The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center has a new exhibit that Pixar fans will love. Emotions at Play, on view now, helps kids understand and express their emotions in a fun, interactive setting based on the animated film Inside Out.
The aquarium is located in Virginia Beach, about a four-hour drive from Northern Virginia, making it a great destination for spring break.
Through May 4, visitors can explore the daily functions of memory, imagination, and emotions in this hands-on experience. The exhibit focuses on the five emotions featured in Inside Out: joy, sadness, fear, anger, and disgust.
Emotions at Play was originally developed by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in collaboration with Pixar Animated Studios.
Here’s a peek at the interactive activities visitors can expect to find in the exhibit:
- The Emotions Mirror helps visitors identify emotions based on facial reactions and body language.
- Kids can stack and balance Emotion Blocks to understand how feelings work with each other simultaneously without falling apart.
- The Control Panel within Headquarters demonstrates the range and intensity emotions can have.
- Guests can create a glowing Memory Sphere based on an important memory.
- At the Train of Thought, kids will practice how to keep emotions on track.
- Finally, kids can use their creativity and imagination to craft an original story, then perform it at Dream Productions.
This exhibit has bilingual signage for English and Spanish speakers.
While you’re there, be sure to check out the rest of the aquarium, too. There are lots of aquatic animals on display, including fish, sharks, seals, and a touch tank with stingrays. The aquarium also offers educational talks from experts, toddler programs, and an adventure park.
Tickets start at $24.95 for youth and $29.95 for adults. It’s free for children under 4, and there are military and member discounts available.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center: 717 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach.
Feature image courtesy Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
