Two beloved American icons come to life in the interactive exhibit for children, Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home at the Virginia Living Museum Feb. 11 through April 29.

The exhibit encourages families to spend time together outdoors and inspires children to discover and care for the natural resources that sustain our world – our home sweet home, as well as highlighting ways to reduce, reuse and recycle resources.

Geared for ages 2-8, the exhibit lets children explore the pretend forest, nature trail, ranger's station, campsite, bridge, urban forest and more through props, costumes, puppets and other creative play. All signage is in both English and Spanish.

Smokey Bear is perhaps one of the most recognized symbols, by both children and adults, for his wildfire prevention message, while Woodsy Owl's message covers multiple areas of conservation.

Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl greet visitors under a leafy forest canopy where visitors will learn the story of the real Smokey Bear and how human activities can impact our natural environment. A cityscape mural provides the backdrop for a pretend house with a small yard and garden shed that encourages visitors to explore the concept of urban ecology. A pretend bridge and stream provide a transition between the forest and urban settings, helping introduce the concepts of interdependence and our responsibility for protecting the environment.

The exhibit was created by the Betty Brinn Children's Museum in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service. It is sponsored locally by National Exterminating Co., St. Leo University and SERVPRO.

The Virginia Living Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Admission is $17 for adults and $13 for children (ages 3-12). Ages 2 and under are free. Members are admitted free.

The museum is located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, I64, exit 258A. Call 757-595-1900 or visit thevlm.org.