Group Visits
Large Groups & Field Trips
School classes and formally organized community groups enjoy reduced admission to the Virginia Discovery Museum for groups of 8 to 25 children and accompanying adult chaperones, and VDM welcomes more than 1,500 visitors on large group visits and field trips each year. With hands-on Exhibits touching on literacy, science, math, and the arts at a preschool and early elementary level, spread across more than 6,000 square feet of educational play space, the Museum facilitates a fun, engaging, and playful environment that encourages young children to explore new skills and concepts, build resourcefulness and imagination, and develop focus and resilience.
Before You Book | Book Your Visit | Drop-Off & Parking Options | Contact
Group Size
Requirements:
# Children – 8 to 25
# Adults (18+) – 1:4 Ratio
Book Your Visit
All large group visits and field trips must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance. Please have the following information ready: Contact Name & Information, Group Name, Number & Age of Children, Desired Date & Time, and Alternate Date & Time. A deposit is not required to reserve your visit, but availability is limited on a first-come, first-served basis.
1) Check Sponsored Eligibility
Some groups may qualify for partially free or completely free visits through VDM’s Sponsored Admission Program. Financial aid, if applicable, will be verified at booking.
2) Review Museum Rules
All groups must abide by VDM’s rules of conduct while in the Museum. Download a copy of the Museum’s rules to share with group chaperones.
3) Book A Date
Visits must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. Email operationsdirector@vadm.org, call (434) 977-1025 x102, or submit an online inquiry form.
Please note: Submitting a Group Visit inquiry by email, phone, or the online form does NOT reserve your visit. Your visit is officially booked only when a VDM staff member confirms the visit date and time with you by email or phone.
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Drop-Off & Parking Options
The Museum is located at 524 E Main Street on the east end of Charlottesville’s downtown pedestrian mall, near Ting Pavilion. Depending on transportation, both car parking and a bus drop-off and pick-up point are located within a block of our facility. Garage parking is free for up to 2 hours at the listed locations with a validation ticket from the Museum, though vehicles exceeding a clearance height of 7 feet should use the bus drop-off and pick-up point.
Contact Us
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? For more information about Group Visits, please contact Director of Operations Lindsay Jones at operationsdirector@vadm.org or (434) 977-1025 x102.