Virginia Living Museum image

Virginia Living Museum

Tourist attraction Museum Non profit organization Zoo Science museum

One of the Best Places To Visits in Newport News


Address

524 J Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601

Website

www.thevlm.org

Contact

(757) 595-1900

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (4.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (28) animals (28) kids (25) exhibits (19) area (19) visit (15) great (14) time (14) staff (12) exhibit (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Ashley G. 5 months ago on Google • 605 reviews
    The best museum for kids ever. Our one year old absolutely loved it. The layout is great. This was a really great find for our vacation. Highly recommend for anyone with kids. It is like a hybrid zoo/aquarium/nature sanctuary. We liked it
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gen H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great open concept museum with an awesome outdoor walking path. If you have young children this is an ideal place. We went on July 4th weekend and there was no wait and it was not crowded at all. They had a special exhibition in the space center but only had one time a lot the entire day which was disappointing. A lot of the hands on exhibits didn’t have any staff to interact with the kids so that was also disappointing. Otherwise it is a great place to learn and explore.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ellen P. 3 months ago on Google • 58 reviews New
    Wow! Part zoo, part museum, ALL fun! We had our 6-, 4 ½- and 3-year-old grandkiddos with us, and they all had a blast... and so did we! Aviary was good - Children's Garden was fantastic - especially the hobbit house. Beavers, wrestling otters & foxes were the faves. One of the zookeepers let the kids help her feed the catfish, and they were thrilled!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nakeisha G. 1 year ago on Google
    Ok, how did I not know about this spot! If you have children 10 and under and you live in VA it's a must bring. It's spacious, fun, educational and they maximize indoors and outdoors....just take a look at the pics. We are totally coming back. The adults loved it too😜
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Z 5 months ago on Google • 436 reviews
    This was an interesting little zoo/museum. Focusing mostly on the Virginia and Chesapeake Bay, they also have facts about history of the area. They have some dinosaur exhibits and interesting outdoor walkways. I didn't get to do the planetarium and was a little bummed about that. They do have special events. Worth checking out if your in the area. They aren't really large and certainly geared towards younger kids around 4 to 7.

  • 5/5 Kawaii K. 2 years ago on Google
    Clean, fun, interactive, and informational. From seahorses to flying squirrels to their mini dino land both adults and kids will enjoy a trip here. It was a bit busy for a Wednesday but then again it's holiday break too. They also have a planetarium but we didn't do that this time.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vickey B. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely assortment of things to do for a variety of ages. I'm nearly 50 and took my dad there for an exploration of the city he's lived in for less than a year. Part museum, part aquarium, part zoo, all interesting! Sharon was a wealth of knowledge in the zoo area. Friendly staff, gorgeous grounds.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carissa L. 8 months ago on Google
    Absolutely a must stop if you ahve kids with energy they need to burn. It is a mixture of museum, zoo, nature preserve, and aquarium! We could have spent more time had their cafe been open (closed for renovations). Such a jewel of the area. Our kids loved the dino exhibit!! Kept our 2 and 5 year olds busy looking at everything!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tomah R. 8 months ago on Google
    We couldn't go outside on our visit, but I look forward to another visit for that purpose. My 1 year old grandson enjoyed the Shark Pajama Jam, the music, snacks, and activities. The staff was nice. I also enjoyed the guy who worked at the front desk and danced and smiled the whole time.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JustmeLory T. 8 months ago on Google
    Wow! Definitely a must visit if you have children or just want to see some wildlife! I thoroughly enjoyed my time here. We spent a good majority of our day here. Something for everyone. The trails outside were endless and I appreciated how they connected and ventured into other exhibits. Play areas. Lots of seating and friendly staff. Worth the price for sure
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 K M. 5 months ago on Google • 280 reviews
    Over the last year and a half, we've visited the Living Museum five times. We love bringing our toddler here because it is such a kid friendly place. Although the animal selection isn't great, the indoor fish tanks are, and the layout is awesome. We went to their Halloween event (Night at the Living Museum - see photo) and had a blast. They have lights along the path outside since it gets dark so early, and the passports they had the kids' stamp was super fun. I highly recommend a visit if you have kids (of all ages).

  • 5/5 Jeremy 5 months ago on Google • 60 reviews
    Really fun place. I think i might like it better than the zoo. It's a bit more immersive. The walk back in the woods is really pretty. Lord of stuff for little kids.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Benji S. 10 months ago on Google
    Brought out the whole family and we loved it! The museum was clean and the animals were clearly well cared for. My 18 month old daughter LOVED the children's garden, dino park and playground, and all the interactive exhibits inside.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Joshua S. 9 months ago on Google
    Great place if you've never been. They have a variety of animals and scenery. I really like the indoor mountain landscape with waterfall.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeff T. 2 years ago on Google
    Always a great Family outing! Complete with a limited aquarium, including an Alligator, and Alligator Gar. It has wonderful nature walk with a good variety on indigenous animals. Additionally there is a planetarium, and a nice exhibition hall with rotating attractions. We saw the Dinosaur exhibits which was outstanding. A great day enjoyed by all.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ray d. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to spend the day. There are multiple exhibits you can see. There is a beautiful boardwalk section where you can view various animals. There's demonstrations throughout the day like the alligator feeding. All of the staff are informative and will happily answer your questions. There's also a kid's dinosaur area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer L. 1 year ago on Google
    This was a super fun trip! There's kind of an aquarium/terrarium indoors and some real animals to see on the way out to the dinosaurs (complete with sand play areas). Also otters! My kids loved it all!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Atiyah A. 1 year ago on Google
    A great experience for young kids, various fish, animals and outdoor scenery. . I enjoyed more than the kids. Nice outdoor areas for couples to sit, relax and walk the grounds. Little disappointed that the bird area was closed, didn't see any butterfly. The exhibit the fun and interactive amazing pollinators. Best time to visit during the week and before noon..
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda S. 2 years ago on Google
    We have been going to the Living Museum for 15 years. Definitely one of our favorites. Love the hands on activities and the animals that are local to Virginia. We have even taken part in their overnight sleepovers . Which I highly recommend if you haven't done them before.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle R. 2 years ago on Google
    Really nice time, place was clean and really good for toddlers. They are encouraged to touch and explore. Only thing I would recommend is checking to see what's playing in the atrium. The Halloween laser light show and music was not for young children.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tamia P. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome place to take your family. The museum host several events and exhibits. If u go you must see the otters they are so fun to watch and are very playful with guest. Also, the museum has a new alligator. Definitely recommend the living museum
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 sarah and jacob C. 3 years ago on Google
    Great time with the kids exploring the museum. Lots of live animals to see and learn about. Must visit if you are an animal lover.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeff A. 3 months ago on Google • 51 reviews New
    Awesome people and good pricing. We went during the holiday lights. Kid friendly for sure.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rebecca L. 6 months ago on Google • 120 reviews
    Nice museum for the kids, lots of interactive play areas and things to touch and climb on. When we visited, there were animated dinosaurs on exhibit. Very interesting. The inside of the museum looks a little dated, like it hasn't had a fresh coat of paint in over a decade. The highlight is the outside area. Nice boardwalk path over a marshy area and views of native Virginia animals (assuming they aren't sleeping in their homes during the daytime heat). The foxes were adorable. Next time I'd plan to see a show at the planetarium.

  • 5/5 shawney C. 3 months ago on Google • 102 reviews New
    Thank you, Virginia Living Museum, for the "Winter Nature Nights" trail-walk... We really enjoyed your wonderful winter Wonderland walk-thru trails of nature lighting exhibits, displays, and photo opts. "United By Outdoor's" games of Cornhole and Giant Connect-4 Also, Christmas workshop and complimentary hot cocoa and cookie decorating for the kiddos, 'a reason for the season to be "MERRY & BRIGHT!" We rated your Nature Park 5-Stars because you brought the community together, connecting people to Nature for over 50 years. Since 1966 Sharing the love from the State of Virginia's native animals and nature trail environments 'And the new renovations are coming soon... Thanks again, Living Museum, we appreciate your affordable prices for all to enjoy during this wonderful spirit of a joyous season.

  • 4/5 Rob H. 2 years ago on Google
    The drive might be long from VBeach for me but if you’re already across the bridge, this place is a no brainer! Fun for kids and the whole family. -Staff is fantastic -The indoor area has a good variety -Fun outdoor area -Easy parking -Dinosaur area is amazing!

  • 5/5 Kathy M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great variety of species, we like the temporary exhibits (i.e. dinasour babies)

  • 5/5 Valerie J. 2 years ago on Google
    Fun! Fun! Fun! Love this place. Learn about Virginia's animals & how they are important to our area in realistic environments. Visited over the years with 3 generations of family! Love seeing this place through my grandchildren.

  • 5/5 Ed L. 2 years ago on Google
    Kind of a hidden gem. I'm not a fan of captive wildlife but these are mostly rescue's, born in captivity, etc. Glad they got a second chance on life. Staff is very friendly and there are some very rare to see animals like the Red Wolf. Easy place to get photos, take a stroll and enjoy the weather.

  • 5/5 Ninajo H. 3 years ago on Google
    I live in the area but this was my first time here. During covid2020 we've been going to outdoor safe places for sun and exercise. This combined inside displays with a fantastic outdoor walking path with plenty of wildlife, an aviary. Loved it!

  • 5/5 John P. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice displays and it has expanded since I was there last. Really nice diversion.

  • 5/5 Tai-marie F. 1 year ago on Google
    This was a great place to take my boys, 5 and 7 years old. We spent 4 hours here and it was easy to do. The boys loved the Dinosaur Discovery Trail and the Vet and Keeper play area. Their Cafe wasn't open but we brought our lunch so it wasn't an issue for us. The staff here is very helpful and friendly which is starting to become a rarity these days.

  • 5/5 Steven D. 1 year ago on Google
    Super fun for the kids. So many things to do and my kids had an amazing time here. Gift store is always expensive no matter where you go, so can't fault them for that. I will definitely return.

  • 5/5 Melissa F. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a great time at the Virginia Living Museum today. What an absolutely cool find in a busy city! The museum was full of terrific exhibits, lots of sea-life, snakes, animals, and even a butterfly house - our favorite exhibit (aside from the jellyfish). The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend spending the a few hours here.

  • 5/5 J.D. G. 8 months ago on Google
    We rolled in about 16 deep. Ended up needing a wheelchair for GPA which was happily given. (Free of charge) We were from age 3 to "well seasoned" haha. Everyone had a great time. Plenty to see and lots for the lils to do. We went during the Dino exhibit which was a hit! It was 90+ today so getting back into the ac was fantastic but the shade definitely helped outside. Did not have any problems getting the 2 wheelchairs anywhere we wanted to go! Outside animals are hot too, so the were all just trying to beat the heat. Not mad at them. Staff was very happy and upbeat.

  • 5/5 Anisa G. 10 months ago on Google
    What a fantastic museum! We've been coming here for many years and it's still my favorite. The outdoor trails are peaceful and you can tell the animals are accustomed to human interactions. I love the way the inside is set up, you feel like you can get up close to everything. The aquariums are also beautiful!

  • 5/5 Crystal M. 9 months ago on Google
    Surprisingly wonderful. Lots of animals and exhibits, beautiful walking trails. Cafe and observatory are closed for renovations, with no date as to when they will open. I wish that had been on the website just so we knew, but it was well worth the trips and admission costs for what was here.

  • 5/5 sierra k. 9 months ago on Google
    Wonderful museum/aquarium/zoo. Definitely worth stopping at. Has excellent inside exhibits and a outside area with more animals.

  • 5/5 Heather S. 11 months ago on Google
    We took a 3-generation trip to the museum, and there was something for everyone! The museum itself is on two floors. The lower level back door leads to the outside exhibits. Outside are animals like otters, beavers, and deer. There is also a small aviary. The walking path is easily traversed with little legs. Much of the trail is a wooden plank boardwalk. The kids enjoyed the dinosaur trail where there was a small playground, dinos to climb on, and a “fossil dig”. While the museum is on the smaller side, we easily spent three hours watching the animals and playing in the maze area (traveling exhibit). The museum participates in the ASTC passport program! We would highly recommend a visit to this wonderful museum!

  • 5/5 Samantha W. 9 months ago on Google
    Such a wonderful place to visit no matter the weather or season. Wonderful for families,couples,or friends! Don't miss out and visit the vlm today!

  • 3/5 George Barry H. 7 months ago on Google
    Truth be told. My grandson absolutely loved being there. BUT, as grandparents, we paid over 55 dollars, and we were very disappointed that most exhibits were closed, not working or under construction. It felt like our money went toward administration and personnel versus the museum. We spent less than an hour there before my grandson was bored and frustrated that he couldn't do more. I used to go quite often back when our children were in school. This time, I found an old, tired building. I will revisit my rating when I come back with my grandson during this upcoming school year.

  • 5/5 Sarah K. 3 years ago on Google
    We love this place!

  • 5/5 Tjiang Ming L. 3 years ago on Google
    My son like the aquarium and dinosaur 🦕

  • 5/5 Amy M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to bring kids. It is very educational and they get to see so many animals. They have many educational programs and activities and the staff are very helpful and knowledgeable. We have had annual passes for years and my kids still love to go.

  • 5/5 Rescue 4 L. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place. Well worth the drive

  • 5/5 Jessica P. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome place..great for kids.

  • 5/5 Cristina R. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice little zoo to visit

  • 5/5 John G. 3 years ago on Google
    Highly recommend

  • 5/5 Crystal B. 3 years ago on Google
    Loved it!

  • 5/5 Jamie M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to take the kids of all ages for the afternoon. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Great variety of animals.

  • 5/5 Kerry Jo R. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place to visit for all ages. The boardwalk trail is great.

  • 4/5 Elisa H. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice place, staff was outstanding

  • 2/5 Lauren T. 3 years ago on Google
    **Covid-19 may be partially to blame for this rating.** Half the attractions were not open. Very few animals there and some of the animals there appeared unhappy. Staff was friendly and informative. Just not worth it.

  • 5/5 Bigpoppyjosh's little big l. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome place, even with COVID protocols in place.

  • 5/5 Kelly A. 3 years ago on Google
    The kids loved this place. Lots of little animals in natural habitats. They even have a nature walk that is beautiful! Visited while on vacation. Due to COVID the dinosaur exhibit was closed as well as the planetarium. But it was still awesome!

  • 5/5 Craig D. 3 years ago on Google
    My first visit to this museum was July 3. The whole facility was extremely clean and well run. One concern was the very few animals that were available to be seen in the pens. Also, would have thought with several large areas closed due to Covid they may have reduced the rate, but I don't mind helping what they may have lost during the shutdown. Otherwise we had a good visit.

  • 5/5 Tyreke C. 3 years ago on Google
    Peaceful fun and educational. Paths are all one way to keep things corona safe. My gfs daughter didnt wanna leave she liked the place so much

  • 4/5 Ty R. 3 years ago on Google
    Pretty fun if you're looking for a quick museum. With COVID going on they acclimated pretty nicely.

  • 5/5 History H. 3 years ago on Google
    What an awesome experience this place was! There were so many discoveries to be made. We will be back again next year for sure!

  • 5/5 Jua S. 3 years ago on Google
    Great family fun enjoyed all the exhibit and they are practicing social distancing following all the guidelines and had hand sanitizer at most of the door's for you and staff was very friendly

  • 5/5 Rosee N. 4 years ago on Google
    This a nice place to take your children. The exhibits are exquisite and the animal trails are too cool. There is also a dinosaur exhibit which is interactive. They have a gift store that sells truly nice items and a cafe that sells delicious food. There are discounts for educators and chaperones on field trips. I highly recommend this place.

  • 3/5 Joyce R. 3 years ago on Google
    Its something to do when you are bored

  • 5/5 Roger 3 years ago on Google
    Fantastic and expansive. Very important to the human experience.

  • 5/5 Steve M. 3 years ago on Google
    We found this place while searching for something to do in the Colonial Williamsburg area since much of CW is still closed. What a find! We come to this area every two or three years. In the future the Virgina Living Museum will be near the top of our return visit list...

  • 5/5 Whitney J. 3 years ago on Google
    Fun place to take the kids! My boys love dinosaurs, so they really enjoyed the dinosaur trail!

  • 5/5 Penny M. 3 years ago on Google
    It's exhibit are great!

  • 4/5 Mary G. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice museum. Not all attractions are open. Three year old nephew was entertained for a few hours.

  • 5/5 Mark Y. 3 years ago on Google
    Had fun touring the museum and seeing up close the native species in the zoo like area

  • 5/5 Robert O. 3 years ago on Google
    I enjoyed all of the exhibits thoroughly and the staff was phenomenal!

  • 5/5 Amanda A. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this place.

  • 5/5 Keith F. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place with lots of exhibits! Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Science Adventures And Other Cool T. 3 years ago on Google
    So much fun. They have posted social distancing guidelines, require mask and have employees throughout the museum making sure ppl follow the rules

  • 4/5 Fernando W. 3 years ago on Google
    Ok, went first ... wished didnt pay for the aquarium before hand as most of the museum resembled a aquarium. Wished the dinosaurs were automated instead of just statues.

  • 4/5 Tom S. 3 years ago on Google
    Almost all of the exhibits are open and they are great!

  • 3/5 Devlyn R. 3 years ago on Google
    I've always had fun as a kid, but that was before I realized it was $20 a ticket for adults. The exhibits were very informative and the animals are sometimes the only way to see them this up close. The rotating exhibit used to be an amazing attraction, but it seems recently its only ever been dinosaur themed. If you've got the membership, it's well worth it, and worth full price on your first visit. After that, maybe look around at the other museums in Newport News or Hampton for an experience better worth your money.

  • 5/5 Karina S. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome indoor and especially outdoor experience with our grandson!

  • 3/5 brenda t. 3 years ago on Google
    Like it but didn't have many animals but was clean and nice.

  • 5/5 c b. 3 years ago on Google
    19$ per adult of youre military. Experience was nice. Lots of good info. Sad to see the animals locked up but I guess its better for them? Idk but the eagles and otters were the best thing there. The caves creep me out.

  • 4/5 Trenton C. 3 years ago on Google
    Even with the COVID restrictions in place, the experience was still wonderful.

  • 5/5 Cesar M. 3 years ago on Google
    This place is awesome..recommend to all families


Call (757) 595-1900 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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