Featured Events ~ Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Special Needs Under the Sea

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 5:00 PM

Join us as we invite families with children or adults with special needs to visit the Aquarium after we close to the general public. See all of our animals and exhibits in a calm, comfortable environment and explore at your own pace. The event begins at 5 pm and continues until 6:30 pm.

Advanced registration is suggested and regular admission rates apply.

Please note: One caretaker is admitted at no charge if they are working with a guest who is visiting the Aquarium. A caretaker is defined as a required attendant without whom the guest could not tour the Aquarium. The disabled guest may request an additional caretaker be admitted at 50% of the regular admission.

Youth Ocean Conservation Summit

Saturday, March 2, 2019 9:00 AM

The National Youth Ocean Conservation Summit empowers students in grades 6-12 from across the country with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to launch ocean conservation projects to protect marine ecosystems in their local communities.

This program is $15 per student, which includes lunch, and registration is required. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. or to pre-register, please call (757) 385-0278 or email programs@virginiaaquarium.com

Seal Spotting Boat Trip

Saturday, March 9, 2019 2:00 PM

Seals are frequent visitors to this area when water temperatures drop, although their favorite haul out spots can make them difficult to see. During this 2.5 hour trip, catch eye-level observations of these special visitors while educators from the Aquarium provide information about the species that frequent our waters.

Seal Spotting Boat Trip

Sunday, March 10, 2019 2:00 PM

Seals are frequent visitors to this area when water temperatures drop, although their favorite haul out spots can make them difficult to see. During this 2.5 hour trip, catch eye-level observations of these special visitors while educators from the Aquarium provide information about the species that frequent our waters.

Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center Event

Saturday, March 16, 2019 11:00 AM

The Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center staff will visit the Aquarium with some lovable pets looking for their forever homes. Meet them from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month, from February through August.

Clean The Creek

Saturday, March 23, 2019 9:00 AM

Trash that finds its way into the ocean can travel long distances with the currents and winds. Not only can it impact marine life, it also washes onto beaches, is caught in fishing nets and can damages boat motors. Plastic bags and pla stic wrap can suffocate marine animals and fish. Birds can easily entangle themselves in plastic six-pack rings and strings. Animals can also get sick or die from swallowing trash, such as cigarette butts. Humans, animals and plants all need unpolluted water to survive.

We're looking for individual volunteers, families, work teams, and military groups to clean by foot or personal kayak. The cleanup will help keep trash and debris from our waterways.

To participate, register by email at aquavols@virginiaaquarium.com or call the Aquarium's volunteer office at (757) 385-0274 no later than noon on Tuesday, March 19. An itinerary will be emailed to volunteers no later than 5pm on Thursday, March 21.

Eleanor & Henry Watts Conservation Speaker Series: Ken Ramirez

Tuesday, March 26, 2019 5:30 PM

Training: Essential to Great Animal Care from Dogs & Cats to Seals & Elephants

Come explore the many ways that training can be used to improve the life of your pets, animals at the aquarium, or animals in the wild with renowned trainer Ken Ramirez. He is a biologist and animal behaviorist with 40+ years' experience in animal care and training. Ken will look at how training enhances the quality of life for our pets as well as animals in a zoo or aquarium. In fact, training can even be used to help animals in the wild and assist with conservation and protection of endangered species. Ramirez is currently Executive Vice-President and Chief Training Officer of Karen Pryor Clicker Training and has previously worked at the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Doors open at 5:30 so guests can enjoy beverages and snacks (for purchase) as well as the Cats & Dogs exhibit prior to the presentation starting at 6:30.

Member Exclusive: Onsite Summer Camp Registration

Wednesday, March 27, 2019 4:30 PM

While it might still feel like winter, summer sun and fun is actually just around the corner. The Virginia Aquarium is planning several entertaining, educational and age-appropriate summer day camps and we are hosting an exclusive early registration just for members on March 27, from 4:30 – 6 p.m.. Be certain to reserve your space before registration opens to the public on April 1. Registrations mailed in will not be considered until April 1. Learn more about the different camps being offered and how to register here.

Mermaid Mondays

Monday, April 8, 2019 6:00 PM

Mermaid Mondays, the after-hours event featuring real mermaids swimming in the Aquarium’s Red Sea Tunnel, begins on April 8 and continues each Monday through April 29. The mermaids return with even more friends for special encounters all over the Bay & Ocean Pavilion. In addition, King Neptune will greet guests and activities will be spread throughout the Aquarium.

Guests will also be able to visit with a mermaid at the Ray Touch Pool, Norfolk Canyon Aquarium, and a mermaid at the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium. This year’s event also includes story time with a mermaid, a mermaid puppet show, live musical performances, and other activities and photo opportunities in the Aquarium’s Bay & Ocean Pavilion.

Reservations for this limited engagement are required. Tickets are $22.95 for Aquarium members and $32.95 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online here or by calling Guest Services at (757) 385-FISH (3474) with a credit card reservation. To enable full viewing of the mermaids by guests, strollers are discouraged for this event.

Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes

Monday, April 8, 2019 6:50 PM

Take an exclusive staff-guided tour above the Red Sea Tunnel to meet the mermaids! Watch as the mermaids swim among the spotted eagle rays and colorful Red Sea residents, and learn about what it means to be a mermaid from the mythical creatures themselves! Each tour is 15 minutes and some restrictions apply.

Tickets are $75 per person and limited to 4 people per timeslot. Ticket price includes Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes experience and admission to Mermaid Mondays event.

Tickets are available here: https://tickets.virginiaaquarium.com/shows/mermaid%20behind%20the%20scenes/events

Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes

Monday, April 8, 2019 7:50 PM

Take an exclusive staff-guided tour above the Red Sea Tunnel to meet the mermaids! Watch as the mermaids swim among the spotted eagle rays and colorful Red Sea residents, and learn about what it means to be a mermaid from the mythical creatures themselves! Each tour is 15 minutes and some restrictions apply.

Tickets are $75 per person and limited to 4 people per timeslot. Ticket price includes Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes experience and admission to Mermaid Mondays event.

Tickets are available here: https://tickets.virginiaaquarium.com/shows/mermaid%20behind%20the%20scenes/events

Clean The Creek

Saturday, April 13, 2019 9:00 AM

Trash that finds its way into the ocean can travel long distances with the currents and winds. Not only can it impact marine life, it also washes onto beaches, is caught in fishing nets and can damages boat motors. Plastic bags and pla stic wrap can suffocate marine animals and fish. Birds can easily entangle themselves in plastic six-pack rings and strings. Animals can also get sick or die from swallowing trash, such as cigarette butts. Humans, animals and plants all need unpolluted water to survive.

We're looking for individual volunteers, families, work teams, and military groups to clean by foot or personal kayak. The cleanup will help keep trash and debris from our waterways.

To participate, register by email at aquavols@virginiaaquarium.com or call the Aquarium's volunteer office at (757) 385-0274 no later than noon on Tuesday, April 9. An itinerary will be emailed to volunteers no later than 5pm on Thursday, April 11.

Easter Bunny Encounter

Saturday, April 13, 2019 11:00 AM

Hop on down the bunny trail and meet Esther Easter Bunny! She will visit the Aquarium to pass out special treats and will be available for photos!

Special Needs Under the Sea

Sunday, April 14, 2019 7:30 AM

Join us as we invite families with children or adults with special needs to visit the Aquarium before we open to the general public. See all of our animals and exhibits in a calm, comfortable, sensory-friendly environment and explore at your own pace. The event begins at 7:30am and continues until 9:00 am, but guests may stay as long as they like after the doors open to the public.

Advanced registration is suggested and regular admission rates apply.

Please note: One caretaker is admitted at no charge if they are working with a guest who is visiting the Aquarium. A caretaker is defined as a required attendant without whom the guest could not tour the Aquarium. The disabled guest may request an additional caretaker be admitted at 50% of the regular admission.

Easter Bunny Encounter

Sunday, April 14, 2019 11:00 AM

Hop on down the bunny trail and meet Esther Easter Bunny! She will visit the Aquarium to pass out special treats and will be available for photos!

Mermaid Balee's Bubblee Boutique

Monday, April 15, 2019 4:30 PM

***This event has sold out.***

Mermaid Balee’s Bubblee Boutique will immerse your 4 to 10 year old child in the world of mermaids with a unique salon treatment fit for the sea! Guests will receive the full mermaid make over-hair, nails, and face make up, while enjoying snacks fit for a mermaid and participating in mer-activities. Then, to top it off, they will be treated to extraordinary viewing of the mermaids inside the Red Sea Tunnel.

Adult must accompany child for this event.

Child tickets available here: https://tickets.virginiaaquarium.com/shows/mermaid%20balee's%20bubblee%20boutique/events

Adult ticket available here: https://tickets.virginiaaquarium.com/shows/mermaid%20balee's%20bubblee%20boutique%20adult%20admission/events

Mermaid Mondays

Monday, April 15, 2019 6:00 PM

Mermaid Mondays, the after-hours event featuring real mermaids swimming in the Aquarium’s Red Sea Tunnel, begins on April 8 and continues each Monday through April 29. The mermaids return with even more friends for special encounters all over the Bay & Ocean Pavilion. In addition, King Neptune will greet guests and activities will be spread throughout the Aquarium.

Guests will also be able to visit with a mermaid at the Ray Touch Pool, Norfolk Canyon Aquarium, and a mermaid at the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium. This year’s event also includes story time with a mermaid, a mermaid puppet show, live musical performances, and other activities and photo opportunities in the Aquarium’s Bay & Ocean Pavilion.

Reservations for this limited engagement are required. Tickets are $22.95 for Aquarium members and $32.95 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online here or by calling Guest Services at (757) 385-FISH (3474) with a credit card reservation. To enable full viewing of the mermaids by guests, strollers are discouraged for this event.

Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes

Monday, April 15, 2019 6:50 PM

Take an exclusive staff-guided tour above the Red Sea Tunnel to meet the mermaids! Watch as the mermaids swim among the spotted eagle rays and colorful Red Sea residents, and learn about what it means to be a mermaid from the mythical creatures themselves! Each tour is 15 minutes and some restrictions apply.

Tickets are $75 per person and limited to 4 people per timeslot. Ticket price includes Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes experience and admission to Mermaid Mondays event.

Tickets are available here: https://tickets.virginiaaquarium.com/shows/mermaid%20behind%20the%20scenes/events

Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes

Monday, April 15, 2019 7:50 PM

Take an exclusive staff-guided tour above the Red Sea Tunnel to meet the mermaids! Watch as the mermaids swim among the spotted eagle rays and colorful Red Sea residents, and learn about what it means to be a mermaid from the mythical creatures themselves! Each tour is 15 minutes and some restrictions apply.

Tickets are $75 per person and limited to 4 people per timeslot. Ticket price includes Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes experience and admission to Mermaid Mondays event.

Tickets are available here: https://tickets.virginiaaquarium.com/shows/mermaid%20behind%20the%20scenes/events

Easter Bunny Encounter

Saturday, April 20, 2019 11:00 AM

Hop on down the bunny trail and meet Esther Easter Bunny! She will visit the Aquarium to pass out special treats and will be available for photos!

Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center Event

Saturday, April 20, 2019 11:00 AM

The Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center staff will visit the Aquarium with some lovable pets looking for their forever homes. Meet them from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month, from February through August.

Mermaid Balee's Bubblee Boutique

Monday, April 22, 2019 4:30 PM

***This event has sold out.***

Mermaid Balee’s Bubblee Boutique will immerse your 4 to 10 year old child in the world of mermaids with a unique salon treatment fit for the sea! Guests will receive the full mermaid make over-hair, nails, and face make up, while enjoying snacks fit for a mermaid and participating in mer-activities. Then, to top it off, they will be treated to extraordinary viewing of the mermaids inside the Red Sea Tunnel.

Adult must accompany child for this event.

Child tickets available here: https://tickets.virginiaaquarium.com/shows/mermaid%20balee's%20bubblee%20boutique/events

Adult ticket available here: https://tickets.virginiaaquarium.com/shows/mermaid%20balee's%20bubblee%20boutique%20adult%20admission/events

Mermaid Mondays

Monday, April 22, 2019 6:00 PM

Mermaid Mondays, the after-hours event featuring real mermaids swimming in the Aquarium’s Red Sea Tunnel, begins on April 8 and continues each Monday through April 29. The mermaids return with even more friends for special encounters all over the Bay & Ocean Pavilion. In addition, King Neptune will greet guests and activities will be spread throughout the Aquarium.

Guests will also be able to visit with a mermaid at the Ray Touch Pool, Norfolk Canyon Aquarium, and a mermaid at the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium. This year’s event also includes story time with a mermaid, a mermaid puppet show, live musical performances, and other activities and photo opportunities in the Aquarium’s Bay & Ocean Pavilion.

Reservations for this limited engagement are required. Tickets are $22.95 for Aquarium members and $32.95 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online here or by calling Guest Services at (757) 385-FISH (3474) with a credit card reservation. To enable full viewing of the mermaids by guests, strollers are discouraged for this event.

Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes

Monday, April 22, 2019 6:50 PM

Take an exclusive staff-guided tour above the Red Sea Tunnel to meet the mermaids! Watch as the mermaids swim among the spotted eagle rays and colorful Red Sea residents, and learn about what it means to be a mermaid from the mythical creatures themselves! Each tour is 15 minutes and some restrictions apply.

Tickets are $75 per person and limited to 4 people per timeslot. Ticket price includes Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes experience and admission to Mermaid Mondays event.

Tickets are available here: https://tickets.virginiaaquarium.com/shows/mermaid%20behind%20the%20scenes/events

Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes

Monday, April 22, 2019 7:50 PM

Take an exclusive staff-guided tour above the Red Sea Tunnel to meet the mermaids! Watch as the mermaids swim among the spotted eagle rays and colorful Red Sea residents, and learn about what it means to be a mermaid from the mythical creatures themselves! Each tour is 15 minutes and some restrictions apply.

Tickets are $75 per person and limited to 4 people per timeslot. Ticket price includes Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes experience and admission to Mermaid Mondays event.

Tickets are available here: https://tickets.virginiaaquarium.com/shows/mermaid%20behind%20the%20scenes/events

Mermaid Mondays

Monday, April 29, 2019 6:00 PM

Mermaid Mondays, the after-hours event featuring real mermaids swimming in the Aquarium’s Red Sea Tunnel, begins on April 8 and continues each Monday through April 29. The mermaids return with even more friends for special encounters all over the Bay & Ocean Pavilion. In addition, King Neptune will greet guests and activities will be spread throughout the Aquarium.

Guests will also be able to visit with a mermaid at the Ray Touch Pool, Norfolk Canyon Aquarium, and a mermaid at the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium. This year’s event also includes story time with a mermaid, a mermaid puppet show, live musical performances, and other activities and photo opportunities in the Aquarium’s Bay & Ocean Pavilion.

Reservations for this limited engagement are required. Tickets are $22.95 for Aquarium members and $32.95 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online here or by calling Guest Services at (757) 385-FISH (3474) with a credit card reservation. To enable full viewing of the mermaids by guests, strollers are discouraged for this event.

Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes

Monday, April 29, 2019 6:50 PM

Take an exclusive staff-guided tour above the Red Sea Tunnel to meet the mermaids! Watch as the mermaids swim among the spotted eagle rays and colorful Red Sea residents, and learn about what it means to be a mermaid from the mythical creatures themselves! Each tour is 15 minutes and some restrictions apply.

Tickets are $75 per person and limited to 4 people per timeslot. Ticket price includes Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes experience and admission to Mermaid Mondays event.

Tickets are available here: https://tickets.virginiaaquarium.com/shows/mermaid%20behind%20the%20scenes/events

Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes

Monday, April 29, 2019 7:50 PM

Take an exclusive staff-guided tour above the Red Sea Tunnel to meet the mermaids! Watch as the mermaids swim among the spotted eagle rays and colorful Red Sea residents, and learn about what it means to be a mermaid from the mythical creatures themselves! Each tour is 15 minutes and some restrictions apply.

Tickets are $75 per person and limited to 4 people per timeslot. Ticket price includes Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes experience and admission to Mermaid Mondays event.

Tickets are available here: https://tickets.virginiaaquarium.com/shows/mermaid%20behind%20the%20scenes/events

Sensible Seafood Fest

Thursday, May 16, 2019 7:00 PM

Join us for this year's Sensible Seafood Fest presented by PNC Bank, on a new date!

This 21 and over event celebrates ocean-friendly seafood and features the opportunity to sample mouth-watering sustainable seafood dishes prepared by local and regional chefs.

Tickets will be on sale beginning on March 18!

Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center Event

Saturday, May 18, 2019 11:00 AM

The Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center staff will visit the Aquarium with some lovable pets looking for their forever homes. Meet them from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month, from February through August.

Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center Event

Saturday, June 15, 2019 11:00 AM

The Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center staff will visit the Aquarium with some lovable pets looking for their forever homes. Meet them from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month, from February through August.

Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center Event

Saturday, July 20, 2019 11:00 AM

The Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center staff will visit the Aquarium with some lovable pets looking for their forever homes. Meet them from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month, from February through August.

Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center Event

Saturday, August 17, 2019 11:00 AM

The Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center staff will visit the Aquarium with some lovable pets looking for their forever homes. Meet them from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month, from February through August.