Just seven miles long, Chincoteague Island, Virginia is packed with family friendly shops, restaurants, and activities. Right across the water lies the larger Assateague Island and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. A bit of bird-watching, nature-walking, and a trip to the beach are a must. But there is a lot more for children to do on their vacation!
Eating with Kids on Chincoteague
For a quick meal or treat parents can find a McDonalds and a Subway right on the island. However, plenty of local restaurants cater to kids. Don's Seafood Restaurant and Famous Pizza both have kids menus and serve food, including seafood, that kids will love!
For dessert parents can take their children to the Island Creamery for a taste of homemade ice-cream with both standard and unique flavors. They also sell fresh fudge. Families on the run can grab soft-serve from the Mister Whippy drive-thru. And of course, everyone should track down a box of Chincoteague salt-water taffy.
Mini Golf, Go Karts, Ponies, and Fun for Kids
Surfside Golf has two mini-golf courses of 18 holes each and also serves food and drink for hungry golfers. The "back" 18 is the easier and more kid-friendly of the two. Right down the street lies a second mini-golf course, a go-kart track, bumper boats, and rides for kids.
The Chincoteague Pony Centre has ponies that kids can meet, pet, and sometimes even ride! They also have a large store that kids and adults will enjoy browsing. Be sure to visit Memorial Park as well. With a great view of Assateague Island, Memorial Park has a playground, skateboarding area, boat launch, and pier for crabbing.
Shopping and Souvenirs for Kids
There are shops with something for children all over the island. T-shirt and general souvenir stores can be found on any main street. Some of these stores sell pet hermit crabs, but be sure to research proper care and not buy one on a whim!
The Kite Koop has lots of books for kids, art supplies, and toys and games not found in other island stores. There are also places to rent bikes, kayaks, and motorboats for some outdoor family fun. Most stores also sell sand castle making supplies, kites, boogie boards, and other beach supplies.
Choosing a Place to Stay with Kids
All of the hotels on the island are kid-friendly, but some of them have pools. For families with avid swimmers, booking a hotel with a pool could be a must. Families with lots of children or more than one family traveling together should consider renting one of the many properties on the island for their vacation.
There are also campgrounds which accommodate both tents and RVs. On longer vacations, consider a night or two of camping and finishing up in a hotel or house. Just about every place on the island lies within walking distance of a place to eat or shop and some places deliver as well.
Spend a Family Trip on Chincoteague
A vacation on Chincoteague Island doesn't just have to be a trip to the beach. There are plenty of other things to do and see that will entertain the entire family. From mini-golf and shopping for souvenirs to dining in or out there is something that children of every age will enjoy.
Katie Ouderkirk - Katie Ouderkirk started working at a barn when she was ten. As the years went on she worked at a number of different barns, two zoos, and ...
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