Virginia Discovery Museum

The Virginia Discovery Museum is tucked away on a quiet end of the Downtown Mall, but once inside the unassuming building teems with activity. Practically just inside the vestibule the fun begins - train tables, a dress up stage, aquarium "pets" and all manner of science- and art-based exhibits scream "touch me" to the pre-school set. There is a special room for the four-and-unders, as well as a station for older kids to tinker, taking apart all manner of electronic and mechanical devices. An art/activity room offers a rotating roster of fun crafts and the back space changes "meta-exhibits" regularly - from space, to the rainforest to indigenous cultures, the themes offer lots of hands-on fun. Parent should be sure to ask about birthday parties and special craft days. Annual memberships are also available. more

The Discovery museum is neat place for younger kids to go and learn. It does not have as many exhibits as you would find in a publicly funded museum but it is very nice. The prices are a bit high and if you think you might go multiple times it is probably your best bet to buy the family pass. The location on the downtown mall is great because it means that there is lots to do. The exhibits rotate fairly frequently so there is usually something new to do. more