Children's Museum of Richmond — Attraction in Richmond

Richmond Children's Museum: A Disappointing Visit with Room for Improvement

Today, I visited the Children's Museum of Richmond with my 3 and a half-year-old granddaughter. We made more than an hour's drive to get there, and while the free and convenient parking was a positive start, the overall experience was unfortunately quite underwhelming.

Upon entering, the staff member who sold me tickets for about $25 was unable to provide basic information about the museum's layout, any special programs for the day, or even a good local recommendation for lunch. This lack of knowledge was a noticeable detractor from the start.

Inside, many of the exhibits were in poor condition. A significant number had missing parts or non-functioning features, which severely limited the intended interactive play. For instance, the plastic produce in the grocery store exhibit was completely disorganized and jumbled, making it difficult for children to engage with it as designed. It was also notable that many exhibits prominently displayed commercial signage from sponsors like Sentara, Amtrak, CarMax, and Wegmans.

The exterior appearance also left something to be desired; the landscaping around the sidewalk leading from the parking lot to the entrance was untended and full of weeds. My granddaughter, who is typically engaged by interactive exhibits, was ready to leave after only about an hour. The broken and disorganized features meant the exhibits failed to provide the stimulating, hands-on experience they seemed built for. When I provided verbal feedback to a staff member, she expressed concern and challenged me to be specific about what could be fixed. I offered several examples and stated there were many more, suggesting that they create a checklist of all non-functional items and prioritize their repair. Her response was that facilities staff would address the issues I mentioned when they had the opportunity, but that these fixes would not be their "top priority."

In my opinion, the companies whose names are displayed on these exhibits would likely be embarrassed by their current state. I believe that businesses spending their marketing dollars on these sponsorships should send representatives to assess the condition of their sponsored exhibits. While corporate sponsorship is a good idea in principle, the current admission prices seem high enough that the museum should be able to better maintain its exhibits and invest in a more thoroughly trained staff.

This disappointing visit has unfortunately made me question my plans to take my grandchildren to the Science Museum next door, as I now have concerns about the general upkeep and engagement level of similar local...

I have been here several times over the years with my children and recently came on a field trip. They have changed a few things since the last time I came but for the most part they have the same attractions/stations as they did 10 years ago. I do wish they would change or update them more often. They have added a merry-go-round but it costs $2 to ride, you have to buy the ticket from the front (meaning you will have to convince your child to leave the play area so you can purchase one.. so be sure to grab that first) and they only operate it once every hour. Other CONS: They appear to be having some current staffing issues as we were not provided a lesson for the kids when we arrived with the school. Also there was no one in the art area to assist with crafts and supplies ran out before all the kids had a chance to make anything. In addition, there was a lack in variety of costumes in the stage area compared to previous times I have attended. A few things weren't working such as the pneumatic tubes and the school bell. Ok so now for the PROS: From what I have seen, it appears to be well maintenanced. I am somewhat of a germaphobe and I felt comfortable sitting on the blocks and chairs. Everything appeared to be clean and in well working order. They also have a few hand sanitizer pumps located throughout. Their is a separate area for children 3 and under, so if you have a toddler you dont have to worry about the older kids taking over! As for the rest, the learning concepts of each station are pretty invaluable! Each station is hands on interaction for the children which is a great way to learn! Kids are able to act out scenarios they would normally not have access to. I love the news station setup, the grocery store, classroom, and theater sets. My children's favorite is the apple tree! Additionally, there is an outdoor play area; however we didnt get a chance to experience this as it was a little windy outside.

Conclusion: This is a safe, convenient place for you to take your children, with plenty of space for them to run around and have fun while learning! While there are minor items in need of reoair, I will continue to return with my children and hopefully with my grandchildren one...

My daughter had a lot of fun at the Children's Museum Richmond location. I enjoy taking her there bc she enjoys being there. It's fun. She learns things. The people are friendly and helpful and enthusiastic. All those are definite pluses.

Looking through adult eyes...I don't know... It's just...old and worn and needs some upkeep. I see business names and memorial/dedications plastered on certain areas and have to wonder a) what it costs for someone like Wegmans to get their name on the little play grocery store (I have an idea of what I'd charge to advertise to that audience) and b) what did that money go to? Simple things like a scooter with a broken wheel out in the play area or there only being 3 ping pong balls in the water table area confuse me. How much would it cost to buy a years supply of point ping balls so there are enough there for all the kids and replacements to put out when they get crushed or lost... Maybe a couple hundred bucks. Maybe $25 to replace a little scooter with a broken wheel? I know money flows in and yeah yeah operating costs etc but these are really minor inexpensive things that would improve the overall aesthetic from "old and hanging on by a thread" to "actively maintained." I'm sure the response will be "we welcome donations" and yeah that's well and good and sure I could bring a new toy scooter, but how does the budget for ongoing supplies and maintaining overall polish work? What is the plan when that scooter breaks?I just get the suspicion there's a money pit somewhere that is sucking up the funds that could be going towards these things. I could be wrong. However, I didn't recall much difference between when I went there as a child 30ish years ago and this past week when I took my daughter for a field trip.

Now, I really am not trying to be a downer. We will be back and it's well worth the price of entry. I just hope that those who control the purse strings get out on the playground and see the $25 broken scooter. Maybe wonder what it looks like when a kid is limping it around with that broken wheel. What image does that project? Maybe wonder if having a few extra dry erase erasers/rags in the art room might be nice..just for convenience. Easy...