs aimed at educating the public about the planets and solar system. Depending on when you visit, telescope observations may be available so you can see the wonders of the universe up close.

Fun Forest

If you visit City Park in Chesapeake, make sure you don’t miss out on Fun Forest, which is a recreational area that spans three acres. There is a children’s play area, an imagination center, and a family adventure area so everyone can enjoy and have a good time.

The forest was built by a volunteer army of nearly 2,000 people, and the playgrounds here are designed to help children develop motor skills, coordination, and interactive play.

To that end, there’s an underground telephone, a shaking bridge, a dolphin side, swings, and slides. There’s even a Fossil Dig where aspiring paleontologists can look through a sand pit filled with fossils.

Chilled Ponds Ice Sports Complex

The Chilled Ponds Ice Sports Complex is known as one of the premier ice sports complexes in the Virginia Area, spanning an incredible 90,000 square feet.

With that in mind, there are a plethora of activities available, including not one, but two NHL skating rinks.

Chilled Ponds is open to the public, so if you want to learn to skate or simply spend an afternoon on the ice, this is the place to go.

This is also the home of the Norfolk Admirals, Norfolk’s very own ice hockey team. So if you’re lucky, you might be able to catch a fast-paced game while you’re in town.