Virginia Living Museum

Virginia Living Museum Connecting you to nature by visiting more than 250 living species native to VA. Celebrating 60 Years of Wild Wonder! 1966-2026
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Don't let the word "museum" fool you. Much of what you see at the Virginia Living Museum is very alive and interactive. There is no better place to experience Virginia's rich natural heritage from the mountains to the sea. Located just 20 minutes from Williamsburg, the VLM is part zoo, nature park, aquarium, botanical garden, planetarium and science center. Visitors can view 700 plant and animal s

pecies including the red wolf, bobcat, otter and bald eagle. Discover native Virginia animals in naturalized habitats including a limestone cave, mountain cove and cypress swamp. Explore the underwater world of the Chesapeake Bay with a loggerhead sea turtle and touch a horseshoe crab. Enter an aviary of coastal birds, See spectacular views of the sun from the observatory and voyage across the galaxies in the state-of-the-art planetarium theater Learn how to build, live and garden "green." Young kids particularly enjoy the Nature Playground and the "Wild & Well" exhibit where kids can role play to be a vet and zoo keeper. Explore our new permanent outdoor Dinosaur Discovery Trail with 16 life-like dinosaurs, paleo camp and dig pit. Explore Virginia's natural world while creating lifetime memories with your family!

šŸš€ Houston, we have a birthday party!Blast off to the Virginia Living Museum this Sunday for an out-of-this-world celebra...
09/03/2026

šŸš€ Houston, we have a birthday party!

Blast off to the Virginia Living Museum this Sunday for an out-of-this-world celebration of our animal ambassadors!

Our animal care team is bringing the birthday stars some seriously cosmic enrichment, special treats, and plenty of fun keeper chats as we celebrate another year around the sun.

šŸŒŸ Birthday Party Schedule: Sunday, September 6th
American Alligator | 2:00 PM
Groundhog | 2:20 PM
Harris Hawk | 2:40 PM

And of course, youā€™re invited to dress for the occasion! Come as an astronaut, planet, star, alien, or anything else from your imaginationā€™s galaxy.

Come celebrate, learn something new, and see what our keepers have dreamed up for the birthday crew!

This weekend at the VLM. Your mission: birthday fun.

For the safety and comfort of our animals and guests, toy rockets, laser pointers, drones, and other projectile or light-emitting toys are not permitted inside the Museum.

Make the Virginia Living Museum part of your year.A VLM membership means unlimited visits, member discounts, exclusive e...
09/03/2026

Make the Virginia Living Museum part of your year.

A VLM membership means unlimited visits, member discounts, exclusive events, and more opportunities to explore, discover, and connect with nature.

Family memberships start at $155 and can pay for themselves in just two visits.

Join the VLM community and come back as often as you like.

Learn more: https://thevlm.org/memberships/

Ever wondered what it takes to care for a bobcat?Go behind the scenes with our animal care team to learn about bobcat nu...
09/02/2026

Ever wondered what it takes to care for a bobcat?

Go behind the scenes with our animal care team to learn about bobcat nutrition, training, enrichment, and daily care. Then, roll up your sleeves and help create enrichment for our bobcat!

You'll get to place your enrichment in the habitat and watch as our bobcat investigates and enjoys your creation.

Get a closer look at the care, creativity, and dedication that goes into caring for one of North America's most charismatic predators.

Book your experience: https://thevlm.org/encounter/bobcat-tour/

We're excited to host our very first Girl Scout Badge Day on September 26!Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors can explore the...
09/01/2026

We're excited to host our very first Girl Scout Badge Day on September 26!

Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors can explore their creative side while working toward their Outdoor Art Maker, Outdoor Art Creator, or Outdoor Art Explorer badges.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Girl Scouts can visit activity stations designed to help complete badge requirements, with additional self-led activities and a full day of Museum exploration available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Girl Scouts will receive a booklet with everything they need, including activity instructions and a map to the stations. All that's left to do is explore, create, and get inspired by the natural world!

Parents and troop leaders are welcome to join!

Please note: Badges are not included and must be purchased separately. Girl Scouts will need to provide proof of activity completion to their troop leader to officially earn their badge.

Come get creative with nature!

https://thevlm.org/scouts/

Danni hanging out in his tree with 0 thoughts in his head šŸŒ³
08/30/2026

Danni hanging out in his tree with 0 thoughts in his head šŸŒ³

Our otters have an important announcement to makeā€¦ MORE OTTER TOURS HAVE BEEN ADDED!You can now join us for an up-close ...
08/28/2026

Our otters have an important announcement to makeā€¦

MORE OTTER TOURS HAVE BEEN ADDED!

You can now join us for an up-close look at our otter residents on Tuesdays and Saturdays through December.

If youā€™ve been waiting for your chance to meet the otters, this is your sign!

Check the calendar and grab your spot before they fill up. šŸ¦¦
https://thevlm.org/encounter/the-otter-side-a-behind-the-scenes-otter-encounter/

08/27/2026

Not a total eclipse.. but 96% will still be a spectacular view! Dr. Kelly is here to tell you Whatā€™s Up with the lunar eclipse happening tonight!

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Thereā€™s nothing like a raccoon with a dream šŸ¦ Edgar is ready for his shot. Lin-Manuel Miranda , your move.
08/27/2026

Thereā€™s nothing like a raccoon with a dream šŸ¦ Edgar is ready for his shot. Lin-Manuel Miranda , your move.

Address

524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard
Newport News, VA
23601

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(757) 595-1900

Website

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