Children's Museum of Richmond

The Children's Museum of Richmond (CMORVA) is one of the most consistently excellent children's museums in Virginia. Located on West Broad Street, just steps from the Science Museum of Virginia, it makes a natural pairing for a full Richmond day trip from Williamsburg.

The museum is designed around the idea that children are natural explorers, and the exhibits reflect that philosophy with genuine commitment. The centerpiece is a massive two-story climbing structure that dominates the main floor — a network of tunnels, slides, nets, and platforms that challenges kids physically while rewarding problem-solving. Kids who find most museum activities passive get fully engaged here.

The role-play grocery store area is perennially popular with toddlers and preschoolers. Complete with shopping carts, checkout scanners, and all the produce a small shopper could need, it satisfies the deeply held toddler desire to do exactly what they see adults doing. Parents standing nearby get the dual benefit of watching their kids learn and getting a much-needed break.

For infants and very young toddlers, a soft-surface baby area provides a safe space to crawl and explore without older kids running overhead. The nursing room is private and well-equipped.

Seasonal outdoor water garden exhibits add extra splash opportunities in warm months. The museum has a café for quick lunches, though nearby Carytown (5 minutes west) offers more interesting dining options for families who want to make more of the Richmond trip.