Virginia Living Museum
Explore Virginia's diverse ecosystems and prehistoric past through engaging indoor and outdoor exhibits, featuring native wildlife and impressive dino...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer school groups
Virginia Living Museum
Best Time
Fewer school groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Virginia's diverse ecosystems and prehistoric past through engaging indoor and outdoor exhibits, featuring native wildlife and impressive dinosaur replicas.
"This museum literally has it all! Nature center, animal rehab, and a dinosaur trail. 
🎯 Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 3 hours to enjoy both indoor and outdoor exhibits. :clock1:
🐾 Don't Miss Otter Feedings
Check the schedule for otter feedings – they're a crowd favorite! :otter:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinosaur Discovery Trail
Outdoor Exhibit
Explore a shaded trail with 16 dinosaur replicas, a dino dig, and real fossils. A hit with kids and adults alike!
Native Virginia Wildlife Boardwalk
Outdoor Exhibit
Wander through a boardwalk showcasing over 250 species of animals native to Virginia, from otters to deer.
+1
Chesapeake Bay Aquarium
Indoor Exhibit
Dive into the underwater world of the Chesapeake Bay in a massive 30,000-gallon aquarium.
Interactive Indoor Exhibits
Indoor Museum
Engage with hands-on displays, including a fascinating topography sand pit and pretend play areas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Virginia Living Museum
Maximize Your Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 3 hours to enjoy both indoor and outdoor exhibits. :clock1:
🐾 Don't Miss Otter Feedings
Check the schedule for otter feedings – they're a crowd favorite! :otter:
🦖 Dino Dig Fun
Kids love the hands-on dinosaur dig on the outdoor trail. :child:
💡 Interactive Learning
Engage with the hands-on exhibits; the topography sand pit is a highlight. :bulb:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 3 hours to enjoy both indoor and outdoor exhibits. :clock1:
🐾 Don't Miss Otter Feedings
Check the schedule for otter feedings – they're a crowd favorite! :otter:
🦖 Dino Dig Fun
Kids love the hands-on dinosaur dig on the outdoor trail. :child:
💡 Interactive Learning
Engage with the hands-on exhibits; the topography sand pit is a highlight. :bulb:
✨ Evening Magic
Consider 'Winter Nature Nights' for a festive, illuminated experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Virginia Living Museum for its engaging blend of indoor and outdoor exhibits, particularly the Dinosaur Discovery Trail and the native wildlife boardwalk. The interactive elements and the focus on Virginia's ecosystems are highly appreciated, making it a fun and educational experience for families. While generally positive, some visitors might find the pace of exploration can vary depending on crowd size.
"My family had a blast at the Virginia Living Museum! It was so fun to walk the boardwalk and see animals native to Virginia. We also got to watch an otter feeding and learn about otters. I thought the dinosaur section would be camp-y but was surprised to find real fossils displayed in little cabins there. My two-year-old loved seeing the dinosaur replicas, of course. We will definitely visit again!"
Maria Wright
"This place was fantastic! Took a 5 yr old and almost 3 yr old. We all had so much fun! Lots of amazing animals and cool exhibits to see. The kids really loved playing in the vet center play area and the dinosaur digs. My favorite was the otter and the eagle, and the foxes we got to see them getting fed. Highly recommend"
Karen Slade
"Absolutely fantastic and fun place for families with children, and generally people of every age. It was fully accessible for people with mobility differences, and interesting and suitable for those with sensory or intellectual differences as well. We went in mid- October and EVERY exhibit and enclosure was decorated with fall or Halloween themed enrichment for the animals, and frankly for us, the patrons.
The museum exhibits are well curated. Informational, educational, and engaging. The live animals were plentiful, including turtles, seahorse, snakes, giant fish and more in enormous aquariums and specialized exhibits including a touch tank. They had a childrens science 'research canter' that was packed with things to explore and do. It was staffed by a Biologist who works to engage the kids in learning crafts and activities, encouraging conservation and responsibly enjoying nature, answering many questions along the way too.
Downstairs, a veterinary clinic play center was fully stocked with x rays, full (play) hospital set up, (play) kitchen for preparing the animals food, kennels, a library of children's books on animals and care- the works.
There are outdoor exhibits of the local fish and wildlife, as well as trails leading out around the river, and to the Wildlife Rehab and care center. Visitors can see any procedures being done, Keeper talks and presentations, and see the many critters that have received care. On the trails, native animals who have been rescued and cant be released to the wild can be seen in natural living enclosures off the raised boardwalk trails that are well tended, and accessible for people of all ages and ability levels, including mobility differences.
They have several areas for kids off the outdoor trails. A amall sensory and children's garden & play area, and a HUGE Dinosaur trail play and learning area. The Dinosaur Trail area is set up as a paleontologist camp. Dig and excavate Dinosaurs bones/fossil (reproductions) with brushes, Climb a tree house or play on slack rope toys, climb dinosaur reproductions and use a life size Allosaur rib cage as a jungle gym, interactively hear Dinosaur sounds... My child could go there once a week just to play at the Dinosaur area, and see the animals on the trails.
Surprisingly engaging, relatively inexpensive. If youre a local, take every visitor, every child in the family, and go anytime, and definitely buy a season pass. Note, the planetarium is only open on the weekends."
Strawberry Soup
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Virginia Living Museum is located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available.
Information on public transportation options can be found on the museum's official website or by contacting them directly.
Parking at the Virginia Living Museum is described as fantastic and handles large crowds well.
The museum generally offers good accessibility, with boardwalks and indoor exhibits designed to accommodate visitors with strollers and wheelchairs.
Typically, only service animals are permitted at the museum. Please check their official policy for details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official Virginia Living Museum website for the most current ticket costs and any potential discounts.
Look for potential discounts such as military discounts, group rates, or special offers. Checking sites like Groupon or the museum's promotions page might yield savings.
Yes, purchasing Virginia Living Museum tickets online in advance is often recommended to save time and potentially secure your entry, especially during busy periods.
Operating hours for the Virginia Living Museum can vary seasonally. It's best to consult their official website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
Yes, the Virginia Living Museum offers membership options which can provide benefits like free admission and discounts on special events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Dinosaur Discovery Trail with its impressive replicas and real fossils, the native wildlife boardwalk, and the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium. +1
Absolutely! Kids love the interactive exhibits, the dinosaur trail, and seeing the native animals. The pretend play 'vet' area is also a hit. +1
Most visitors spend around 3 hours to explore the entire museum, including the indoor exhibits and outdoor nature trail.
Yes, the museum features several interactive exhibits, including a topography sand pit and a dinosaur dig area.
You can see over 250 species of animals native to Virginia, including otters, deer, birds of prey, and various aquatic life in the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a café that offers refreshments and snacks. They also have a cozy café for events like 'Winter Nature Nights'.
Outside food and drinks may be permitted in designated areas. It's best to check the museum's policy or call ahead.
Newport News offers a variety of restaurants and eateries close to the museum for more extensive dining choices.
The café typically offers casual fare like sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. During special events, they might offer themed treats like hot chocolate.
The café is generally family-friendly, offering quick and easy options that appeal to children.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed throughout the museum and outdoor exhibits.
Tripods or professional photography equipment may require special permission. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas.
The Dinosaur Discovery Trail, the native wildlife boardwalk, and the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, capturing images of the animals is encouraged, but please do so respectfully without disturbing them.
Special events like 'Winter Nature Nights' often feature unique lighting and decorations, making them ideal for festive photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the native wildlife boardwalk where kids can spot animals like otters and deer in naturalistic settings. Checking the schedule for animal feeding times, especially the otters, is highly recommended for an extra dose of excitement.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Wildlife Lovers
+1 The focus on conservation and education about local habitats is a significant draw. The museum's commitment to animal husbandry is noted as being better than many zoological facilities, ensuring the well-being of the animals and providing an authentic viewing experience.
🦖 Dinosaur Aficionados
This outdoor exhibit is well-shaded and offers hands-on activities like the 'dino dig,' making it an engaging experience for all ages. It's considered a highlight that makes the museum visit worthwhile on its own.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Virginia's Ecosystems
The museum's outdoor nature trail is a key component, allowing visitors to walk through recreated natural settings and observe animals in environments that mimic their native habitats. This immersive approach provides a deeper understanding of conservation and the importance of preserving these local ecosystems.
+1Beyond the live animals, the museum also delves into paleontology with its popular Dinosaur Discovery Trail. This exhibit features impressive dinosaur replicas and actual fossils, offering a glimpse into prehistoric life that once roamed the Earth.
Interactive Learning for All Ages
Inside the museum, exhibits are designed to be hands-on. Children can enjoy pretend play areas, such as a 'vet' station, and engage with dynamic displays like the topography sand pit, where projected images change based on the sand's contours.
The Dinosaur Discovery Trail also offers interactive elements, including a 'dino dig' where younger visitors can unearth pretend fossils. This hands-on engagement ensures that learning is not just passive but actively involves the visitor, making the experience memorable and educational.
Special Events and Seasonal Charm
A notable example is 'Winter Nature Nights,' an event that transforms the museum into an illuminated wonderland during the holiday season. Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the outdoor boardwalk adorned with twinkling lights, visit with Santa, and warm up with hot chocolate.
This event highlights the museum's ability to create magical, family-friendly atmospheres.These seasonal events provide excellent opportunities for repeat visits and offer a different perspective on the museum's grounds and exhibits, making it a destination that can be enjoyed year-round.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit