Children's Science Center Lab
Rating
Family of 4
Approximately $40-60 for a family of 4: check childsci.
Duration
2 hours per session
Best Ages
Best for ages 4-12
About
The Children's Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, Virginia is a small but well-regarded science education center operating on a boutique, session-based model. Open only on weekends, it runs three 2-hour timed sessions each day (10AM-12PM, 1-3PM, and 3:30-5:30PM), keeping group sizes small enough for genuine hands-on engagement.
This session model is both the limitation and the strength. Kids don't just wander through static exhibits — they participate in structured activities with science educators, doing actual experiments and building projects. The 4.5-star rating from 264 reviews reflects families who appreciate this engaged, active approach to science learning.
For Fairfax County families and Washington DC visitors staying in Northern Virginia, the Science Center Lab offers a weekend STEM activity that combines genuine educational value with the logistics convenience of free mall parking. Fair Oaks Mall provides dining options before or after your session.
The nonprofit model is worth noting. The Children's Science Center exists to build STEM engagement in kids — the programming reflects educational mission rather than commercial entertainment packaging. Kids who are intrinsically curious about how things work respond particularly well.
Advance booking is essential — sessions fill up and walk-ins may not be accommodated. Check childsci.org before your planned visit to select a session time and complete registration.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Limited
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekends only — choose from three 2-hour time slots; book in advance as sessions fill
Wait Times
Sessions are ticketed with limited capacity — no on-site wait if you book ahead
Nearby Food
Fair Oaks Mall has a food court and multiple sit-down restaurants on-site. Dozens of additional restaurant options in the surrounding Fairfax area along Route 50.
Why Kids Love It
The Children's Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall runs structured, hands-on science sessions in small groups — kids actually do experiments rather than passively viewing exhibits. The tinkering and building activities engage the problem-solving instinct in a way that traditional museum displays often miss. Kids who like making things, breaking things, and understanding how things work are in their element here.
What Parents Say
“My 2-year-old daughter had the time of her life exploring, playing, and learning through all the hands-on exhibits.”
Pro Tips from Parents
- Open weekends only (Saturday and Sunday) in three 2-hour sessions — this is not a drop-in venue
- Book sessions in advance on the website — capacity is limited and popular sessions fill up
- Located inside Fair Oaks Mall — free mall parking is a genuine convenience compared to DC venues
- The nonprofit mission means programming is genuinely educational rather than primarily commercial
- After your session, Fair Oaks Mall has dining options for lunch or dinner
What to Bring
- Session booking confirmation
- Comfortable clothes that can get a bit messy from activities
- Water bottle
Cost Info
Admission Prices
- Child
- $2
Tips to Save
- The Children's Science Center is a nonprofit — membership packages offer savings if you plan to return.
- Fair Oaks Mall has free parking so no parking costs.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- Closed
- Monday
- Closed
- Sunday
- 10AM-12PM1-3PM3:30-5:30PM
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Saturday
- 10AM-12PM1-3PM3:30-5:30PM
- Thursday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- Closed
