Fall is one of the best seasons to be stationed in Hampton Roads. The heat finally breaks, the leaves turn, and every weekend there’s a pumpkin patch, a festival, or a light show to drag the kids to. Since moving to Norfolk in 2023, these are the fall and holiday traditions our family keeps coming back to.
Great Bridge Pumpkin Patch (Chesapeake)
If you only do one fall outing with little kids, make it Great Bridge Pumpkin Patch in Chesapeake. It’s a full experience, not just a field of pumpkins:
- Bounce houses, and lots of them, which is a win with toddlers and big kids alike
- Hay rides
- Pumpkins for picking and photos
- Snacks and treats
- Live music
It’s a great experience for the whole family, and the kind of place where the kids burn off all their energy while you get the classic fall photos.
Tips for pumpkin patch day with little kids:
- Go early, especially on October weekends, when it gets busy.
- Wear shoes that can get muddy, and bring wipes.
- Bring a wagon for tired legs (and for hauling pumpkins back to the car).
- Check the farm’s website before you go for hours, prices, and weather closures.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg: Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is near the top of our list every fall and winter. It’s about an hour up the road from Norfolk, and it goes all out for the seasons.
Howl-O-Scream (fall)
Howl-O-Scream is the park’s big Halloween event, with spooky decorations, haunted attractions and scare zones. Some parts are definitely meant for older kids and adults, especially after dark. Before you go, check which areas and times are kid-friendly, and plan to do the rides and seasonal treats while it’s still light out with little ones.
Christmas Town (holidays)
When fall turns into the holidays, the park transforms into Christmas Town, covered in millions of twinkling lights. Walking through the European-style villages at night with hot cocoa is one of our favorite traditions.
Military tip: Busch Gardens has often offered discounts or free admission programs for service members and their families, and the base ticket office (ITT) usually sells discounted tickets. Check what’s available this season before you buy at the gate.
More fall ideas around Hampton Roads
Fall is also the perfect time to get outside on the trails and by the water. The weather is finally comfortable for the kids, and the bay beaches are quiet once summer ends.
Just moved to Norfolk?
Welcome! Fall is the best time to arrive. Grab a pumpkin, plan a Busch Gardens night, and before you know it Hampton Roads will feel like home. Moving soon? Grab our free PCS checklist for the move itself.
