Virginia: Virginia Beach, Family Vacation Fun Learning to Golf, Surf, and Cook. 
How cool is it to take a break from a crazy household schedule, have some fun and learn something new in the process? It’s the perfect souvenir from a holiday away and for parents or grandparents wishing to share experiences, make memories, and nurture bonds it is even better. Virginia Beach is the spot families to learn to surf, kayak, cook or golf.
Learn to surf the waves. Surfing is not quite as easy as it looks but it is definitely a rewarding activity worth the effort. Strength matters when the waves measure ten feet high and are pounding the beach. But along Virginia Beach the waves are usually courteous and reasonable so newbie surfers can focus on balance, timing and patience. For families wanting a beach adventure learning to surf together is a blast. Since 2000, Surf & Adventure Company has conducted surf camps, and provided surf lessons one-on-one for families. The two and three-day surf camps and two-hour surf lessons are held at Little Island Park in Sandbridge during the summer months. Participants of all ages learn the fundamentals of surfing with great instructors who make learning the skills to surf both fun and easy.
Bonus points: If surfing sounds too boring, Surf & Adventure Company also offers a more extreme activity - stand up paddling on 10 to 12' boards. Using long canoe paddles and standing atop surf boards, participants with varying skills follow instructor’s cues and cruise the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge waters. Staying erect and out of the water takes balance, rhythm, and coordination. Sound easy? Not so fast. Phase two, with balance and rhythm mastered, students have the chance to practice the standup routine on the ocean.
Make it happen. Surf & Adventure Co. 577 Sandbridge Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Toll-free 1-800-695-4212, (757) 721-6210, or
www.surfandadventure.com Mise en place - everything in its place.
One of the latest trends at upscale resorts is cooking with kids – a la carte. Young Chefs Academy, tucked away in the upscale Hilltop Shopping Center – East, is a delightful cooking school geared towards kids, teens, and families. On the day we visited the school the atmosphere was food-crazy and pure fun. The contemporary kitchen facility is inviting and kids of all ages are encouraged to take charge of their own recipe. It’s not just about dry measuring and sifting or using a whisk properly although that may be the result - it’s about enjoying the process. The Academy offers birthday parties, weekly classes, mini-camps, classes for adults, and best of all, workshops designed for the whole family. While calling ahead is advised, it is possible to drop in as well – no guarantees. During the holidays they offer an interesting menu of sweet treat workshops. Sharing recipe time with your child or grandchild will definitely result in memories which can be revived every time you use the recipe.
Bonus points: Even if class time does not fit your schedule, Young Chefs has drop off early evening classes for kids – ideal for parents wishing to dine alone.
Make it happen. Young Chef’s Academy at Hilltop 1554 Laskin Road Suite 106 irginia Beach-Hilltop, VA 23451(757)42.CHEFS (422.4337) or
www.youngchefsacademy.com Practice the game of tennis with your kids. So who has time for tennis when young kids populate your household? The answer – parents with kids who play tennis. Why not learn together on vacation? Owl Creek Municipal Tennis Center offers both private and group lessons for all ages and levels on 12 lighted, hard courts. The goal of the tennis center is to provide the best tennis activities anywhere, and that includes tennis instruction. That means you and your family can have a beach vacation, and have your tennis too. Owl Creek has a USPTA/PTR certified tennis staff skilled in the absolute latest tennis instruction and strategy. Prices and time vary, so call ahead and schedule time with a pro.
Bonus points: If the weather is not perfect for outdoor court time instructors make use of the two climate-controlled indoor tennis courts under the bubble.
Make it happen. Owl Creek Municipal Tennis Center General Booth Boulevard Next to the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. (757) 385-2695 or
www.vbgov.com/parks
Learn the game of golf. When the time is right to begin golfing with your child it is likely that it is also time to ask for instruction from a neutral – not so judgmental- third party. Kids will listen to instructors who are able to provide the same information available from parents. So if the goal is to grow a new golfer in the family then soliciting help is essential. And when that help is a bargain so much the better. It’s fairly common knowledge – for ardent golfers at least – that Virginia Beach has five municipal golf courses which provide great golf without a high price tag. But even better than great golf for seasoned duffers, each course also offers lessons and clinics as well as discounts for seniors and junior golfers. Check out Virginia Beach's five public golf courses here.
Bow Creek Municipal Golf Course – a par 70 – has challenging narrow Bermuda fairways and Bentgrass greens with a few par threes. Practice facilities include a driving range, putting greens, chipping area, and practice bunker. Rates begin at $20 during the summer months senior rate is $12 for 18 holes and junior rate is $11. Cart rental is $12. (Bow Creek Municipal Golf Course 3425 Clubhouse Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23452. (757) 431-3763)
Kempsville Greens Municipal Golf Course - a par 70 – also has Bermuda fairways and Bentgrass greens and a challenging back nine with numerous bunkers and water hazards. Practice facilities include a driving range, putting green, chipping green, and practice bunker. They offer both private and group lessons with PGA professionals. Rates begin at $26 for 18 holes, senior rate is $14 and Monday - Friday and after 1 pm on weekends and holidays juniors may play 18 holes for $12. Cart rental is $12. (Kempsville Muncipal Golf Course 4840 Princess Anne Road Virginia Beach, VA 23462. (757) 474-8441)
Red Wing Lake Municipal Golf Course – a par 72- has an all new look. 
The greens were rebuilt, shaped and seeded with Bentgrass. Each fairway has been reworked to improve drainage and enhance character yet they remain within framed corridors of mature loblolly pines. Practice facilities include a driving range, putting greens, chipping area and practice bunker. PGA professionals provide private and group lessons onsite. Scratch golfers, 20 handicappers, women and juniors will find a golf professional with the experience to teach them how to get to the next level. Junior rate Monday - Friday and after 1 pm on weekends and holidays is $16 for 18 holes. Cart rental is $12. (Red Wing Lake Municipal Golf Course 1144 Prosperity Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23451. (757) 437-2037).
www.redwinglakegolf.com)
Learn the Eskimo roll. While basic kayaking techniques can be picked up with one flat water session there is much more to the sport, and not surprising Virginia Beach is an ideal spot to perfect skills for open water and ocean maneuvering. Clinics and instruction is available for all levels of paddling. Nothing beats on-water coaching for skills development. Paddle with dolphins, practice surf landings and launches; explore still-water estuaries while perfecting skills with a coach as your guide. Practice launching through the waves; bracing in breaking waves, and kayak positioning within the surf zone; fine tune strokes; improve your sculling draw; discover the usefulness of bow rudders, hanging draws, and stern rudders. Learn how sea kayaks interact with surf and breaking waves.
Bonus points: Virginia Sea Kayak Center makes learning fun and easy. All year long they offer the chance to perfect the ultimate kayak skill - the Eskimo roll - a self rescue technique which is fun to learn and practice if water is your family’s thing.
Make it happen. Virginia Sea Kayak Center 1245-G Cedar Road, #128 Chesapeake, VA 23322. (757) 439-3179
www.virginiaseakayakcenter.com
Make it happen. Virginia Beach offers learning and fun in one spot. It is an ideal destination for anyone needing a place to unwind, regroup, and take home more than memories. For the big picture
www.visitvirginiabeach.comor call toll-free 1-800-VA-BEACH (822-3224).
