Are you ready to embark on a journey of discovery and fascination at the Science Museum of Virginia?
Looking to beat the heat while sparking your curiosity? A summer day at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond offers the perfect blend of hands-on learning, family fun, and immersive entertainment. Whether you’re a science buff, a parent with curious kids, or just looking for something unique to do, here’s your step-by-step guide to making the most of your visit.
Arrive when the museum opens at 9:30 AM to beat the crowds and dive into the action early. Located at 2500 West Broad Street, the museum is housed in the historic Broad Street Station with ample free parking available in a large on-site garage.
Admission is budget-friendly:
-
Adults: $18.50
-
Youth (6–12) & Seniors: $15.50
-
Preschoolers (3–5): $11
-
Children under 2: Free
For maximum value, bundle your general admission with a Dome theater show and access to the Ultimate Dinosaurs exhibit and receive a discount.
Once inside, head to the ticket desk, get your stickers, and start exploring Be sure to visit The Forge, a creative maker space where guests can build, tinker, and explore stop-motion animation or engineering challenges. The interactive exhibit halls will keep kids and adults engaged with themes like:
Speed Featuring the SR-71 Blackbird supersonic jet, Speed explores motion and time across science and technology. Displaying audacious demonstrations of the superfast to the incredibly slow, you can race an Olympic athlete, feel hurricane force winds, challenge a quick-thinking robot and more. I have to say I think this was another one of my favorite things to experience at the museum. I enjoyed getting to challenge my friends, and still learn so much about science.
Speed features over 50 stations with hundreds of unique experiences, including an interactive light race that travels along the ceiling of the striking 10,000-square-foot exhibition.
Boost: the boost exhibit was by far my favorite section of the museum with hands on interactive exhibits. The idea behind this exhibit was to boost your mind, body and lifestyle through a series of interactive challenges! Test your creativity, flexibility, memory and strength with entertaining, hands-on activities centered around wellness and self-improvement. I did all the things. I ran on the hamster wheel, I danced, and even played memory games. This exhibit was so much fun for Children and adults.
Ultimate Dinosaur Exhibit The ultimate dinosaur exhibit goes extinct from the Science Mueseum of Virginia on September 1, 2025 so check it out while you can. this exhibit features 17 full specimens from locations in the Southern Hemisphere, this interactive exhibition brings dinosaurs to life. It was so much fun to see up close like that, and even feel some of the bones. This was such a cool experience. ( please keep in mind that this exhibit requires an extra ticket)
The interactive exhibits really made this such an amazing experience. After a day of exploring I had worked up quite the appatite, I was glad to know that the Museum had its very own onsite cafe which offered an assortment of sandwiches, fruit, and snacks. However, guest can bring their own lunch and enjoy a nice relaxing meal outside while enjoying the views, and warm weather.
After lunch, cool off in the Dome Theater, which features a giant 76-foot screen and surround sound. Daily shows include science documentaries and planetarium experiences like “Messengers of Time and Space.” Shows typically run in the early afternoon, and seats can fill up—so get there early!
Be sure that you don’t miss the Rat Basketball demonstrations. never in my life did i think I would watch a rat play basketball, but hey with science everything is possible. This was an awesome demonstration put in place by highly trained museum employs that showed how it is possible to train almost any animal to do any task. I will say this was so interesting to watch.
Before heading out, swing by the gift shop for science-themed toys, DIY kits, books, and keepsakes. It’s open until 5 PM(or 8 PM on Fridays during extended summer hours).
Take a few final photos near the Grand Kugel or SR-71 Blackbird, and unwind outside on the museum’s green space while reflecting on everything you’ve learned and explored.
Pro tips you might need when Visiting the museum
Arrive early to maximize time and catch live demos.
Pack snacks and water, or take advantage of the café and picnic areas.
Wear comfortable shoes—there’s a lot to explore!
From thrilling exhibits and mind-blowing demonstrations to massive dinosaurs and planetarium shows, the Science Museum of Virginia offers an engaging, educational, and totally entertaining summer experience. Whether you’re spending the day with kids or diving into your own curiosity, this Richmond gem is a must-do during your 90 Days of Summer Fun.
