Connect, Engage, Exercise and Explore at The Mariners’ Museum and Park

The Mariners’ Museum and Park in Newport News, Virginia, is home to approximately 32,000 objects, a library that holds nearly 110,000 books and a 550 acre park. The focus of the museum is to connect people to the world’s waters through the various works of art, displays, books and more.

The Mariners’ Museum and Park hopes all visitors will experience an awakening and introduction to their own maritime roots. Read below to glean insight on what to expect during your visit.

Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

Exhibits:

Fortunately, the museum has an exhibit for every member of the family. History buffs will be enthralled with the Defending the Seas, which shares the story of the U.S. Navy’s role in the United States’ past, present and future.

Our family found this exhibit particularly poignant as our grandfather served in the Navy and loved to share his stories; we loved the moving connection we felt to this exhibit.

Toys Ahoy! exhibit at the Mariners Museum. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

Toys Ahoy! piqued my children’s curiosity.

I loved the questions they asked and comparisons made to their toys at home. My bibliophile daughter was even able to learn about a few books she had not read in the books about the sea display.

Speed and Innovation exhibit. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

Speed and Innovation in America’s Cup is for anyone who loves technology or sports. This exhibit opened the door to a lot of questions about how things could work, why one thing could move faster than another and more.

Considering we did not know anything about the world’s premier yachting race prior to our visit, this exhibit certainly taught us the most.

Can you see Eloise playing in the ship? Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

The grounds:

The Mariners’ Park boasts 550 acres offering a scenic place to exercise, picnic and play. Noland Trail is a 5 mile path with bridges, picnic areas and benches at approximately every half mile.

A popular part of the trail is the Lion’s Bridge which provides a stunning view of the James River. Adjacent to the museum’s main entrance, the youngest mariners will love the Bumblebee Learning Garden and wooden ships for climbing and playing.

Bumble bee learning garden at the Mariners Museum. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

Planning your visit:

Tickets can be purchased in advance for a specified time slot. Admission is $1; ages 3 and under are free. The Mariners’ Park and Noland Trail are free and open to the public. The Mariner’s Museum is located at 100 Museum Dr Newport News, VA 23606 and is open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily. Tel: (757) 596-2222. Website: http://www.marinersmuseum.org/

With the admission price of $1, The Mariners’ Museum and Park is a deal that simply cannot be matched, as patrons can learn, connect and engage inside the museum; while exercising, picnicking and exploring the exterior of the museum. RVA on the Cheap Readers: make sure to add this one to your summer bucket list!

— By Lindsay Garrison

Lindsay Garrison, your RVA on the Cheap editor

Richmond on the Cheap publisher Lindsay Garrison is a Richmond, Virginia based mom to two young children. A graduate from Chesterfield Schools and Randolph-Macon College, Lindsay is proud to call Richmond home. In the years prior to planning activities and outings with her own children, she was a French teacher. During her tenure she earned accolades for her creative teaching style and ability to connect with her students. Lindsay now applies the skills she learned when she was planning student trips to France, to her own family adventures. She can’t wait to take her own children to France one day! Follow the Garrison’s family adventures on Instagram: @rva.familyfun

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