Attractions
in Portsmouth, VA

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The city is full of hidden gems and treasures. If you’re tired of always hitting the same spots, take a look at all the options below. We showcase businesses near you where you could spend countless hours of endless fun with your entire family.

Say goodbye to the boring weekends and routine birthday parties. Think outside the box and dare to try something new. Take a look at what your city has to offer – all within driving distance of your location. You might be surprised!
Children's Museum of Virginia
Children's Museum of Virginia

(757) 393-5258

221 High St
Portsmouth, VA 23704   Directions Website

When you and your family first step into the Children's Museum of Virginia, it will be very clear that you are about to embark on a truly special experience. The facility has the distinction of being the largest children's museum in the state of Virginia. Over the course of its impressive 64,000-square-feet, the whole family will find much to capture their interest. There are dozens of interactive exhibits and attractions, a model train collection, and a stunning planetarium that are sure to capture the imagination of every visitor.

Lightship Portsmouth Museum
Lightship Portsmouth Museum

(757) 393-8591

London & Water St
Portsmouth, VA 23704   Directions Website

The kids will love learning about the history and tradition of lightships and their nautical significance when you visit the Lightship Portsmouth Museum. Lightships were originally known as “floating lighthouses” that guide ships into harbors our out to sea. Their legacy is kept alive thanks to the preservation of Lightship Portsmouth, a vessel that now serves as a museum to tell its story and of similar types of watercraft through exciting exhibits and attractions.

Mound Park
Mound Park

(757) 393-8481

Portsmouth, VA
Website

When you want to get the family off of the sofa and out into the great outdoors but don't have the time to take an out of town trip, bring everyone out to Mound Park. This lushly inviting attraction is located in the heart of Portsmouth, but you'll feel like you've escaped to an enticing outdoor retreat miles away from it all. The park sprawls out over 8.8 acres and features a walking path, picnic tables, and wide open spaces that are perfect for a game of catch or just lounging in the sun.

Nauticus
Nauticus

(757) 664-1000

1 Waterside Dr
Norfolk, VA 23510   Directions Website

Learn about the vital role that the sea has played in the history and development of the area when you visit Nauticus. This premier maritime-themed science center and museum is located just a short drive away in nearby Norfolk. The attraction opened its doors in June of 1994 and is located on the former site of Norfolk's banana pier. Interactive theaters, hands-on exhibits and many special presentations are all a part of the Nauticus experience.

Olde Towne Lantern Tour
Olde Towne Lantern Tour

(757) 393-5111

Portsmouth, VA
Website

There is no question that Portsmouth is a city that is proud of history. And you can even reach back and experience a bit of it for yourself when you take the popular Olde Towne Lantern Tour. This is a walking tour of the Olde Towne Historic District and your guide not only leads the way with a big lantern, but he is also dressed in period attire to add to the authenticity of the tour. Held at twilight, you will visit some of Olde Towne's most significant attractions and structures, and hear about the legends and folklore that are still very much alive here.

Pokey Smokey
Pokey Smokey

(757) 393-8481

Portsmouth, VA
Website

Travel back to a time when the only mode of mass transportation was the railroad. A slice of that history is still very much alive in Portsmouth with the Pokey Smokey. Efforts to raise funds to complete the repair of an impressive scale replica of this 19th century steam locomotive are underway. For 41 years, the Pokey Smokey traveled through Portsmouth City Park and offered the opportunity for visitors to ride through and see the area from a truly unique perspective. Soon, that tradition will be continued again. Until then, history buffs and train enthusiasts can still flock to see the Pokey Smokey for a closer look and for many excellent photo opportunities.

Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center
Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center

(757) 393-8543

400 High St
Portsmouth, VA 23704   Directions Website

Thoughts and feelings always need to be expressed. Artists who express their unique thoughts and feelings usually convey them through a variety of media, but the original spirit is always the same–to communicate their story to as many people as possible. That type of expression is at the heart of all of the incredible exhibits and displays that you will discover at the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center. Through the many traveling exhibits and special programs, visitors can uncover the stories behind some of the world's most fascinating cultures as told through paintings, sculptures, pottery and more.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

(757) 393-8591

2 High St
Portsmouth, VA 23704   Directions Website

Fans of history will not want to miss the opportunity to visit the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum in Portsmouth. This is much more than a history lesson–this impressive facility houses an incredible collection of military artifacts, pictures, weapons and many historic ships including the CSS VIRGINIA (EX-MERRIMAC) as well as the world's first aircraft carrier, the LANGLEY.

Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

(757) 800-1555

249 Central Park Ave
Virginia Beach, VA 23462   Directions Website

Whether your kids are sports fans or not, they will enjoy the experience of visiting the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in Portsmouth. Over the course of this impressive two-story facility, you and your family will discover the stories and victories of more than 300 past and present athletes who have earned their rightful place in this Hall of Fame. Additional points of interest include the popular NASCAR driving simulator, an exhibit that will test the speed of your baseball pitch, as well as various other interactive attractions.

Virginia Zoo
Virginia Zoo

(757) 441-2374

3500 Granby St
Norfolk, VA 23504   Directions Website

Located in nearby Chesapeake, the Virginia Zoo is an excellent way to experience some of the world's most amazing creatures without having to travel too far. This award-winning facility presents these fascinating creatures in their natural habitats that only add to the authenticity of your visit. Among the zoo's most popular residents are the monkeys, the elephants, the alligators and the many colorful birds to be found in the aviary. Special presentations, school trips and seasonal events make the Virginia Zoo a great place to visit year round.

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