Explore More Discovery Museum | Harrisburg

Explore More Discovery Museum is a vibrant, interactive children’s museum located in downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia. It serves as a dynamic learning environment designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and hands-on exploration for children of all ages. The museum’s mission is to engage young learners and their families in educational play that supports cognitive, social, and emotional development through themed exhibits, workshops, and community programs.

Location and Setting

Situated at 150 S. Main Street in the heart of Harrisonburg’s historic district, the museum occupies a spacious, accessible building that has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate interactive exhibits and accommodate children’s diverse needs. Its central downtown location makes it easy for families, school groups, and tourists to visit.

Exhibits and Learning Areas

Explore More Discovery Museum is organized into numerous themed exhibit zones that provide immersive, hands-on experiences encouraging children to learn through play. Each exhibit focuses on developing different skills such as problem-solving, creativity, social interaction, and physical activity.

CK’s Kitchen & Farmer’s Market: A role-play area where children can “shop” for fresh produce, prepare food, and learn about nutrition and agriculture. This exhibit encourages healthy habits and community awareness through imaginative grocery shopping and cooking.

KEVA Building Zone: A construction area filled with KEVA planks, allowing children to design and build structures. This open-ended play zone fosters spatial reasoning, teamwork, and engineering concepts.

Friendly City Medical Center: Complete with a full-size ambulance and medical equipment, this exhibit introduces children to healthcare roles and promotes an understanding of wellness, safety, and compassion.

TV Studio: Kids can take on the roles of news anchors, meteorologists, or reporters, developing communication skills, creativity, and confidence through pretend broadcast activities.

Science Lab: Equipped with simple scientific tools and experiments, this area encourages curiosity, observation, and inquiry-based learning in physics, chemistry, and biology.

Super Service Center: A mini auto garage where children can “service” a kid-sized vehicle, learning about mechanics, problem-solving, and cause-and-effect relationships.

Virginia Theater: A small stage designed for dramatic play and performances, supporting self-expression, storytelling, and social development.

Down on the Farm: An agricultural-themed area with a barn, a life-like cow to “milk,” and a tractor, educating children about farming, animals, and rural life.

Art Smart: A creative studio where children engage in various art projects, enhancing fine motor skills, color recognition, and imagination.

Over in the Meadow & Wonderwoods: Soft play zones for toddlers that stimulate sensory exploration and gross motor skill development through nature-inspired play.

PET VET: An interactive veterinary clinic where kids learn about animal care and empathy through examining animal models and role-playing.

Friendly City Dental Exhibit: Designed to teach dental hygiene habits through fun, interactive displays and role-play as dentists or patients.

Discovery Tree: A unique, multi-level treehouse structure with activities like periscopes and slides, encouraging physical activity and imaginative exploration.

Imagination Playground: A large space filled with foam blocks and loose parts, promoting creativity, cooperative play, and large motor development.

CASH FLOW: A financial literacy exhibit that introduces basic money concepts and responsible spending habits through interactive scenarios.

Maker City: A hands-on creative workshop for older children (ages 8 and up) where they can participate in woodworking, electronics projects, and 3D printing, fostering STEM skills, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Programs and Special Events

Beyond the exhibits, Explore More Discovery Museum offers a rich calendar of programs and events that enhance learning and community engagement:

Play Without Boundaries: A sensory-friendly program designed for children with autism and other sensory processing needs, offering a welcoming environment with adjusted lighting, sound, and activities.

Summer Explorer Camps: Multi-week themed camps during the summer that combine outdoor exploration, science, art, and play to keep children engaged and learning while school is out.

Best.Weekend.Ever: Special weekend events featuring themes such as cultural celebrations, holiday activities, or science fairs, designed to create memorable family experiences.

Birthday Parties: Customizable party packages including access to the Teaching Kitchen or Maker City, allowing children to celebrate with creative, educational activities.

Field Trips and Group Visits: Educational field trip options tailored for school groups, homeschoolers, and community organizations, aligning with curriculum standards and developmental goals.

Community Focus and Accessibility

Explore More Discovery Museum emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring every child can benefit from its offerings:

The museum is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, with wide pathways, ramps, and elevators.

Adaptive art supplies and sensory bags are available to support children with special needs.

The museum participates in the Museums for All program, offering discounted admission for families with SNAP EBT cards and financial assistance programs to reduce barriers to access.

Strong community partnerships with local schools, non-profits, and cultural groups help broaden the museum’s educational impact.

Visitor Information

Hours:

Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Wednesday through Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

First Friday of each month: Free admission from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (thanks to Harrisonburg Kiwanis Club)

Admission:

General admission: $9 per person

Children under 1 year: Free

Discounted rates available for qualifying families through Museums for All

Membership: Annual memberships provide unlimited admission and special benefits, encouraging frequent visits and community support.

Ticket Purchase: Available online and at the door; reservations recommended for Maker City sessions due to limited capacity.

Educational Philosophy

Explore More Discovery Museum embraces a play-based learning philosophy rooted in early childhood development research. Its hands-on, multi-sensory approach encourages children to learn by doing, experimenting, and socializing, fostering lifelong skills such as creativity, critical thinking, empathy, and resilience.

Summary

Explore More Discovery Museum stands out as a cornerstone of educational play in Harrisonburg and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley. It offers a welcoming, stimulating environment where children and families can connect, learn, and grow together through a rich array of interactive exhibits and programs. Its focus on inclusivity, creativity, and community engagement makes it a vital resource for early childhood development and a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.