I've got a little one (2 1/2) that we've been taking with us, and in the summer he was great, always wanting to touch, poke, prod and then throwback any fish we caught or netted on the beach.
However, the best experience this time of year, when the weather can be tough, and the fishing not so frantic, is to wander around the fishing section of the big sporting goods store and look/touch lures and rods and reels.
Then, the next great experiences are visiting the Marine Science Museum in Virginia Beach and the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News.
I've gotta tell you, when you can't actually get out and catch a fish, seeing them in the water swimming around is pretty cool, and my little guy, although smaller than yours, loves those places.
THROW MORE BACK
JAKE ACE