VerifiedFixed locationChildren's Museums

Children's Museum of Virginia

Name: Children's Museum of Virginia
Address: 221 High Street, Portsmouth, VA, 23704, US
Telephone: (757) 393-5258

Downtown Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA

Hands-on Portsmouth children's museum with interactive exhibits, timed-entry ticketing, and family birthday options.

Plan This Visit

Best for

Works well for toddlers through preteens, especially children who enjoy exhibits and themed activities.

Hours

Wednesday-Sunday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Parking

Free parking

Visit style

museum outing

Birthday parties

Available

Profile

Strong profile coverage

Atlas Perspective

Editor's Take

More of an exhibit-driven family day than a playground stop, but still a strong indoor play alternative for curious kids.

Atlas Perspective

Best Fit

Best For

Families who like hands-on exhibits and learning play
Mixed-age siblings
Weekday or weekend museum outings

Less Ideal For

Visitors seeking soft-play or climbing-focused equipment
Families who need elevator access while refurbishment is ongoing

At a Glance

Venue type

Kids activity center

Age groups

BabiesToddlersPreschoolersBig kidsMixed ages

Play features

Museum exhibitsPretend playSensory play

Family amenities

Family restroomsFree parking

Birthday party options

Birthday partiesPrivate party room

Accessibility and comfort

Wheelchair accessibleSensory-friendly

Visit options

Open playReservation requiredClasses or events

Price range

Budget

Toddler-friendly

Yes

Operator type

Museum

Play model

Timed sessions

Supervision model

Caregiver supervised

Max recommended age

Under 13

Structured classes or guided programming

Yes

Plan Your Visit

Hours

MondayClosed

TuesdayClosed

Wednesday9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

HoursWednesday-Sunday, 9 AM-4 PM; closed Monday and Tuesday.

Address221 High Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704

ParkingParking is $1.25 per hour Monday-Friday and free on weekends and holidays.

TicketsAdvance online reservations are required.

Pricing Snapshot

Notes

Tickets must be reserved in advance online, including member tickets.Entry is booked in one-hour windows, but families may stay as long as they like once inside.

Admission

Adults

$11

Members

Free

Children Ages 2 To 17

$10

Membership

Duo

$60

Family

$90

Family Plus

$110

Individual

$40

About the Venue

The Children's Museum of Virginia is a hands-on indoor family destination in Portsmouth that leans museum-forward rather than playground-forward. Families book one-hour entry windows online, then can stay and explore the exhibit spaces at their own pace once inside. It is a strong indoor option for curious kids and mixed-age siblings who enjoy learning play, crafts, and exhibit-based discovery.

Atlas Perspective

Indoor Play Atlas Notes

Age FitWorks well for toddlers through preteens, especially children who enjoy exhibits and themed activities.

Noise Levelmedium

Visit Stylemuseum outing

Energy LevelLow Medium

Parent ComfortHigh for caregivers who want a structured, educational indoor outing.

Booking Frictionmoderate

Birthday Party Snapshot

AvailabilityParties and rentals are available on weekends.

Member DiscountMuseum members receive a $30 birthday-party discount.

Accessibility & Comfort

Notes

The museum maintains an Accessible & Inclusive information page for families planning around special needs.The guest elevator is currently under refurbishment; second-floor access is via the grand staircase, so call ahead if stairs are a concern.Families with sensory concerns can review accommodations in advance or call the museum before visiting.

Wheelchair accessibleSensory-friendly