The entrance free for Assateague Island (for both the National Seashore and the Refuge) is $5.00 per day per vehicle. A seven-day car pass is also available at the entrance gate for $15.00, and a one-year pass or duck stamp is available for $30.00. There is no charge for bikers and hikers.  Parking lots are available next to the beach and near most of the trails on the Refuge. Pets are not allowed on Assateague - not even in cars.

Assateague Island National Seashore
The National Seashore offers a lifeguard-protected section of beach next to the bath house (changing rooms & cold showers). Boogie boards, mats, floats, surfing, and surf fishing are not allowed in the lifeguard-protected area. Boogie boards for use outside the lifeguard-protected area can be rented or purchased at a number of locations on Maddox Blvd., the road that leads across Chincoteague toward Assateague Island. Kites are are also available in shops along Maddox Blvd.

For the most part, the sandy beaches of Assateague Island have a gentle slope into the water. Please be aware that ocean currents are not uncommon along the shore (especially on windy days) and visitors should keep an eye on children playing in the surf. In addition, larger floatation devices are often moved easily by the wind. Generally, the beach is mosquito free, but occasionally, when a strong wind blows over the marshland toward the beach, biting flies may show up at the beach.

There are no food shops, snack bars, or restaurants on the National Seashore or Refuge, so if you're planning on spending a day at the beach, it's a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks.

At the Toms Cove Visitor Center, you'll find an aquarium and a special "touch table" among other items of interest.

The National Seashore offers a variety of summer programs of interest to children including the Junior Ranger program and aquarium talks at the Toms Cove Visitor Center.

Click here for a map of Assateague Island.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
The Refuge has miles of trails suitable for biking and hiking. Bikes may be rented along Maddox Blvd., including small bikes for children and bikes with seats for children. The Wildlife Loop, which leads around Snow Goose Pool, is open to cars after 3 pm. Since the wildlife are used to cars, they are often best viewed from inside a car.

The trails (see map): Wildlife Loop (3.2 mile loop), Woodland Trail (1.6 mile loop), Swan Cove Trail (1.25 miles), Black Duck Marsh Trail (1 mile).

While Chincoteague Island has a mosquito control program, Assateague Island does not (in order to protect the food chain). It is a good idea to take along mosquito repellent for hiking and biking on Assateague. Because ticks are sometimes present on island vegetation, it is not a good idea to stray from the trails.

The Refuge and Seashore are home to the Chincoteague ponies, which are often sighted along the main road or along the trails of the island. In addition, many birds, including snow geese and egrets are easily spotted along the roads and trails. Crabbing is also a popular Refuge activity - see our crabbing and clamming page.

The Refuge also has a visitor center and shop and offers interpretive programs that may be of interest to children.

Click here for a map of Assateague Island.

Assateague Lighthouse
Older children might also enjoy climbing the steps to the top of the Assateague Lighthouse.

Adults $4.00
Children $2.00 (ages 2-12 and must be accompanied by adult)
Click here for more information & hours

Playground
A very popular playground is located in Memorial Park facing Assateague Channel and Assateague Island.

Click here for a map showing the location of Memorial Park
(Near bottom of map)

Pony Visits on Chincoteague
While Chincoteague ponies can often be seen from the roads and trails of Assateague Island, they may also be viewed on Chincoteague. The Chincoteague Pony Centre (click here for web site) has a number of ponies and offers riding lessons, Misty memorabilia, and a gift shop. In addition, The Refuge Inn (web site), The Blue Heron Inn (web site), and the Quality Inn (web site) have their own ponies and welcome visitors.

Children familiar with Misty of Chincoteague might also enjoy a visit to the Beebe Ranch, located at 3062 Ridge Road (Information).

Minigolf
Refuge Golf & Bumper Boats at 6528 Maddox Blvd. (the main road that leads across the Chincoteague toward Assateague) is a very popular destination for children.

The Oyster and Maritime Museum
Older children may be interested in the Oyster and Maritime Museum (web site) next to the road just before the causeway that leads to Assateague Island. The museum has a variety of seashells from around the world, model boats, a collection of curiosities and shell art from Chincoteague, and a lot of information and exhibits on the oyster industry which once thrived on the islands.

Boat Tours
Many children enjoy a boat tour in the waters around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. A number of tour operators provide short cruises with talks on the history and wildlife of the area. Click here for a listing of tour providers at the Chamber web site.

Children's Story/Craft Hour at The Island Library
Starting summer 2008 -  Every Thursday morning, 10AM-11AM, in July and August
The Island Library, 4077 Main Street, downtown Chincoteague Island

Firemen's Carnival, Pony Swim and Auction
The Firemen's carnival, held each July during the weeks leading up to the pony swim and auction, offers a variety of rides, food, and entertainment on the Chincoteague carnival grounds on South Main Street (map). The carnival is open on Fridays and Saturdays (usually at 7 pm - closed Sundays). During the weeks in which the Fourth of July (fireworks!) and the pony swim and auction occur (last Wednesday & Thursday in July), the carnival is also open on additional weekdays. Click here for the latest schedule of events.

Other Things To Do on Chincoteague
The Island Roxy Theater (click here) on Main Street near the bridge usually offers films at 7 pm suitable for children. A visit to one of the island's ice cream parlors (click here) is often a welcome afternoon or evening activity. Finally, most of the Island's restaurants (click here) are children friendly, and there is a McDonalds located on Maddox Blvd. close to the entrance to Assateague Island.

NASA Visitor Center & The Virginia Space Flight Academy
The NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center (click here for web site) is located on Route 175 just before the causeway leading to Chincoteague Island. In addition, the Virginia Space Flight Academy offers a number of one-week summer camps for ages 12-17 from June through August (click here for web site).

Queen Hive Farm
Queen Hive Farm, located just 10 minutes from Chincoteague, offers year-round horseback riding lessons for all ages and horse boarding (click here for web site).

YMCA Camp Silver Beach
YMCA Camp Silver Beach is nestled in 151 beautiful acres with 1,200 feet of pristine Chesapeake Bay beachfront on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. CSB offers fun and recreation year round.
Summer Camp: Weekly sessions from mid-June to mid August for girls and boys from ages 8 to 16.
Campers build confidence, learn sportsmanship, find potential, grow friendships and develop a healthy independence from family through traditional camp and adventure-based activities.
Activities: Alpine Challenge Course, 2 Swimming Pools, Tennis/Basketball Courts, Giant Water Slide, Skate Park, Sailing, Water Sports.
Well trained summer staff from around the world. An experience of a lifetime!
Click here for the web site.