Department of Museums

The renovations are complete and the Museum opens May 26, 2011. Everything is new. Two stories of exhibit areas include “A Working Port” with an interactive tugboat, crates, and cranes; a fascinating world of bubbles. “A Bank” complete with teller window, vault, and play money; a music store façade featuring the four families of musical instruments; “From Farm to Foodmart” with a simulated grocery store and check-out system; “My Backyard and Beyond” where visitors enter through a porch and walk through a backyard full of plants, animals, and other items to explore; “Pets and Vets” with the façade of a pet clinic; and a “Tot Yard” designed with forest, garden, and pond areas where children under age three can play and learn. Admission is $10 for 2 and up; under 2 free 10% discount for Military and Seniors with I.D. more

Want a fun an educational place to take your children? Then come to the Children's Museum Of Virginia. The museum is full of hands on interactive exhibits. See who can blow the biggest bubble or, better yet, see who can make a giant bubble around themselves. Build a castle, ride a motorcycle, or sit in a giant's chair. There is fun for kids of all ages. For the train enthusiast, the second floor houses many train scenarios. more

I can't lie but this place is still fun to go to despite being about 10 years older than someone who would normally go here. I still have as much fun as I did when I was below the age of ten. There are so many stations to play around with. The fire truck and making a giant bubble around yourself is still a favorite. A kid would have a very enjoyable time if they were to go. The staff is very friendly. Take your children here, they will have a blast and you will keep them happy. more

The children's museum in Portsmouth is not as good as its advertisement makes it sound. The bubble room is not a room filled with bubbles but actually something you wave with a wand. That is something you can do at home. They have a huge chair that the kids can sit in and you can take a picture but its ripped on the cushion I think for a museum that is kind of tacky especially with as many people that come to visit. Overall our experience was good. They have a lot of hands on exhibits and I did not have a good time but I am an adult but the kids really seemed to like it and that is what is really important anyways! more

I have to admit, I can’t think of many reasons to ever go to Portsmouth, but this Children’s Museum is certainly one of them! I still remember back when I was little it used to be such a treat just to come here. This place is also a parent’s or babysitter’s savior for rainy days… It’ll keep them entertained for as long as you want, and you might even find yourself having some fun too! more

The Children's Museum used to be a place where my friends and I always took our kids, but these days its really not worth it. The place isn't kept up as it used to be and I dont think I'll be returning there. The kids prefer Nauticus because of the cool exhibits and better attractions. If you really want to impress your children, dont take them here! more

We recently took our 3 children here who consist of 1 teenager and 2 toddlers. My husband and I were not inpressed really, our toddlers were not impressed either. There are a couple of fun things for the kids to interact with but all in all I think it is lacking a lot and we will not be going back to waste our money. more

Be prepared to stay for a while, There is so much to do here. THe kids will love all the exhibits, and shows, The have a planatarium with a really cool palnet and stars show. The kids can make bubbles, dress up like a fireman and soo much more. We always park in the parking garage as it is the easiest place to get to. However there is alot of parking around this museum. THe staff is super friendly. THe museum is so clean and the gift shop is a fun place to stop on the way out to carry home a little momento. more

We have been to the Childrens museum a few times and every time we go there is something new for us to do. Everything is child size so it's easy for the little ones to enjoy. It's got som much to do and plenty of parking for everyone. I would definately recommend and they give discounts to large groups. This is a definate stop for those of you with little ones. more

The Children's Museum has recently been remodeled and a lot of new things have been added. The building looks new and modern and is just wonderful. They have loads of great things for kids of all ages to do, including a lot of hands on stuff so the children really feel included in the activities. There are tons of cool experiments, exhitbits, and other fun things for kids of all ages to do there. They also have special presentations and book readings at certain times, so be sure to check their schedule when you go. You and the kids both will have a wonderful time there! more