Children exploring the Ball Factory exhibit at Discovery World on Market in Parkersburg
VerifiedFixed locationChildren's Museums

Discovery World on Market

Downtown Parkersburg, Parkersburg, WV

Downtown Parkersburg children's museum with hands-on exhibits, open play admission, family programs, and birthday parties.
Plan This Visit

Best for

best for toddlers through early elementary, with enough variety for some older siblings

Hours

Tuesday Closed for field trips

Parking

Free parking

Visit style

self-paced exhibit hopping rather than one continuous climb-and-run session

Birthday parties

Available

Profile

Strong profile coverage

Atlas Perspective

Editor's Take

Best as a half-day museum-style outing with enough variety for siblings and a little breathing room for grown-ups.

Atlas Perspective

Best Fit

Best For
  • Families with mixed ages who want hands-on exhibits instead of one big play structure
  • Rainy-day downtown outings with preschoolers and elementary-age kids
  • Parents who appreciate a quieter sensory-friendly option once a month
Less Ideal For
  • Families looking for trampoline-park energy or nonstop gross-motor play
  • Quick midweek visits when Tuesday and Wednesday are reserved for field trips

At a Glance

Venue type

Kids activity center

Age groups

BabiesToddlersPreschoolersBig kidsMixed ages

Play features

Pretend playSensory playMuseum exhibits

Family amenities

Cafe on siteFree parking

Birthday party options

Birthday partiesPrivate party roomParty hostParty packages

Accessibility and comfort

Sensory-friendlyQuiet hours

Visit options

Open playMembership availableDrop-in visitsClasses or events

Price range

Budget

Toddler-friendly

Yes

Verified only

Yes

Operator type

Museum

Play model

Mixed open play + classes

Supervision model

Caregiver supervised

Max recommended age

Under 13

Structured classes or guided programming

Yes

Hours vary due to private events

Yes

Plan Your Visit

Hours

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed for field trips
WednesdayClosed for field trips
Thursday10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
FoodSmall café and gift area on site.
BookingGeneral admission tickets can be purchased online, and memberships are available.
ParkingFree parking is available nearby.
Hours NotePublic admission is currently Thursday through Saturday, with Sunday afternoon hours. Tuesday and Wednesday are reserved for field trips.
Visit LengthPlan about 1.5 to 3 hours depending on exhibit pace and child age.

Pricing Snapshot

NotesSchool groups and special programs may have separate pricing.
Memberships
Family Membership $175 for 2 adults and up to 4 childrenFamily Plus Membership $225 for 2 adults and up to 6 children
General Admission

Adults

$9

Seniors

$8

Children

$10 for children through age 16

Children 2 And Under

Free

About the Venue

Discovery World on Market is a hands-on children's museum in downtown Parkersburg built for families who want interactive play with a STEAM and local-history twist. Kids can move between favorites like the Ball Factory, River Adventure, Design Studio, and Discovery Zone, while grown-ups get a museum-style outing that still feels playful and manageable. General admission is offered later in the week, with memberships, birthday parties, seasonal programs, and a monthly Sensitive Playtime for families who prefer a quieter visit.

Atlas Perspective

Indoor Play Atlas Notes

Age Fitbest for toddlers through early elementary, with enough variety for some older siblings
Noise Levelmoderate, with a quieter option during Sensitive Playtime
Visit Styleself-paced exhibit hopping rather than one continuous climb-and-run session
Energy Levelmedium
Parent Comfortgood seating and on-site amenities for a museum-style visit
Booking Frictionlow for general admission, moderate for parties and special programs

Birthday Party Snapshot

NotesConfirm current party dates and guest details directly with the museum when booking.
Extras
Party attendant add-on available for $50
TimingTwo-hour party room rental.
Pricing$250 room fee plus $5 per guest wristband.
Party RoomPrivate party room seating for up to 42 guests.

Accessibility & Comfort

SensorySensitive Playtime is offered on the first Thursday of each month for families who prefer a lower-stimulation visit.
Youngest VisitorsThe museum includes a Tiny Tots area for the youngest children.
Sensory-friendlyQuiet hours

Gallery

Children climbing and playing in the Ball Factory area at Discovery World on Market
The Ball Factory is one of the museum's most active kid-favorite zones.
Colorful indoor slide and play features inside Discovery World on Market
Interactive play areas mix movement with museum-style exploration.
River Adventure water-play exhibit at Discovery World on Market
River Adventure adds hands-on water and river-themed play to the visit.

External Links

Nearby Alternatives

Use these nearby profiles to contrast fit, coverage, and planning details around Parkersburg and the wider Parkersburg / Mid-Ohio Valley area.

Quick Summary

Best for

best for toddlers through early elementary, with enough variety for some older siblings

Hours

Tuesday Closed for field trips

Parking

Free parking

Visit style

self-paced exhibit hopping rather than one continuous climb-and-run session

Contact Information

Address

900 Market Street

Parkersburg, WV, 26101

Source & Verification

Last updated

April 18, 2026

Verification summary

Last verified: April 7, 2026

Checked against 3 public sources.

Reviewed as

Business website and booking-flow review

What Changed

April 7, 2026

Added address, pricing, party details, editorial planning notes, and official venue imagery.

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