Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 12PM
Did you know Navy ships have a set of flags used to communicate with other vessels? Come experience what it is like to communicate using the International Code of Signals and signal flags on the Battleship Wisconsin.
Program included in general admission!
Did you know 97% of Atlantic Sturgeon spawn in the exact same river they were born in? Would you also be surprised to find out that they navigate their way back to their home rivers by using their sense of smell! Come join us here at Nauticus for “Smell Like A Sturgeon”, an interactive floor program that tests your sense of smell to see if you have what it takes to sniff your way home like the Atlantic Sturgeon.
Smell Like A Sturgeon activity is included in general admission.
Climb aboard Schooner Virginia and set sail for a family-friendly pirate adventure on the Elizabeth River during PirateFest!
Experience the thrill of sailing aboard Virginia’s official tall ship as our crew hoists the sails and the wind carries you along Norfolk’s historic waterfront. Young pirates and seasoned sailors alike are invited to lend a hand, learn about life aboard a traditional schooner, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind morning on the water.
Bring a packed lunch and make a day of it! Enjoy your meal on deck while taking in views of the harbor, passing vessels, and the Downtown Norfolk skyline. Come aboard, embrace your inner pirate, and experience Norfolk from the deck of a historic tall ship!
Boarding begins at 9:45 AM. Sail will last until 12PM.
$40 for children 5-12 | $50 per adult (purchase includes access to Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin)
No children under the age of 5 permitted.
Set sail with us for Pirate School on Saturday, July 25th during Nauticus’ PirateFest, where young buccaneers will learn to talk like a true pirate, practice with their trusty wooden pistols, and hunt for hidden treasure!
It’s the perfect adventure training camp for future swashbucklers. Recommended for ages 3–10.
Price: $5 per child
Sessions:
10:30AM – 11AM
12:30PM – 1PM
2:30PM – 3PM
Did you know Navy ships have a set of flags used to communicate with other vessels? Come experience what it is like to communicate using the International Code of Signals and signal flags on the Battleship Wisconsin.
Program included in general admission!
Rope making is a chance to learn and create with your hands in an interactive way.
Discover how rope and rope making has been implemented on board ships for hundreds of years and how it impacted economic trade throughout the world’s oceans.
Rope making doesn’t just have to involve producing rope for sailing. Help craft your own colorful rope bracelet using technology our ancestors did as we dive into all these topics while spinning your way through history.
Friday, July 3, 2026 | 10AM
Do you have what it takes to survive on the open ocean when your ship goes down? Join us for our interactive floor program as we discuss tools and methods that will help you survive adrift on the ocean.
This daily program is included in Nauticus’ general admission.
Do you have what it takes to survive on the open ocean when your ship goes down? Join us for our interactive floor program as we discuss tools and methods that will help you survive adrift on the ocean.
This daily program is included in Nauticus’ general admission.
Discover the simplicity and effectiveness of sound-powered telephones, still utilized in today’s Navy. Join us for a hands-on experience, testing these reliable communication devices firsthand.
Program included in general admission!
Abandon Ship Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 1PM
Do you have what it takes to survive on the open ocean when your ship goes down? Join us for our interactive floor program as we discuss tools and methods that will help you survive adrift on the ocean.
This daily program is included in Nauticus’ general admission.