Virginia Discovery Museum

Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Daily Admission: $10/person, adults and children (under 1, free)

Yearly Memberships: $175

Charlottesville's only nonprofit, hands-on children's museum since 1981, the Virginia Discovery Museum brings children ages 0 to 8 and their families together to engage minds, excite imaginations, and explore the world around them through two exhibit galleries -- featuring interactive and imaginative play environments -- and weekly and seasonal educational programs and events!

Travel back in time to experience life in the 18th century as you enter the Showalter Cabin; find your new favorite book in the Literacy Lounge; or get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Little C'Ville as you serve up delectable treats at the Citizen Cafe, examine patients at UVA Children's Hospital, and meet the animals roaming about the Ranger Station.

Before you leave, be sure to take a spin on VDM's historic kiddie carousel, donated by Fred W. Scott Jr., of Bundoran Farm, North Garden, Va. It features six painted aluminum horses, all of which are 1910 Mangell's castings from a Marcus Illions carving. Illions was renowned as a master carver of carousel animals, and appraiser Materson Gurr Johns Inc. called VDM's carousel "the last known kiddie carousel in this country, of its type." The carousel is open for public use during VDM's normal business hours.

From science to art to history, there's so much for your little ones to discover tucked away in our tiny corner of the Downtown Mall!