Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Virginia Beach

The oceanside Holiday Inn & Suites North Beach is a popular choice with family vacationers, thanks to its resort-style amenities: There are three pools (including a lazy river and a splash lagoon), three restaurants, and a kids' club. Nautical-themed rooms have flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, microwaves, mini-fridges, balconies, and free Wi-Fi. Suites also have kitchenettes.

Situated at the southern end of Virginia Beach's main strip, the 142-room Ocean Key Resort is a beachfront time-share hotel with a lot of family-focused amenities. Suite-style rooms have equipped kitchens or kitchenettes, and groceries can be pre-ordered online and delivered at check-in. One of the highlights of the property is the third-floor activity area, which includes a fitness center, arcade games, and a play area with games and toys for kids. There's also a roof sun deck with a lounge area and a large indoor pool in an atrium-like area connected to the lobby. Some guests complain of musty smells, as the windows don't open, and others find rooms not as clean as they could be, but the price is pretty low for the area.

All 214 rooms at this beachfront Best Western Plus have a microwave, mini-fridge, and flat-screen TV. The mid-range hotel offers a solid range of amenities, like an indoor pool and hot tub and a casual beachfront restaurant that serves dinner, lunch (in summer only), and free breakfast. A modest outdoor pool, kiddy pool, and game room are also handy for keeping kids entertained. Other perks include a seasonal ice cream shop, guest laundry room, room service, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.

This oceanfront Residence Inn is a solid value for families seeking a bit more space. The 72 spacious one-bedroom suites (400 square feet) include one king bed or two queen beds, plus a sofa bed (maximum occupancy is six). Suites also have separate living and dining areas, flat-screen TVs, and private oceanfront balconies. All rooms come with fully equipped kitchens (full-size refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, stovetop, coffeemaker), but only three rooms have an oven. Hotel features include a free hot breakfast buffet, an indoor pool with a hot tub, a tiny convenience store, a guest laundry room, an outdoor barbecue grill, free afternoon cookies, and free parking.

This renovated beachfront hotel sits right by the Virginia Beach boardwalk and offers 149 rooms that overlook the ocean. There’s a bright beachfront bar and grill where children under 12 eat free from the kids’ menu, though breakfast isn’t included in the room rate. Other amenities include a large indoor saltwater pool and an updated fitness center (that's tiny). Rooms have colorful decor and are outfitted with mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers, though noise from the beach can be an issue.

North Virginia Beach's Hampton Inn is a reliable mid-range pick with a beachside location in the heart of town. All 120 rooms have patios or balconies with ocean views, as well as microwaves, mini-fridges, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs. The 24-hour indoor pool has a whirlpool, separated by a waterfall-like screen of water, and the indoor/outdoor restaurant hosts live music in the summertime. Freebies here include Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and hot breakfast.

Though it's not on the beach, the 240-room Founders Inn and Spa has a children’s playground and an outdoor pool with a 25-foot-high covered waterslide that's great for kids. (There is an indoor pool, too.) Rooms have a traditionally elegant style that some guests may find stuffy (or dated), but they have modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, safes, and coffeemakers.

This family-friendly high-rise hotel sits across from the beach on the quieter north end of the Virginia Beach boardwalk. The 160 homey rooms have dated decor, but also flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and balconies with beautiful ocean views. There’s a large freeform outdoor pool with a waterpark-like atmosphere and a poolside bar. The hotel also has a small indoor pool and hot tub with large windows overlooking the beach.