Shark Week at the Virginia Living Museum
July 11–31, 2026
Dive into Shark Week at the Virginia Living Museum and discover the important role sharks play in keeping our oceans healthy.
Throughout the month, guests can enjoy shark-themed activities, keeper talks, photo opportunities, and hands-on experiences designed to help visitors better understand these fascinating animals and the conservation efforts that protect them.
Shark Week Special Schedule
Saturday, July 11 | Shark Day
10:30 AM | Chain Catshark Keeper Talk at the Touch Pool
10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Shark Day Activities
- Shark & Ray Conservation Table
- VIMS Shark Research Experience
- Virginia Aquarium Shark Conservation Activities
2:00 PM
- Shark Week Behind-the-Scenes Tour
- Public Catshark Feeding at the Touch Pool
July 12–17 | Daily Shark Week Experiences
2:00 PM Daily | Shark Week Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Each tour includes a special animal feeding experience:
Chesapeake Bay Aquarium Feedings
- Sunday, July 12
- Monday, July 13
- Wednesday, July 15
- Friday, July 17
Catshark Feedings
- Tuesday, July 14
- Thursday, July 16
- Saturday, July 18
Additional Catshark Keeper Talks
Tuesday, July 21 | 2:00 PM
Tuesday, July 28 | 2:00 PM
Meet one of our shark species and learn more about their behaviors, habitats, and importance in the ecosystem.
Guided Activities
July 11 Only
10:00 AM–2:00 PM unless otherwise noted
Shark & Ray Conservation Table
Get up close with shark and ray biofacts while learning how we can help protect these incredible ocean animals.
VIMS Shark Research Experience
Discover how shark research is happening right here in Virginia through hands-on activities focused on what it’s like to be a shark scientist.
Virginia Aquarium Shark Conservation Activities
Explore shark biodiversity and conservation through interactive activities and shark biofacts.
Activities Available All Month
Touch a Shark
Guests can touch chain catsharks in the Touch Pool throughout the month.
Shark Scavenger Hunt
Available daily from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM at the How Life Survives Desk.
Explore the Museum as you search for sharks and discover ways we can help protect them.
What Type of Shark Are You?
Learn about the diversity of sharks and rays while discovering which ocean dweller matches your personality.
Shark Photo Opportunities
Available July 1–31
Capture a few jawsome memories during your visit with shark-themed photo stations located throughout the Museum.
- Shark Cage Photo Opportunity
- Megalodon Shark Jaw Display
- Shark Cutout & Platform
- Special Virginia Living Museum Shark Photo Filter available via QR code
Add-On Experience
Shark Week Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Daily at 2:00 PM | July 11–17
Take a behind-the-scenes look at some of the Museum’s cold-blooded residents during this special Shark Week experience. Learn how our animal care team works with sharks, reptiles, amphibians, and other fascinating species while exploring areas not typically open to the public.
Tour Details
- 30-minute guided experience
- Maximum 10 participants per tour
- Ages 8 and up
- Not wheelchair accessible
Pricing
Members: $10
Non-Members: $15
Advance registration is recommended. Space is limited.
Included with Museum admission except for add-on experiences. Some activities may have limited capacity.
Included with Museum admission (with the exception of add-on experiences).
Some experiences may have limited capacity.
