The Butterfly Garden
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Science Museum of Western Virginia

4.1
·455 reviews·Roanoke, United States

Discover science through hands-on fun! Explore interactive exhibits, a vibrant Parakeet Garden, and captivating planetarium shows.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
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The Butterfly Garden

Science Museum of Western Virginia

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover science through hands-on fun! Explore interactive exhibits, a vibrant Parakeet Garden, and captivating planetarium shows.

4.1
(455 reviews)

"Amazing experience! Tons of hands-on stuff for kids and adults to enjoy."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐦 Parakeet Garden Fun

Don't miss the Parakeet Garden! It's a highlight, but there's an extra fee.

🎟️ Planetarium Tickets

Planetarium shows have an additional charge. Book ahead to secure your spot!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.1 · 455 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Parakeet Garden

Parakeet Garden

Main exhibit floor

Get up close with friendly parakeets and macaws in this immersive aviary experience. A true delight for all ages!

Interactive Science Exhibits

Interactive Science Exhibits

Throughout the museum

Engage with a variety of hands-on displays covering diverse scientific principles. Fun and educational for everyone!

Planetarium Shows

Planetarium Shows

Planetarium theater

Explore the cosmos with captivating shows. Check the schedule and consider booking tickets in advance.

Rooftop Garden

Rooftop Garden

Top floor

Enjoy panoramic views of Roanoke from this scenic rooftop space, featuring a pond and city vistas.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to the Science Museum

The Science Museum of Western Virginia is located within Center in the Square in downtown Roanoke. Consider booking planetarium shows in advance, as they can fill up. Check their website for special events or potential closures due to private rentals, as some visitors have experienced this.

Interactive Fun for All Ages

This museum is packed with hands-on exhibits perfect for kids and adults alike. While many displays are engaging, some reviews mention that broken interactive exhibits can take a while to be repaired. The Parakeet Garden is a definite highlight, but be aware there's an additional charge for this experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, planetarium shows
Crowd
Medium
When
During special events
Why
Unique activities and demonstrations
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We had a blast at the science center in Roanoke and the highlight by far was the Parakeet Garden experience. So fun! The birds are sweet, silly, loud, and hilarious. #roanoke #virginia #appalachia #travel #museum #birds #parakeet #kids #roanokeva #va
@goswva
25.9K likes • 398.2K views

🐦 Parakeet Garden Fun

Don't miss the Parakeet Garden! It's a highlight, but there's an extra fee. TikTokInstagram

🎟️ Planetarium Tickets

Planetarium shows have an additional charge. Book ahead to secure your spot! Reddit

The @sciencemuseumwv is a can't miss experience in Downtown Roanoke 🤩 From the Parakeet Garden to the fun and interactive science exhibits, there's an adventure for everyone at the museum! 📍The Science Museum of Western Virginia is located at Center in the Square in Downtown Roanoke @centerinthesquare 🍭 We recommend ending a fun day at the museum with a trip downstairs to The Candy Store for a ...
visitvbr
318 likes • 14K views
You can make your own snow at home with the Science Museum of Western Virginia. Sherrié Bocock, Director of Education, stopped by 7@four to show how to use safe and found-at-home ingredients, and will walk viewers through a couple steps and combine chemistry and sensory explorations. Watch the segment to see the science!
reallogansherrill
22 likes • 1K views

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be on your feet exploring two floors of exhibits. Reddit

📅 Check for Rentals

Verify the museum isn't closed for a private event before you go. Reddit

You can make your own snow at home with the Science Museum of Western Virginia. Sherrié Bocock, Director of Education, stopped by 7@four to show how to use safe and found-at-home ingredients, and will walk viewers through a couple steps and combine chemistry and sensory explorations. Watch the segment to see the science!
7atfour
3 likes • 117 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐦 Parakeet Garden Fun

Don't miss the Parakeet Garden! It's a highlight, but there's an extra fee. TikTokInstagram

🎟️ Planetarium Tickets

Planetarium shows have an additional charge. Book ahead to secure your spot! Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be on your feet exploring two floors of exhibits. Reddit

📅 Check for Rentals

Verify the museum isn't closed for a private event before you go. Reddit

🔬 Interactive Displays

Some interactive exhibits may be under repair; patience is key. Reddit

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking can be confusing; look for spots on the top floor of the garage. Reddit

💡 SNAP/EBT Discount

A discount is available for SNAP/EBT cardholders. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(455 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Science Museum of Western Virginia for its engaging, hands-on exhibits and the delightful Parakeet Garden. The planetarium shows and rooftop views are also highlights. However, some reviews mention that broken interactive displays can take a long time to fix, and parking can be a bit confusing.

"Amazing experience!! I would love to come back and spend all day in this building. These 2 floors were so fun. The planetarium was amazing, and the planetarium director Katie was knowledgeable, kind, and very helpful. There is tons of hands on stuff for kids and even adults to enjoy. The parakeet room was awesome and the docent there was extremely knowledgeable too with fun facts! Would recommend if you're local or even traveling."

Cari Burns-Ervin

"Good place for kids and families to come and learn about different types of science and learn new ways to explore that science. It looks like some areas and items could use updating or maintenance (batteries, cleanliness, fix broken items, etc.). The planetarium was neat but didn’t give general info on space or planets. The show we saw was based on theory of evolution and many other theories. The 30 min we stayed in there was spent listening to the narrator say,” maybe, might, probably, etc.”. The top floor and viewing deck was really neat and showed a lot of the city. There was also a cool pond at the top. The free aquariums at the entrance were neat too. Parking was confusing and only a couple spots available on the top floor of the parking garage but we made it work. Elevator in the parking garage was broken."

Keigan Warren

"Great staff and my kids love it here! With tarantulas and snakes and lizards, oh my! We always find plenty to do here. My only complaint is when interactive displays break they stay broken for a LONG time, usually months. We love the touch tank and the volunteers that help run it are wonderful. Entry is expensive; however, they give a discount if you have a SNAP/EBT card. For the bird experience and planetarium there is an additional charge. It takes up 2 floors of the Center in the Square building so kids often get away from you but try to keep up with them! It's a great place to play with your children!"

Grace Coats Zirkle

What People Like

Interactive exhibits
Parakeet Garden
Planetarium shows

What People Dislike

Broken exhibits
Parking confusion

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Science Museum of Western Virginia is located at Center in the Square in downtown Roanoke, VA. Parking is available in the adjacent parking garage. Some visitors have noted that the elevator in the parking garage can be broken, and parking spots can be limited on the top floor. InstagramReddit

Yes, parking is available in the parking garage connected to Center in the Square. It's recommended to look for spots on the top floor, though availability can vary. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, and it's advisable to check the museum's official website or call ahead. Some visitors have reported unexpected early closures or the museum being rented out for private events, so confirming hours is crucial. Reddit

While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in the provided content, its downtown Roanoke location suggests it may be accessible via local bus services. It's best to check the Roanoke Valley transit authority for current routes and schedules.

The museum is centrally located in downtown Roanoke at Center in the Square. Following signs for Center in the Square should lead you directly to the museum and its parking facilities. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary, and some experiences like the Parakeet Garden and planetarium shows have additional charges. Discounts are available for SNAP/EBT cardholders. Reddit

It's recommended to check the museum's official website for online ticket purchasing options. This can help you secure your entry and potentially avoid long lines, especially for popular shows like those in the planetarium. Reddit

Yes, the museum offers a discount for visitors with SNAP/EBT cards. It's always a good idea to inquire about any other potential discounts when purchasing tickets. Reddit

Yes, it's highly recommended to book planetarium shows in advance, as they can fill up quickly. This ensures you don't miss out on this popular attraction. Reddit

General admission typically covers access to the main interactive science exhibits and the rooftop garden. Special attractions like the Parakeet Garden and planetarium shows usually require separate tickets or an additional fee. Reddit

🎫 🔬 Onsite Experience

The Parakeet Garden is a major highlight, offering an immersive experience with birds. Visitors also rave about the interactive science exhibits and the planetarium shows. The rooftop garden provides great city views. TikTokInstagramReddit

Absolutely! The museum is designed with many hands-on exhibits that are perfect for kids and families to explore and learn together. Reddit

You can expect a wide range of interactive displays covering various scientific concepts. While most are engaging, some reviews mention that broken exhibits can take time to be repaired. Reddit

The Parakeet Garden allows visitors to interact with friendly parakeets and macaws. It's described as a fun and memorable experience, though it comes with an additional cost. TikTokInstagramReddit

The planetarium offers captivating shows about space and various scientific theories. It's recommended to check the show schedule and book tickets in advance. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The provided information doesn't specify on-site dining options. However, being located in Center in the Square in downtown Roanoke, there are likely many restaurants and cafes nearby to choose from. Instagram

Information regarding outside food and drinks is not provided. It's best to check the museum's policy on their website or inquire upon arrival.

Given its downtown Roanoke location, there are numerous dining options within walking distance. Visitors can explore various restaurants and cafes in the Center in the Square area and surrounding streets. Instagram

The provided content does not mention a cafe or snack bar within the museum itself. Visitors may need to rely on nearby establishments for refreshments. Instagram

Downtown Roanoke offers a variety of family-friendly dining options. You can find casual eateries and restaurants with diverse menus to suit younger palates. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, especially for personal use. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography in certain exhibits or shows. Reddit

The Parakeet Garden offers vibrant and engaging photo opportunities with the birds. The rooftop garden also provides scenic backdrops of the Roanoke skyline. TikTokInstagramReddit

While not explicitly stated, it's common practice in museums and planetariums to discourage flash photography, as it can disrupt exhibits and other visitors. Check for any posted signs or ask staff if unsure.

Photography, especially with flash, is typically not allowed during planetarium shows to avoid disturbing the experience for others and interfering with the projection. Reddit

You can find many photos of the Science Museum of Western Virginia by searching online image databases using terms like 'Science Museum of Western Virginia photos' or by browsing social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok using relevant hashtags. TikTokInstagram

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