What to do and see in Virginia, United States: The Best Children's Museums

March 27, 2022 Almeta Stockton

Virginia can make American history come alive. Visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, tour Civil War battlefields, explore the living history museum at Williamsburg… the possibilities are endless (if the kids object, break up the historical sightseeing with a visit to Busch Gardens). Arlington, site of Arlington National Cemetery, is just across the Potomac River from all the major sites in D.C. In addition to beaches and historical attractions, Virginia has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Active families will love the Blue Ridge Highlands, where hiking, canoeing and tubing are just a few of the activities offered. Couples might enjoy a romantic mountain cabin in Virginia after a day of hiking in Shenandoah National Park.
Restaurants in Virginia

1. Explore More Discovery Museum

150 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-3629 +1 540-442-8900 [email protected] http://www.iexploremore.com
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 121 reviews

Explore More Discovery Museum

Reviewed By GrandmaGrandpatime - Leeds, United States

We had a great time at the museum! My triplet grandchildren are 7. We were visiting Massanutten Resort and decided to take the drive. I was a bit concerned about the area after what I had seen on the television and the racial tensions that are well documented.....BUT what a lovely section of the city we experienced. The people we encountered were very friendly, warm and inviting. The hands on activities were awesome! The kids were able to touch EVERYTHING! When you are 7 and curious, what a treat!!

2. Kid's Square

One Market Square/Third Floor, Roanoke, VA 24011 +1 540-342-5777
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Kid's Square

Reviewed By sandracarte - Roanoke, United States

This is a great place for children from 1 up to 11-12 years of age. They have a variety of play stations . All the children seem to have a great time going from place to place. Best tip , just follow them around and see what they do . We have been members for 2 years and it’s been money very well spent . The kids absolutely love this place we go at 10 , do snacks in the main lobby watching big screen movies , then go back up to the museum for more fun. They have seats around for adults to sit as the children play. I highly recommend.

3. Amazement Square

27 9th St, Lynchburg, VA 24504-1422 +1 434-845-1888 [email protected] http://www.amazementsquare.org
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 276 reviews

Amazement Square

Amazement Square is Central Virginia's first multidisciplinary, hands-on children's museum! Climb, slide and discover as you make your way through four floors of exciting, interactive exhibits, activities and programs. Visitors of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can explore global and regional topics, the arts and humanities, science and health-related themes, as well as expand their creativity.

Reviewed By lapislee1 - Lynchburg, United States

Great resource for school age children and their parents. Many different activities for arts and sciences.

4. Children's Museum of Virginia

221 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704-3704 +1 757-393-5258 http://www.childrensmuseumva.com/
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 286 reviews

Children's Museum of Virginia

Reviewed By Jeramie - Marion, United States

Children's Museum of Virginia is an excellent museum. They have lots of exhibits and they work! We have literally taken our three kids ages 5 (twins) and 11 to kids museums throughout the continental U.S. and this one rates right up there as one of the best.

5. JW Tumbles

2499 N Harrison St, Arlington, VA 22207-1633 +1 703-531-1470 http://arlington.jwtumbles.com
Excellent
50%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

JW Tumbles

Reviewed By teachersheb - Arlington, United States

We live within walking distance of JW Tumbles, so we purchased a membership and signed up for a class as well. My daughter is currently three and is around the ideal age for participating in the activities and using the gym equipment. We started going when she was about a year old, and she has always enjoyed being there. When you join a class, you also get free access to open play. This is a very nice perk in the winter and summer especially when it’s too cold/dark/hot to go to the park. Ms. Noelia is a particularly kind teacher there who makes an effort to engage and learn all the children’s names. Overall we have had a good experience!

6. Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum

19 W Cork St Pre-purchased Tickets Required, Winchester, VA 22601-4741 +1 540-722-2020 [email protected] http://www.discoverymuseum.net
Excellent
66%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 177 reviews

Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum

Our mission at the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum is to ignite creativity, spark curiosity and inspire learning in visitors of all ages by providing a rich variety of interactive, hands-on exhibits and programs that focus on the sciences and mathematics, the humanities, and the arts.All exhibits, activities and experiences provided by the Discovery Museum adhere to the following philosophical guidelines:Exhibits, activities and programs are interactive, participatory and informal, and give visitors opportunities to experiment, have fun playing, use their imaginations and share ideas.Visitors are engaged at their own level of expertise and experience.Activities and programs are multi-sensory, authentic, honest, and factual.The Museum works in a spirit of cooperation and partnership with educational, cultural, governmental and community organizations.

Reviewed By 519kathied - Edinburg, United States

All ages kids will love this hands on museum. There are 3 stories of activities and displays. There is a rescue unit to explore, an apple processing set, etc. There are specific activities that have to be signed up for. Always something to entertain and excite the kids.

7. Children's Museum of Richmond

2626 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220-1904 +1 804-474-7000 [email protected] http://www.c-mor.org/
Excellent
41%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
9%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 202 reviews

Children's Museum of Richmond

A center for active learning, creative play and global exploration.

Reviewed By simmonsj190 - Prince George, United States

I took my little cousin and the child that I keep to the museum. They had so much fun, learning about life and science. I sat in the students chair as they took turns being the school teacher, cooking, driving the school, etc. They played the adults and I was the child. They did a great job at it which showed me that they're learning positive things and pays attention to what we try to teach them. They love it there. Their smiles and laughter makes it all worth it.

8. Virginia Discovery Museum

524 E Main St Downtown, Charlottesville, VA 22902-5336 +1 434-977-1025 http://www.vadm.org/
Excellent
50%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 84 reviews

Virginia Discovery Museum

Reviewed By BanjobobHouston - Houston, United States

We came here with our Son in Law and four grandchildren ages 3 to 9. They all had a wonderful time. There are lots of hands on activities to keep everyone busy. There’s a bank, a medical center (complete with scrubs and white jackets) a fancy kitchen, and music center, just to name a few. It kept our busy group occupied for over an hour. There’s also plenty of seating for us ”older kids”. If you have young children and are in area, don’t miss it.

9. The Railroad Museum of Virginia

Wythe Street & Harbor Center Way, Portsmouth, VA 23704 +1 757-335-2284 http://www.railroadmuseumofvirginia.com/
Excellent
63%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 32 reviews

The Railroad Museum of Virginia

A 1910 4-8-0 locomotive, coal tender, mail cars, dining car & caboose make up this specially museum pertaining to steam trains & railroad history. Fun for ALL ages!

Reviewed By RobynH1291

I concur with the other reviews - worth the stop! - great curators: they're knowledgeable about the train and it's artifacts and go out of their way to take care of you on your visit. Their passion is contagious! - all of the museum is housed inside the train cars. There's old railroad memorabilia, train toys and Thomas shows for smaller kids, and a large, running HO layout. - everyone in my family, young and old, thoroughly enjoyed their time!

10. Children's Science Center Lab

11948L Fair Oaks Mall Main Entrance near Sears, Fairfax, VA 22033-3306 +1 703-648-3130 [email protected] http://childsci.org
Excellent
31%
Good
54%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
8%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 13 reviews

Children's Science Center Lab

Northern Virginia's only interactive Children's Museum, the Children's Science Center Lab provides fun, interactive exhibits, activities, and programs for children, families and school groups to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) hands-on.

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