Virginia Discovery Museum — Attraction in Charlottesville

We have always loved the discovery museum and are members but wanted to share a recent experience that was pretty unfortunate. I took my 2 year old daughter and was basically publicly shamed for not having her wear a mask. I am a pediatric nurse and my husband is a doctor who has spent the last two plus years taking care of Covid patients. We are pro science and pro vaccine, but in light of the changing landscape of Covid as well as the availability of a vaccine for all ages, we have chosen not to force our small children to continue wearing masks for a third year of their young lives. And 99% of businesses seem to understand this changing landscape. My daughter does not have to wear a mask at the science museum or childrens museum in Richmond (in fact at both of those much larger organizations masks are optional for all). She does not even have to wear one at our pediatrician office. And yet the discovery museum felt the need to shame and lecture me for the fact that I didn't want my 2 year old child to wear a mask while she plays. Needless to say we will not be renewing our membership and I strongly encourage anyone else who feels similarly to avoid this place at all costs. Their mask policy is not science based or remotely cognizant of the developmental needs of small children, children who rely on social interactions (with facial expressions a fundamental part of those interactions) to grow and learn. It is a relic of two years ago and one that I think has far more to do with virtue signaling than caring about what is good...

Extremely upset that we have been coming here ALL summer, have genuinely spent over a thousand dollars here hahaha and have never been charged over $24 for my two kids and me ages (1) and (2). Today I get there and they are asking for $40 for an adult and two children, I told them I've never been charged over $24 and they said usally it's because your one year old is free. I explained we will be going somewhere else because I'm not spending $40 for two kids to play for an hour. I asked for parking validation since we always park in the garage before we go in and they said it's only for paying customers and will not be giving me one. Actually ridiculous behavior and we will not be coming here again even tho mostly the girls love it.

Update: your response is complete bs. I have proof of multiple visits where I stated both my kids age and they told me they would not be charging the adult to play. The attitudes of the team members was rude and unprofessional and you have lost a repeat customer who comes with multiple families, I've let every single family know- once which is now canceling their membership with you all after how you treated us....

The staff was wonderful and friendly. They entertained conversations with my chatty little four year old. The building was surprisingly clean for how many littles were running around (staff must run around all day picking up the same toys and I sure wish I had their energy!) and my girls most def had the most fun in the back of the building where they imagined themselves to be cooks, doctors, receptionists, and bank tellers. I was debating between taking my children here or to a jump park and I’m so glad I chose the discovery museum. I rushed out of the building today because I was so sure there would be tears and tantrums when it was time to head out and I didn’t get the chance to tell the employees how great this place was and to thank them. So if you all read this, thank you so much! We will surely be visiting again as my 4 year old has already asked if we can come...