A lively park scene shows children playing and adults chatting under trees. A building and parked cars are visible in the background, evoking a relaxed, sunny day.

Best Spring Activities to Enjoy in Hampton


Enjoy the warm weather and flowers blooming to fullest with a family vacation to in Hampton this spring! From festivals to feeding the farm animals, these budget-friendly activities that guarantee a memorable springtime vacation experience.

Attend a festival: Spring 2026 Festivals

Festival season is upon us! Shop, appreciate culture, eat and drink at these festivals coming this spring: 

  • Hampton Roads Tattoo Festival March 6-8, 2026 – Hundreds of tattoo artists & vendors, live mural painting, classic cars, contests, and sideshows – if it’s cool you’ll find it here!
  • Shipwreck Festival April 4, 2026 – This first-ever event promises a day of high-energy entertainment, ft. national & local tribute rock bands, food trucks, craft beverages, & waterfront activities.
  • Hampton Wine Festival Expo April 11, 2026 – You’ll find a myriad of delights from tantalizing tastings to engaging local business, craft vendors, live music, raffles, and so much more!
  • Phoebus Spring Fling & Beer Fest – April 11, 2026Local artisans, beer & cider tastings, food vendors, live music & more!
  • Hampton Mosaic Festival – May 2, 2026 – celebrates world cultures and the environment through history, art, music, and dance — all curated to create a sense of belonging. 
  • Annual Commemoration of the 1861 Contraband DecisionMay 22-23, 2026Commemorate the first action by the U.S. Government to signal the beginning of the end of slavery. Multiple events TBA.
  • Bodacious Bazaar Spring Show – May 22-24, 2026 – Over 250 vendors, artists, crafters, & several of Virginia’s finest wineries at the Hampton Roads Convention Center.
  • Save the Date: Air Power Over Hampton Roads – May 1-2, 2027 at Langley Air Force Base – This air show will feature numerous jaw-dropping flight performances, STEM exhibits, kids play area, beer garden, & concessions.

For events this month check our Events Calendar. Planning further ahead? Check out these summer festivals!

Dine Outdoors

Many Hampton restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries offer spacious outdoor seating. Dine al fresco and soak up some vitamin D while you enjoy the spring sunshine!

Couple dines at The Deadrise in Hampton with scenic view of boats in harbor in the background. Links to list of waterfront dining options in Hampton.

Day-drinking outdoors: While most of the breweries in Hampton have outdoor sections and regular food truck visits, you can enjoy waterfront views from Bull Island Brewing. Or plan your trip around one of the regular outdoor events at Sly Clyde Ciderworks (pictured below) or Oozlefinch Beers & Blending.

Adults in vibrant casual wear mingle outside under vendor tents, activity stations, and around patio chairs. Festive string lights are overhead, and the brick building of Sly Clyde Cidery is in the background.

Feed the animals at Bluebird Gap Farm

Bluebird Gap Farm is a family-friendly experience rarely seen in an urban environment. The 60-acre farm has almost 150 domestic and wild animals, including everything from the usual array of farm animals to birds of prey, whitetail deer, tortoises, peacocks, and waterfowl. Admission is free or you can purchase bags of feed for a more interactive experience.

Young girl shyly smiles while petting a brown horse through a wooden fence on a sunny day while her mom encourages her.

You can also enjoy the Hampton Master Gardeners’ Display Garden and Arboretum, a large playground, nature trail, and a public paddle-craft launch.

Go Camping

Embark on a delightful camping adventure in Hampton, where you can pitch a tent, roll in with your RV, or cozy up in a rented cabin—whatever suits your family’s style. As nature bursts into life with vibrant buds and blooms during the spring, camping becomes an even more enchanting experience.

Beyond the joy of the great outdoors, camping in Hampton offers an economical option for larger families to create lasting vacation memories together. Many families opt for a beach vacation and Hampton’s beach access is a breeze, sparing you the hassle of navigating through tunnel or bridge traffic to the south.

Take a Refreshing Stroll Outside

Immerse yourself in nature as you discover the scenic walking trails that Hampton has to offer. From the sound of waves crashing against the shore to the rustling of leaves overhead, these walking trails offer a sensory escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy the spring weather with a walk along the beach or amongst the trees.

Joyful parents swinging their smiling toddler between them while strolling through a sunlit forest path at Sandy Bottom Nature Park.

As you savor spring in Hampton, whether basking in the beauty of nature or attending one of our many exciting events, we trust your experience will be nothing short of extraordinary.

For more ideas for your family vacation, grab a free copy of our annual visitor guide!