Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (Marsh Pavilion)
About
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.
Highlights
- ✓Touch pools with live stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and other marine animals
- ✓Sea turtle exhibit with multiple species swimming in a large habitat
- ✓Mesmerizing jellyfish gallery with stunning lighting
- ✓Daily animal feeding demonstrations and keeper talks
- ✓Interactive displays where kids can learn about coastal ecosystems
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when doors open (9am) to enjoy the touch pools before they get crowded and animals become less active
- 2.Check the daily schedule posted at entrance for animal feeding times and keeper talks,these are the most engaging moments for kids
- 3.Bring hand sanitizer and small towels as kids will want to use the touch pools repeatedly
- 4.Purchase combo tickets online in advance to access both the Marsh Pavilion and main Aquarium building for better value
- 5.Visit the River Otter habitat near the entrance first, as these playful creatures are most active in the morning
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings during the school year (September-May) offer the smallest crowds. Summer weekends and holidays get extremely busy, so if visiting then, arrive at opening time. Rainy days are surprisingly perfect since it's all indoors and locals tend to stay home.
What to Know
General admission tickets are required and can be purchased online or at the door (online saves time). The facility is fully wheelchair accessible with elevators throughout. A small café offers snacks and drinks, though many families pack lunches to enjoy in the outdoor picnic areas.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. Summer brings special programming and extended hours. The aquarium hosts seasonal events like Breakfast with Santa during holidays and Ocean Commotion summer camps, making repeat visits worthwhile throughout the year.
Nearby Eats
Chick's Oyster Bar (1.5 miles away) is a casual seafood spot with a great kids menu and crayons for coloring. For pizza-loving families, Bella Monte (2 miles away) serves Italian favorites in a relaxed atmosphere with booth seating perfect for wiggly kids.
More Activities Near Virginia Beach
First Colonial High School
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Military Aviation Museum
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.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers families an incredible opportunity to explore over 9,000 acres of pristine coastal habitat along Virginia Beach's southern shoreline. Kids can spot dolphins, sea turtles, and hundreds of bird species while hiking easy trails through maritime forests, dunes, and freshwater marshes. The visitor center features interactive exhibits and touch tanks that bring local ecosystems to life for young naturalists.
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park offers families 500 acres of coastal adventure where kids can explore maritime forests, play on sandy beaches, and spot wildlife in their natural habitats. With easy hiking trails winding through cypress swamps and dunes, plus nature centers packed with educational exhibits, this park combines outdoor fun with learning opportunities that keep children engaged for hours.