Explore More Discovery Museum
A vibrant children's museum offering hands-on exhibits that spark imagination and learning through play for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Explore More Discovery Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant children's museum offering hands-on exhibits that spark imagination and learning through play for all ages.
"This place is so much fun and great for kids to learn while they play. My husband and I had a lot of fun too honestly."
Membership Perk! :ticket:
Show your Charlottesville Discovery Museum card for half off admission!
Street Parking Available :car:
Look for parking on the streets surrounding the museum.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Exhibits
Engage with diverse displays on jobs, finances, theater, and the human body. Imagination and creativity thrive here!
Toddler Zones
Dedicated areas for younger visitors
Special sections ensure even the youngest explorers, like 13-month-olds, have a safe and engaging experience.
Vacuum Tubes & Scarves
A fan-favorite activity where kids can play with air-powered tubes and flowing scarves.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Playtime
+1Hands-On Fun for All Ages
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Membership Perk! :ticket:
Show your Charlottesville Discovery Museum card for half off admission!
Street Parking Available :car:
Look for parking on the streets surrounding the museum.
Great for All Ages :baby:
Even toddlers can enjoy exhibits designed for older kids.
Indoor Fun Guaranteed :cloud:
Perfect for a rainy day or when you need some great indoor fun.
Tips
from all over the internet
Membership Perk! :ticket:
Show your Charlottesville Discovery Museum card for half off admission!
Street Parking Available :car:
Look for parking on the streets surrounding the museum.
Great for All Ages :baby:
Even toddlers can enjoy exhibits designed for older kids.
Indoor Fun Guaranteed :cloud:
Perfect for a rainy day or when you need some great indoor fun.
Day of Play Celebration :confetti_ball:
October 14th is the museum's anniversary and 'Day of Play'!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Explore More Discovery Museum for its highly interactive and engaging exhibits that make learning fun for children of all ages. Many adults also enjoy the experience. While it can get crowded, especially on weekends, the value and hands-on approach make it a highly recommended destination for families seeking indoor fun.
"This place is so much fun and great for kids to learn while they play. My husband and I had a lot of fun too honestly. Everyone got to explore all sorts of pieces of life(the human body, jobs, finances, auto work, theater, and many more) with tons of chances for imagination and creativity!"
Cheryl McMinn
"We have a children's history museum in dayton. I was going into this one thinking it would be more like that. It definitely wasn't. Much more hands on. My kids had so much more fun there than boonshoft."
Calvin Rondeau
"Great for kids of all ages.
All 3 of our kids enjoyed their time there. It was very busy, but we came on a Saturday morning so it’s understandable.
Would definitely recommend coming here for some great indoor fun. The vacuum tubes and scarves were my son’s favorite."
Reuben Yavny
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 150 S Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. Harrisonburg is about an hour's drive from Charlottesville, VA.
Yes, there is fairly easy parking on the streets surrounding the museum.
Driving is the most common method. If coming from Richmond, it's a manageable drive, and you can combine it with other activities in the area.
Information on public transport accessibility is limited, but driving and parking are highlighted as convenient options.
Harrisonburg, where the museum is located, is about an hour away from Charlottesville, VA.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific prices aren't listed, a Reddit user mentioned that showing a membership card from the Charlottesville Discovery Museum gets you half off admission.
Yes! If you have a membership to the Charlottesville Discovery Museum, you can show your card for half off admission to the Explore More Discovery Museum.
The museum is open six days a week, from Tuesday through Sunday, with hours of 10 am to 4 pm.
Based on reviews, visitors find it well worth the money, especially for the engaging and educational experience it provides for children.
Advance booking information is not readily available, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any updates, especially during peak seasons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features diverse, hands-on exhibits covering topics like the human body, different jobs, finances, and theater, encouraging imagination and creativity.
Absolutely! There are dedicated sections for kids under two, and toddlers can also enjoy many of the exhibits designed for older age groups.
The vacuum tubes and scarves exhibit is frequently mentioned as a favorite among children.
Yes, adults often find themselves having a lot of fun exploring the exhibits alongside their children, appreciating the interactive nature of the displays.
If visiting on a busy Saturday morning, be prepared for crowds. Consider visiting on a weekday or later in the afternoon when field trips might be ending.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed in children's museums. It's always best to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure.
The interactive exhibits themselves offer great photo opportunities, capturing children's engagement and joy. The vacuum tubes and scarves exhibit can also make for dynamic shots.
While not explicitly stated, be mindful of other visitors' privacy and avoid flash photography if it might disturb young children or the exhibits.
A smartphone camera is usually sufficient for capturing candid moments. If you're aiming for higher quality, a mirrorless or DSLR camera with a good low-light lens would be ideal.
Short videos for personal social media are usually fine. For professional filming or commercial use, you would likely need to contact the museum for permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Parents appreciate the hands-on nature of the exhibits, which keeps young children entertained and learning. The museum's focus on interactive play means that kids can touch, experiment, and discover at their own pace.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
This is a smart way to make your travel budget stretch further. Even without a reciprocal membership, the museum is considered 'well worth it for the money' by many visitors, given the extensive hands-on exhibits and educational opportunities provided.
🎒 Day-Trippers from Richmond
This museum offers a refreshing change from more traditional children's museums, focusing heavily on interactive play and hands-on learning that kids absolutely love. Combine your visit with other local attractions in the Harrisonburg area for a full day of exploration. The museum's diverse exhibits ensure that children of various ages will find something engaging, making it a successful outing for the whole family.
Remember to check their operating hours, as they are closed on Mondays. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hands-On Philosophy
Social media content often highlights the sheer joy and engagement seen on children's faces as they interact with the displays. The museum's commitment to fostering imagination and creativity is evident in the variety of activities available, ensuring that every child finds something that sparks their interest.
This philosophy makes it an excellent destination for families looking for an educational outing that doesn't feel like a lesson. It's a place where curiosity is encouraged, and learning happens organically through exploration and experimentation.
Navigating Crowds and Field Trips
To maximize your experience and minimize potential stress from crowds, visiting on a weekday is highly recommended.
If a weekend visit is your only option, aiming for an afternoon slot might be beneficial, as some field trips may have concluded by then. While the museum has staff present to facilitate activities, the intensity of field trips can sometimes overwhelm the intended supervision. Being prepared for a lively atmosphere and potentially managing interactions between different groups of children is part of the experience.
Membership Benefits and Value
This reciprocal agreement is a fantastic way to save money while enjoying quality family time. Beyond potential discounts, the overall value of the museum is consistently praised. Reviewers often state that it's 'well worth it for the money,' emphasizing the engaging and educational experience provided for children.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit