Built in 2008, the Arthur & Phyllis Kaplan Orchid Conservatory (KOC) primarily houses an orchid collection donated by the late Norfolk physician Dr. Arthur Kaplan and his wife, Phyllis Kaplan. The facility now houses over 1,500 individual orchid plants and a diverse collection of tropical plants.
Which came first, Norfolk or its Mermaids? Norfolk ‘s iconic mermaids can be found throughout the city – each one reflecting nautical and Norfolk themes, civic pride, the diversity of the region, and anything else the artists and sponsors could dream up. You’ll find a mermaid covered in coins, sponsored by a bank, while a mermaid sporting a chef’s hat and apron sits in front of a bakery. To see the Mermaids in all of their glory, you can download the Mermaids Walking Map — Mermaids on Parade Tour of Downtown Norfolk — or a Blank Mermaid Map so you can do your own mermaid hunt!
Experience it all at the Waterside District! Here you will be able to eat a variety of cuisines, enjoy kid-friendly activities and late night entertainment! Inside Waterside is The Market, which hosts many unique dining options including Blue Moon Taphouse, Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse, Rocky Mountain Grill and more.
From the plains of Africa to your own backyard, the Virginia Zoo has a world of discovery for you. Open year round, the Virginia Zoo offers family fun, education, excitement and events for everyone. Meet lions, red pandas, orangutans, snakes and more. Go nose to nose with our Siamese crocodile in their immersive habitat or take a ride on the Zoo train. Explore the gorgeous gardens and enjoy an adventure for the entire family!
Norfolk’s Town Point Park is a premier seven-acre waterfront park, nestled on the Elizabeth River in the heart of downtown. Since it first opened in 1983, on select weekends of the year, the park has played host to hundreds of unique festivals and nationally-renowned musical performers. Locally known as the “people’s park,” it was renovated in 2009, and now features state-of-the-art acoustics, and a permanent high-tech performance stage. With the renovation comes an expanded lineup of outdoor entertainment and concerts produced by Norfolk Festevents, Ltd. – all open to the public, many free of charge.
The Generic Theater is Virginia’s Underground Theater. Since 1981, we’ve been the area’s “Off-Broadway” playhouse, producing plays and public programs that challenge and delight audiences, take risks, and are unlikely to be seen anywhere else.
Guiding the curiosity of Hampton Roads and beyond, our planetarium serves as a beacon of exploration, education, and inspiration. With a commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of the cosmos, we strive to ignite wonder and a lifelong passion for astronomy through captivating, immersive experiences. Our mission is to connect people of all ages to the mysteries of the cosmos and empowering them to explore, discover, and appreciate the beauty of the Universe in which we live.
The Norfolk State University Planetarium regularly sponsors lecture series to the public. Voyage through this theatre of stars and explore the universe from the comfort of your seat. Interested educational or civic organizations should contact the planetarium for special, free of charge sessions.
Arena VR
Ping pong
Seated stations
Pro Flight Sim
More fun
Group events
Race cars, arcade games and more.
Against the backdrop of Downtown Norfolk’s financial district, the Wells Theatre stands out as Norfolk’s magnificent historical theater. Located in the heart of downtown Norfolk, the handsomely appointed theatre is an appropriate venue for mid-size group presentations and symposiums.