Free & Discounted for Kids Map in Virginia

Adam Garrett
Jun 4
4 min read

Updated: Jun 27

Above: Adam's Son Benjamin with Adam's Wife Jessica

Free or Reduced Cost Resources:

VA Free for Kids Map

Grouped by Child Age - Be Sure to Verify Prior to Going Somewhere

VA Free for All Map

While not all will be geared toward children, a number of free items in the below map are good free options for kids and parents alike. Playgrounds would be the top option for kids, but there's also plenty more for all to enjoy. Fishing options and hunting options are some of the key items mentioned elsewhere in this article.

US Free Books to Keep & Free Reading Perks

Free Books to Keep

https://imaginationlibrary.com/

https://www.degoodfoundation.org/imagination-library

"What is Bundts & Books?
Books & Bundts is our youth reading program for pre-K through elementary students that celebrates the joy of reading. It’s easy and free with delicious results. Contact your local bakery to see if they are participating and to learn more."
Pizza Hut's "BOOK IT!® is a free reading incentive program for children in Pre-K through 6th grade." "Use the BOOK IT!® Mobile App to set goals, track progress, and redeem rewards. During the summer months of June, July, and August, any child that meets their parent-set reading goals can earn a free Pizza Hut® single topping Personal Pan Pizza®* from participating locations." "* Limit of 5 Personal Pan Pizza® certificates per family, per month. One certificate may be earned per eligible child, per month, for meeting their reading goal."

US: Boys & Girls Clubs

I worked at one of these one summer. It's a great program, especially for those struggling to afford childcare.

As an example, as of 6/4/25, an annual membership for after-school care from Aug 26-May 30 on the Virginia Peninsula at 11 locations is available for only $25. Their 9 week summer program is available from June 16th to August 15th, and in addition to the $25/yr fee, a $50/week fee is involved.

"Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide offer fun and enriching after-school programs and summer programs for youth ages 6-18. Sports leagues, STEM labs and summer camps. Community engagement and college scholarships. Through safe places, caring mentors and life-enhancing experiences, Clubs do whatever it takes for youth to reach their full potential."

4th Grader America the Beautiful Pass for National Parks & Lands

"You and your family get free access to hundreds of parks, lands, and waters for an entire year."

"You can search for participating lands and waters (by agency) through the links below:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service http://www.fws.gov/refuges/?ref=topbar

U.S. Forest Service http://www.fs.fed.us/ivm/index.html

National Park Service https://www.nps.gov

U.S. Bureau of Land Management https://www.blm.gov/visit

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation http://www.usbr.gov/recreation/

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/visit/

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers http://www.usace.army.mil "

VA Free for Others Maps

For maps of free for active duty military, pet owners, birthdays, those who are disabled, those who are low income, free museums, zoos, articles, & more, see my article on the subject.

VA <16 - No Fishing License Needed

"All persons, except those listed below, must purchase the proper licenses before fishing.

"..Residents under 16 years of age (also do not need a trout license)." DWR

"Nonresident children under 16 years of age (also do not need a trout license)."

"Resident or nonresident landowners, their spouses, their children and grandchildren and the spouses of such children and grandchildren, or the landowner’s parents, resident or nonresident, do not need a license to hunt, trap, or fish within the boundaries of their own lands and inland waters."

VA <2 - Legacy Lifetime Freshwater Fishing & Hunting Licenses Available for 50% Off ($130 Each)

While you might be gambling here on whether or not your child will enjoy fishing and hunting, a 50% off lifetime hunting license and a 50% off lifetime freshwater fishing license are available for $130. For hunters, they will need to pass a hunter safety course once they're 12.