The capital city of Richmond can serve as a central hub for a family vacation. Discover the entire "Story of Virginia" at the Virginia Historical Society through videos, storyphones, computer games and other interactive devises that make learning fun for the whole family!
Adventure for children ages toddler to 12 can be found at the Children's Museum of Richmond, where they can wiggle through a digestive tract, crawl under a turtle tank and perch in an eagle's nest. Everchanging exhibits put this museum at the top of the list.
Next door to the Children's Museum of Richmond is the Science Museum of Virginia, which contains hundreds of permanent hands-on exhibits for little explorers, and the IMAX®DOME & Planetarium, too!
Maymont Nature Center has 13 linked aquariums, home to the most delightful otter, fish, turtles and other creatures. The Children's Farm, named "Best Thing To Do With Kids On Saturday Morning" by Style Weekly parents, introduces little ones to all sorts of barnyard animals.
The Virginia Aviation Museum in Sandston has more than 25 vintage aircraft plus the SR-71 Blackbird, a cool supersonic spy plane. See replicas of the three Wright Brothers' gliders, World War II dioramas, antique automobiles and more!
Henricus Historical Park is where Pocahontas lived and was courted by John Rolfe. Children learn history as costumed interpreters work in the 1611 Citie of Henricus, Virginia's second successful English settlement after Jamestown.
During the spring and summer months, you won't want to miss Kings Dominion in nearby Doswell. It's a 400-acre theme and water park with world-class roller coasters!
Travel west to the Virginia Discovery Museum in Charlottesville's Downtown Mall. This hands-on museum features exciting exhibits such as a Walk-In Kaleidoscope, The Puppet Tree with animals, a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Magnet Mosaics and a real live buzzing bee hive!
While in Charlottesville, see Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson. Children can also enjoy Monticello's special Discovery Room with hands-on exhibits.
Further west from Charlottesville is the Walton's Mountain Museum in Nelson County with replicas of sets from the memorable television series The Waltons, created by Earl Hamner Jr.
North of Charlottesville is the The Roaring Twenties Antique Car Museum in Hood, the largest family collection in Virginia. In addition to its 32 vintage cars, visitors are treated to a large and unusual collection of Americana, circa 1900-1935.
Travel south from Richmond to Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier in Petersburg. Visitors can wear a personal audio device and become intimately acquainted with their own comrade, such as Delevan Miller, a 13-year-old drummer boy, throughout the tour.