NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - An estimated 900 kids and parents came out to the Virginia Living Museum on Sunday to celebrate the New Year long before bedtime.
The Museum hosted its annual "Noon" Year's Eve event with a dance floor, resolution wall and an hourly ball drop featuring ping pong balls.
“It’s the idea that probably most parents aren’t keeping their kids up until midnight, so this is a way for them to come enjoy the museum in a family-friendly, safe environment," said Jessica Ausura, the Director of Guest Engagement for the museum.
Popular animal exhibits, like the otters and celebrating "Newt" Year's with Newt the alligator, were also open.
The Virginia Living Museum also took the opportunity to showcase what's to come in 2024; a small display in the front lobby previewed the Treehouse exhibit opening in January.
Construction at the entrance off J. Clyde Morris Boulevard promises a summer opening for the museum's new Wild Care Center.
“(Visitors) will be able to watch our vet team in action, our animal care team in action and they’ll be able to see our behind-the-scenes animals," said Ausura. “A lot of children learn by doing and so, if you can make it interactive and make it fun, put the technology down for a little bit and learn about the world you, I think that’s a great opportunity.”
And more opportunity is sure to come as the popular Newport News destination says 'goodbye' to 2023 and 'hello' to 2024.
