Group Visits
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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
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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 with Education Manager Amy Griffith. 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.
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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.
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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.
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3) Book A Date
Visits must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. Email amy@vadm.org, call (434) 977-1025 x106, 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.
Click the icon in the upper left corner for map legend and details.
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 Education Manager Amy Griffith at amy@vadm.org or (434) 977-1025 x106.