Virginia Living Museum — Attraction in Poquoson

Absolutely fantastic and fun place for families with children, and generally people of every age. It was fully accessible for people with mobility differences, and interesting and suitable for those with sensory or intellectual differences as well. We went in mid- October and EVERY exhibit and enclosure was decorated with fall or Halloween themed enrichment for the animals, and frankly for us, the patrons.

The museum exhibits are well curated. Informational, educational, and engaging. The live animals were plentiful, including turtles, seahorse, snakes, giant fish and more in enormous aquariums and specialized exhibits including a touch tank. They had a childrens science 'research canter' that was packed with things to explore and do. It was staffed by a Biologist who works to engage the kids in learning crafts and activities, encouraging conservation and responsibly enjoying nature, answering many questions along the way too.

Downstairs, a veterinary clinic play center was fully stocked with x rays, full (play) hospital set up, (play) kitchen for preparing the animals food, kennels, a library of children's books on animals and care- the works.

There are outdoor exhibits of the local fish and wildlife, as well as trails leading out around the river, and to the Wildlife Rehab and care center. Visitors can see any procedures being done, Keeper talks and presentations, and see the many critters that have received care. On the trails, native animals who have been rescued and cant be released to the wild can be seen in natural living enclosures off the raised boardwalk trails that are well tended, and accessible for people of all ages and ability levels, including mobility differences.

They have several areas for kids off the outdoor trails. A amall sensory and children's garden & play area, and a HUGE Dinosaur trail play and learning area. The Dinosaur Trail area is set up as a paleontologist camp. Dig and excavate Dinosaurs bones/fossil (reproductions) with brushes, Climb a tree house or play on slack rope toys, climb dinosaur reproductions and use a life size Allosaur rib cage as a jungle gym, interactively hear Dinosaur sounds... My child could go there once a week just to play at the Dinosaur area, and see the animals on the trails.

Surprisingly engaging, relatively inexpensive. If youre a local, take every visitor, every child in the family, and go anytime, and definitely buy a season pass. Note, the planetarium is only open on...

Very disappointing visit. I had been to VLM years ago and thought it was fairly nice. I'm also a huge supporter of their message.

Sadly what I saw this time was a poorly managed, slightly run down and very short staffed facility.

The habitat displays were poorly presented. One aquarium tank had a trashed blue storage bin as "shelter," that was not a statement about littering. Another reptile display had red plastic hearts hanging in the habitat. Tacky and inappropriate.

A staffer was cleaning various habitats. Something that should either be done behind the scenes, or possibly turned in to a learning opportunity for guests - engaging with people about the animal's needs.

The lighting on information plaques was frequently missing/removed leaving guests to use phone lights to read them.

There were no docents, guides, audio or even background music to enrich the experience.

The staff at the admissions desk did not reflect well on the museum. I understand that they are volunteers and get that they are the backbone of organizations like VLM, but there are still standards for dress, grooming and behavior when you're the first thing guests encounter.

The facilities needed repairs such as misaligned doors, broken chairs in the planetarium, threshold trip hazards that should be painted, missing display railings and plumbing leaks in the women's bathroom in the planetarium. I realize this is a non-profit and that it is the end of tourist season, but wow.

The planetarium shows were mostly canned presentations only suitable for very young children. The free presentations at the Chesapeake planetarium are infinitely better.

The grounds are a poor example of how beautiful native plantings can be. The infrastructure itself is great - including paths, seating, statuary, waterfall and boardwalks. But the plantings are very poor, and the fact that invasives such as privet, mimosa and mulberry are not removed sets a poor example.

I was embarrassed to have brought someone here as a guest and will NOT be coming back. Total...

This was my first visit and there were many surprises. First the Entry visitors center and first exhibits are well maintained and nicely coordinated. Moving through the building into the swamp you get the full experience of being in an understory with the ground cover and smaller trees the water areas for the turtles, catfish, alligator. And the caves housing snakes, salamander, sadly several habitats were empty with signage stating upgrades or awaiting new specimens. Moving outside and walking the 3/4 mile of paths, paved and wooden bridging. There wide areas of the natural waterway not much wildlife was present no visiting birds only a few resident turtles and a couple of resident beaver. Walking further along in the heat of the afternoon most of the residents were asleep like the fox , the coyote was no where to be seen the woodchuck rolled over gave a look of “it’s nap time next time come in the morning” moving further you encounter the train as it moves along shared paths. The animatronic dinosaurs are next with the added attraction that one opens the mouth and sprays water. Next follows the deer, vultures, in between these half dozen habitats where 7-10 empty ones hopefully they will be filled. As the area was beautifully treed and a nice little walk. Just not much to see. A visit to the very expressive Health Center with the possibility of up close personal encounters and with appointment, private interaction and education. A leisurely walk with time to explore will take adults on their own about 2.25 hours with children and the addition of several kiddy interactive area you might plan 3.5 hours. Food, beverages and gift shop are available. I could see this being a once or twice per year visit for me. It’s quite amazing that this quiet enclave is right on busy J. Clyde Morris Blvd. and while inside you don’t even know the city and outside world exists. So visit and get away from the everyday life...