Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
4.4(15,286)4.4 out of 5 stars, 15286 reviews Virginia Beach, VA
About Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center offers a unique blend of educational and interactive experiences centered around marine life, making it a great choice for families looking to engage their children in a fun and informative environment.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families looking for educational outingsChildren's birthday parties or group activitiesSchool field trips focused on marine scienceToddlers (2-4 years): Enjoy the indoor playground and touch poolsChildren (5-12 years): Engage with interactive exhibits and obstacle courses
Why families love it
- Beautifully designed exhibits showcasing a variety of aquatic animals
- Interactive touch pools for hands-on experiences with stingrays and fish
- Indoor playground and fun activities for children
- Knowledgeable staff providing educational insights
- Touch pools for direct interaction with marine life
- Obstacle course and ziplining for adventurous kids
Insider tips
- Visit in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during school breaks
- Plan to bring snacks as the cafe food may not meet expectations
- Consider visiting during off-peak times for a more enjoyable experience
Good to know before you go
- Afternoon visits during school holidays when crowds increase
- Dining at the cafe if you have specific dietary needs or preferences
- Subpar food options in the cafe
- Crowded spaces, especially in the afternoon
- Some exhibits may feel more geared towards children than adults
- Crowds
- Less crowded in the morning, but can become busy in the afternoon, especially during school breaks
- Value
- Pricing details are not mentioned, but the aquarium offers a range of educational experiences that justify the cost compared to other local attractions. Look for potential hidden costs in food and gift shop purchases.
- Food
- No specific food and drink rules mentioned, but parents may want to bring snacks due to reported food quality concerns
- Accessibility
- No specific special needs accommodations mentioned in reviews
- Safety
- No specific safety measures mentioned in reviews
What parents say
"Enjoyable museum spread out over a wide area. I hope the governor has not lessened support for this nice place. Two criticisms were the food in the cafe was sub par and the otter needs a companion rather than be by him/herself. Lots of fish and other aquatic and related animals. Good science based information."
a week ago
"I recently visited the aquarium and it was such a fantastic experience! The exhibits were beautifully designed. They also have children indoor playground/fun activities. The educational displays were informative, and there were plenty of interactive elements for kids and adults alike. I especially loved the touch pools, where I could gently interact with stingray and fishes. I recommend it to anyone looking to spend a fun day learning about marine life. I’ll definitely be back soon!"
a month ago
"This is an amazing place to see some animals, but be prepared to be dodging little kids and squeezing in between baby strollers, other than that I have nothing to complain about. The gift shop is Awsome and has lots of unique items. There is a lot to do and see!"
a month ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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