Is Explore More Discovery Museum open on weekends?

No — this is one of the most important things to know. It's open ONLY Tuesday through Friday. Closed Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

What ages is Explore More Discovery Museum best for?

Ages 1-10, with particularly strong content for toddlers and preschoolers who benefit from the smaller, less overwhelming scale.

Explore More Discovery Museum

Name: Explore More Discovery Museum
Address: 150 S Main St, Williamsburg, VA, 22801, US
Telephone: +1 540-442-8900
Rating: 4.8

Rating

4.8(722)

Family of 4

$35-50 (approximately $8-12/person)

Duration

1.5-2.5 hours

Best Ages

Best for ages 1-10

About

Explore More Discovery Museum in downtown Harrisonburg earns a 4.8 rating that's unusually high even among well-regarded children's museums — and the reviews consistently cite the thoughtful exhibit design and welcoming atmosphere rather than just size or spectacle.

The museum is intentionally compact, which parents of toddlers appreciate. Larger facilities can overwhelm young children with too many competing stimuli; Explore More's focused layout lets kids fully engage with each exhibit before moving to the next. The STEM and discovery exhibits are well-executed for the Shenandoah Valley audience.

Important logistics note: the museum is open only Tuesday through Friday. It's closed Saturday, Sunday, and Monday — an unusual schedule that catches many families off guard. Tuesday extends to 6PM, which is useful for afternoon arrivals.

For families in the Harrisonburg or Shenandoah Valley area, this is an excellent local resource. For Williamsburg-based families, it's approximately 2.5 hours away and better positioned as a stop on a Shenandoah/Blue Ridge itinerary.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Available

Kid Meals

Not Available

Setting

Indoor

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Tuesday-Friday mornings; note closed weekends (Sat/Sun) and Mondays

Wait Times

No significant waits

Nearby Food

Downtown Harrisonburg near James Madison University has an excellent restaurant scene — multiple casual family-friendly options within walking distance.

Why Kids Love It

The 4.8 rating with over 700 reviews signals this tiny museum consistently delights visitors — multiple parents mention the focused, not-overwhelming scale that lets toddlers and young children explore without sensory overload. The STEM exhibits are thoughtfully designed for curious minds, and the museum's compact size means kids can revisit favorite stations multiple times in one visit.

Pro Tips from Parents

CRITICAL: Closed Saturday, Sunday, and Monday — only open Tuesday through Friday
Tuesday has extended hours until 6PM — useful for families arriving later in the day
Located in downtown Harrisonburg near JMU — combine with exploring the vibrant restaurant scene nearby
Smaller scale than other Virginia children's museums — plan 1.5-2 hours rather than a full day
Best positioned for Shenandoah Valley travel itineraries, not as a Williamsburg day trip

What to Bring

Snacks (no on-site food)
Water bottles

Cost Info

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

$35-50 (approximately $8-12/person)

Tips to Save

Important: closed Saturday, Sunday, AND Monday — only open Tuesday through Friday.
Located in downtown Harrisonburg near James Madison University.
Tuesday hours extended to 6PM.