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.
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.
You will make your own way to the meeting points
This ticket provides direct entry into the attraction Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.