Virginia hosts countless museums, historical landmarks, and natural wonders. Whether your family is a group of science nerds or nature lovers, you’ll find the day of learning that suits your family’s interest.
2500 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
Driving Time from D.C. = 1hr 50 mins
For hands-on exhibits that delve into the world of science, you can’t go wrong with a field trip to the Science Museum of Virginia. Challenge the curious minds of your kids or join the fun to learn alongside them. There are activities suitable for all age groups and interactive experiences that unleash the scientist in everyone.
Permanent exhibits let you enter the world of humungous robotic insects, view the fastest objects in the universe, learn how to reduce your carbon footprint, or step inside innovative vehicles. The youngest members of the family can develop critical skills with hands-on activities at LightPlace. Stop by the Animal Lab to meet dozens of live animals, get creative at The Forge, or watch the Rat Basketball team while learning about operant and classical conditioning.
10709 Gunston Rd, Lorton, VA 22079
Driving Time from D.C. = 40 mins
Virginia was instrumental in the founding of the United States of America, and the home of Founding Father George Mason is a fantastic place to learn the principles of liberty. Mason strongly advocated individual rights and eliminating government tyranny, and this belief influenced the founding documents of America. The principal author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights and Virginia Constitution, Mason’s ideas helped shape the Declaration of Independence.
Walking around the Mason Family home gives you a glimpse into the life and mind of the lesser-known Founding Father. Piece together the important process of drafting the Virginia Declaration of Rights, read quotes and letters from Mason, and learn about the slaves who lived on the property. The careful layout of the property is a testament to Mason’s refined taste and the hard work of those who made his ideas reality.
101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA 22835
Driving Time from D.C. = 1hr 50 mins
To learn about nature, a road trip to the Luray Caverns teaches you about incredible underground wonders. The largest caverns in the eastern United States, the cave network enchants visitors with its geologic beauty. Self-guided tours escort you down the lighted walkways that open up to spacious rooms with high ceilings adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone.
Anyone interested in geology will marvel at the majestic stone columns, calcite formations, and crystal-clear pools that took millions of years to form. Cathedral-sized chambers pique the imaginations of visitors with hundreds of shimmering limestone patterns hanging from the ceiling. Don’t leave without listening to the graceful sounds of the Stalacpipe Organ, the world’s largest musical instrument that softly taps stalactites inside the caverns.
2000 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23223
Driving Time from D.C. = 1hr 50 mins
A recent survey found that many younger Americans aren’t aware of the atrocities of the Holocaust. Now seems like the ideal time for a visit to the Virginia Holocaust Museum to reflect on the personal accounts from this horrific event. The museum contains documents, archival collections, and educational exhibits to teach our youth about the realities of the Holocaust. Core exhibits take visitors through key events, present hundreds of artifacts, and display testimonies of those who survived the tragedy. Visiting the museum is an emotional experience, but one that’s a necessity to help future generations continue the fight against prejudice and indifference.
