Wild Tykes is a drop-in program recommended for kids aged 3-5 and their favorite adults! Each program features a new theme with age-appropriate nature and science activities that focus on these core areas: sensory, movement, free play, art, and problem-solving. We won’t be afraid to get a little dirty as we explore and play together! See signs posted in the Zoo’s Fountain Plaza to find out the location of activities on the day of your visit. Free with General Admission.
Theme: Mud & Water
Wild Tykes is a drop-in program recommended for kids aged 3-5 and their favorite adults! Each program features a new theme with age-appropriate nature and science activities that focus on these core areas: sensory, movement, free play, art, and problem-solving. We won’t be afraid to get a little dirty as we explore and play together! See signs posted in the Zoo’s Fountain Plaza to find out the location of activities on the day of your visit. Free with General Admission.
Theme: Animal Babies
Wild Tykes is a drop-in program recommended for kids aged 3-5 and their favorite adults! Each program features a new theme with age-appropriate nature and science activities that focus on these core areas: sensory, movement, free play, art, and problem-solving. We won’t be afraid to get a little dirty as we explore and play together! See signs posted in the Zoo’s Fountain Plaza to find out the location of activities on the day of your visit. Free with General Admission.
Theme: Plants & Dirt
Calling all “Wild Babies” to the zoo! Join us for a NEW program offering for our youngest zoo visitors. We will be exploring age appropriate sensory and educational activities in a small up-close setting. This program is geared for 0-2 year olds and their guardians although older children will be welcome. Wild Babies will involve elements of nature and social development including but not limited to story time, short “hikes”, and an animal encounter.
These programs will be located in one of our classrooms. Please check signs in Fountain Plaza on the day of the event.
Wild Tykes is a drop-in program recommended for kids aged 3-5 and their favorite adults! Each program features a new theme with age-appropriate nature and science activities that focus on these core areas: sensory, movement, free play, art, and problem-solving. We won’t be afraid to get a little dirty as we explore and play together! See signs posted in the Zoo’s Fountain Plaza to find out the location of activities on the day of your visit. Free with General Admission.
Theme: Plants & Dirt
Wild Tykes is a drop-in program recommended for kids aged 3-5 and their favorite adults! Each program features a new theme with age-appropriate nature and science activities that focus on these core areas: sensory, movement, free play, art, and problem-solving. We won’t be afraid to get a little dirty as we explore and play together! See signs posted in the Zoo’s Fountain Plaza to find out the location of activities on the day of your visit.
Theme: Colors & Shapes
We are pleased to inform you that the Class of 2025 Advanced Degree Ceremony for Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School and EVMS School of Health Professions at Old Dominion University will be held Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Chartway Arena.
The first feature of our 4/20 weekend!
The Big Lebowski 
Friday, April 18 at 9:15 PM
It’s just, like, our opinion, man… but we think you should grab your tickets now!
Dazed and Confused Saturday, April 19th at 9:15 PM
One night only!
Tickets available now at our website – gather your crew and celebrate 420 with us in true ’70s style. Bell bottoms optional.A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett
Join us on the Battleship as we pay tribute the one and only, Jimmy Buffett, with live music by Robbie Meade and the Tiki Bar Band. Enjoy themed drinks, tasty bites, games and more all on the fantail!
Doors open for VIP at 4PM and General Admission at 4:30PM. The Robbie Meade will start at 4:30PM and the Tiki Bar Band will start at 5:30PM.
Must be ages 21+ to attend, ID will be verified upon arrival.
Thank you! All events proceeds directly support our transformational youth sailing programs for Title I students in Norfolk public schools. Learn more about Sail Nauticus and its life changing programs here.
Ticket Pricing:
Tickets go on sale to Nauticus members on Monday, April 7 and to the general public on Monday, April 14!
VIP: $65 (Early entry at 4PM, Access to VIP Bar, + 2 drink tickets)
General Admission: $35
Members receive $5 off. Tickets increase by $10 day of event. No refunds on tickets available.
Event Details:
Parking:
Parking is available in all downtown Norfolk garages. We recommend either West Plume or West Main Street garages for a quick stroll to Nauticus. No parking is available onsite at Nauticus. Uber/Lyft drop off is available in front loop.
Please contact our Development Department at development@nauticus.org.
