A Museum-Wide Celebration of Scales, Slime, and Science
March 21–22
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Included with Museum Admission
Get ready for one of the most exciting weekends of the year. RAAW transforms the entire museum into a living celebration of reptiles, amphibians, and the fascinating science that surrounds them.
Limited Edition Adopt a Wild Thing
Meet our limited-edition RAAW animals: a turtle and a frog. When you adopt, you help support the daily care of the reptiles and amphibians at the Virginia Living Museum.
These special adoptions are available in person during RAAW only.
"For people who think they aren’t interested in scaly and slimy things, they absolutely will be after they go."
— VLM Administrative Staff Member and Former Keeper
What to Expect
RAAW is a full museum experience. Activities take place throughout the building and grounds, so be ready to explore.
Live Animal Experiences
- Live reptile and amphibian programs
- Public feedings
- Live exotic animals from Reptile Education of Virginia
Interactive Discovery
- Educational displays
- Hands-on activity stations
- Puppet shows
- Face painting
Meet Our Community Partners
Learn how you can:
- Support local wildlife
- Become a responsible pet owner
- Participate in citizen science programs
RAAW Event Schedule
Saturday
10:00 AM
Live Animal Program – LAB (15 min)
10:30 AM
Cottonmouth Feeding – Cypress Swamp (15 min)
11:00 AM
Live Animal Program – LAB (15 min)
11:30 AM
Alligator Feeding – Cypress Swamp (15 min)
12:00 PM
Rainbow Puppets: Reptiles and More! – LAB (30 min)
12:30 PM
Oasis in Space: Planetarium Show – $5 tickets
Snake & Lizard Feeding – Ven/Non-Ven (15 min)
1:00 PM
Live Animal Program – LAB (15 min)
1:15 PM
Tegu Feeding with REV – Lower Level Info Desk (15 min)
1:30 PM
Virginia Skies: Planetarium Show – $5 tickets
2:00 PM
Cold Blooded BTS Tour (45 min) – $30
Rainbow Puppets: Reptiles and More! – LAB (30 min)
3:00 PM
Live Animal Program – LAB (15 min)
3:15 PM
Venomous Snake Talk (15 min) – Classrooms 1 & 2
Sunday
10:00 AM
Live Animal Program – LAB (15 min)
10:30 AM
Pine & Rat Snake Feeding – Cypress Swamp (15 min)
11:00 AM
Live Animal Program – LAB (15 min)
11:30 AM
Gila Monster Feeding – Ven/Non-Ven (15 min)
12:00 PM
Rainbow Puppets: Reptiles and More! – LAB (30 min)
12:30 PM
Oasis in Space: Planetarium Show – $5 tickets
Swamp Turtle Feeding – Cypress Swamp (15 min)
1:00 PM
Live Animal Program – LAB (15 min)
1:15 PM
Tegu Feeding with REV – Lower Level Info Desk (15 min)
1:30 PM
Virginia Skies: Planetarium Show – $5 tickets
2:00 PM
Cold Blooded BTS Tour (45 min) – $30
Rainbow Puppets: Reptiles and More! – LAB (30 min)
3:00 PM
Live Animal Program – LAB (15 min)
3:15 PM
Venomous Snake Talk (15 min) – Classrooms 1 & 2
Behind-the-Scenes Cold-Blooded Encounter
Step beyond the exhibit glass and learn what it takes to care for the VLM’s cold-blooded creatures! On this exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, you’ll witness firsthand what it takes to care for reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.
Tour registration required.
For the Little Ones
Rainbow Puppets returns!
Each year, Rainbow Puppets brings their imaginative, nature-inspired puppet performance to RAAW, delighting kids with playful characters and storytelling that brings reptiles and amphibians to life.
For Adults & Herp Enthusiasts
RAAW is more than a family celebration. For those who want to explore reptiles and amphibians on a deeper level, the weekend offers opportunities to learn, connect, and engage with the science behind the species.
- Research Poster Sessions
- Meet local college students and explore current research happening in our region. Ask questions, exchange ideas, and see science in action.
- Conservation in Action
- Discover how you can make a difference through programs like FrogWatch USA, Turtle Census, and Salamander Survey. RAAW connects passion with real-world conservation efforts happening right here at home.
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!
Supported by:
Volunteers Make RAAW Happen!
Sign up today to be part of the team that brings this event to life.
