Explore family-friendly things to do in Newport News

Close to I-64 and Route 17, the Country Inn & Suites, Newport News South places you within easy reach of the area’s best things to do—from roller coaster fun at Busch Gardens Williamsburg to shopping at City Center at Oyster Point. History buffs can see salvaged artifacts from a famous Civil War shipwreck at The Mariners’ Museum and Park and take selfies in front of a section of the Berlin Wall at the Virginia War Museum. Want to explore Virginia’s Historic Triangle? We’re just south of Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown. Couples appreciate being near Hampton Coliseum, where they can dance the night away at a big-name concert.

Select what to see in a map

  • Culture
  • Family
  • Landmark
  • Nature
  • Shopping

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

13.96 mi / 22.47 km from the hotel
Test your limits on the Alpengeist, the legendary roller coaster that takes you up 195 feet before plunging you back to earth. Other attractions at Busch Gardens include rare animals, live shows, and artisan shops.

The Mariners’ Museum and Park

3.42 mi / 5.5 km from the hotel
Dedicated to US seafaring history, this museum includes ship models, artifacts, and artwork. Don’t miss the USS Monitor Center, which features one of the nation’s top Civil War exhibits and includes parts of the sunken ironclad vessel.

Virginia War Museum

5.53 mi / 8.89 km from the hotel
See Revolutionary War weapons, WWII tanks, and even a section of the Berlin Wall at this wide-ranging museum. Exhibits explore US military history from 1775 to the present day, including the wartime impact on Virginia’s Hampton Roads region.

Newport News Park

7.93 mi / 12.77 km from the hotel
Outdoor adventures abound at this 7,500-plus-acre park, which offers opportunities for biking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing. The park also features a disc golf course and boat rentals.

City Center at Oyster Point

1.16 mi / 1.87 km from the hotel
Explore this shopping complex with a five-acre fountain, restaurants like Tucanos Brazilian Grill, and eclectic retail destinations.

Ferguson Center for the Arts

3.19 mi / 5.14 km from the hotel
Attend Broadway shows and concerts by acclaimed musicians at this performing arts center located on the campus of Christopher Newport University.

Hampton Coliseum

6.07 mi / 9.76 km from the hotel
Check out what’s on at this 9,777-seat arena while you’re in town. The venue hosts events year-round, from WWE Live to thrilling concerts and international conventions.

Hampton University

8.65 mi / 13.92 km from the hotel
Founded in 1868, this distinguished institution is one of the country’s top-ranked HBCUs. Stroll through the elegant campus, view the Emancipation Oak, tour the world-class museum, or cheer on the Pirates at a game in Armstrong Stadium.

Patrick Henry Mall

2.15 mi / 3.46 km from the hotel
Browse all your favorite retailers, including Macy’s, Aeropostale, Hot Topic, and Forever 21, at this shopping center. When you need a break, stop to dine at one of the on-site restaurants like Chipotle or Charleys.

St. John’s Episcopal Church

8.05 mi / 12.96 km from the hotel
If you love visiting historical attractions, don’t miss a tour of this church. St. John’s is the oldest English-speaking parish church in the US, and the current building dates back to 1728.

Virginia Air & Space Center

8.22 mi / 13.23 km from the hotel
Let your imagination take flight as you gaze at suspended aircraft, explore space missions through artifacts and models, or pilot a state-of-the-art stealth fighter plane simulator at NASA Langley Research Center’s official visitor site.

Virginia Living Museum

2.3 mi / 3.7 km from the hotel
Visitors of all ages appreciate this unique attraction that combines an aquarium, a wildlife park, a botanical preserve, and a planetarium for a fascinating and educational experience all in one stop.