Kids at Wonderful tank in Nauticus, Norfolk Family Attractions

Kids visiting Nauticus exhibits, Norfolk

Norfolk Family Attractions

Nauticus
DESCRIPTION: This National Maritime Center is a popular interactive science and technology center that, as its name suggests, emphasizes the power of the sea. See more than 150 exhibits and interactive videos on a giant screen, exotic aquaria, touch pools, shark petting, national-caliber traveling exhibits will keep the kids awe-inspired. Adults will appreciate Hampton Roads Naval Museum on the 2nd floor. All will appreciate the movies “The Living Sea” and “Gateway To The World.” Nauticus hosts touring National Geographic exhibits like Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship – a 16,000-square-foot interactive exhibition showcasing more than 200 artifacts and treasures from the first fully authenticated pirate ship discovered in U.S. waters. It featured pirates like Hendrick Quintor, a former sailor of African and Dutch descent born around 1692. He turned pirate when the Spanish brigantine he sailed on was captured.
ADMISSION: adults $11, ages 4-12 $8.50, discounts for seniors, AAA, military; special exhibitions may have a separate fee
DAYS & HOURS: daily 10a-5p
ADDRESS: One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA MAP
PARKING: at MacArthur Center Mall or nearby garages
PHONE: 757-664-1000 or 800-664-1080
WEBSITE: http://www.nauticus.org

USS Wisconsin Battleship
DESCRIPTION: As the National Maritime Center, the Wisconsin is the largest and last battleship ever built by the U.S. Navy. It features a self-guided or audiotape tour that will take you back to the days that earned its crew members five battle stars during World War II. Informative volunteers are stationed throughout the tour areas.
ADMISSION: included with Nauticus ticket
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sat 10a-5p, Sun Noon-5p
ADDRESS: One Waterside Drive between Waterside and Nauticus, Norfolk, VA MAP
PARKING: garage available at MacArthur Center Mall or nearby City of Norfolk parking garages
PHONE: 757-322-3108
WEBSITE: http://www.nauticus.org/wisconsin.html

Norfolk Scope
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1972, the Scope was the former home of an ABA basketball team before the league merged with today’s NBA league. Today, it hosts a wide variety of events, including the circus, concerts, family shows and Arena Racing USA.
ADMISSION: event-dependent
DAYS & HOURS: event-dependent
ADDRESS: 201 East Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, VA MAP
PARKING: on premises
PHONE: 757-664-6464
WEBSITE: http://www.sevenvenues.com

Virginia Zoological Park
DESCRIPTION: This regional zoo features a new 10-acre Okavango African habitat, Reptile and Nocturnal Gallery, Barnyard and Botanical Gardens throughout.
ADMISSION: adults $5, Children $2, Seniors $4
DAYS & HOURS: daily 10a-5p
ADDRESS: 3500 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA MAP
PARKING: on premises
PHONE: 757-624-9937
WEBSITE: http://www.virginiazoo.org

Ocean Beach
DESCRIPTION: Located along the northern border of where Norfolk meets the Atlantic Ocean, this beach is frequented by Nofolk and Suffolk locals who avoid the larger crowds of Virginia Beach.
ADDRESS: along US-60 Highway, Norfolk, VA MAP

Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1972 to honors over 45 Virginia sports heroes ranging from golfer Sam Snead to tennis star Arthur Ashe and moved to this new facility in 2005. The Hall is one of only about 16 official state sports halls of fame in the country. A gift shop is on the premises.
ADMISSION: $7 general, $6 military and seniors, Children 2 and under enter Free
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sat 10a-5p, Sun 11a-5p; longer hours for Summer
ADDRESS: 206 High Street, Portsmouth, VA MAP
PARKING: adjacent garage on County Street at $1 per hour and FREE on weekends
PHONE: 757-393-8031
WEBSITE: http://www.virginiasportshalloffame.com

Children’s Museum of Virginia
DESCRIPTION: Learn about astronomy as Dr. Cosmos answers call-on questions in the Planetarium and Sunny Skyler provides the latest weather report from the planets as well as the traffic report for solar system travelers passing through the Asteroid Belt. Kids will enjoy the You & Me exhibit, Science Circus, The Eyes Have It and more exhibits.
ADMISSION: $6/person; ages under 2 enter Free
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Sat 9a-5p, Sun 11a-5p
ADDRESS: 221 High Street, Portsmouth, VA MAP
PARKING: adjacent garage on County Street at $1 per hour and FREE on weekends
PHONE: 757-397-4016
WEBSITE: http://www.childrensmuseumva.com

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