Featured Events ~ Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

E-Cycling

Saturday, January 25, 2020 9:00 AM

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, in partnership with Goodwill Industries, the City of Virginia Beach Public Works and TFC Recycling, will offer its semi-annual E-cycling event at the Virginia Aquarium East Parking Lot. There is no fee to drop off items, but donations are always appreciated.

Acceptable personal electronic recyclable items include:

Personal computers and laptops
Telephones, cell phones and PDA's
Printers
Circuit boards and components
Monitors and flat screens
Fax machines
Stereo equipment and game systems
Regular recycling materials such as newspapers, bottles and cans will also be accepted.

***Note that cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions and alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D) cannot be accepted***

Acceptable household hazardous waste items include:

Up to five gallons of liquids or up to 75 pounds of dry materials
Aerosol spray cans
Automotive fluids
Batteries: Boat, Car, Camera, Cell phone, Hearing aid, Lead acid, Lithium, Rechargeable, Trucks
Herbicides
Household cleaners
Gasoline (up to 5 gallons)
Fertilizer
Pool chemicals
Light bulbs – small quantities of CFLs or fluorescent tubes
Oil and water based paint
Pesticides
Propane tanks (small – up to 20 lb. capacity)

For further tips visit www.VBgov.com/landfill

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE: Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit

Saturday, January 25, 2020 9:00 AM

A new exhibit is inching its way into the Virginia Aquarium! Join us for a members-only exclusive preview of Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit. Explore activities inspired by five of Eric Carle’s classic books - The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Quiet Cricket, The Very Lonely Firefly, The Very Clumsy Click Beetle, and The Very Busy Spider. In this play-and-learn exhibit visitors become the Very Hungry Caterpillar as they follow his path; weave a web with the Very Busy Spider; find their light with the Very Lonely Firefly; make the Very Clumsy Click Beetle flip and jump; and compose a night symphony with the Very Quiet Cricket. This changing exhibit will open to the public on January 26.

Homeschool Day

Thursday, January 30, 2020 9:00 AM

Explore, experiment, and play with colors! Learn how animals use colors to hide from predators or attract mates. Design and create your own animal masterpiece. Go deep in the ocean to explore how colors change in the deep, dark depths. Have fun with colors through shadow games. Activities are hands-on and geared for all ages to explore and have fun!

For more information click here

Sensory Friendly Evening

Wednesday, February 12, 2020 5:00 PM

We will stay open late exclusively for individuals and families wanting a quieter Aquarium experience with soft lighting, limited sounds, and other modifications. We hope that this special event will allow guests to enjoy the animals and exhibits at their own pace and ensure a comfortable visit for everyone, after the doors close to the general public at 5 pm.

Advanced registration is suggested and regular admission rates apply.

REGISTER HERE

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.

Future Sensory Friendly Events:

March 18 (5-7 pm)
April 19 (7:30-9 am)
May 20 (5-7 pm)
June 17 (6-7:30 pm)
July 19 (7:30-9 am)
August 19 (6-7:30 pm)
September 16 (5-7 pm)
October 18 (7:30-9 am)
November 18 (5-7 pm)
December 13 (7:30-9 am)

Adults Only Evening

Friday, February 14, 2020 6:00 PM

With candy hearts, flowers, teddybears, and chocolate filling the air, are you looking for an alternative to the usual Valentine's Day celebrations? Why not plan a special, adults-only, evening with your friends here at the Virginia Aquarium? Leisurely enjoy all of the exhibits, free from daytime crowds, and participate in fun activities throughout the building. There will even be delicious snacks and adult beverages for purchase. Make this Valentine's Day memorable in an unconventional way!

This event is open only to 21 and over with valid photo ID.

Get Tickets Now!

Clean The Creek

Saturday, February 15, 2020 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 damage boat motors. Plastic bags and plastic 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 show their love for our waterways by joining us for a couple of hours 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, February 11. An itinerary will be emailed to volunteers no later than 5pm on Thursday, February 13.

Youth Ocean Conservation Summit

Saturday, March 7, 2020 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 a t-shirt.

Registration is required by February 14! Call 757-385-0278 or email programs@virginiaaquarium.com.

You can download the summit flyer here.

Sensory Friendly Evening

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 5:00 PM

We will stay open late exclusively for individuals and families wanting a quieter Aquarium experience with soft lighting, limited sounds, and other modifications. We hope that this special event will allow guests to enjoy the animals and exhibits at their own pace and ensure a comfortable visit for everyone, after the doors close to the general public at 5 pm.

Advanced registration is suggested and regular admission rates apply.

REGISTER HERE

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.

Future Sensory Friendly Events:

April 19 (7:30-9 am)
May 20 (5-7 pm)
June 17 (6-7:30 pm)
July 19 (7:30-9 am)
August 19 (6-7:30 pm)
September 16 (5-7 pm)
October 18 (7:30-9 am)
November 18 (5-7 pm)
December 13 (7:30-9 am)

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE: Summer Day Camp Registration

Wednesday, March 25, 2020 4:30 PM

Summertime sun and fun will soon be here and you don't want to miss out on the incredible summer day camps offered for ages 6 to 15 here at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center! To kick things off we are inviting our members to this exclusive members-only registration night in the main building, prior to registration opening to the public on March 30.

For more information and a complete list of camps being offered in 2020 click HERE.

Mailed-in registrations will not be considered until registration opens to the public and payment is required at the time of registration.

Career Day at the Aquarium

Saturday, March 28, 2020 11:00 AM

Have you ever thought about how amazing it must be to work at the Virginia Aquarium? Our Youth Conservation Series is offering a special day just for you! Come meet with scientists, aquarists, educators, and other Aquarium professionals to learn about their job duties, what skills and training they need, and how you can get started in their field.

Registration is not required.

Girl Scout Day

Saturday, April 4, 2020 9:00 AM

Join us as we celebrate the magnificent sea turtle! Scouts will satisfy all requirements to obtain their Explore Sea Turtle patch as they examine the adaptations of this unique animal and discover the challenges sea turtles must overcome.

Advance registration is required by March 28 and space is limited!

Get tickets here.

Mermaid Mondays

Monday, April 6, 2020 6:00 PM

Mermaid Mondays, the after-hours event featuring real mermaids swimming in the Aquarium's Red Sea Tunnel, begins on April 6 and continues each Monday through April 27. The mermaids are returning with their friends for special encounters all over the Aquarium.

Guests will be able to visit with a mermaid a locations throughout the Main Building, including at the Ray Touch Pool, and watch as a mermaid swims in the Red Sea Aquarium. This year's event also includes a mermaid puppet show, live musical performances, and other activities as well as photo opportunities throughout the Aquarium.

Reservations for this limited engagement are required. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online 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 tickets available here.

Be sure to check out our extra mermaid experiences Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes and Mermaid Balee's Bubblee Boutique.

Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes

Monday, April 6, 2020 6:00 PM

Don't miss an extra opportunity to see mermaids in our Mermaid Mondays Behind-the-Scenes Experience! 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!

Advance ticket purchase is required for this event as space is limited to 4 people per 15 minute timeslot. Participants must be at least 52 inches tall and children under the age 13 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Ticket price also includes admission to the Mermaid Mondays event.

Tickets are available here.

Mermaid Balee's Bubblee Boutique

Monday, April 13, 2020 4:30 PM

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 makeover-hair, nails, and face make up, while enjoying snacks fit for a mermaid and participating in mer-activities. To top it off, they will be treated to an extraordinary viewing of the mermaids inside the Red Sea Tunnel.

This experience is only offered April 13 and 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and costs $100 per child, which includes the Mermaid Monday activities. A paying adult must join the child for this event. The ticket price for accompanying adult is $22.95(members), $32.95 (non-members) which includes mermaid viewing and Mermaid Monday activities at the conclusion of Mermaid Balee's Bubblee Boutique.

Mermaid Balee's Bubble Boutique tickets are available here.

Mermaid Mondays

Monday, April 13, 2020 6:00 PM

Mermaid Mondays, the after-hours event featuring real mermaids swimming in the Aquarium's Red Sea Tunnel, begins on April 6 and continues each Monday through April 27. The mermaids are returning with their friends for special encounters all over the Aquarium.

Guests will be able to visit with a mermaid a locations throughout the Main Building, including at the Ray Touch Pool, and watch as a mermaid swims in the Red Sea Aquarium. This year's event also includes a mermaid puppet show, live musical performances, and other activities as well as photo opportunities throughout the Aquarium.

Reservations for this limited engagement are required. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online 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 tickets available here.

Be sure to check out our extra mermaid experiences Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes and Mermaid Balee's Bubblee Boutique.

Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes

Monday, April 13, 2020 6:00 PM

Don't miss an extra opportunity to see mermaids in our Mermaid Mondays Behind-the-Scenes Experience! 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!

Advance ticket purchase is required for this event as space is limited to 4 people per 15 minute timeslot. Participants must be at least 52 inches tall and children under the age 13 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Ticket price also includes admission to the Mermaid Mondays event.

Tickets are available here.

Mermaid Balee's Bubblee Boutique

Monday, April 20, 2020 4:30 PM

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 makeover-hair, nails, and face make up, while enjoying snacks fit for a mermaid and participating in mer-activities. To top it off, they will be treated to an extraordinary viewing of the mermaids inside the Red Sea Tunnel.

This experience is only offered April 13 and 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and costs $100 per child, which includes the Mermaid Monday activities. A paying adult must join the child for this event. The ticket price for accompanying adult is $22.95(members), $32.95 (non-members) which includes mermaid viewing and Mermaid Monday activities at the conclusion of Mermaid Balee's Bubblee Boutique.

Mermaid Balee's Bubble Boutique tickets are available here.

Mermaid Mondays

Monday, April 20, 2020 6:00 PM

Mermaid Mondays, the after-hours event featuring real mermaids swimming in the Aquarium's Red Sea Tunnel, begins on April 6 and continues each Monday through April 27. The mermaids are returning with their friends for special encounters all over the Aquarium.

Guests will be able to visit with a mermaid a locations throughout the Main Building, including at the Ray Touch Pool, and watch as a mermaid swims in the Red Sea Aquarium. This year's event also includes a mermaid puppet show, live musical performances, and other activities as well as photo opportunities throughout the Aquarium.

Reservations for this limited engagement are required. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online 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 tickets available here.

Be sure to check out our extra mermaid experiences Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes and Mermaid Balee's Bubblee Boutique.

Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes

Monday, April 20, 2020 6:00 PM

Don't miss an extra opportunity to see mermaids in our Mermaid Mondays Behind-the-Scenes Experience! 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!

Advance ticket purchase is required for this event as space is limited to 4 people per 15 minute timeslot. Participants must be at least 52 inches tall and children under the age 13 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Ticket price also includes admission to the Mermaid Mondays event.

Tickets are available here.

Mermaid Mondays

Monday, April 27, 2020 6:00 PM

Mermaid Mondays, the after-hours event featuring real mermaids swimming in the Aquarium's Red Sea Tunnel, begins on April 6 and continues each Monday through April 27. The mermaids are returning with their friends for special encounters all over the Aquarium.

Guests will be able to visit with a mermaid a locations throughout the Main Building, including at the Ray Touch Pool, and watch as a mermaid swims in the Red Sea Aquarium. This year's event also includes a mermaid puppet show, live musical performances, and other activities as well as photo opportunities throughout the Aquarium.

Reservations for this limited engagement are required. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online 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 tickets available here.

Be sure to check out our extra mermaid experiences Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes and Mermaid Balee's Bubblee Boutique.

Mermaid Mondays Behind the Scenes

Monday, April 27, 2020 6:00 PM

Don't miss an extra opportunity to see mermaids in our Mermaid Mondays Behind-the-Scenes Experience! 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!

Advance ticket purchase is required for this event as space is limited to 4 people per 15 minute timeslot. Participants must be at least 52 inches tall and children under the age 13 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Ticket price also includes admission to the Mermaid Mondays event.

Tickets are available here.

Youth Conservation Series

Saturday, June 6, 2020 8:30 AM

Trash Talking Art

Our Youth Conservation Series provides opportunities for middle and high school students to explore science through field experiences and conservation in action. Students will kayak around Owls Creek to collect trash, track their data, and turn it into art during our World Oceans Day event.

Advance registration is required.