Family Safaris

April 27 – Birding Safari

Time: 1pm-6pm
Description: Experience the exciting world of birds during this safari designed for brand-new to beginner birders. Learn the basics of birding from how to identify common birds to birding etiquette before heading into the field to try out your new skills on a guided bird walk. Prior birding experience is not required.
Additional details: Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. The minimum age for participants is 12 years old. This experience involves walking outdoors on uneven, unpaved ground. Close-toed shoes must be worn. This safari will start at the Virginia Living Museum before going to the field site. Guests will have the option to take provided transportation from the VLM to the field site and back, if they would like. We cannot offer pick-up or drop-off and guests must meet us at the Museum for the first part of the experience. Please contact deanna.orr@thevlm.org with questions.
Things to pack and wear: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, close-toed shoes (no flip flops, no sandals, no Crocs), snack, water bottle, layers of clothing appropriate for the weather, binoculars (if you already own them and would like to bring them; not required)

Time: 9am-3pm
Description: Discover the hidden world of herps (reptiles and amphibians) on this safari designed for beginners or anyone curious about our slimy and scaly neighbors. Learn about our local reptiles and amphibians, how to safely herp, and meet a few of our resident animals before venturing into the field for a guided herping tour. Prior experience is not required.
Additional details: Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. The minimum age for participants is 12 years old. This experience requires walking on uneven, unpaved surfaces for 2.5-3 miles. Close-toed shoes must be worn. This safari will start at the Virginia Living Museum before going to the field site. Guests will have the option to take provided transportation from the VLM to the field site and back, if they would like. We cannot offer pick-up or drop-off and guests must meet us at the Museum for the first part of the experience. Please contact deanna.orr@thevlm.org with questions.
Things to pack and wear: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, clothes that can get dirty, close-toed shoes (no flip flops, no sandals, no Crocs), lunch, snack, water bottle, layers of clothing appropriate for the weather.

Time: 8 am – 3:30 pm
Description: Explore the shores and water of the Chesapeake Bay as you collect water quality data and learn about the role of different living and nonliving factors in the ecology of the Bay. Try your hand at safely collecting marine life and explore ways we can better protect these amazing creatures.
Additional details: Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. The minimum age for participants is 12 years old. This experience involves canoeing; we will provide all necessary equipment. Close-toed shoes must be worn into the water; the shoreline has numerous rocks and shells. We will be walking on uneven, unpaved surfaces. This safari will start at the Virginia Living Museum before going to the field site. Guests will have the option to take provided transportation from the VLM to the field site and back, if they would like. We cannot offer pick-up or drop-off and guests must meet us at the Museum for the first part of the experience. Please contact deanna.orr@thevlm.org with questions.
Things to pack and wear: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, towel, clothes that can get wet/dirty, close-toed shoes that can get wet (no flip flops, no sandals, no Crocs), lunch, snack, water bottle, layers of clothing appropriate for the weather, dry shoes and/or clothes to change into afterwards