Looking for a good museum to explore with the family? Here is a list of our Northern Virginia hot spots for history.
Alexandria Archaeology Museum | Alexandria, VA Located within the famous Torpedo Factory Art Center (a former naval munitions factory on the banks of the Potomac River), guests will learn how Alexandria’s archeologists, volunteers, and students study and manage archeological resources important to our local community’s history. Their popular public laboratory even lets visitors see artifacts from the latest digs being preserved and cataloged!
Children’s Museum of Richmond | Fredericksburg, VA With four locations (the closest being in Fredericksburg, VA), the Children’s Museum of Richmond (CMoR) boasts a wide variety of hands-on, touch-and-play exhibits that encourage children away from the notion of “look, but don’t touch.” Touching, playing, and exploring at CMoR is expected and celebrated! (Temporarily closed-Oct. 2020)
Children’s Science Center | Fairfax, VA The Children’s Science Center, located in Fair Oaks Mall, invites visitors of all ages to enjoy STEM-focused fun! At a variety of centers and zones, as well as a hands-on experiment bar, kids will learn science, technology, engineering, and math concepts through touch, feel, and play! (Temporarily Closed-Oct. 2020)
Freedom Museum | Manassas, VA Located on the grounds of the Manassas Airport, the Freedom Museum offers visitors an interactive, historical experience. The museum exhibits feature stories of ordinary Americans turned heroes by protecting our nation’s freedom both on the battlefront and on the home front.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon | Mt. Vernon, VA Did you know George Washington’s Mount Vernon is open 365 days a year? Open to the public since 1860, Mount Vernon is the former plantation estate and burial location of George Washington, an American political leader, military general, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797.Enjoy guided and self-guided tours, seasonal and special events, and more. Visit Mount Vernon online today to plan your visit.
Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum | Sterling, VA Through a variety of exhibits, hands-on activities, and seasonal events, the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum highlights 250 years of Loudoun County’s agricultural heritage.
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley | Winchester, VA Located on the largest green space in the city of Winchester, VA, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley endeavors to preserve and enrich the cultural life and heritage of the Shenandoah Valley. Part of the region’s cultural center, guests are invited to also enjoy seven acres of formal gardens and an 18th-century residence, the Glen Burnie House.
National Air & Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center | Chantilly, VA The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, commonly known as the Udvar-Hazy Center, is the second location of the National Air and Space Museum, the original of which is located on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Also part of the Smithsonian family, this destination is a great place for aerial enthusiasts or anyone interested in exploring anything that has to do with air and space! Like it’s sister museum, the Udvar-Hazy Center showcases the history and science of aviation and spaceflight as well as planetary science and terrestrial geology/geophysics.
National Museum of the Marine Corps | Triangle, VA As the historical museum of the United States Marine Corps, visitors of all ages are invited to experience hundreds of years of American history through the eyes of a Marine. Visitors can follow a Marine’s footsteps through the recruiting process to battles fought in times of conflict and war.
National Sporting Library & Museum | Middleburg, VA Located in historic Middleburg, the heart of Virginia’s beautiful hunt country, the National Sporting Library & Museum tells the story of horse and field sports through books and art. Their inviting 6-acre campus, a world-class research library, and fine arts museum highlight the rich heritage and tradition of horsemanship, shooting, steeplechasing, fox hunting, flat racing, polo, and much more. The museum offers a wide variety of educational programs, exhibitions, and family activities throughout the year.
Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum | Winchester, VA Located in the heart of historic Winchester, VA, the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum is worth the drive for Northern Virginia families! This kid-focused destination features 4-stories of exhibits, each boasting loads of touch-and-play areas that encourage problem-solving, creative thinking, and collaboration. Best of all, the kids don’t know they’re learning — they just think they’re having a great time!
Torpedo Factory Art Center | Alexandria, VA The Torpedo Factory Art Center, a former naval munitions factory on the banks of the Potomac River, is home to the largest number of publicly accessible working artist studios in the US. With three floors to explore, this unique destination seeks to foster connections between artists and the public and ignite the creative spirit!
Disclaimer/Terms: These opportunities are subject to last-minute cancellations; always confirm by calling/clicking.