Destinations
NORFOLK
Nauticus is a spectacular maritime-themed science center featuring hands-on exhibits, interactive theaters, aquaria, digital high-definition films, and an extensive variety of educational programs. A gift shop and restaurant complement the experience.
Virginia Zoo
Have you heard? The Virginia Zoo currently displays nearly 400 animals, ranging from African elephants to Siberian tigers. Africa is the most exciting expansion in the Virginia Zoo's history and added nine new species to the Zoo, including zebra, lion, giraffe, red river hog and meerkat.
Norfolk Tides Baseball
Harbor Park, with its outstanding view and sound design, is one of the finest baseball facilities in existence. The ballpark is located in downtown Norfolk on the Elizabeth River, and was opened in 1993.
PORTSMOUTH
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame
In April 2005, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum opened its new 35,000 square-foot facility in Downtown Portsmouth.
The new family attraction includes college sports, media, Olympic, golf and Redskins exhibits, hands-on baseball, basketball, football and soccer activities, interactive games and activities, and NASCAR simulators.
The Hall’s Digital Theater features a 16-foot HD projector screen and is a great place to learn about Virginia’s sports traditions -- and to watch the game!
Link to Va. Sports Hall of Fame
Children’s Museum of Virginia
The largest children's museum in Virginia. Over 64,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, featuring dozens of interactive exhibits and a planetarium. Young and old will be fascinated by the antique toy and model train collection, one of the largest on the East Coast. The train collection includes examples from the early 1900s through the present day.
Link to Portsmouth Childrens Museum
VIRGINIA BEACH
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Take a watery journey through Virginia’s marine environment. As the state’s largest aquarium, its two buildings host 700,000 gallons of aquariums and live animal habitats, three touch tanks, more than 300 hands-on exhibits, an outdoor aviary, 10 acres of marsh habitat, and a three-mile nature trail. Highlights include sharks, sea turtles, harbor seals, river otters, stingrays, and more!
Link to Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Contemporary Art Center of Virginia
This award-winning facility is dedicated to the presentation of contemporary art. Painting, sculpture, photography, glass, video and other visual media from international, national and regional artists are explored through regularly changing exhibitions. The Center offers a full schedule of adult and children's art classes, a unique gallery shop and educational programming throughout the year.
Link to Contemporary Art Center
NEWPORT NEWS
Virginia Living Museum
Explore Virginia's natural heritage from the mountains to the sea with living exhibits that look back at you. Experience a steamy cypress swamp and a cool mountain cove. Explore the underwater world of the Chesapeake Bay and the underground realm of a limestone cave. Enjoy hands-on activities and an observatory. Outdoors, stroll the boardwalk to view animals in naturalized habitats and see native plant gardens. Challenge the “Survivor: Jamestown” maze March 24 through November 25.
Link to Virginia Living Museum
Mariners' Museum
You’ll find one of the largest international maritime history museums filled to the crow’s nest with prized artifacts that celebrate the spirit of seafaring adventure. Explore over 60,000 square feet of gallery space with rare figureheads, handcrafted ship models, Civil War ironclad USS Monitor artifacts, paintings, small craft from around the world, and much more.
HAMPTON
Virginia Air & Space Center
Virginia Air & Space Center features dozens of hands-on air and space exhibits, a premiere interactive aviation gallery that spans 100 years of flight, more than 30 historic aircraft, unique space flight artifacts and more! Your imagination will soar as you launch a rocket, pilot a space shuttle, become an air traffic controller, fly an airplane, and climb aboard a WWII bomber!
