Wild Explorations: The Virginia Living Musuem

Now open at The Virginia Living Museum is the Wild Explorations exhibit. This hands-on exhibit transforms with each season, and offers both gross and fine motor play for all ages. Inspired by Virginia's seasons and natural landscapes, the heart of the space is a large seasonal tree. You'll notice places to climb, slide, build, play, and learn. Spring is open now until May 22, when it will transform into the summer season. 

Night of the Living Museum

We attended Night of the Living Museum for the first time this year an my kids can't wait to go back. Every October, for one weekend only the Living Museum opens from 5:30-8:30 for not-so-creepy crawlies, candy and game stations, themed music and activities, the regular museum exhibits, and a science show. 

Upon entering, you'll see the special Halloween exhibit in the changing exhibit room, full of animals that are sometimes considered "creepy." Think of tarantulas, snakes, lizards, and frogs. From there you'll want to walk around the museum to all of the candy stations and have your passport stamped. Once you fill this out- trade it in for a king size candy bar before you leave the museum. Outside you'll see the walking pathways all lit up and some special Halloween decor by the dinosaurs. You'll want to play the outdoor games and activities on the way to the planetarium or head inside to catch a science show. If you missed this event, but are looking for something similar, be sure to check out

December 19-23rd at the museum 

Dinosaur Quest: Virginia Living Museum

Here now at the Virginia Living Museum, Dinosaur Quest is an interactive way to learn more about dinosaurs. With both indoor and outdoor components, visitors can view animatronic dinosaurs (one that spits water!) and then test your knowledge in a dinosaur maze, full of activities. 

You'll want to check the programing schedule for supplemental activities like their planetarium shows (you must purchase tickets), their Ambassador Animal Show, and their Super Science Show. Also be on the lookout for their T.Rex Trek where a walking dinosaur will make its way through the museum, and their Dino Discovery Family Camp In. 

As always at the Living Museum there is so much to see with indoor and outdoor components. This visit we found a butterfly house and a fairy garden play area which we had never seen before. If you have a dinosaur lover, be sure to head there before the exhibit leaves on September 7th! 

The Fun Box

We crossed the water over Spring Break to check out "The Fun Box," located outside of Patrick Henry Mall. The Fun Box will spend the spring there and then travel back to Virginia Beach this fall. The Fun Box was created by the oldest sibling of ten from the foster care system and wants to give families a place to play. What's cool about this place is that adults are invited and encouraged to play, too. We did... and not only did we laugh the whole time, but our watches told us that our hearts were racing. 

Their location is open Fridays at 4:30- 6:45, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30- 6:45. Tickets are sold in 75 minute blocks and then they close down to clean in between sessions. Our favorite thing about this park was the staff. Not only was there staff around every corner, but they were engaged with the kids and enforcing the rules to keep everybody safe. Snowcones and water are available for purchase on site.

 

Winter Nature Nights

Visit the Virginia Living Museum from December 19th to December 22nd and you'll be able to catch the Winter Nature Nights from 5:30-8:15. Tickets are $14 for ages 3 and up, and includes strolling through the decorated museum and lights outside on the boardwalk trail. You'll want to see the story walk for the book "How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas", while you check out the decorated dinos. 

Meet Santa, play winter games, listen to live music, decorate and eat cookies, and drink hot chocolate, for no additional charge. A highlight for my kids was the scavenger hunt throughout the museum. 

For an additional price you can purchase tickets to a holiday planetarium show, Star of Wonder or Laser Holiday. 

Peninsula SPCA Barnyard

Located in Newport News, the Peninsula SPCA Barnyard is a great take to place kids to feed goats, chickens, llamas, and donkeys. Admission to the barnyard is only $3.00 for ages 4 and up. The food cups are $1.00. 

The barnyard is open year round, but will close for weather. It's best to call before visiting to ensure they are open. Their hours are Monday through Saturday from 11:00-5:00. 

The barnyard also hosts birthday parties. The area is fenced in and there are ten tables, electrical outlets, fans, and a freezer. It's a great way to support the Peninsula SPCA. 

\

Lee Hall Train Depot

Newport News' Lee Hall Depot was erected in 1881 as part of the Chesapeake and Ohio rail line and served the town of Lee Hall. Service ended in the late 1970's, and the city of Newport News relocated  the building across the tracks to restore it. The museum is small, but it has exhibits upstairs of what it was like for the family to live at the station, and downstairs about the history of the station and the impact on the surrounding area. 

Our favorite section was the "engine" for kids to climb in and press all the buttons, and then the children's area where they have train puzzles, conductor outfits, train whistles to pull, a train going around the top of the room, and of course a train table. Also, while we were there, a train came by and we were able to watch from the porch. There is also a section of tracks laid outside the museum for kids to walk on. 

Admission is free for under 6, ages 7-18 is $6.00, and adults are $8.00. There is a family discount of $20.00 per household also. They do offer a AAA discount. The museum is located at 8 Elmhurst Street and Warwick Boulevard. 

Virginia Living Museum

The Virginia Living Museum is home to a variety of wildlife found throughout Virginia, but it also has a whole section on dinosaurs and fossils, and caves. As we walked through, I kept thinking how much my students would truly benefit from the museum. 

The museum is made up of indoor and outdoor exhibits. Indoors you can check out Virginia's Coastal Plans, Virginia's Piedmont and Mountain Region, Virginia World of Darkness, and Virginia's Underground Gallery.  There are also two different two-story habitats: the Appalachian Cove and the Cypress Swamp. Upstairs there is a spot to view x-rays and footprints, plus a Chesapeake Bay Touch Tank. Downstairs is a play area where kids get to use imaginative play as a vet helping animals. 

Outside on the 3/4 of a mile Boardwalk Trail you'll find everything from wolves to beavers, to deer, and more. Be sure to check the daily feeding schedule to catch the deer, otters, or birds having their lunch. Follow the trail to the very back corner and you'll find Dinosaur Discovery Trail, with 1/3 scale dinosaurs, dig pits, and areas to climb. 

Once outside either head up the steps above the otters or follow the trail behind them to find the Living Green House, an environmental education center complete with a Lego table and opportunities for kids to create their own energy. From there you can easily access the Planetarium and then head to the Children's Garden. My kids loved the Hobbit House and climbing on the spider web. There are several gardens throughout the property to walk through. 

U.S. Army Transportation Museum

Planes, helicopters, tugboats, trucks, jeeps, trains, and even hovercrafts are on display at the U.S. Army Transportation Museum in Newport News. The museum's collection begins at the Continental Army in 1776 and continues to present date. There are large exhibits and displays that wind around inside and then a train yard outside. We saw several types of jet packs and other flying vehicles that I had never seen before as well as information on how the army went to the circus to learn acrobatic techniques. 

One of our favorite parts was a section of lego trains and other sets along with legos for kids to free build.

The museum is open 9:00-4:30, Monday through Saturday. The museum is on the Joint Base Langly-Eustis, so you will have to stop at the brick building on the right hand side and show your ID and run a background check. It only takes about five minutes, and you'll then head to the gate. Once inside the gate, the museum is only about a two minute drive. 

Celebration in Lights

Over a million lights come together for Newport News' 29th season of holiday lights. Each night from 5:30-10:00 over two miles of Newport News Park gets lit up with displays ranging from depicting the seasons to Civil War battles. This display is the most affordable in Hampton Roads at only $12.00 per car Monday-Friday or $15.00 per car Friday-Sunday. Tip: If you purchase advanced tickets at the Newport News Visitor Center, they are only $10, and they can be used any night. 

I have a vague memory of my dad taking me to these lights as a kid, but it was the first time since then that I had even been to Newport News Park. The park sits on the Yorktown line, and apparently it has lots of Civil War history, being part of the Battle of Yorktown. Lee Hall and the Monitor Merrimack can be seen as part of the lights. The trains were the biggest hits of the night for my two guys! 

City Center at Oyster Point Lights and Holiday Cheer

We took a visit to Newport News' Oyster Point for the first time this week. Take a walk around the lake and see the ten minute light show that plays every half hour. While walking around, you'll encounter 16 snow machines, 55 trees, and a 50 foot tree, all tuned to music. The lights are on between 5-9, with a photo pavilion Thursday through Sunday from 5-8. 

If you head there this Saturday, December 18th from 12-3, you'll catch their Holiday Cheer program with free hot chocolate and cookies, be able to paint homemade ornaments, and take photos with an 8.5 foot elf!

Fall Family Festivals in Hampton Roads

With Rosh Hashanah this week, fall is officially here! During fall in Hampton Roads there is so much to do, eat, see, and so many places to play. Enjoy! 

September: 

Beach Music Weekend- Sept. 10-12 

Taco Fest- Sept. 11 12-8 (kids under ten free) 

Hampton Roads Pride Fest- Sept. 12 12-4

A Taste of Suffolk Downtown Street Festival - Sept. 11, 11-5

Growl Fest at the Virginia Zoo- Sept. 11 5-9 

Isle of Wight County Fair- Sept. 16-12

Mt. Pleasant Christian School Fall Fest- Sept. 17-19 9-5

Apple Extravaganza- Sept. 18, 10 am

The Great Food Truck Festival- Sept. 18, 11-6

Chubby's Pumpkin Festival: Sept. 22- Oct. 31 

Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend- Sept. 24-26 

Epps Farm Supply Fall Fest- Sept. 25 8-3

Virginia State Fair- Sept 24-Oct. 3

Hunt Club Farm Harvest- Sept. 25-Oct. 31 10-6

Greek Fest (drive thru)- Sept. 30-Oct. 2 10:30-7

October: 

Virginia Beach KOA Fall Festival- Oct. 1-3

Chubby's Pumpkin Festival: Sept. 22- Oct. 31 

Virginia Children's Festival- Oct. 2 10-3

Great American Food Festival- Oct. 6 3-7

Suffolk Peanut Fest- Oct. 8-10 10am-11pm 

Bluebird Gap Farm Fall Festival-Oct. 17-18 10-5

MOCA Family Fest- Oct. 17 10:00

Neon Festival- Oct 21-22

Newport News Fall Greek Festival- Oct. 21-22 11-9

Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show- Oct 22-24 10-5

First Baptist of Suffolk's Fall Festival Trunk or Treat- Oct. 29 6-8 

City Center Fall Festival- Oct. 30 12-6

Ambassadors for Christ's Fall Fest- Oct. 30 6-9

November: 

Lynnhaven River Now Fall Festival- Nov. 6 

Oyster and South Festival at Greenbrier Farms- Nov. 20

Fireworks in Hampton Roads

Round those kids up and check out one of the many fireworks displays here in Hampton Roads.

Friday:

Elizabeth City: South Water Street. Friday Art Walk. Starts at 4 pm, ends with fireworks.

Williamsburg: Busch Gardens, nightly fireworks at 9:15.

Saturday:
Chesapeake: Celebrate Freedom, Chesapeake City Park. Concert and food vendors. $5 parking. Concerts from 7:00-9:30, then fireworks.

Isle of White- Independence Day Celebration Fireworks Show, food and vendors, Heritage Park Fairgrounds, gates at 5 pm, fireworks after dark.

Portsmouth: 102nd Patriotic Salute: kids games, activities, DJ, food, and programs, plus 40 vendors and a bike and skateboard parade. Takes place in Cradock Afton Square. Begins at 10:30.

Williamsburg: Busch Gardens, nightly fireworks at 9:15.

Sunday:
Kill Devil Hills- Fourth Fireworks Show, Avalon Pier. Also, Freedom 5k.

Manteo: Fourth of July Celebration, kids games and activities, music, contests, and treats. Shows during the day. Fireworks after dark. Begins at 3 pm.

Nags Head: Fireworks Spectacular. Fireworks begin at 9:25 and launch from Nags Head Fishing Pier.

Norfolk: 4th of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks: Town Point Park. Food for sale and concerts. 5:00-11:00 pm. Fireworks at 9:30.

Norfolk: Ghent’s Bike & Dog parade. No fireworks, but join to watch or parade from 9:30-1:30 pm.

Norfolk: July 4th Fireworks Cruise: American Rover cruise along the Elizabeth River. Departs at 7:30. Best view of the fireworks.

Suffolk: Constant’s Warf Park & Marina. Opens at 5:30 for music, fireworks at 9:00.

Virginia Beach: Mount Trashmore. DJ and food vendors. Event begins at 8:00, fireworks at 9:30.

Virginia Beach Oceanfront: Multiple locations for music including 17th street and the 24th street stage. Fireworks at 9:30.

Williamsburg: Lights of Freedom at Colonial Williamsburg. Begins at 9:20.

Williamsburg: Busch Gardens, nightly fireworks at 9:15.

Yorktown: All day long events, fireworks over the York River at 9:15. 

Zumba Kids

When Covid stopped Morgan from teaching her regular YMCA Zumba classes, she knew she needed to do something different. Turning to Zoom, she started teaching her regular Zumba class, but knew that kids needed something to keep them up and moving. So after recently getting her Zumba Kids certification, she started up the classes. The response has been so overwhelming that she knows she can't stop even once isolation is over.

Zumba is an umbrella of classes directed at different ages and abilities. You might remember we did a post awhile back on Zumbini, which is for babies. Zumba Kids is for children ages 3-6, Zumba is for adults, and Zumba Gold is for seniors.  
Morgan was actually introduced to Zumba when she took a class with her mom, who promptly signed her up to get her license. (Us mamas are like that!) It began as an extra hobby, but she fell in love with the fact that it combined fitness, dance, and absolute joy in one workout. The kids in her Zoom classes have clung to that joy too and they have an infectious energy that allows everyone to have a blast, even from their living rooms. The choreography is super simple and introduces moves that might be seen in adult classes, but broken down at a lower level.

I met Morgan for the first time when, without knowing me or anything about me, she volunteered at our Team Hurwitz for Pancreatic Cancer Research Zumbathon. I love how she radiates light and love, and these classes are no exception. Find her youtube channel here to get sweating for you and join her Facebook Group here to find her classes for both adults and kids.  Thanks Morgan!

Toys Ahoy!

The Mariner's Museum is on a quest to turn their museum into a more family friendly place. We did a post about their Maritime Monday and the new things at the museum a while back.  With admission being only a dollar, there is no reason not to check out their Toys Ahoy exhibit.

The Toys Ahoy exhibit showcases over 100 examples of marine inspired childhood toys. This includes puzzles that kids can complete, a boat to climb in, and an over sized battleship game. 

From the exhibit I learned about the ban on toy production during the two world wars and how marine inspired toys, originally mostly from Germany, have now been made in America for years due to the war. 

Go on a Monday and check out the Maritime Monday. Be sure to stop by the lego table, the play ship, the international gallery and then head outside to play on the two wooden ships. Confession: I didn't know the international gallery was there the last time we visited. It's in a building in the back. With lots to play on and see, find a day to stop by!

PFAC

Fine Art is defined as "creative art, especially visual art whose products are to be appreciated primarily or solely for their imaginative aesthetic, or intellectual content." At the Peninsula Fine Arts Center fine art for kids is hands on.

The changing "Hands On" gallery is a spot for self directed play and art. Most of our time was spent playing with Magnatiles, drawing with chalk, and building on the lego wall. We also made some popsicle stick crafts from their bins of options. PFAC does rent out the space for birthday parties too!

On Wednesdays PFAC also hosts "Art Start" for preschool aged children. From 10:30-11:30 kids get to take part in guided activities each week. Children five and under are free. (Registration is required; check online.) Each class has a brief lesson, a song, or a story followed by a related art project.
Upcoming themes:

• January 8- Paper Puppies
• January 15- Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb drums
• January 22- Contrasting Colors
• January 29- architecture and cityscapes 

Another class, "Art Adventures" is for toddlers and their care takers to explore different types of art. They use paint, clay, yard, and more. This class is for ages 2-5 and their parents, the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month. The cost is $15.00 a class per member or $20.00 for nonmembers.

Art museums can seem scary to take young kids to, but I appreciate that PFAC has signs in the galleries with talking points for kids and families. If you're looking to check it out, the museum is closed on Monday, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday from 1-5. Tickets are $7.50 for adults, but they do have a military discount. They also offer free admission the first weekend of every month when an exhibit is on view, and $1.00 admission Memorial Day through Labor Day!