Summer days have a rhythm all their own.
Slower mornings, longer afternoons, and the quiet question of what are we going to do today?
At the Virginia Living Museum, every visit unfolds a little differently. One day you might spend extra time watching our North American river otters play. Another day, you might walk a favorite trail, meet an animal ambassador during a keeper talk, or find yourself lingering in front of an aquarium longer than expected.
Whether you’re planning a full day of exploration or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend a few hours together, here are some of the ways families love spending summer at the Museum.
1. Start Your Day on the Outdoor Trails
Mornings are one of the best times to explore the Museum’s outdoor habitats and nature trails. The air is cooler, the paths are quieter, and many of the animals are especially active as the day begins.
As you wind through Virginia’s native ecosystems, you’ll encounter animals that call our region home—from red wolves, deer, bald eagle, and bobcat to vultures. Along the way, you’ll find opportunities to slow down, observe, and connect with nature in a way that’s increasingly rare in everyday life.
It’s a peaceful way to begin your visit before the summer heat settles in.
2. Plan Around a Keeper Talk or Feeding
Some of the most memorable moments happen when visitors get a closer look at the animals and the people who care for them.
Throughout the day, Museum staff and animal care experts offer scheduled keeper talks and feedings that provide insight into animal behaviors, diets, training, and daily care. Children often leave with fascinating facts to share, while adults gain a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into caring for wildlife.
Be sure to check the daily schedule when you arrive—you never know which presentation might become the highlight of your visit.
3. Book an Animal Encounter or Behind-the-Scenes
For families looking to make their visit even more memorable, animal encounters and specialty tours offer a deeper level of connection.
These experiences provide opportunities to learn directly from Museum staff, ask questions, and gain a greater understanding of the animals that live here. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to add something unique to your day, these programs create lasting memories and a stronger connection to the natural world.
Many guests tell us these experiences become the stories their children talk about long after the visit ends.
4. Visit the Touch Pool
There’s something special about hands-on learning.
At the touch pool, children can safely and gently interact with marine animals while learning about coastal ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit them. What begins as curiosity often turns into discovery as kids make connections between what they see, what they learn, and what they experience firsthand.
It’s one of those simple moments that tends to stick with visitors long after they’ve gone home.
5. Step Inside the Wild Care Center
Ever wonder what it takes to care for hundreds of animals every day?
At the Wild Care Center, visitors get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the science and dedication that support animal well-being at the Museum. Located along the outdoor boardwalk trail, this state-of-the-art facility offers a window into areas guests rarely get to see, including the veterinary clinic, animal nutrition center, and ambassador animal habitats.
Watch as the veterinary care team performs exams, prepares treatments, and provides specialized care for the Museum’s animal residents. Then take a peek into the nutrition center, where carefully planned diets are prepared using fresh ingredients and tailored to meet each animal’s unique needs.
Along the way, you’ll discover that animal care goes beyond physical health. From enrichment activities and interactive puzzles to thoughtfully designed habitats, every aspect of an animal’s environment is created to support both physical and emotional wellness.
For kids and adults alike, the Wild Care Center offers an eye-opening look at the expertise, compassion, and daily work that help animals thrive—and often becomes one of the most memorable stops of the day.
6. Cool Off in the Indoor Exhibits
When summer temperatures rise, the Museum’s indoor galleries offer a welcome change of pace.
Explore aquariums filled with aquatic life from Virginia’s rivers, streams, and coastal waters. Discover exhibits featuring reptiles, amphibians, insects, and other fascinating species. Take your time, enjoy the air conditioning, and let curiosity guide your next stop.
The indoor spaces provide the perfect balance to a summer day spent outdoors, giving families an opportunity to recharge while continuing to explore.
7. Take a Break and Enjoy a Meal
One of the advantages of spending the day at the Museum is not having to leave when it’s time to eat.
Grab a quick bite at Sate Café, enjoy a snack between exhibits, or settle in for a relaxed lunch before continuing your adventure. Taking a break helps everyone recharge and makes it easier to enjoy the rest of the day at a comfortable pace.
After all, some of the best family conversations happen when everyone pauses long enough to share a meal together.
8. Stay a Little Longer
The best visits aren’t always the ones planned down to the minute.
Maybe it’s watching an animal exhibit a little longer than expected. Maybe it’s finding a shady bench along the trail. Maybe it’s returning to a favorite exhibit one more time or grabbing a special keepsake from the Wild Things Museum Store before heading home.
The Virginia Living Museum rewards curiosity and unhurried exploration. When you give yourself a little extra time, you create space for unexpected discoveries—the kind that often become the most meaningful memories.
Make VLM Part of Your Summer
Some summer days need a plan. Others just need a place to go.
The Virginia Living Museum offers both—space to explore, opportunities to learn, and time to simply be together. From native wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures to hands-on exhibits and conservation experiences, every visit offers something new to discover.
Plan your visit, check the daily schedule, and make the Museum part of your summer tradition.
