Best Buy

Located in nearby Chesapeake, the Virginia Zoo is an excellent way to experience some of the world's most amazing creatures without having to travel too far. This award-winning facility presents these fascinating creatures in their natural habitats that only add to the authenticity of your visit. Among the zoo's most popular residents are the monkeys, the elephants, the alligators and the many colorful birds to be found in the aviary. Special presentations, school trips and seasonal events make the Virginia Zoo a great place to visit year round.

Rev it up but stay inside when you get behind the wheel of a state-of-the-art European kart with Honda motors at American Indoor Karting in Portsmouth. This is the ultimate indoor karting experience that you will enjoy on a highly sophisticated set of professionally designed tracks. Helmets are required, as fun and safety are both the top priorities at this thrill-packed recreation venue.

When you want to get the family off of the sofa and out into the great outdoors but don't have the time to take an out of town trip, bring everyone out to Mound Park. This lushly inviting attraction is located in the heart of Portsmouth, but you'll feel like you've escaped to an enticing outdoor retreat miles away from it all. The park sprawls out over 8.8 acres and features a walking path, picnic tables, and wide open spaces that are perfect for a game of catch or just lounging in the sun.

Fans of history will not want to miss the opportunity to visit the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum in Portsmouth. This is much more than a history lesson–this impressive facility houses an incredible collection of military artifacts, pictures, weapons and many historic ships including the CSS VIRGINIA (EX-MERRIMAC) as well as the world's first aircraft carrier, the LANGLEY.