Virginia Living Museum
Virginia Living Museum
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
View endangered red wolves. Get up close to a loggerhead turtle and moon jellies. See fish with no eyes and frogs that change colors. Touch live spider crabs and fossilized dinosaur tracks. It's all at the Virginia Living Museum, Newport News, where living exhibits depict Virginia's natural heritage from the mountains to the sea. Experience a steamy cypress swamp and cool mountain cove. Explore the underwater world of the Chesapeake Bay and the underground realm of a limestone cave. See flying squirrels, stingrays and other creatures of the night. Touch famous Bay creatures. Kids will especially enjoy the Touch Tank with its sea stars and horseshoe crabs. Enjoy hands-on activities. See spectacular views of the sun from the observatory and travel the universe in the state-of-the-art digital planetarium. Outdoors, stroll the boardwalk to view coastal birds, beavers, otters, coyotes, endangered red wolves and other animals in naturalized habitats. Butterfly Garden, Virginia Garden and landscape plantings display one of the most extensive displays of native plants in Virginia. Learn how to live, build and garden green in the Conservation Garden and Green Living House.
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from $22.39
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See what travelers are saying
- NomaramaFredericksburg, Virginia23 contributionsThe Virginia Living Museum is Amazing!Ive just always loved places like this! Spots like this will forever hold a special place in my heart. If you have ever wanted to get outside, step 1. Get up and go! Step 2. tho, I’d recommend getting a little familiar with things you may encounter while being outdoorsy af 🙌🏾 You know answering questions around what leaves you may not want to touch and how insects don’t actually want to kill you! It’s one thing to google them but to see real examples at this hybrid aquarium, zoo, 🌺botanical garden and science center is just super dope to me. If you have never been, be a tourist where you live, pack a lunch and make a day out of it, I think you’ll dig it!Visited April 2022Traveled with familyWritten December 15, 2022
- schneewitchenLancaster, Pennsylvania235 contributionsFantastic family fun!Love this place! Great for families in particular but also good if you just want to commune with nature. The staff is wonderfully welcoming, and it is obvious that they take good care of their charges. It's a quiet spot right off a busy area of Newport News, but you forget all about the hustle and bustle as you watch otters frolic in the water or suddenly spot an animal secreting itself behind foliage. It's one big adventure!Visited May 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 26, 2023
- ARL2601228 contributionsInstructive and well designed nature sanctuaryVery doable space in a morning or afternoon. Enough to see, but not too much that you feel you missed something. Outside space is well designed and easy to traverse. Not all animals were out when we were there. Child centric and several field trip groups there when we were, but adults will find it interesting too. Friendly staff.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 30, 2023
- Sandra KAnchorage, Alaska6 contributionsDo this!My first visit, and am I impressed! This is a combo zoo that you explore on a lovely boardwalk through trees and ponds; the animals have well thought-out enclosures, and are well signed. There is a planetarium that my group had no time to explore, various snack shops, a very nice visitor/information center and gift shop. Did I mention the dinosaurs? oh yes…..for kids of all ages. Don’t miss this attraction. I’m returning soon.Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 6, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
759 reviews
Excellent
510
Very good
201
Average
37
Poor
8
Terrible
3
cheryl h
Durham, NC57,540 contributions
Dec 2019
I found this to be a very nice living museum which offers over 250 species of animals, reptiles, birds, fish,and more that's found in Virginia. The glass on the aquariums was clean of nose and finger prints which made for good photo taking.
Along with the animals inside they have an outside boardwalk and during the walk you will see different animals that have been rescued and for one reason or the other are not able to be released back into the wild. Since the boardwalk is raised you are looking down on the animals and some were hard to find. It also takes you around a lake.
Also outside they have a dinosaur trail that will be fun for kids of all ages. That trail also has fossil huts loaded with fossils and bones which I found very interesting. They also have excavation areas so the kids can dig for fossils and bones.
Along with the animals inside they have an outside boardwalk and during the walk you will see different animals that have been rescued and for one reason or the other are not able to be released back into the wild. Since the boardwalk is raised you are looking down on the animals and some were hard to find. It also takes you around a lake.
Also outside they have a dinosaur trail that will be fun for kids of all ages. That trail also has fossil huts loaded with fossils and bones which I found very interesting. They also have excavation areas so the kids can dig for fossils and bones.
Written July 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nomarama
Fredericksburg, VA23 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Ive just always loved places like this!
Spots like this will forever hold a special place in my heart. If you have ever wanted to get outside, step 1. Get up and go!
Step 2. tho, I’d recommend getting a little familiar with things you may encounter while being outdoorsy af 🙌🏾
You know answering questions around what leaves you may not want to touch and how insects don’t actually want to kill you!
It’s one thing to google them but to see real examples at this hybrid aquarium, zoo, 🌺botanical garden and science center is just super dope to me.
If you have never been, be a tourist where you live, pack a lunch and make a day out of it, I think you’ll dig it!
Spots like this will forever hold a special place in my heart. If you have ever wanted to get outside, step 1. Get up and go!
Step 2. tho, I’d recommend getting a little familiar with things you may encounter while being outdoorsy af 🙌🏾
You know answering questions around what leaves you may not want to touch and how insects don’t actually want to kill you!
It’s one thing to google them but to see real examples at this hybrid aquarium, zoo, 🌺botanical garden and science center is just super dope to me.
If you have never been, be a tourist where you live, pack a lunch and make a day out of it, I think you’ll dig it!
Written December 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jessicafb_16
King George, VA176 contributions
Feb 2022
We got to see all the outdoor animals awake except the possums. Even heard wolves howling. The apiary was closed due to bird flu risks. The aquariums could have used a little better signage, but we still enjoyed the indoor exhibits as well. It looked like a great place to bring kids.
Written February 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie S
Pittsburgh, PA35 contributions
Oct 2020
My husband and I visited in late October 2020 during the week so it was pretty dead, which was nice as we could roam around freely without having to worry about social distancing in a crowd. I'm not sure the size in total of this place but there is a large out door portion and then the inside is pretty big as well. I was beat tired and ready for a seat when all was said and done.
The outside I think was my favorite. I love coyotes, wolves, etc. and many animal places up where we live in PA don't have any canines. All the outdoor exhibits I feel were well designed, so you could always see the animals. Everything had a very natural setting for the animals which was nice to see.
The inside had so many fish, so, so many fish! If you or anyone you know like fish, this is the place to go.
The outside I think was my favorite. I love coyotes, wolves, etc. and many animal places up where we live in PA don't have any canines. All the outdoor exhibits I feel were well designed, so you could always see the animals. Everything had a very natural setting for the animals which was nice to see.
The inside had so many fish, so, so many fish! If you or anyone you know like fish, this is the place to go.
Written February 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra K
Anchorage, AK6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
My first visit, and am I impressed! This is a combo zoo that you explore on a lovely boardwalk through trees and ponds; the animals have well thought-out enclosures, and are well signed. There is a planetarium that my group had no time to explore, various snack shops, a very nice visitor/information center and gift shop. Did I mention the dinosaurs? oh yes…..for kids of all ages. Don’t miss this attraction. I’m returning soon.
Written October 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
abigailsarah523
Bowie, MD28 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We got here early and it was absolutely perfect. If you have school aged kids, I would suggest getting there when it opens before all the strollers arrive. The displays were clean, clear, and educational. The energy efficient house was so informative! There were so many animals to see. Highly recommend. It’s also a part of the science center reciprocity program.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edie
Castle Hayne, NC21 contributions
Nov 2021
We came with 2 of our grandchildren and enjoyed the visit very much. The downside is that It was so cold so we rushed our outdoor experience a bit. Loved seeing the animals and the kids loved the dinosaur area. Sad to see the snakes in such small areas and a few other creatures as well.
Written November 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katty W
Houston, TX143 contributions
Jul 2020
So.... Wednesday (7/15) my husband and I set out to go to museums.... (or that was what we thought). We try several different museums with no luck. And then my husband found the Virginia Living Museum! WHAT A FIND!!!
Great for children of all ages (1-100)! Great information and live exhibits. I really enjoyed the outside portion through the "swamp/marsh" area. Part museum, aquarium and nature walk. LOVE IT
Great for children of all ages (1-100)! Great information and live exhibits. I really enjoyed the outside portion through the "swamp/marsh" area. Part museum, aquarium and nature walk. LOVE IT
Written July 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
annabear_87
Morristown, TN53 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Love this place! It’s a unique combination of museum, aquarium, and zoo. It’s laid out very nicely with the indoor and outdoor areas intersecting nicely. The animals looked well cared for. I love that it includes all the ecosystems of Virginia and breaks it down for even smaller kids to understand. It entertained a teen, child, and adult. Not easy to satisfy all three of those!
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ARL2601
Arlington, VA228 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Very doable space in a morning or afternoon. Enough to see, but not too much that you feel you missed something. Outside space is well designed and easy to traverse. Not all animals were out when we were there. Child centric and several field trip groups there when we were, but adults will find it interesting too. Friendly staff.
Written September 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shannon R
1 contribution
How much is it?
Alex is incorrect. It’s $20 a person, 0-2 is free, 3 and up is $13. If you are military, have triple A or are 65+, you can get a $1 off admission.
When is the best time to visit the musuem?
Sue H
Hampton, VA15 contributions
Every year there is a dollar day. Go then. Usually in March-May I believe
donpipes
Yorktown, VA100 contributions
I was trying to answer others questions. Sorry, my computer skills have not developed.
I still use my own head to do computations!
Tracy2good1
North Anson, ME37 contributions
Is there a sea turtle that lives there ???
crossmail16
Newport News, VA9 contributions
There is a tank that houses a wonderful sea turtle. He was as big as my eight month old grandson. Awesome turtle!
denbroncos7
East Brunswick, NJ
How long is the visit to see most/ all of museum? Half-day, few hours, all-day?
Peter H
Fredericksburg, VA963 contributions
Few hours with most of my time spent at the wolves, deer, turkey
miketracy1969
Oxfordshire, UK
Hi would you be able to take my wifes ball python off her , as she's moving abroad on thursday ? .
Michael Jenkins
ArtTeacherAtWarwick
Newport News, VA9 contributions
Across the street from the Living Museum is an animal shelter. I would check with them.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia Living Museum
- Hotels near Virginia Living Museum:
- (1.24 mi) Newport News Marriott at City Center
- (0.66 mi) Extended Stay America - Newport News - Oyster Point
- (2.99 mi) Hampton Inn Newport News-Yorktown
- (2.84 mi) Hilton Garden Inn Newport News
- (7.69 mi) Magnolia House Inn
- Restaurants near Virginia Living Museum:
- (0.50 mi) Harpoon Larry's Oyster Bar
- (0.87 mi) Aago
- (0.73 mi) Al Fresco
- (1.20 mi) Fin Seafood
- (1.13 mi) Schlesinger's Steakhouse
Virginia Living Museum Information
Excellent Reviews | 493 |
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Very Good Reviews | 197 |
Virginia Living Museum Photos | 504 |