Real Mom Review: Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum in Winchester, Virginia

By Lorraine J Sierra, CertifiKID Subscriber
Posted Jan 10, 2019 Real Mom Reviews Things to Do DC/MD/VA

Located just an hour's drive from the Washington, DC and Baltimore areas in historic Winchester, Virginia, Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum is a 19,000-square foot, hands-on, interactive, educational museum for kids of all ages.

We sent one of our MOM Squad ambassadors and her family to the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum. She received free admission in exchange for providing an honest review of their experience.

Save up to 23% off admission to Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum with this CertifiKID Deal. 

Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum is a family-oriented museum filled with lots of scientific knowledge, learning through a hands-on and imaginative task environment. Their mission is "to ignite creativity, spark curiosity and inspire learning in visitors of all ages by providing a rich variety of interactive, hands-on exhibits and programs that focus on the sciences and mathematics, the humanities, and the arts."

Health Works Exhibit, Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum

2nd Floor Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum

The Museum is a four-story building divided into different zones. The first floor is called the Encounter Zone and it features the Museum Store, Founders Exhibit, Donor Wall, Health Works, Rotating Exhibits and Vertical Maze (my daughter loved it!!!).

Health Works Exhibit

On the entrance for the stairs, they have a laser piano--definitely a plus!

On the second floor, you’ll find the Action Zone, which features the Apple Packing Shed, Pollinator Plaza, Manipulatives, Roller Coaster Alley and Potomac River Watershed. This was my 5-year-old daughter's favorite floor. She enjoyed the apple packing activity, Potomac watershed and the roller coaster building activity.

Pollinator Plaza Exhibit 

Roller Coaster Alley Exhibit 

Apple Packing Shed Exhibit 

The third floor is called Explore Zone. It features Discovery Studio, Leonardo’s corner (a building block activity), Gallery, Science Kitchen (it had a small exhibit of frogs and insects), classrooms and the Moccasin Trail (takes you back to the ancient life era).

The fourth floor is the Sky Level and it features a mezzanine with gardens, Observation Deck (you can see Winchester Old Town--priceless), shade pavilion, Polinators' Garden, and lobby/musical floor, which took me by surprise that I was walking and making music! Each floor has sanitary services and an elevator for any handicapped person or physical condition. The restrooms are unisex but they were really clean and well-maintained. 

Pollinators' Garden

Getting There and Getting In

An easy drive, the GPS will take you right to the museum. There is parking next to the museum. Friday afternoon and weekends are free to park. During weekdays it can be hard to find a parking spot, but no issues on weekends. Getting inside the museum was fast and easy.

Time Recommended to Enjoy Experience

We were there 3 hours and my daughter didn't want to leave!

Recommended Age Range

My daughter is 5-years-old. Although activities can be shared by the whole family, I think it will be more enjoyable for kids ages 10 and under.

Tips for Families

Dress comfy--children can play with water, climb, and pick things up. They are going to be active!

On Sundays, the museum's hours are shorter (1 p.m. - 5 p.m.).

There are no food or drinks available on site. Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum is located right next to the Winchester Old Walking Mall, where you can find stores and restaurants.

Would Your Family Visit Again?

Sure! We live very near and we can go in the afternoons. 

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