| By :
John Markus
Virginia has an uncommon wealth of fun, educational attractions that will inspire and entertain the whole family. Whether you want to learn about aviation, see fossils or planets, or just give your kids a chance to learn, create, and explore, there are museums all over Virginia. Many of these facilities have weekend events for kids, so check the website before you plan to go. Get out your road map, these day trips are the cure for weekend boredom. Fort Lee The John Rolfe Museum and Historical Research Center: A smaller combination museum/classroom with regular children's programs. Portsmouth The Children's Museum of Virginia features one of the largest model train exhibits on the East Coast. The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Museum: Interactive and digital displays include a Redskins Skybox Experience, a training, fitness, and sports medicine display, as well as soccer, baseball, and football activities. Richmond The Children's Museum of Virginia is a place where kids can learn hands on. There isn't a "do not touch" sign in the place! The Science Museum of Virginia features etymological, anatomical, and technological displays, as well as an IMAX dome and planetarium. Harrisonburg The Explore More Discovery Museum: Interactive educational exhibits include art, theater, and science. Check the free First Fridays events every month. Sterling The Heritage Farm Museum: Learn about agricultural history and country living, and watch your kids man the general store, or milk the life-like dairy cow. Hampton The Virginia Air and Space Center: The official visitation site of the NASA Langley Research Center, the Apollo 12 command capsule is on display here. Danville Danville Science Center: There's plenty of hands-on fun for kids here, including a butterfly station and a build-your-own crystal workshop. The Tank Museum: An adventure in military history, this is the world's largest collection of tank and cavalry items. Charlottesville The Virginia Discovery Museum is famous for their "See the Bees Alive in Their Hive" exhibit. Newport News The Virginia Living Museum features a park of native wildlife, botanical gardens, a planetarium, and aquarium; The Mariner's Museum is the place for all things nautical. Natural Bridge The Toy Museum at Natural Bridge: This incredible collection features toys that date back to 1740, and will entertain the little ones while sending you down nostalgia lane. Staunton The Frontier Culture Museum: Kids can learn about the very different lives of American pioneers form Germany, England, Ireland, and West Africa. Lynchburg Amazement Square, the Rightmire Children's Museum: Let your kids climb the walls, ride the glass elevator, or test out their detective skills in the hands-on forensics workshop. Sandston The Virginia Aviation Museum: From the Wright Brothers to "Top Gun," there are lots of flight simulators and games for kids big and small. Martinsville The Virginia Museum of Natural History: As a branch of the Smithsonian Institute, this museum is impeccable. Winchester The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum: Dinosaurs—both models and fossils; a simulated veterinary hospital where your children can learn about caring for animals, and walls decorated with mind-boggling optical illusions are only a few features in this incredible museum.
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