Children's Museum Richmond
Interactive museum where kids move, climb, farm, draw, and learn through engaging, hands-on exhibits.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Children's Museum Richmond
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Interactive museum where kids move, climb, farm, draw, and learn through engaging, hands-on exhibits.
"My son and I absolutely love this children’s museum! It’s one of our favorite places to go together."
Bring Swim Gear! 🛟
The outdoor splash pad is a must-do on warm days. Pack swimsuits and towels for extra fun!
Free Parking Garage 🚗
Utilize the free parking in the garage next door. It's convenient and saves money.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Carousel Rides
Indoor
A beloved indoor carousel that adds a magical touch to the museum experience.

Splash Pad Fun
Outdoor
An outdoor splash pad perfect for cooling off on warm days. Don't forget swimsuits!

Hands-On Exhibits
Various
Engaging exhibits that encourage kids to move, climb, farm, draw, and learn.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Parking & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Swim Gear! 🛟
The outdoor splash pad is a must-do on warm days. Pack swimsuits and towels for extra fun!
Free Parking Garage 🚗
Utilize the free parking in the garage next door. It's convenient and saves money.
Weekday Visits Recommended 👍
To avoid crowds and give kids more room to explore, aim for a weekday visit.
Check for Special Events 🎉
Look out for events like CultureFest Fridays for unique cultural experiences.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Swim Gear! 🛟
The outdoor splash pad is a must-do on warm days. Pack swimsuits and towels for extra fun!
Free Parking Garage 🚗
Utilize the free parking in the garage next door. It's convenient and saves money.
Weekday Visits Recommended 👍
To avoid crowds and give kids more room to explore, aim for a weekday visit.
Check for Special Events 🎉
Look out for events like CultureFest Fridays for unique cultural experiences.
Staff are Super Helpful 🤗
Visitors rave about the attentive and kind staff, especially during emergencies.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Children's Museum of Richmond for its engaging, hands-on exhibits and the delightful indoor carousel. The outdoor splash pad is a huge hit on warm days, and the free parking is a significant convenience. While some find it a bit pricey for older children, the attentive and kind staff create a welcoming atmosphere, making it a highly recommended spot for families with younger kids.
"I took my grandchild on an impromptu trip to the Children's Museum of Richmond. We've been to the one in Portsmouth several times. We had a wonderful experience. Everyone was fun and helpful. The games, experiments, and exercises where perfect for the children. And there was plenty of parking! We will definitely be back."
L O Boone
"My son and I absolutely love this children’s museum! It’s one of our favorite places to go together. Every time we visit, he lights up with excitement—from the hands-on exhibits to the fun play areas designed just for little ones. It’s a perfect mix of learning and fun, and I always appreciate how clean, safe, and welcoming it feels. The staff are kind and patient, and there’s something new to explore every time. Highly recommend for families looking for an engaging and joyful experience!
On our last trip, I started feeling lightheaded and my blood pressure had dropped a bit. The staff were so kind and attentive—they helped me right away and even brought me an ice pack. It meant so much to feel supported and safe in that moment. We’re so grateful for the amazing people here and always look forward to coming back. 💛"
Alysha Mattox
"My 3 year old really enjoyed herself here. I feel like some of the things, mainly the bus is a bit busted and smells like gas and smoke. One of the employees was cussing to himself too which is a bit inappropriate for little ears but thankfully my daughter wasn't paying him attention. A little pricy for older children who aren't even playing."
A U
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Children's Museum of Richmond is located in Richmond, VA. Many visitors recommend using the free parking garage located right next to the museum for convenient access.
Yes, there is free parking available in the parking garage adjacent to the museum. This is a significant perk for families visiting.
Driving and utilizing the free parking garage is a popular and recommended method. Public transport options may also be available depending on your starting point in Richmond.
The museum is generally easy to find, especially with the readily available parking garage as a landmark. It's a well-known family destination in Richmond.
Information on specific public transport routes can be found on the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) website. It's always a good idea to check their schedule for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but it's generally considered a fun and affordable outing for families. Some reviews suggest it might be a bit pricey for older children who aren't actively playing.
It's advisable to check the official Children's Museum of Richmond website for the most current ticket purchasing options, including online booking. This can often save time upon arrival.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the museum's official website before your visit. Weekday hours might differ from weekend hours.
Keep an eye on their website or social media for potential discounts, special event pricing, or membership options that might offer savings.
Yes, the museum is designed for children and offers many hands-on exhibits perfect for toddlers and younger children.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the indoor carousel and the outdoor splash pad, which is a big hit on warm days. The interactive exhibits encourage movement, farming, drawing, and learning.
Yes, there is an outdoor splash pad that's perfect for cooling off. Bringing bathing suits and towels is highly recommended for this area.
Kids can engage in a variety of activities like climbing, farming simulations, drawing, and participating in experiments. The carousel is also a major attraction.
Absolutely! A 3-year-old will likely have a fantastic time with the hands-on exhibits and play areas designed for younger children.
Yes, birthday parties are a popular option! The museum offers party packages that include room usage and access to the museum's attractions, making for a fun celebration.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific dining facilities aren't heavily detailed in reviews, it's common for children's museums to have snack bars or allow outside food for parties. It's best to check their website for current policies.
Policies on bringing outside food can vary. For birthday parties, dedicated eating areas are often provided. For general visits, it's wise to confirm with the museum beforehand.
Typically, you can expect kid-friendly snacks like juice boxes, crackers, and fruit. Some may offer more substantial options like pizza or sandwiches, especially for parties.
Richmond has a vibrant food scene. You can find numerous family-friendly restaurants in the surrounding areas if you prefer to dine out before or after your visit.
Information on an onsite cafe or restaurant is not consistently highlighted in reviews. It's recommended to check the museum's official website for the most accurate details on dining facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography that might disturb exhibits or children.
The indoor carousel and the outdoor splash pad are popular spots for memorable photos. The diverse exhibits also offer many colorful and engaging backdrops.
Similar to photography, personal video recording is usually permitted. Capturing your child's joyful reactions to the exhibits can create wonderful memories.
While personal use is fine, commercial photography or filming often requires prior permission. Always check the museum's specific policies if you plan to use images or videos for promotional purposes.
The museum typically has good indoor lighting to illuminate the exhibits. Natural light might be available in certain areas, especially near windows or the outdoor splash pad.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
For warmer days, the outdoor splash pad is an absolute must-do – just remember to pack swimsuits and towels! The museum's staff are consistently praised for being attentive and helpful, creating a safe and welcoming environment. With free parking in the adjacent garage, it's a convenient and enjoyable outing for the whole family.
🎉 Birthday Party Planners
The process for booking and hosting a party is described as fairly easy, and the kids absolutely love it. It's a fantastic way to celebrate a special occasion while providing entertainment and engagement for all the young guests. The museum's staff are also noted for their helpfulness, which can make party planning a smoother experience.
Budget-Conscious Visitors
Consider checking their website for any potential discounts or special offers. The sheer amount of interactive exhibits and the inclusion of attractions like the carousel and splash pad mean that children can easily spend hours engaged and entertained, making it a worthwhile investment for a day of fun and learning.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Engaging Exhibits for Young Minds
One of the standout features is the indoor carousel, which adds a touch of classic fun that delights children of all ages. The museum also hosts CultureFest Fridays, held on the first Friday of each month, offering children and families a chance to experience diverse cultures through engaging activities and performances. This commitment to varied and enriching experiences makes CMOR a dynamic destination for families seeking both entertainment and educational value.
While most exhibits are well-maintained, some reviews mention that certain elements, like the bus exhibit, might show signs of wear. However, the overall sentiment is that the museum provides a wealth of engaging activities that keep children entertained and learning throughout their visit.
Making a Splash: The Outdoor Experience
The splash pad area provides a fun, water-filled environment where children can play and interact. It's a great way to escape the Richmond heat and add an extra layer of excitement to the museum visit. The convenience of having this outdoor option alongside the indoor exhibits offers flexibility for families depending on the weather and their children's preferences.
It's worth noting that the splash pad can get busy, especially on hot days. Arriving earlier in the day or during weekdays can help ensure a more relaxed experience. The combination of indoor interactive exhibits and the lively outdoor splash pad makes for a well-rounded and enjoyable day out for families.
Community and Staff Support
One particularly touching review shared an experience where a visitor felt unwell, and the staff immediately provided assistance, including an ice pack, making them feel supported and safe. This level of care and dedication contributes significantly to the positive overall experience and fosters a sense of community trust. Even when dealing with minor issues, like an employee occasionally muttering, the overall positive interactions with staff seem to outweigh these instances.
This emphasis on a supportive and friendly environment makes the Children's Museum of Richmond not just a place for play, but also a place where families feel valued and cared for. It's this human element, combined with the engaging exhibits, that encourages repeat visits and strong recommendations from patrons.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit