This three-acre garden is dedicated to families and children. WOW has several distinct areas, each offering different interactive lessons, but all offering excitement, enrichment and entertainment.
Come prepared to get wet. Shoes are required
WOW Garden Hours:
9:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (April 1 - Oct. 15)
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (October 16 - March 31) WOW will be closed December 1st-January 31.
WOW operations will Close on December 1 for the season and will resume February 1. During this time, please note that:
- WOW is unstaffed.
- Restrooms and all indoor facilities are closed. Nearest restrooms are in the Butterfly Garden.
- Interactive activities are unavailable.
- Areas may undergo maintenance.
If you need to reach Garden Staff, call the Front Desk at 757-441-5830 x324.
WOW Garden Rules
WOW Programs
WOW Map
Power Plants - Try this interactive page that unearths the secret connections between plants, animals and people.
World Plaza
Splash your way around the world! Through fountains, bubblers, foggers and jet sprays, explore the oceans and other major waterways on Earth. Fountains are turned off during winter months. Periodic maintenance may cause the WOW fountains to be closed. Call 441-5830 for fountain updates.
Discovery Peak
Follow the world's Trade Route and find plants from different continents.
The Dirt Factory
This is a great place to dig, climb, and explore. Inside an oversized treehouse, learn about bugs, plant seeds, and well, play in the dirt!
Plant Safari
Tell time with your own body on a sundial, mark birthdays on a colossal calendar, and follow a trail through nearly an acre of wetlands, forests, grassland and desert areas.
Passport Gardens
Explore different habitats from around the world and learn about the people who live there. Don't forget to bring your map. Here's where the trip will take you:
- Werowocomoco Woods - Eastern U.S. Deciduous Forest
- Oodnadatta Outback - Australian Outback
- Choco Rain Forest - South American Rain Forest
- Ithaca Isle - Mediterranean Chaparral
- Serengeti Savanna - African Grassland
- Kamchatka Taiga - Northern Coniferous Forest
Exploration Station
An indoor classroom that is an ideal site for nature camps and birthday parties, and a unique amphitheatre is perfect for family-oriented concerts and performances. You will find restrooms and vending machines in this area.
