Virginia Discovery Museum
A 6,000 sq ft interactive children's museum in Charlottesville, VA, offering hands-on discovery in science, art, and history for ages 0-8.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pay what you wish admission
Virginia Discovery Museum
Best Time
Pay what you wish admission
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 6,000 sq ft interactive children's museum in Charlottesville, VA, offering hands-on discovery in science, art, and history for ages 0-8.
"A gem for families looking to engage children in hands-on learning and exploration."
🎯 Free Admission Day
Visit on the first Wednesday for 'Wegman Wednesday' - pay what you wish admission! :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
Little ones will be exploring and playing, so comfy shoes are a must for everyone! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hands-On Exhibits
Throughout the museum
Engage kids aged 0-8 with 15 interactive areas exploring aviation, gravity, music, and more. Perfect for curious young minds!
Showalter Cabin
History Exhibit
Step back in time in this authentic cabin, offering a unique glimpse into historical living for children. A favorite for many!
Downtown Mall Access
Adjacent to Downtown Mall
Easily combine museum fun with shopping, dining, and entertainment on one of the longest pedestrian malls in the US.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission Days
Location & Day Trip Potential
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission Day
Visit on the first Wednesday for 'Wegman Wednesday' - pay what you wish admission! :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
Little ones will be exploring and playing, so comfy shoes are a must for everyone! :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Validation
Parking is validated, making your visit even more affordable. Ask staff for details. :parking:
👨👩👧👦 Great for Young Kids
Ideal for children aged 2-5, with plenty of interactive exhibits to keep them engaged.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Day
Visit on the first Wednesday for 'Wegman Wednesday' - pay what you wish admission! :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
Little ones will be exploring and playing, so comfy shoes are a must for everyone! :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Validation
Parking is validated, making your visit even more affordable. Ask staff for details. :parking:
👨👩👧👦 Great for Young Kids
Ideal for children aged 2-5, with plenty of interactive exhibits to keep them engaged.
📅 Combine with Downtown
Perfectly located for a day trip! Explore the mall, then visit the museum.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Virginia Discovery Museum for its engaging, hands-on exhibits that captivate children of all ages, particularly those aged 2-5. Its convenient location on the Downtown Mall and budget-friendly options like 'Wegman Wednesday' are highly appreciated. While generally well-received, some visitors note it's best suited for younger children.
"Really fantastic for our 16 month old to freely climb and learn from the areas/toys he'd never seen before. A wide range of ages of kids were able to find something of interest. Five stars. Haven't tried it yet but the "date night" daycare option sounds pretty cool"
Tracey Border
"We had so much fun here! I go to CVille for medical appointments often. This will be a place that we add to our schedule when we are in town. So much fun!"
Meagan O.
"My kids thoroughly enjoyed their time here. It's got a little bit for every age and was time and money well spent. Found out it's free for medicaid recipients and Wednesday was give what you can day. So great option for low income families for kids to enjoy😍"
Anita Saleem
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall, a vibrant pedestrian area. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available and often validated. Many visitors combine their trip with exploring the shops and restaurants on the mall.
Yes, parking is available near the museum, and it is often validated, especially on free admission days. Check with the museum staff for the most current parking information.
Charlottesville has a public transit system, and the Downtown Mall is a central hub. Check the local transit schedules for routes that service the downtown area.
The museum is designed to be accessible for all visitors, with interactive exhibits spread across its 6,000 square feet.
Depending on your starting point, you can drive, take a bus, or train to Charlottesville. The museum's central location makes it a convenient stop once you arrive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission prices vary, but the museum offers 'Wegman Wednesday' on the first Wednesday of each month, where admission is 'pay what you wish,' including free entry.
Yes, the first Wednesday of every month is 'Wegman Wednesday,' offering pay-what-you-wish admission.
Yes, family memberships are available and make a great gift for local families, offering year-round access to the museum's exhibits.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Virginia Discovery Museum website or their social media for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
The museum offers 'pay what you can' days and is known to be accessible for low-income families, with Medicaid recipients sometimes receiving free entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum is primarily designed for children aged 0-8, with a particular focus on ages 2-5. It offers interactive exhibits that cater to a wide range of young learners.
You'll find 15 hands-on, educational play areas covering topics like aviation, gravity, sound, music, and history, including a favorite like the Showalter Cabin.
Crowds can vary. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, while weekends and special event days can be busier. The 'pay what you wish' day may also attract more visitors.
Absolutely! The museum is fantastic for toddlers as young as 16 months, offering safe spaces for them to climb and explore new toys and areas.
While designed for children, adults can enjoy seeing their kids learn and play. The museum's location on the Downtown Mall also offers adult-friendly amenities nearby.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not typically have a full-service cafe. However, its prime location on the Downtown Mall means there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries just steps away.
It's generally recommended to check the museum's specific policy on outside food and beverages. Often, small snacks and drinks are permitted in designated areas, but full meals are usually discouraged.
The Downtown Mall offers a wide variety of family-friendly restaurants, from casual cafes to pizza places and diners, perfect for refueling after a museum visit.
Yes, the Downtown Mall is packed with sidewalk cafes and restaurants offering diverse cuisines, making it easy to find a spot for lunch.
Given the variety of eateries on the Downtown Mall, you're likely to find options that cater to picky eaters, such as pizza, burgers, or simple sandwiches.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography is allowed for capturing memories. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially regarding flash photography or professional shoots.
The interactive exhibits themselves make for great photos, capturing children's engagement. The Showalter Cabin also offers a unique historical backdrop.
Short personal videos are usually permitted. Social media creators often share snippets of their visits, indicating that video is generally accepted for personal use. +1
The colorful and engaging nature of the exhibits makes most areas photogenic. The outdoor-accessible parts of the Downtown Mall also offer scenic photo opportunities.
A smartphone is usually sufficient for capturing great photos and videos of your family's experience. If you plan on extensive photography, a compact camera might be useful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children (Ages 0-5)
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid the largest crowds. Take advantage of 'Wegman Wednesday' for a pay-what-you-wish admission, making it an incredibly budget-friendly outing. The museum's location on the Downtown Mall also means you can easily incorporate a visit into a larger family day out with nearby dining and shopping options.
💰 Budget Travelers
Additionally, keep an eye out for potential discounts for Medicaid recipients or other community programs that offer free or reduced entry. Parking is often validated, so factor that into your transportation costs. Combining your museum visit with a picnic lunch or exploring the many free aspects of the Downtown Mall can further enhance your budget-friendly experience.
📅 Day-Trippers
To maximize your day, consider arriving shortly after opening to enjoy the exhibits before peak crowds. The museum's interactive nature ensures kids will be happily engaged, leaving you time to explore the surrounding area. Remember to check for 'Wegman Wednesday' if your day trip falls on the first Wednesday of the month for a budget-friendly admission.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Interactive Learning for Young Children
One of the standout features is the Showalter Cabin, offering a tangible connection to history. This exhibit allows children to experience a different way of life, fostering an understanding of the past. The museum's commitment to providing a diverse range of experiences ensures that every child can find something that sparks their interest, whether it's building, experimenting, or imagining.
Parents consistently praise the museum for its ability to keep children entertained and educated for hours. The interactive nature of the exhibits is frequently highlighted as a key reason for repeat visits, making it a valuable resource for families in the Charlottesville area.
Planning a Day Trip to the Downtown Mall
Shopping on the Downtown Mall ranges from unique boutiques to vintage finds, providing ample opportunities for browsing and discovering treasures. For dining, the mall boasts a vibrant selection of sidewalk cafes and restaurants, catering to diverse tastes and budgets. This makes it simple to grab lunch or dinner before or after your museum visit, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Beyond shopping and dining, the Downtown Mall often features live music and other events, adding to its lively atmosphere. The proximity of the museum to these attractions means you can seamlessly transition from educational play to leisurely exploration, making the Virginia Discovery Museum a central point for a memorable Charlottesville adventure.
Budget-Friendly Visits and Family Memberships
Furthermore, the museum is recognized for its accessibility to low-income families, with mentions of Medicaid recipients potentially receiving free admission. This commitment to inclusivity underscores the museum's role as a community resource. Parking is also often validated, further reducing the overall cost of a visit.
For local families planning frequent visits, a family membership is a worthwhile investment. It provides year-round access to the museum's exhibits and can be a fantastic gift idea, offering ongoing entertainment and educational opportunities for children.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit