Students get to explore the nautical, naval and natural power of the sea at Nauticus, Norfolk’s interactive maritime museum. This enormous waterside science and technology center boasts over 150 interactive exhibits. Also located at Nauticus are the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and the historic Battleship Wisconsin, the largest battleship ever constructed by the U.S. Navy! This spectacular vessel also doubles as a venue for student performances. The Battleship was recently acquired by the City of Norfolk and the interiors of the ship are now open for tours! If you prefer to spend evenings indoors, student and teachers can party the night away inside Nauticus. This package includes a DJ and pizza party! Dance to upbeat music, tour the exhibits inside, visit the aquarium and watch the Living Sea movie in a large screen theater.
For more nautical fun, students may climb aboard one of several harbor cruises, including a learning adventure on the topsail schooner, American Rover, a tour of the world’s largest naval base aboard the Victory Rover or one of the Spirit of Norfolk’s Kids Discovery cruises.
Students will love to explore one of our outdoor classrooms while in Norfolk. With Norfolk’s mild climate students can discover nature at the World of Wonders — the largest children’s adventure garden on the East Coast and one of over 20 themed gardens featured at Norfolk Botanical Gardens. Before leaving, grab a kayak and tour the garden by water! Enjoy the thousands of camellias, hydrangeas and roses fresh in bloom.
As the cultural heart of the Commonwealth, Norfolk is home to the Virginia Symphony, Virginia Opera, Virginia Stage Company, Virginia Ballet Theater and Virginia Chorale. Norfolk offers everything from live theatre and comedy shows to nationally recognized ballet and opera performances.
Take an afternoon and stroll through 5,000 years of art history at the Chrysler Museum of Art, home to Walter P. Chrysler Jr.’s world-class collection of more than 30,000 works of art. In addition to its envied collections, the Chrysler abounds with exciting concerts, theatrical performances, and children’s programs such as Animals in Art. This tour introduces young learners to great works of art by searching through our collection for images of animals. Animals in Art with Live Animals is another program where students explore the theme of animals in the museum’s collection and meet live animals and their trainers from the Virginia Zoo.
For more information on Norfolk attractions or student programs, contact 800-368-3097 or go to www.visitnorfolktoday.com.