Grommet Island Park

Grommet Island Park is a fully accessible beachfront playground at the south end of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, right where 2nd Street meets the oceanfront. Opened in 2010 and funded by the nonprofit A Kids Place, the park was specifically designed so that children of all abilities — including those who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices — can play together on the same equipment. Every structure in the park is wheelchair-accessible, including ramps that lead to elevated play decks, sensory panels, and ground-level spinners.

The playground equipment is built with a nautical and surf theme that ties into the beach setting. Bright colors, textured surfaces, and musical elements keep younger children engaged, while climbing structures and slides give older kids room to burn energy. The rubberized ground surface is soft underfoot and wheelchair-friendly, a marked improvement over traditional sand or mulch playground surfaces.

What makes Grommet Island stand out beyond its accessibility is the location. The park sits directly on the beach with unobstructed ocean views. Parents can watch kids play while taking in the Atlantic, and the beach is just steps away for building sandcastles or wading in the surf afterward. The boardwalk provides easy access to restrooms, restaurants, and other oceanfront amenities.

The park is open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM and is completely free to visit. There's limited shade from built-in canopies over some play areas, but bringing your own sun protection is wise during summer. It gets busy on summer weekend mornings, so early morning or late afternoon visits tend to be more relaxed.

This is one of the highest-rated parks in Virginia Beach for a reason — it serves every family.