Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia
Discover interactive exhibits in historic boxcars, a planetarium, and a frontier settlement at this engaging museum for young explorers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover interactive exhibits in historic boxcars, a planetarium, and a frontier settlement at this engaging museum for young explorers.
"So glad we stumbled upon this treasure! We could only stay for 20 minutes but our toddler would have rated all day!"
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Consider a combo ticket with the Exhibition Coal Mine for a fuller experience and better value.
📞 Call for Hours
Hours can change; it's best to call ahead to confirm operating times.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Boxcar Exhibits
Museum Interior
Explore engaging, rotating exhibits housed in historic railroad boxcars, perfect for young imaginations.
Planetarium Stargazing
Planetarium Dome
Enjoy a well-done, 12-minute stargazing show that captivates both kids and adults.
Recreated Frontier Settlement
Outdoor Area
Step back in time at the charming frontier settlement, offering a glimpse into historical life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine with Coal Mine Tour
Check Current Exhibits & Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Consider a combo ticket with the Exhibition Coal Mine for a fuller experience and better value.
📞 Call for Hours
Hours can change; it's best to call ahead to confirm operating times.
⏳ Short & Sweet Visit
Plan for about an hour, as exhibits rotate and it's ideal for younger children.
🧸 Toddler-Friendly Fun
Perfect for ages 2-6, with some activities suitable for slightly older kids too.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Consider a combo ticket with the Exhibition Coal Mine for a fuller experience and better value.
📞 Call for Hours
Hours can change; it's best to call ahead to confirm operating times.
⏳ Short & Sweet Visit
Plan for about an hour, as exhibits rotate and it's ideal for younger children.
🧸 Toddler-Friendly Fun
Perfect for ages 2-6, with some activities suitable for slightly older kids too.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia for its engaging, interactive exhibits housed in unique boxcars, and its friendly, welcoming staff. The planetarium show and frontier settlement are also highlights, offering great value for the admission price, especially for families with young children. Some note that the museum is best suited for a shorter visit, around an hour, and recommend checking hours and exhibit rotations.
"My son is 3, he had a blast.
We will definitely be going back.
The staff was very friendly and even played with us."
Kimberlee Arnold
"What an amazing cute museum. You can go to just the museum or it’s part of the exhibition coal mine.
It’s $5 to go to just the museum. They change the attractions 2xs a year. This time around it was Eric Carle. We spent about an hour there.
Definitely recommend it for ages 2-6 though there are some older kids puzzles."
Elisa Green
"So glad we stumbled upon this treasure! We could only stay for 20 minutes but our toddler would have rated all day if we let them! Great experience for the price. We live 3 hours away but might have to make the drive again just for here!"
Abi M she-her
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia is located in Beckley, WV. It's often visited in conjunction with the Exhibition Coal Mine, so directions to that attraction will lead you to the museum. Parking is generally available on-site.
Public transportation options in Beckley may be limited. It's recommended to check local transit schedules or consider driving for the most convenient access to the museum.
Using GPS with the address for the Exhibition Coal Mine is usually the most reliable method, as the Youth Museum is part of the same complex.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to just the museum is typically around $5. Visiting as part of a combo with the Exhibition Coal Mine might offer a different price point.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Youth Museum, but it's always a good idea to check their website or call ahead, especially during peak seasons or for group visits.
Operating hours can vary and may not always be updated on online platforms. It's highly recommended to call the museum directly to confirm their current hours of operation before your visit.
Yes, many visitors combine their trip to the Youth Museum with a tour of the Exhibition Coal Mine. This often provides a more comprehensive experience of the area's history and culture.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum is particularly recommended for children aged 2-6, with some activities that can engage slightly older kids as well. Toddlers often have a blast here.
Most visitors find that an hour is sufficient to explore the current exhibits and enjoy the planetarium show.
Yes, the museum features a recreated frontier settlement that offers an outdoor element to explore.
The planetarium offers a well-done, 12-minute stargazing show that is a highlight for many visitors.
The museum's attractions rotate approximately twice a year, so there's often something new to see on repeat visits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Youth Museum itself does not typically have extensive food service. It's advisable to bring snacks or plan to dine at nearby restaurants in Beckley.
While specific policies may vary, it's generally a good idea to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or before entering the exhibit spaces.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use inside the museum, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and any posted signage.
The unique boxcar exhibits and the charming frontier settlement offer great photo opportunities. The planetarium show might have restrictions during the presentation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Don't miss the planetarium's short stargazing show, which is a delightful and educational experience for young minds. The recreated frontier settlement also offers a fun outdoor element. Plan for about an hour, making it ideal for shorter attention spans. Consider combining your visit with the nearby Exhibition Coal Mine for a more extensive outing.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
For even greater value, look into combo tickets that include the Exhibition Coal Mine. This allows you to experience two significant attractions for a combined, often discounted, price, making it a very budget-friendly day out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Historic Boxcars
These rotating exhibits mean that what you see today might be different on your next visit, adding an element of surprise. Past themes have included popular children's book characters, making the museum a dynamic destination. The staff are noted for being friendly and engaging, sometimes even participating in the play, which adds to the welcoming atmosphere.
The Planetarium Experience
While brief, the planetarium show is frequently highlighted as a positive aspect of the museum. It provides a calm, educational interlude that complements the more active learning experiences. It’s a great way to spark curiosity about astronomy in young visitors.
A Glimpse into the Past: Frontier Settlement
This historical setting adds another layer to the museum's educational offerings, providing a visual and spatial understanding of the past. It’s a charming addition that enhances the overall visit, especially on pleasant weather days. The combination of indoor, interactive exhibits and outdoor historical exploration makes the Youth Museum a well-rounded destination for young families.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit