The Mermaid Factory is a unique and fun place to live out creativity with family and friends. It offers the ideal blank canvas to inspire creativity, where guests paint their own handmade mermaids, dolphins, and other nautical shapes like octopuses and seasonal ornaments. The experience of painting special memories with loved ones takes approximately 2.5 to four hours and is described as a blast. The space is clean, well-lit, and beautiful, with almost everything on display available for sale, including pre-made items that serve as great gifts or mementos of Hampton Roads.
The staff are wonderful hosts, providing excellent instructions and guidance with lots of encouragement without rushing. They are outgoing, kind, and make everyone, especially children, feel special and acknowledged. The activity includes paint, glitter, and a stand with the studio fee. There are many choices of accessories to decorate creations, though some charm choices can sell out. The staff nicely box up the finished pieces. The business can get extremely busy, so making a reservation is highly recommended, and it is required for groups of eight or more. It is a popular spot for children’s birthday parties, girls’ nights out, bachelorette parties, and even offers quiet days for children with sensory needs. It is a reasonably priced activity and one of the best places in Hampton Roads to create something handmade.
I called last minute to accommodate a large order for a retreat I was hosting in town. Vanessa was so kind and helpful and was able to give me 20 paint to go boxes. I really appreciate her help and kindness in such short notice.
August 2026
The atmosphere was so relaxing. I love creating and here I could! Our instructor was so chilled, fun and very helpful!
August 2026
It was a great experience for the kiddos. A little pricey once they add up all the little extras. You think it may be $25 per decor but it ends up being closer to $45. Overall it was very enjoyable to watch my family paint and design.
