Family Fun at Bay Lab
July 26, and August 23, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Join an Aquarium Educator at Bay Lab in First Landing State Park for a fun family adventure. Use a seine and dip net to see what’s living in the surf and take a beach walk to discover shells and other artifacts. This program is appropriate for ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. This program is limited to 15 participants. Fee: $4 members, $5 non-members (additional parking fee charged at park entrance). Call (757) 385-0278 for reservations.
Bay Lab Open House
Thursdays, June 28 - August 30, 3 – 5 p.m.
Join an Aquarium educator and volunteer at the Aquarium’s Bay Lab located at First Landing State Park as they show guests animals in the touch tanks and habitats, provide a craft for the younger audiences, and offer a beach-finds activity.
Seasonal Boat Trips
Dolphin Watching (Daily beginning May 26)
Observe bottlenose dolphins and their dynamic behaviors during a 90-minute ocean excursion. Experienced educators on board will introduce you to Virginia’s favorite spring and summer guests. Call 757 385-FISH for more information or visit www.virginiaaquarium.com for the schedule. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed. Trips may be cancelled due to boating conditions.
FEE: $21 per adult (12 years & over); $15 per child (4 – 11 years old)
Cruise the Creek (Daily beginning May 26)
Explore Owls Creek during a gentle 30-minute pontoon cruise focused on salt marsh ecology. Scan the mudflats for fiddler crabs and animal tracks, listen for the calls of osprey and kingfishers, and look for signs of muskrat and otter activities. Call 757 385-FISH for more information or visit www.virginiaaquarium.com for the schedule. FEE: $7 per person; $5 for members or combo tickets.
Ocean Collections
This is a boat trip that explores coastal waters with a hands-on approach. Guests assist with the collection of fish, study creatures up-close and watch for pelicans and marine life. This trip is only offered on Fridays, July 6 - August 31, 3 – 4:15 p.m. The costs if $19 for adults and $14 for children (4-11 years old).
PREMIUM EXPERIENCES
Guests can enhance their visit to the Virginia Aquarium by purchasing Premium Experiences. This includes the immersive experience Seal Splash (summer only) as well as Behind the Scene Tours with seals, sea turtles and sharks.
3D IMAX® Theater
This season’s newly released film is To the Arctic 3D. The Arctic may be one of the toughest places on earth to survive, but to a polar bear, its home. Track a determined mother polar bear and her cubs as they struggle to survive in a frigid environment of melting ice, immense glaciers, spectacular waterfalls and majestic snow-bound peaks. Other movies playing are the popular films Under the Sea 3D and Born to be Wild 3D. For the Aquarium’s film schedule, call (757) 385-FISH or visit: www.virginiaaquarium.com. Advance ticket sells are encouraged and available on the website.
Discovery Days, ages 4 - 6
Programs include age appropriate discussions, activities and crafts. All programs are from 2-3:15 p.m. in the Marsh Pavilion Discovery Room unless otherwise noted. Fee: $7 members, $10 non-members
Pre-registration is strongly recommended: call 385-0278 or mail programs@VirginiaAquarium.com.
June 7, Fabulous Fathers
Three cheers for Dads. Moms usually get all the credit for raising animal babies, but for some animals Dad does most of the work. Join us as we take a closer at great Dads.
July 5 - Investigating Invertebrates
What is an invertebrate? Where would you find one? We will answer these questions and more as well as meet some in person. Don’t miss out on the fun!
August 2 - Sea Turtle Conservation
Sea Turtle’s need our help. Be part of a mock stranding and find out what it’s like to watch a sea turtle’s nest as we learn more about these creatures and the simple things we can do to help them.
September 6 - The Cat’s Meow
Animals like to be the biggest, prettiest, and strongest. Dress up as your favorite animal, as we explore the different ways animals try to prove that they are the best.
BONUS EXPERIENCES - FREE WITH AQUARIUM ADMISSION
Wildflower Wednesdays, June through August, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Join us in the Wildflower Garden, outside the Bay & Ocean Pavilion, to learn how to turn your yard into a backyard habitat for wildlife.
Shark Shenanigans, July 24 - 26
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bay & Ocean Pavilion
Sharks are the top predators in the oceans. Join us for programs, crafts, and activities to learn more about these fascinating creatures.
International Vulture Awareness Day, September 1
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Marsh Pavilion
Meet our resident turkey vultures and participate in games, crafts and activities to learn more about these misunderstood birds that face a variety of threats in many areas where they live.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums whose mission is conservation through education. The Aquarium is located at 717 General Booth Boulevard, just south of Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach. For more information on exhibits, movies, boat rides and special events, call (757) 385-FISH (3474), (TDD 385-4305) or visit www.VirginiaAquarium.com.
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