Learning Every Day in Virginia Beach
Play is the vehicle through which children maximize their learning. When children interact with their environment and are exposed to new sights, sounds, feelings, and experiences they are able to ask questions, form opinions and create new knowledge.
Our community offers a variety of meaningful and fun learning opportunities for you and children. Here’s a few ideas for you and your child.
Storytime at the Library
Storytime at the library introduces children to new experiences and fosters a lifelong enjoyment of books and literature. Library staff present a variety of stories and picture book art as well as songs, fingerplays, and other activities to enrich the literature experience. Additional storytime programs are offered for toddlers accompanied by a parent, for school age children, and for whole families, but the Virginia Beach Public Library's core storytime program is planned for children, ages 3 to 5 years old. Storytime is an interactive program where children learn to participate in a group setting away from their parents. Check out storytime at a Virginia Beach Public Library near you! For more information, visit the Virginia Beach Public Library's web site at http://www.vbgov.com/libraries.
Preschool Opportunities with Parks and Recreation
Our supervised environment is a fun, safe place! Our preschool programs are designed to develop your child's creativity, imagination and self-expression. For more information, visit Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation's web site at http://www.vbgov.com/parks.
Toddler Tuesdays , Ages 3 - 5, at the Virginia Aquarium
Every Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the Marsh Pavilion
Toddlers will enjoy a song and story on a different animal each week. Afterward, join us as we go in search of that animal in the Aquarium. Programs are free with paid Aquarium admission and last approximately a half hour. No reservations are necessary. For more information, visit the Virginia Aquarium's web site at http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/.
Pre-K Art Days at the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia
First and third Friday of every month from 10 to 11 a.m.
Bring your little ones for an art adventure at the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia! Kids ages 3-5 learn about the elements of art through storytelling, gallery tours, hands-on art activities and creative movement exercises. Early childhood specialists lead students and parents through a one-hour program designed to teach children basic art lessons. Registration deadline is one week prior to program date. Cost is $5 per parent/child team. For more information, visit the Pre-K Art Days program listings on the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia's web site.
World of Wonders at the Norfolk Botanical Garden
World of Wonders (WOW) is a three-acre garden dedicated to families and children. Located in the heart of Norfolk Botanical Garden, WOW brings the world of plants to our back door, literally creating a museum without walls. This garden is guided by the philosophy that children will thrive and learn in their very own space dedicated to them. The goal of the garden is to encourage children to explore the connections between plants, international cultures and the environment, using their natural curiosity and playful instincts. For more information, visit the Norfolk Botanical Garden's web site at http://www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/.