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Virginia Living Museum

524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601
7575347406
Website
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Ranked #2 of 19 attractions in Newport News
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas, Aquariums, Science Museums, Observatories/ Planetariums
Owner description: 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... more » Owner description: 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. « less
Useful Information: Activities for young children, Activities for older children
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148 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Provo, Utah
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013 NEW

Definitely not a museum - more like an aquarium and zoo! Our kids had a blast. They were ages 4-13. The adults had a blast too. There is so much hands on stuff to do. They touched a horseshoe crab and hermit crab. They got to examine things through microscopes. They got to play in a really fun play area.... More

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Natick, Massachusetts
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

The Bay Aquarium in the Coastal Plain Gallery, which is just to the right of the admissions desk immediately grabbed my 3 year old grandson's attention and it turned out to be a wonderful introduction to the rest of the museum. He then stayed interested through the rest of the exhibits which included such things as coming face to face... More

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Williamsburg, Virginia
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 April 2013

Nature at its best, what more can I tell you, Its a must to visit and enjoy yourself while strolling around the quaint place.

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See 5 more reviews by Citesear_11 for Newport News
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 April 2013

I cannot believe I have lived in this area my entire life and never visited!! Wonderful facility with so many hands-on areas for kids. Cafe is very impressive, small, but good, hot food. Many vegetarian options, which can be hard to find at similar attractions. Like other such museums, if you live nearby and have little ones, get the yearly... More

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Newport News, Virginia, United States
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 April 2013

Amazing to see Red Wolves, grey and red foxes sleeping out in the open creek setting, as well as a splendid aviary, beavers, river otters, and even a hellbender in a beautiful aquarium. See creatures you may never see in the wild, like the arboreal green snake. Wonderful explanation of the wildlife of Virginia in a natural setting. Helpful staff.... More

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Greensboro
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 April 2013

Not exactly what I expected but well worth going. It is set up like a museum but the exhibits are animal biomes. What sets this apart from a zoo is the proximity of the animals to you. It is two levels, as well as an outside area that includes a planetarium, green living spaces, and a historical garden area. Although... More

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Shelter Island, New York
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 April 2013

My husband and I decided to visit this museum this afternoon without having read any reviews, we were just passing by. Let me tell you how much we enjoyed ourselves. The wealth of information contained within the exhibits plus the knowledgeable guides added up to a great experience. Just to let you know: the animals are all out and about... More

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Gloucester, Virginia
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

Learn something new about animals of all types. Get an up close look at many different species. The kids will enjoy the hands on experiences available. Great gift shop that the kids (as well as adults) will enjoy, there is something for everyone. Be sure to bring your camera for the wonderful upclose shots of the animals.

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Hampton Roads region, Virginia
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

I always have a season pass. I take my 4 year old there every chance we get. The outdoor walk is very nice during good weather. Not so nice when it's cold or too hot. Tip. If hot do the walk outside then go in to the mountain stream room. It's extra cold in there and you can cool down... More

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See 2 more reviews by pwn_man for Newport News
Columbus, Ohio
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 April 2013

We had a blast visiting the planetarium here. This was exciting for the children and we had plenty to do. Thumbs up

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