We've had some wild and crazy weather so far this summer, with the worst of it being the heat - often followed by torrential downpours! Vacations don't have to end when high temps become unbearable or those pesky raindrops fall. Come inside and enjoy some of the many indoor activities Newport News has to offer. Family-friendly activities abound in our city - and you won't need sun block or an umbrella to enjoy them!
Read on to see just a few of the many ways in Newport News to keep cool and dry during your visit here:
1. See a show
- The Peninsula Community Theatre in historic Hilton Village is currently working on its production of "Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." The play opens Aug. 3 and continues through Aug. 25, with 8 p.m. shows every Friday-Saturday and a 2:30 p.m. performance on Sundays. Established in the early 1950s, the Peninsula Community Theatre gives local talent an outlet to hone their artistic skills.
- The Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center will present "DG Comedy Live," at 8 p.m. Aug. 17. Billed as "an evening of non-stop laughter from the Ella Fitzgerald Theater Stage," the show features a headliner, along with amateur comedians.
2. Go skating
- Peninsula Family Skating Center has a large hardwood floor, plus a rink for beginners. Their calendar is chock full of fun events like "Old School Jams," "Zumba," and "TGIF Jams," plus they have a DJ who plays all the latest music and takes requests.
- Mekos Skate Park is an indoor skateboard park that is also open to BMX bicyclists. From the looks of their photos and video, it looks like a fun place for those who've mastered the art of defying gravity.
3. Play games
Play Around Golf and Games has a state-of-the-art arcade with more than 40 video games, pinball machines, claw cranes and carnival-like games.
4. Play laser tag
LazerRush is a 4,700 sq. ft. state-of-the-art indoor laser tag facility, where you'll tromp through a "jungle" with a phaser, donning a laser-sensitive vest. After being the hunter (and the hunted) in a setting that resembles ancient Inca ruins, you can check your score to see how you placed and to determine who you hit and who hit you.
5. Jump around
- Rebounderz is an arena-style trampoline with rebounding floors and angled walls. This indoor trampoline has 10,054 sq. ft., allowing families of all sizes to bounce around together.
- The Bounce House is an inflatable playground, where kids kick off their shoes and are encouraged to "bounce off the walls," so to speak, without fear of punishment! There's also a designated area for smaller children, with "toddler-sized" inflatable fun.
6. Go museum-hopping
The best and most economical way to see all the attractions that Newport News has to offer is through the "Combination Ticket," which gives you admission to seven attractions for one low price! The ticket, which is good for six months, includes admission to The Mariners' Museum/USS Monitor Center, the Virginia Living Museum, the Virginia War Museum, Endview Plantation, Lee Hall Mansion, the Peninsula Fine Arts Center and the SPCA Exotic Sanctuary & Petting Zoo.
Call the Newport News Visitor Center at (888) 493-7386 or (757)886-7777 for current "Combination Ticket" pricing or for additional "climate-controlled" fun things to do! Also check out our website at www.newport-news.org, where you'll find all the information you'll need to stay cool and dry this summer!
