Lynnhaven House

Lynnhaven House

Virginia Beach

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4405 Wishart Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
757-460-7109

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Babies

Toddlers & Pre-K

School-Age Kids

Pre-Teens & Teens

Lynnhaven House Description

Costumed docents lead visitors on a tour through this house built in 1725, formerly part of a 250-acre tobacco farm but now surrounded by modern homes. Kids are drawn into the experience with a simple question: "Would you have liked to be a kid in the 1700s?" Most answer with a nonchalant "Sure!" but soon change their minds when they learn colonial kids stood during dinner, wrote on slate, and typically had one outfit they wore every day. Docents happily answer questions from kids, following each "What's that?" with an engaging, informative response.

Kid Tips

Babies: The small house is not conducive to stroller use; bring a baby carrier instead.

School-Age Kids: Kids this age are most engaged by the stories of colonial life. They'll be particularly mesmerized by the kitchen and its odd-looking but surprisingly useful equipment, like the "toaster," hand-turned rotisserie, and soup ladle carved from a gourd.

Planning Notes

Best for kids 8 and older. The house has been completely restored and outfitted to reflect family life in the 1700s, and much of it is off-limits to touching. Young kids with short attention spans and high energy levels will be frustrated by the "stand still and listen" nature of the tour.

Climate controlled. Central heating and air conditioning weren't available back then, but the house is thankfully kept warm in the winter and cool in the summer (ventilation ducts were carefully installed so as to minimally detract from the historic features).

Tailored tours. Tours are given as visitors arrive, and docents change the focus of the tour to match guests' interests. Encourage kids to ask questions.

Call ahead. If your schedule is flexible, call in advance and ask for recommendations about when it's best to visit with kids. Some docents are particularly skilled at engaging young visitors.

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