Nauticus: Game Changers Exhibition

Open now until April 30th, Game Changers Exhibition is the new traveling exhibit at Nauticus. Visitors can discover how video games have progressed and changed over time, while playing some favorite games of the past. Over 120 of the most influential games, including some of our absolute favorites are in the exhibit. Play 16 games like Pac-Man, Mario, and Guitar Hero. 

Test your knowledge, and match popular video game soundbites to their game, step inside a game and see yourself as a game character, or play Tetris on a giant gameboy. 

As a note, much of the second floor of Nauticus is closed for renovations. You can still play with the magnetic fish, jump around on the floor projector, play in "Our Mighty Seaport", and go aboard the Battleship Wisconsin. The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is also open (and free) on the second floor. 

Tickets are $15.95 for adults or $11.50 for children. Children 3 and under are always free. 

Family Fun Xperience

The Family Fun Xperience is an interactive theater at the Virginia Beach oceanfront that allows families to participate at their comfort level, from being at their seat or volunteering to come up on stage. Games ranged from playing individually to partners, to working together as a family, and even together as an audience. 

Pick from sitting in individual seats, tables or couches when you purchase your ticket. Walking in, you'll see the bar where you can purchase popcorn, snacks, sodas, or a variety of beers on tap. Root beer floats were available for purchase during the intermission. Prices were reasonable and coupons can be found in the Monster coupon book. 

We went to the Little and Big Show, but there are a wide range of shows at FFX. Clean comedians, open mic nights, couples shows, The Battle for the Galaxy Live Game Show, and the Disney Game Show, just to name a few. Checkout their upcoming shows, here. Book a Little Big Show for a birthday party, or book the theater for a baby shower or wedding.

Nauticus Toddler Time

One of our favorite museums, Nauticus in Norfolk has announced that they will be offering a new Toddler Time program for children ages 2-3. Classes will include hands on STEM learning and educational content. Children ages 3 and under are free everyday at Nauticus, so it is a perfect time to bring them. Admission to Nauticus includes this program as well as their many exhibits including aquariums, play areas, and learning zones, as well as self guided tours on the Battleship Wisconsin. 

January’s date is already sold out. Sign up for February! The first 50 tickets are FREE! 

Membership to Nauticus is one of the most affordable deals around, and now you've got another reason to visit every month. 

5 Places We Are Playing This Winter

Virginia weather is living up to its reputation for crazy weather. We keep switching back and forth from bundling up to peeling off layers and everything in between, but we still try to stay busy entertaining our toddlers. Here are five places where we have been playing recently. 

01. Virginia Zoo: Right now is the perfect time to go to the zoo. It's cold enough that many of the animals are awake and up and about, but not so cold that they are all inside. It isn't overly crowded and there is lots of room to spread out. Something to note, the goat yard is only open on the weekends, and the train isn't running until the spring. 

02. Jerassic Park: Spelled with an E, not a U, when you look it up, you'll find that Jerassic Park is located in front of the Aviation Museum in Pungo. Jerassic Park is a free outdoor park of metal dinosaurs. Print out the scavenger hunt before you go. 

03. Pinboys: Bowling is a great winter activity, and the Kids Bowl Free program makes it so easy to get two games of bowling per day free for kids with just the cost of the shoes. 

04. My Gym VB: We love My Gym Virginia Beach because they offer classes for babies all the way to older kids. They are offering a two week special for only $29 to check out classes. Class offerings range from Ninja classes to gymnastics based classes. 

05. Library: We love our local library, and they are offering classes again. Most of our local libraries have play areas. Spend some time playing, take a class, and check out a book!