As a Virginia Beach children’s photographer, I know how quickly time is flying by. In a lot of instances, I have been able to see some of my clients grow up right before my camera! But, fun needs to stay at the forefront of the children’s minds as they grow. There is still so much exploring and learning for them to do as well. At a place like the Children’s Museum of Virginia, your children can do just that! So, let’s dive in and learn more about the museum and all they offer.
About the Children’s Museum of Virginia
The Children’s Museum of Virginia is a museum unlike any other. While most museums are places where everyone is told to keep their hands to themselves and not touch anything, the opposite is true for this museum. The Children’s Museum of Virginia is a place for children and families to imagine, discover, and explore through play. Children can explore all aspects of life and science here. They may even learn what they want to be when they grow up after exploring the exhibits!
The First Floor
The museum’s first floor is excellent for children five and under. This floor is where kids can play, explore, and take advantage of hands-on activities. The exhibits here include:
- Working Port (exploring a real port environment and its functions)
- Bubbles (create bubbles of different shapes and sizes)
- Sounds Around (music store for children to develop their own sounds)
- The Bank – (experiencing the functions of the banking system)
- Tot Lot – (nature-themed space for children under three)
- Nations Flag (introduces the basic history of the U.S. flag)
- Beazley Planetarium (full-dome theatre for nature and science to come to life)
- Wegman’s (children can learn about the ins and outs of a grocery store)
- Body Works (a place where children can learn about wellness)
- Reach Library (reading area for children to read, take home a book, or donate a book)
- Safety Zone (learn about safety with hands-on play)
- Happy Paws (encourages pet adoption for children)
- Antique Train and Toy Collection (view antique trains and toys, as well as a large-scale operating train)
- Toddler Tracks (for the little ones to explore a “kid-sized” train)
In addition, this floor is where the gift shop is located and features three exhibits that change every February, June, and December!
The Second Floor
The second floor focuses on hands-on playscapes for kids! The exhibits include:
- Dr. Forces Traveling Energy Extravaganza (exploring science and energy through a carnival sideshow)
- My Backyard and Beyond (explore a variety of topics kids can find in their own backyard)
- CreARTivity (exploring a variety of activities through art)
Within the CreARTivity exhibit, special sessions take place throughout the day! Make-N-Take is an exhibit where children get to create a fun themed craft to take home. In the STEM Studio, children and families get to work on a hands-on STEM activity! At Recollections, children dance to music and projections while learning about light. Finally, the Performance Space allows children to create their own show and perform it on the stage.
Special Events and Programs
The Children’s Museum of Virginia hosts various special events and programs. The museum offers online education for children to learn about specific topics and do an activity at home for hands-on learning! The museum also provides educational programs, homeschool programs, outreach programs, Girl Scout programs, and much more.
Are you looking for a special place to hold your child’s birthday? Inquire with the museum about their birthday parties and facility rentals! Summer camps are also available for 1st through 5th graders with various themes each year.
Location, Hours, and Additional Details
The Children’s Museum of Virginia is open from 9 AM to 4 PM on Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets need to be purchased online in advance. Pricing begins at $10 for children and $11 for adults. This museum is best for children ages one through eight! Memberships are also available.
Children’s Museum of Virginia
The Children’s Museum is the perfect place to visit if your children are explorers and always want to learn something new. It’s also fantastic for a rainy day! So head to the museum today to see everything they offer!
Are you looking for more family content in the Virginia Beach area? Check out the blogs below! I’d also love to chat about capturing your children during this explorative time in their lives. Click here to see more of my portfolio, and let’s start the conversation.
