Great Dates: June 2012

June 1

Virginia Symphony Outdoor Concert 8 p.m. A free concert on the lawn outside the Chrysler Museum. The grand finale will be a thrilling performance of Tchaikovsky's rousing "1812 Overture"-complete with live fireworks. Chrysler Museum of Art, 245 W Olney Rd. (N) 664-6200 or www.chrysler.org

Blackbeard Pirate Festival 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. and continues until June 3. Hampton's waterfront comes alive with dozens of pirate re-enactors, who transform today's Hampton into the busy seaport of yesterday. Event includes children's activities, live musical entertainment, period vendors, arts and crafts and fireworks. Downtown Hampton, Settlers Landing (H) 727-0900 or www.blackbeardpiratefestival.com

OpSail 2012 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. and continues until June 12. Parades of sail, ship tours, air show, festivals and fireworks. In various locations throughout Hampton Roads. 441-2345 ext. 3020 or Opsail2012virginia.com

June 2

Saturday Summer Street Fest 6 p.m.- 11 p.m. and continues Saturdays until Sept. 1. Enjoy a fun-filled street fair including live musical entertainment and activities for the young and old. Queensway, Downtown Hampton (H) 727-0900 or www.vasc.org

Electronics Recycle Project 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Recycle old computers, laptops, fax machines, PDAs, cell phones, working televisions, stereos, game systems. Peninsula Town Center, parking lot behind Outback Steakhouse, (H) 727-1130 or hccc@hampton.gov

Racing Family Fun Day 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Enjoy arts and crafts, skills tests, games and prizes - all about horse racing. Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, London Boulevard (P) 393-8031 or www.vshfm.com

The Really Big Dinosaur Puppet Show Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and continues weekends until June 24. Through original songs and the use of more than 20 giant puppets, the time of the dinosaurs reappears on stage. Virginia Living Museum, J. Clyde Morris Blvd. (NN) 595-9135 or www.thevlm.org

Free Admission Weekend 10 a.m. -4 p.m. Enjoy the latest exhibits, On Saturday: Story Telling and activities to celebrate the work of Maurice Sendak, author and illustrator of Where the Wild Things Are. $2 activity fee for non-members ages 4 and up. New exhibits are PFAC in Pictures, a Visual History and Peninsula Pix: A Juried Exhibition. Sunday open 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. Peninsula Fine Arts Center, 101 Museum Dr. (NN) 596-8175 or www.pfac-va.org

June 3

Big Bands On The Bay 7 p.m. Guests are invited down to the Gazebo at Ocean View Beach Park for live Big Band music and dancing. Ocean View Park, Ocean View Avenue (N) 441-2345 or www.festevents.org

June 4

Bike Nights 4 p.m.-7 p.m. and continues every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Bring your bikes, helmets, family and friends out to the Garden to pedal through the petals on 12 miles of paved paths. Free with garden admission. Norfolk Botanical Garden, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd. (N) 441-5830 or www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org

Toddler Time 10:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. Continues most Mondays. Toddler Time is perfectly crafted for your two-to-three-year-old, and combines three elements toddlers love: stories, playing and singing! Registration is not required. Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library, 111 W. Ocean View Ave. (N) 441-1750

Boardwalk Astronomy Sunset Astronomers bring night skies closer to along the boardwalk. Virginia Beach Boardwalk at 24th (VB) 425-3111 or www.beachstreetusa.com

June 5

Dinner with Venus: A Once in a Lifetime Event 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. On rare occasions, the Earth, Venus and the Sun align such that the planet Venus can be seen directly in front of brilliant solar surface. The next transit of Venus will occur in 105 years. Come see this stunning event live as staff astronomers interpret this incredible event for you. Cost includes dinner, a planetarium show, safe solar viewing glasses and more. Registration required. The Virginia Living Museum, J. Clyde Morris Blvd. (NN) 595-9135 or www.thevlm.org

Tunes for Tots 10:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m. and continues Tuesdays. Parents and kids come shake, rattle and roll to your favorite tunes. Free with Garden Admission. Norfolk Botanical Garden, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd. (N) 441-5830 or www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org

ZooTales 11 a.m. and continues every Tuesday. Enjoy story time at the zoo and meet an animal or two. Activity included with Zoo admission: $7 adults, $5 children 2-11, $6 seniors 62 and over, free to zoo members. Virginia Zoo, 3500 Granby St. (N) 441-2374, ext. 229

Paint Days 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Every Tuesday and Thursday. Paint your own picture in the Kids Gallery. Peninsula Fine Arts Center, 101 Museum Dr. (NN) 596-8175 or www.pfac-va.org

Behind-the-Scenes Tour at the Virginia Living Museum 3 p.m. and continues Tuesdays and Saturdays. Enjoy a guided by a member of our knowledgeable curatorial staff. The Virginia Living Museum, J. Clyde Morris Blvd. (NN) 599-1900 or www.thevlm.org

Toddler Tuesdays 11 a.m. For ages 2 - 5 Children will explore animals through stories, songs and movement. Virginia Aquarium, 717 General Booth Blvd. (VB) 385-FISH or www.virginiaaquarium.com

June 6

Positive Discipline 10 a.m.-noon. Learn discipline techniques that work without yelling, arguing or spanking. Register online at www.chkd.org/classes. CHKD Health Center at Oakbrooke, 3rd floor conference room, 500 Discovery Dr. (C) www.chkd.org or 668-7000

June 7

Concert By the Lake - 7 p.m.- 10 p.m. and continues Thursdays though August. Bring a blanket and the children as you enjoy live music, activities, and food and beverages on the front lawn. The Mariners' Museum 100 Museum Dr. (NN) 591-7771 or www.MarinersMuseum.org.

Toddler Trek Thursdays - 11 a.m. Toddlers enjoy song and animals. Virginia Aquarium, 717 General Booth Blvd. (VB) 385-FISH or www.virginiaaquarium.com

Tickle My Ears: Modern & Contemporary Galleries -10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. This unique storytelling program for pre-kindergarten children with stories and songs to help them appreciate art. Reservations are not necessary for individuals, but please call 333-6239 for group reservations. Chrysler Museum of Art, 245 W Olney Rd. (N) 664-6200 or www.chrysler.org

Swingtime Salute, An On-Deck Revue - 8 p.m. and continues Thursday-Sunday until July 8. This show re-creates a 40s-era touring variety show sure to entertain. Tickets $20-$40. For tickets, (800) 982-2787, or www.vastage.com or VSC Box Office. Wisconwww.nauticus.org

June 8

Latin Fest - 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. and continues June 9. Celebrate the sights and sounds of the Latin experience. On the beach at 24th Street, Virginia Beach Oceanfront (VB) 325-3111 or www.beachstreetusa.com

Classic Craft: the Bill Hoover Collection - 10 a.m.- 5 and continues until Sept. 3 Classic Craft is an extraordinary exhibition of never-before-seen vintage boats. $3 or free with Nauticus admission. Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center, Waterside Drive (N) 664-1400 or www.nauticus.org

Norfolk Harborfest- 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. and continues until June 10. Enjoy bands and food. Downtown Norfolk Waterfront, Waterside Drive (N) 441-2345 or www.festevents.org

Portsmouth Seawall Music Festival - 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. and continues until June 10. Enjoy music from various bands. Olde Towne Portsmoth, (P) 393-8591 or www.visitportsva.com

June 9

World Ocean Day With a Dr. Seuss and Friends - 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Story times, scavenger hunt and informational presentations throughout the day will help Aquarium guests learn more about the marine environment. Virginia Aquarium, 717 General Booth Blvd. (VB) 385-FISH or www.virginiaaquarium.com

Star Party/Laser Shows 6:30 p.m. Free observing begins at sunset at the Virginia Living Museum. Choose among five shows, $6 each: Laser Beatles at 6:30 p.m., Saturn: The Ringworld at 7:30 p.m., Laseropolis at 8:30 p.m., Laser Doors at 10 p.m. and The Wall at 11:30 p.m. The Wild Side Café is open 6 to 9 p.m. The Virginia Living Museum, J. Clyde Morris Blvd. (NN) 599-1900 or www.thevlm.org

June 10

Dr. Seuss Themed Breakfast 9 a.m. Dr. Seuss characters such as Cat in the Hat, Thing One and Thing Two, and a few other Seuss friends will join guests for a delicious breakfast. Reservations are required. Call guest services, 385-0300, prior to June 6. Virginia Aquarium, 717 General Booth Blvd. (VB) 385-FISH or www.virginiaaquarium.com

June 11

Break-Out Sessions for Jobseekers 3 p.m.- 5 p.m. Teens and adults can get assistance with creating an email account, designing a resume or completion of an online application on the second Monday of each month, Pearl Bailey Library 2510 Wickham Ave. (NN) 247-8677

June 12

Nurturing Parenting Series for Parents of Children 6-11: Stress and Anger 6:30 p.m. -8 p.m.. Free. Learn the importance of raising children in a warm and caring home, where they can thrive and become respectful, caring and cooperative. Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, 601 Children's Lane 6th floor (N) Register online at www.chkd.org/classes.

June 13

Story and a Walk 10 a.m. Enjoy a story and a nature walk with a Park Ranger. Continues every second Wednesday of the month. Newport News Park, 13560 Jefferson Ave. (NN) 888-3333 or www.nnparks.com

June 14

Just Mom and Me 11 a.m.-noon. Families with children ages 2 to 8 can escape to a world of educational entertainment together and enjoy a variety of enticing activities. Patrick Henry Mall Center Court. Jefferson Avenue, (NN) 249-4305

June 15

Make It and Take It 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Show your artistic side and make something special. Little Creek Branch Library, 7853 Tarpon Place (N) 441-1751 or carol.aubut@norfolk.gov

June 16

Music on Monarch Way 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. and continues Saturdays until Aug. 11. Enjoy local area bands on the lawn. Ted Constant Convocation Center, Hampton Boulevard, (N) 683-4504 or www.oduvillage.com

Dawn Phenom 8 a.m. For diabetics and parents of diabetic children. Learn how to manage diabetes and get exercise at the same time. Noland Trail, Museum Drive (NN) VAinsulindependence@gmail.com

Story Time 10 a.m. Hear Wild and Free by JoEllen Pledger and see a live ferret. Recommended for ages 2 and above. Included in museum admission. Virginia Living Museum, J. Clyde Morris Blvd.(NN) 595-9135 or www.thevlm.org

Voyage of Discovery 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. The new exhibit celebrates OpSail 2012 where guests will embark on a voyage that will take them on a journey throughout the Garden. A replica of the USS Constitution will keep guests entertained as they enter a life-size section of the ship and dream of adventures on the high seas. It's fun for the entire family. Norfolk Botanical Garden, Azalea Garden Road (N) 441-5830 or www.norfolkbotanicalgarden

June 17

Happy Father's Day

Father's Day Promotion 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. In celebration of dads, fathers get in free with one paid child admission. No other discounts apply. Nauticus, Waterside Drive (N) www.nauticus.org

Groovin' By the Bay 6 p.m. Spend your Sunday evenings this summer listening to live music under the stars at Buckroe Beach. Free. Buckroe Beach, 100 1st Street South (H) 727-8311 or www.hampton.gov/parks/

June 18

Fire Safety Clowns 2:30 p.m. The Virginia Beach Fire Department Clowns will teach us all about fire safety. Call to register. All ages. South Rosemont Youth Library, 1503 Competitor Ct. (VB) 385-2650

Summer Fun at Family Focus 9:30 a.m.- noon and continues Mondays and Wednesdays until Aug. 22. Enjoy crafts, games, snacks, songs, fingerplays, water play, outdoor play and stories that correspond with the theme of the day. $60 (can be made in two payments). A parent or guardian must remain on the premises during sessions - occasional guest speakers will be available during parent time. Family Focus Stoneybrook St. George's Episcopal Church 15446 Warwick Blvd. (NN) 886-6511 or e-mail delores_price@bshsi.org

June 19

Family Movie Series Sunset and continues most of the summer. Bring your family, friends and folding chairs to Bluebird Gap Farm on Tuesdays this summer for free movies! Feature presentation begins at sunset. Bluebird Gap Farm 60 Pine Chapel Rd. (H) 727-6739 or www.hampton.gov/parks/

June 20

Wednesday, Fountain Field Days 11a.m.- 3 p.m. and continues Wednesdays until Aug. 29. Enjoy an interactive fountain, children's activities, exercise programs, lawn games, theatre, and dance. Town Point Park, Waterside Drive (N) 441-2345 or www.festevents.org

June 21

Judy Moody Book Club 2 p.m.- 3 p.m. and continues Thursday until July 26. Meet to discuss our selected book about that outrageous third-grader, Judy Moody! (School Age) Lafayette Branch Library, 1610 Cromwell Dr. (N) 441-2842 or megan.mulvey@norfolk.gov

June 22

Sandstock A Tribute to Rock and Roll - 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. and continues June 24. Sandstock celebrates the music of the 70's, 80's, and 90's. 17th Street Park, 24th Street Park, 31st Street Park, Virginia Beach Oceanfront (VB) 425-3111 or www.beachstreetusa.com

June 23

The Knit Wits: Junior Knitting and Crafting Group 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Youth ages 10-17 are invited to learn to knit and participate in other craft projects, 2-4 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month, excluding holidays, Registration is required online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or call 369-3190. Grissom Library, 366 DeShazor Dr. (NN) 369-3190

June 26

Hilby: The Skinny German Juggle Boy 1 p.m.- 2 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets for a performance on the back lawn by the hilarious Hilby. Larchmont Branch Library, 6525 Hampton Blvd. (N) 441-5335

June 27

Wednesday Weekly Story Time 10:30 a.m. Enjoy stories, a craft and cookies. Barnes and Noble Bookstore, 12170 Jefferson Ave. (NN) 249-2488

June 28

Bay Lab Open House 3 p.m.- 5 p.m. and continues Thursdays until Aug. 30. Join an Aquarium educator and volunteer at the Aquarium's Bay Lab located at First Landing State Park as they show guests animals in the touch tanks and habitats, provide a craft for the younger audiences, and offer a beach-finds activity. By Lab at First Landing State Park, Shore Drive (VB) 385-FISH or www.VirginiaAquarium.com.

June 29

Anime and Manga Club 4 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. Teens ages 12-17 can enjoy Anime screenings and Manga discussions. Pearl Bailey Library, 2510 Wickham Ave. (NN) 247-8677

June 30

Dinosaur Discoveries 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Meet live critters that just might be descendents of the dinosaursry your hand at reassembling a set of dino bones. Walk like a dinosaur and make dino-themed crafts. See and touch real dinosaur bones and more. Take a picture next to a model of a full size T-Rex skull on this day filled with dinosaur fun for the whole family. Virginia Living Museum, J. Clyde Morris Blvd.(NN) 595-9135 or www.thevlm.org

Source: Tidewater Parent Magazine