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Mobile ticket
Explore Virginia's spectacular ecosystems in the only place where museum, zoo, aquarium, garden, and planetarium combine into one unforgettable adventure for all ages. Journey from indoor touch pools and a 32,000-gallon aquarium to a real cypress swamp with live alligators, then venture outside to our ¾-mile boardwalk trail featuring playful river otters, endangered red wolves, and 16 lifelike dinosaurs. Experience hands-on learning at our Wild Care Center, Conservation Command Center with seahorse nursery, interactive dig pits, and butterfly gardens, while discovering sustainable living at our Conservation Garden and Green House. Cap off your visit with a cosmic journey at the Abbitt Planetarium, where full-dome shows reveal how we're all connected in one big ecosystem—all proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and certified as a Virginia Green attraction.
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Wheelchair accessible
Limited number of wheelchairs and strollers available for no extra fee.
Children must be accompanied by an adult
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Admission ticket to Virginia Living Museum
Behind-the-Scenes tours are offered for an additional fee.
Planetarium shows are available onsite for additional fees.
Saté Café offers breakfast, lunch and snack items plus outdoor seating in a patio area.
Photo booth is offered in lobby for additional fee.
Virginia Living Museum
Take a natural history tour of Virginia with indoor and outdoor live animal exhibits and hands-on activities. Stroll the elevated boardwalk to view coastal birds, bald eagles, beavers, bobcat, river otters, red wolves and other animals in naturalized habitats. Explore the outdoor Dinosaur Discovery Trail with 16 life-like dinosaurs, interactive paleo camp and dig pits, plus dinosaur and ice age fossils. Role play in out Wild and Well Clinic. Exhibits correlate with and reinforce national science standards. The museum is located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd. Newport News (I-64, exit 258-A). Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.daily. Outdoor areas open until 4:30pm. Cafe and Museum Store available.
32 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Judy K,
Sep 1, 2023
- Viator
Enjoyed the dinosaurs. Nice for children to learn and play. My Great Grandsons had a Good time exploring.
LaTerra M,
Jun 5, 2023
- Viator
As "out of towners" we had a great time at the Virginia Living Museum as a family. Both my toddlers (boy and girl) are dinosaur lovers and that is what attracted us there! They had so much fun and we made some beautiful memories! I would have gave the museum 5 stars but they had NO FOOD VENDOR 😣 That was a lot of walking and exploring to not have any food or drinks available for purchase. Aside from that, an awesome place to visit especially with small children.
JenniferWatkins,
May 29, 2023
- Viator
So much to see and the perfect rainy day activity for the kiddos. The girls loved the dinosaur exhibit.
Shera A,
Mar 17, 2023
- Viator
My daughter and I had an amazing time at the Virginia living museum. It’s so educational and interactive for the kids !! 10/10 experience for us !
Lesley A,
May 11, 2022
- Viator
Ya booked this while sitting n parking lot get up to validate n barcode won’t scan n there system say they have never heard of Viator n we need to go thru them..Loving museum was amazing having to pay twice to get n cuz museum never heard of U priceless ..Give me my money back cuz I will be disputing w my credit card company wow …..Sad sad sad
Operated by Virginia Living Museum