Are you looking for a place where your child's imagination can soar, where learning is hands-on and fun, and where every visit promises a new adventure? Look no further than the Children's Museum of Richmond (CMoR). With multiple locations across Richmond, Virginia, CMoR offers a treasure trove of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and engaging activities tailored to children of all ages. In this guide, we'll take an in-depth look at each location, what visitors and parents can expect, the exhibits that await, cost considerations, and membership benefits.

Exploring the Wonders of the Children's Museum of Richmond: A Comprehensive Guide

The Children's Museum of Richmond (CMoR) opened its doors in 1977, originally as the Richmond Children's Museum. It started as a small, grassroots organization with a mission to provide hands-on learning experiences for children in the Richmond community. Over the years, CMoR has grown and expanded, adding new hands-on exhibits, programs, and locations to better serve families throughout the Greater Richmond region. Today, CMoR is a beloved institution that continues to inspire creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning in children of all ages. Childrens Museum has been a major part of the Richmond community for decades and continues to have a positive impact on new generations of kids of all ages through learning and so much fun.

Children’s Museum of Richmond Locations:

1. Downtown Richmond location:

Situated in the heart of Richmond, the Downtown location of CMoR is an urban oasis for families seeking playful learning experiences. Conveniently located near popular attractions like the Virginia State Capitol and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and nestled next door to the Science Museum of Virginia this Cmor Central location is easily accessible for both locals and tourists alike via GRTC, walking, or car.

There are many exhibits that await visitors, but favorites are the art studio with its big spacious area full of supplies to let your creativity run wild, the hospital and real ambulance, slide and climbing exhibit at the living tree house, sun tubes, the bank exhibit and more.

If your children are visiting this location from May - September, pack a towel and bathing suit and run around in the open splash pad in the front of the museum. This water play area will cool you down during those long hot summer days in Richmond at on additional cost.

Plan on staying for hours and also heading outdoors for the newest play area. places to climb, balance, slide and more! We have playground elements for kiddos up to 12 years old, plus you can ride tricycles, use percussion musical instruments, and create melodies all while enjoying a good time outdoors. There are so many highlights of the main museum that await for continued fun in this great space for many years.

Tiny visitors will love crawling and exploring in the little farm which is geared towards children under 3. With farm animals that make sounds and plenty of toys to have your very own farm, this will be a popular spot for your tiny ones.

The gift shop and cafe has snacks and toys to grab for gifts or to take home after a long day of playing.

Address: 2626 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220

2. Chesterfield’s Children’s Museum of Richmond:

Nestled in the vibrant Chesterfield County, this CMoR Chesterfield location offers a spacious and welcoming environment for families to explore and learn together. Surrounded by lush greenery and conveniently close to major highways, the Chesterfield location provides a peaceful retreat for families looking for a great museum on the southside of Richmond.

This wide open space boasts a music exhibit, future me exhibit, harvest exhibit, grocery store and a art studio as well. It is so hard to pick a favorite exhibit, because each one of the above and many more are packed with engaging play opportunities at every corner.

The Chesterfield location has a designated Enchanted forest exhibit, where soft sculpted cushions combined with age-appropriate toys provide a space for cross motor development. Toddlers can climb, slide, and crawl around the Enchanted Forest’s tree. This gated area is a great place to decompress with a little one and has a nursing area within.

Address: 6629 Lake Harbour Drive, Midlothian, VA 23112

There previously was a Short pump location, but this has closed.

What to Expect at the Children’s Museum of Richmond:

No matter which CMoR location you visit, you can expect a world of wonder and excitement for children and parents alike. Each location features a wide range of exhibits and activities designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and learning in young minds. From interactive play areas to educational workshops, there's something for everyone to enjoy at CMoR.

Why is Play SO Important for Kids:

Play is not just an enjoyable pastime for young children; it's also an essential aspect of their development. Here are several reasons why play is so important for young children:

Cognitive Development: Play stimulates children's minds and helps them develop essential cognitive skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking. Through play, children explore cause-and-effect relationships, learn to make connections between ideas, and develop their creativity and imagination.
Social Skills: Play provides opportunities for children to interact with others, negotiate roles and rules, and practice communication and cooperation. Whether playing with peers, siblings, or adults, children learn important social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and resolving conflicts, which are crucial for forming relationships and navigating social situations later in life.
Emotional Development: Play allows children to express and regulate their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Whether acting out imaginary scenarios, playing with dolls or action figures, or engaging in pretend play, children can explore and make sense of their feelings, experiences, and relationships. Play also helps build resilience and coping skills, enabling children to navigate challenges and setbacks with confidence and perseverance.
Physical Development: Active play, such as running, jumping, climbing, and balancing, promotes physical fitness and coordination in young children. Gross motor activities help develop strength, flexibility, and spatial awareness, while fine motor activities like drawing, stacking blocks, and manipulating small objects improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Language Development: Play provides rich opportunities for language learning and communication. Whether engaging in imaginative play, engaging in storytelling, or participating in group games and activities, children are constantly exposed to new words, concepts, and ways of expressing themselves. Play also encourages listening skills, vocabulary development, and the ability to understand and follow instructions.
Brain Development: Research has shown that play is essential for healthy brain development in young children. Playful experiences stimulate neural connections in the brain, helping to strengthen existing pathways and create new ones. These neural connections form the foundation for learning, memory, and cognitive skills that will benefit children throughout their lives.

In summary, play is not just a fun and enjoyable activity for young children; it's a fundamental aspect of their development that promotes learning, socialization, emotional well-being, and physical health. Encouraging and supporting play in various forms is essential for nurturing happy, healthy, and well-rounded children.

Best Age for Children’s Museum of Richmond:

The Children's Museum of Richmond (CMoR) offers an enriching experience for children of various ages, with exhibits and activities tailored to different developmental stages. While children of all ages can find enjoyment at CMoR, there are certain ages that may particularly benefit from the museum's offerings:

Infants and Toddlers (0-3 years): CMoR's Tot Spot exhibit is specially designed for infants and toddlers, providing a safe and stimulating environment for early exploration and sensory play. Young children in this age group can benefit from the interactive exhibits and sensory experiences that promote cognitive and motor skill development.
Preschoolers (3-5 years): Preschool-aged children are at a stage where they are curious and eager to learn about the world around them. CMoR's exhibits, such as the Art Studio and Outdoor Play Area, offer opportunities for creative expression, imaginative play, and physical activity, which are all important for younger children and preschoolers' development.
School-Aged Children (6-8 years): Older children can also enjoy CMoR's exhibits, particularly those that involve science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Interactive exhibits like the Science Museum provide hands-on learning experiences that can engage school-aged children and foster their curiosity and critical thinking skills.

As for the duration of a visit to CMoR, parents should plan on spending at least a few hours at the museum to fully explore all the exhibits and participate in various activities. The amount of time spent at CMoR can vary depending on factors such as the age of the children, their interests, and the level of engagement with each exhibit. Some families may choose to spend half a day at the museum, while others may opt for a full-day visit to make the most of the experience.

When it comes to food, CMoR has specific policies in place regarding outside food and beverages. Typically, visitors are allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks into the museum, although there may be restrictions on certain items such as glass containers and alcoholic beverages. Additionally, CMoR may have designated areas within the museum where visitors can enjoy their own food. Alternatively, some CMoR locations may have onsite cafes or vending machines where visitors can purchase food and beverages during their visit. It's always a good idea to check the museum's website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on their food policies and amenities.

Cost / Admission Fees for Children’s Museum of Richmond:

Visitors can buy tickets to visit the Childrens Museum for 9$. Seniors are 8$. Infants and up to 12 months do not have a entrance fee. Parking is free at both locations as well.

Tickets can be reserved in advance or may be purchased at the front desk upon arrival.
You can use your day's tickets to come play at any time during our open hours!
Tickets are available up to 7 days in advance.

There are discounts for visiting Childrens Museum for military members 1$ off with military ID and Museums for All. Guests who present their SNAP EBT card, EBT App, or WIC card will receive $2 admission for up to 6 individuals. Teachers receive 1$ off entrance fees as well. Free General Admission: First Full Weekend of the Month for BoA Cardholders every month as well. These discounts apply to both locations.

For families who frequent CMoR, purchasing a membership can be a cost-effective way to enjoy unlimited access to all CMoR locations and exclusive member benefits. Membership options vary in price and duration, with benefits including free admission, discounts on programs and events, and access to members-only hours and exhibits. These make great gifts from family members and loved ones for unlimited play all year long.

The Children's Museum of Richmond is not just a place for children to play—it's a place for them to learn, explore, and grow. With its multiple locations, diverse exhibits, and commitment to fostering creativity and curiosity in young minds, CMoR is a beloved destination for families throughout the Richmond area. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor passing through, a visit to CMoR is sure to be an enriching and memorable experience for the whole family. So why wait? Plan your visit today and embark on a journey of discovery and imagination at the Children's Museum of Richmond.

Children's Museum of Richmond: Best in Play Virginia