Chesapeake Arboretum
(757) 382-7060
624 Oak Grove Road
Nature at its finest on 48 acres, with a gorgeous hardwood forest, a rustic 1.5-mile trail, an old farmhouse, and a collection of charming gardens.

Chesapeake Planetarium
(757) 547-0153
For recorded message
(757) 547-STAR
310 Shea Drive The Planetarium is located in the Chesapeake Municipal Center. It is easily reached by taking Interstate 64 and exiting at Battlefield Boulevard Exit South (Rt. 168). Follow Route 168 to Great Bridge and turn right onto Cedar Road (Rt. 165).

In 2001 the Chesapeake Planetarium will celebrate its 38th year of operation. It was the first planetarium constructed in Virginia by a public school system. The planetarium is open one night a week to the general public at no charge. The planetarium's sky theater consists of a hemispherical dome ceiling and a Spitz sky planetarium projector. A complex mechanical apparatus moves the projection instrument in such a way that it accurately reproduces the natural changes that occur in the heavens. More Info

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
(757) 986-3705
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge has over 49,000 acres of mashes and lake, ideal for canoeing and exploring. It is a unique primeval forest inhabited by a variety of mammals, 21 species of reptiles, 58 species of turtles, lizards, salamanders, frogs & toads, and over 200 species of birds, as well as history, mystery and lore.

Chesapeake City Park
(757) 382-8466
This 75-acre site at 500 Greenbrier Parkway has 45 acres of open space with the remainder rows of reforested pine trees. City Park is the location of Chesapeake Skate Park and the site of the annual Chesapeake Jubilee. A comfort station and concession building are new additions.
see our Recreation Schedule and sign up online


Fun Forest
(757) 382-6411
500 Greenbrier Road
Spread over three acres of Chesapeake City Park, Fun Forest is the ultimate children's playground, imagination center and family adventure area. It was built by over 1,800 volunteers from the community. Fun Forest was the winner of the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society "Best New Facility in Virginia" award in 1996. The playground has an area for older children that features a dragon, three-way underground telephone, shaky bridge, dolphin tunnel slide, and many more challenges. The science and learning area teaches mathematics and science while children have fun playing with mirrors, whisper dishes, and a planet walk. The toddler playground invites little ones to steer a plane or truck, swing, slide and more. Fun Forest is truly a place for the entire family. More Info

Bergey's Dairy Farm
2221 Mount Pleasant Road
757-482-4711
Visit a working dairy farm founded in 1931.

To get there, take Indian River Road (exit 286B off I-64) to Centerville Turnpike. Follow Centerville Turnpike six miles south to Mount Pleasant Road (there's a Hardees and a McDonald's on the corner). Turn left (east) on Mount Pleasant and drive 2.5 miles to Bergey's Dairy Farm; it will be on your right. The farm and dairy store are open from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They are closed on Sunday.

Cahoon Plantation Golf Course
(757) 436-2775
Located at 1501 Cedar Road 1501 Cedar Road, Cahoon Plantation offers two great courses: The Isles Golf Links course, designed by Tom Clark & Kevin Atkinson of Ault, Clark and Associates, Ltd. of Kensington, Maryland; and The Shetland Course, consisting of meticulously maintained holes of 105 yards or less, perfect for working on your short game in real conditions, for fun with the family or friends, or a quick 18 holes at any time. Inspired by the great links style courses of the British Isles, "The Isles Golf Links" at Cahoon Plantation brings together the best characteristics of a truly old world, European golf experience into one grand showpiece of modern golf construction on this side of the Atlantic.  Molded from flat farm field,

Chesapeake's Museum and Information Center
(757) 494-0577
Chesapeake's Museum and Information Center was a four-room school built in 1908. It is located at 3815 Bainbridge Blvd. The building was renovated in 1997. It is a historical museum with rotating exhibits of different types of events, such as "Railroading" and "Law Enforcement - Then and Now." The Museum also has small meetings and receptions. Workshops are available to children during the summer months.

Great Bridge Lock Park
757 382-6411
Lock Park is located on Locks Road off Battlefield Blvd.
The park is situated where the southern branch of the Elizabeth River joins the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. A lock is a minor engineering marvel designed to transport boats from one level of water to another. You can view boats of all sizes, even yachts, raised or lowered in the locks from a set of bleachers near the water's edge. Picnic shelters and restrooms are nearby as well as a playground and nature trail shaded by tall pin oaks. Ideal for anglers and crabbers, this 19-acre park features a two-lane boat ramp and extensive fishing and crabbing areas. There are picnic areas to eat your catch of the day and a foot trail along the north shoreline and through the wooded western portion of the park for walking off meals. From a set of risers, spectators can view the yachts that cross the lock southbound in the fall and northbound in the spring Hiking, Run/Walk Trails, Fishing, Jetskiing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing,

Northwest River Park
757-421-7151 or 757-421-3145

Located on Indian Creek Road; about 3 1/2 miles east of Battlefield Blvd. in the southeastern section of the city. It was developed as a natural recreation area incorporating camping, an extensive trail system, picnic shelters, play areas, an equestrian area for horse owners, fishing, miniature golf, the Marjorie Rein Memorial Walkway, and plenty of open areas. Boats, canoes, and fishing poles are available for rental in the camp store. A fragrance garden, for the visually impaired, and a classroom building are located at the north end. The lake stretches almost to the southern activity area which is on the banks of the Northwest River.

Easy Access is provided to many areas in the park including: Campsite and bath house facilities Molly Mitchell Trail Picnic and playground facilities at Molly Mitchell Meadow Marjorie Rein Memorial Walkway Camp Store