Photo: Nauticus
Photo: Vic Noël
Photo: Moritz Luthardt
Nauticus
★4.7(2,114 reviews)$$Museum
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for ages 5-14. Elementary-aged children particularly enjoy the interactive exhibits and touch tanks, while tweens and teens appreciate the battleship tour and deeper naval history. Younger children may enjoy some exhibits but might tire quickly on the battleship's stairs and walkways.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Nauticus offers an exciting hands-on maritime adventure that brings naval history and ocean science to life for curious young minds. Kids can explore interactive exhibits about ships, sea creatures, and underwater exploration, then step aboard the legendary Battleship Wisconsin docked right next door for an authentic naval experience that will captivate budding sailors and history buffs alike.
Highlights
- ✓Climbing aboard the massive Battleship Wisconsin and exploring its decks, guns, and interior spaces
- ✓Interactive touch tanks where kids can handle horseshoe crabs and other marine creatures
- ✓Hands-on ship navigation simulators that let children pilot virtual vessels
- ✓The shark and sea turtle exhibits showcasing fascinating ocean predators
- ✓4D theater experiences that make ocean exploration come alive with motion and effects
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early when doors open at 10 AM to beat school groups and have the interactive exhibits to yourselves.
- 2.Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip,the battleship tour involves climbing steep stairs and metal decks that can be slippery.
- 3.Purchase the combo ticket that includes both Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin tour for the best value.
- 4.Don't miss the 4D theater experiences included with admission,check showtimes when you arrive and plan your visit around them.
- 5.Pack light as there's significant walking involved; strollers are allowed in Nauticus but cannot be taken on the battleship.
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday through Thursday mornings are ideal, as weekends can be crowded with families and field trips typically visit midweek afternoons. Summer weekday mornings offer the perfect balance of good weather for the outdoor battleship tour without overwhelming crowds.
What to Know
Admission is approximately $18 for adults and $14 for children (4-12), with discounts available for military families. Paid parking is available at nearby Waterside District garages. A small café inside serves snacks and drinks, but options are limited for full meals.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round except Mondays and major holidays. The outdoor battleship tour can be hot and humid in summer (June-August), so bring water and sunscreen. Winter visits are comfortable indoors but dress warmly for the battleship deck tour. Special naval heritage events and summer camps are offered seasonally.
Nearby Eats
Waterside District is just steps away with numerous family-friendly options including Yard House (kid-friendly American menu with outdoor seating) and Cure Coffeehouse & Brasserie. For a quick bite, the food hall at Waterside offers pizza, tacos, and other casual options kids enjoy.
More Activities Near Virginia Beach
Museum
Military Aviation Museum
★4.8$$❤️45
The Military Aviation Museum houses one of the world's largest private collections of historic military aircraft, with many planes still in flying condition. Kids will be mesmerized by the massive warbirds spanning WWI through WWII, and on select days, they can actually watch these vintage aircraft take to the skies during thrilling flight demonstrations.
Museum
Children's Museum of Virginia
★4.6$$❤️253
The Children's Museum of Virginia offers an interactive wonderland where learning comes alive through play. With hands-on exhibits ranging from engaging water tables and imaginative role-play areas to exciting climbing structures, this museum keeps little ones entertained while supporting their cognitive and physical development in a safe, climate-controlled environment.
Aquarium
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (Marsh Pavilion)
$$
The Virginia Aquarium's Marsh Pavilion offers an exciting hands-on marine adventure where kids can touch stingrays and horseshoe crabs, marvel at graceful sea turtles gliding overhead, and watch mesmerizing jellyfish displays. With daily animal encounters, feeding demonstrations, and knowledgeable educators stationed throughout, children get up-close experiences that spark curiosity about ocean life in ways books simply can't match.
Sports
First Colonial High School
$
First Colonial High School features a public skate park that welcomes young riders on skateboards, scooters, and BMX bikes. With varied ramps and features designed for different skill levels, it's an affordable spot for kids to practice tricks, build confidence, and enjoy outdoor action sports in a safe environment.