Virginia Living Museum Summer Calendar
Through Sept. 7 Frogs: A Chorus of Colors
Explore TOAD-ally cool creatures and get eyeball to eyeball with live frogs from around the world in this traveling exhibit at the Virginia Living Museum. View more than 70 live frogs from across the globe, complete with their noisy croaks, yaps, chirps, whoops, snores and whistles, all housed in detailed habitats with rock ledges, live plants and waterfalls. Interactive games and displays help visitors of all ages have fun while exploring frogs’ biology and natural history, the roles they play in human cultures, their importance to ecosystems and the perils they face in a changing environment. If you’ve never thought of frogs as beautiful, this exhibition will change your mind! “Frogs: A Chorus of Colors” was created by Peeling Productions at Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland. The exhibit is presented by EVB and sponsored by Daily Press, Peace Frogs, WAVY-10, Fox43, 94.9 The Point, the New 101.3 and Candlewood Suites. Through Sept. 7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m daily. Thursdays, June 25 through Aug. 27, open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Story Times
The third Saturday of each month is story time at the Virginia Living Museum. Hear a nature-related story. 10 a.m. Included in museum admission.
July 1-31 Mid-summer Planetarium Shows
Choose among four shows in the Virginia Living Museum’s Abbitt Planetarium. Kids can learn about weather on the planets in “Zula Patrol” at 11:30 a.m. Explore the mysterious world of the former smallest planet in “The Pluto Show” at 12:30 p.m. A staff astronomer takes a tour of the current night sky in “Virginia Skies” at 1:30 p.m. Discover the wonder of amphibians living in our backyards in “Noisy Neighbors: A Frog Story” at 2:30 p.m. “Spirit of America” celebrates America with great patriotic music paired with lasers at 3:30 p.m. The planetarium is open every day. Tickets are $4 plus museum admission.
July 4 Spirit of America in the Abbitt Planetarium
Raining outside? Can’t stand the mosquitoes? All the good viewing spots taken? No worries! Come enjoy the most amazing 4th of July laser displays in the Virginia Living Museum’s nice cool theater with this patriotic laser show! “Spirit of America” mixes great patriotic music with America-inspired rock & roll and songs that have defined American music. Rock on to great artists like John Fogerty, Garth Brooks, Lee Greenwood and so many, many more. Recommended for ages 6 and up. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. VLM members $3, non-members $6.
July 5-11 Shark Secrets Week
Swim, paddle, wade or sail on in to the Virginia Living Museum during this fun-filled week to encounter sharks the VLM way. Each Day we’ll feature special sharky crafts, activities and displays that will put a toothy grin on your face. Learn more about these amazing animals and their relatives, and about the important work being done to preserve their populations and habitats. On Saturday July 11, there will be even more “shark-world connections.” for you and your family to enjoy. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Included in museum admission.
July 11 Pluto Palooza Star Party/Lasers
Free observing begins at sunset at the Virginia Living Museum. Enjoy free NASA exhibits about Pluto. The Pluto Show 5:30 p.m., enjoy patriotic music and lasers in “Spirit of America” 6:30 p.m., tour the current night sky in “Virginia Skies” 7:30 p.m., more patriotic music paired with lasers in “Laser Spirit” 8:30pm, plus a Pink Floyd double feature “Laser Queen” 10 p.m. and “The Wall” 11:30 p.m. Members $3, non-members $6 per show.
July 18 Butterflies of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Join the Virginia Living Museum for our 24th annual NABA Butterfly Watch to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Be a part of this nationwide activity as we collect and release, watch, count and identify butterflies while also enjoying the insects and flowers along the wondrous Blue Ridge Parkway. This trip is a great way to share nature with your family. The trip includes driving to several sites then hiking along short and hilly meadow or forested trails. Minimum age is 8 years; 16 without an adult. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. $50. Register in advance.
The Virginia Living Museum is located at 524 J. Clyde Morris, Blvd. in Newport News (I-64 Exit 258-A). 757-595-1900
Museum admission: $17 adults, $13 children (3-12), ages 2 and under free. Planetarium programs $4 in addition to museum admission.
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
