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Location
Best time
Purchase tickets online in advance to reserve a specific time slot and avoid waiting, especially during afternoon visits when the museum tends to be busier.
Visitor tip
This museum is best suited for children ages 8 and under. Toddlers will especially enjoy the dedicated toddler area, trains, bubble room, and fire truck exhibits on the first floor.
Best time
Visit on weekday afternoons for the best experience with fewer crowds. Free rear parking is available, though be aware that the upstairs can get uncomfortably warm even in mild weather.
About Children's Museum of Virginia
Interactive learning for curious kids. Hands-on exhibits explore cities, space, music, energy, the human body & more, plus antique trains.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Children's Museum
- Location
- Portsmouth, VA
- Current Exhibit
- Leonardo's Lab (May 30 – September 5, 2026)
- Membership
- Available
What visitors say
This is a nice children's museum. Suited for kids not older than about 8 in my opinion. The 2nd floor was open when we attended and there were craft and activities in the rooms up there in addition to the temporary sock skating. We…
Two floors of awesome exhibits, including nature, bubbles, circus/science, grocery store, tugboat, animal rescue, fire truck, library, bank, and more. There’s an amazing display of working trains on the first floor. Plus a planetarium.…
We have been members here for two years. In that time, we have seen one exhibit installed (the extremely unsafe boat that has kids leaning over the edge and smacking each other with heavy bobbers), traveling exhibits that are GREAT and…
From 2,938 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Features a planetarium with passionate staff who present shows about the cosmos to visitors
- Displays working antique trains as a major exhibit attraction, frequently mentioned in reviews as a highlight
- Leonardo's Lab temporary exhibit runs May 30 – September 5, 2026, featuring structures, gears, simple machines, and flying creations inspired by Leonardo da Vinci
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