Sizzlin’ Summer Survival Guide: 10 Fun Ways to Stay Cool in Hampton Roads

☀️💦🧊

When the temps rise in Hampton Roads, here are plenty of fun and free (or cheap!) ways to chill while making the most of summer.

1. 💦

Hit Up a Splash Pad or Sprayground

Perfect for kids and grown-ups who want to run through the sprinklers again (no judgment!). Try:

Norfolk’s Northside Park Splash Pad
Williams Farm Park in Virginia Beach
Portsmouth City Park’s Splash Pad

2. 🍦

Cool Down with a Local Treat

Treat yourself to something sweet and frozen:

Gelati Celesti or Lolly’s Creamery for dreamy ice cream
Pelican’s Snoballs in Chesapeake or Suffolk for 100+ icy flavors

3. 🧊

Take a Break at a Local Cooling Center

Need serious AC? Hampton Roads offers cooling centers open to the public during heat advisories.

4. 🎬

Catch a Movie in the A/C

Escape the sun and enjoy some popcorn and a blockbuster. Bonus: Many theaters have $5 Tuesdays or free kids’ movie mornings during the summer.

5. 🏖️

Beach It—But Be Smart

Early mornings or late afternoons at Buckroe Beach, Ocean View, or Sandbridge are perfect times to soak up the salt air without melting. Bring a beach umbrella, lots of water, and reapply that SPF!

6. 📚

Chill Out at the Library

Local libraries are cool in more ways than one. AC + books + free kids’ events = the ultimate win. Many offer:

Storytime and crafts
Free summer reading challenges
Teen hangouts and movie days

7. 🛝

Visit an Indoor Play Space

Let the kids burn energy indoors. Check out:

Jump Trampoline Park (Newport News)
Sky Zone (Chesapeake)
FunVille Indoor Playground (Virginia Beach)

8. 🚤

Take a Water Cruise

Hop on a harbor cruise or paddleboat tour for fresh breezes and a fun way to sightsee. Try:

The Elizabeth River Ferry
Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise

9. 🎨

Get Creative Inside

Stay in and set up your own cool craft zone. Bonus: Make DIY popsicles, paint beach rocks, or even try water balloon painting in the yard.

10. 🐧

Meet the Animals at the Virginia Aquarium

It’s dark, it’s cold, and it’s full of sea creatures—what’s not to love? A great way to beat the heat and explore the underwater world.

Remember: Stay safe, stay hydrated, and don’t forget to check on pets and neighbors!

For a list of local cooling centers, click HERE.

Showbiz Shelly