Homeschool Day at the Mariner’s Museum

 

Homeschool Day at the Mariner’s Museum is on October 17th this year from 10AM until 3PM. Plan on spending the whole day as they will have plenty of activities. This is one of the best field trips for homeschoolers in Virginia combining maritime history and science all rolled up in one great museum. . The folks at the Mariner’s Museum are super organized and plan activities for all ages so you don’t have to fret over whether the little ones will have anything to do but you can count on your older students having fun and learning as well.

This year’s theme:

“It’s a Maritime World After All. Do you think that the sea influences your life on a daily basis? If you answered “no” you are in for a surprise! Join The Mariners’ Museum as we explore the importance of the maritime world in your life. From the first Thanksgiving to the most recent hurricane and so much more, you’ll discover why it is a maritime world after all!”  

Classes Offered:

Grades: K – 2nd:  Sailing into Thanksgiving   and   Lighthouse Lore

Grades: 3rd – 5th:  Buoyancy and Pirates

                                                                                                     Grades 6th – 12th: Tsunamis and  Hurricanes

Museum Prices:

Early Registration – Until October 10

Members	$12 per student/adult
Non-Members	$15 per student/adult
5 and Under	FREE

After October 10

Members	$15 per student/adult
Non-Members	$20 per student/adult
5 and Under	FREE

Prices include homeschool activities, classes and museum admission. Children 5 and under get free Museum admission and may participate in activities with their older siblings at no additional cost.

These are great prices considering that the early  registration is the same as their regular admission but you get two classes of your choice and extra activities are set up at the museum for homeschoolers. You can register for Homeschool Day at the Mariner’s Museum online here.

Other noteworthy exhibits:

Savage Ancient Seas: Dinosaurs of the Deep   We are super excited about this exhibit. On display are 20 fossilized skeletons or replicas of huge marine reptiles.

Crabtree Miniature Ships are still on display. This was a huge hit during our last visit. Children of all ages are mesmerized by the detail in the miniature ships.

International Small Craft Center I am not sure how we missed this during our last visit but I am definitely going to make sure we explore this exhibit during this year’s trip. This is a collection of 150 boats from 36 different countries. I know my boys are going to love looking at all these boats.

How to get there: The museum is located in Newport News, VA and their website offers helpful directions here and parking is free.

Tips and Tricks: 

• Pack a lunch. The cafe is small and has a decent selection but we prefer to save money and bring our own lunch. I did let the kids pick out a cookie shaped like a pirate as a reward for good behavior throughout the day.
• Arrive a few minutes early so you can get oriented and get to your first class on time
• Don’t forget your camera
• Bring a cinch sack to put there make and take activities in. Last year we had quite a few crafts and activities to carry and I was thankful for my sack.

Enjoy your day at the museum! Hope to  see you there!