shenandoah valley discovery museum

Went with two kids aged almost 3 and 6 and we had fun 3 floors of mixed science and learning type activities - staff was helpful and overall it was clean and well done We would go back especially when they have pre-planned activities (family science challenge etc)

I have been to the old one downtown before they built the new one, so I have been to both now. The cost is expensive for what you get. They need more hands on things for the younger kids. The ambulance is neat and kids of all ages will enjoy it, however I have to wonder how often they get in there and clean the surfaces. Yuck. There were kids in it when I went with snotty noses and rubbing it all over their sleeves. We left that area. They still have the Indian hut and the campfire like the old place. They have a few more things than the old place. However the thing that ALL kids loved the most at the old place was the apple picking and packing plant. They have it at the new place, but the set up is different and kids didnt seem to enjoy it as much. And two of the pulleys were not working when we went the last time which was disappointing. A lot of people walking around and in offices, yet, someone couldnt fix the pulley?I liked the old location better... this one seemed more like an office building that happened to have this stuff in it. Disappointed and the cost was too high for what you got. Probably would not go back at this price of 8.00 per person!

This museum offers a small version of our American history packed full of history within the Shenandoah Valley. A small gift shop and cafe will offer the visitor a great 4-5 hour day spent perusing the different areas of the museum, listening to audio tours, shopping, eating, and participating in some interactive displays. This museum is beautiful, clean, visitors are greeted by friendly curators, and great food is available during certain times. In the summer visitors enjoy the gorgeous gardens that surround the grounds of the museum, and special events held here are easy access to the facilities and old town Winchester. Great day at a very reasonable cost!!!

My almost 4 year old daughter has been visiting the Discovery Museum since before she was 1, and has always loved. But their new location (opened in 2014) is AMAZING. 4 levels, the top on is on the roof - fenced in. So much more to do now then they had in the old location. Plus they're about to open a new climbing area on the first floor, in the same area as the real ambulance you can climb in, and the dinosaur fossils you can "dig" up. The Apple area on the second floor is a huge hit with kids of all ages, as the explore levers and pulleys through pretend play with baskets and wheel barrows. I constantly see older kids, ages 10-13, in that play area having a blast. The build your own roller coaster area is also a big hit with everyone. My daughters favorite part is the third floor, where the arts and crafts are. This is a must hit attraction for anyone with elementary school aged kids, or younger.

The Discovery Museum is a wonderful place to visit. Learning is honestly fun! My daughter (age 2) builds houses (and demolishes), colors and paints (then cuts and pastes), and has even built a (Hoover) dam! We walk with turtles. Check on the fish and find a hidden snake. We have been lucky enough to hear a class trip learn about Indian life. My toddler curled up on my lap to here Lea speak and another time we were included by Mark! The staff is courtesy, attentive and lead me to believe my child is one of kind. Although I believe she is, I've seen them do the same for others.

We visited at their new location on Cork Street. They have done wonders with the expanded space and it is a truly educational and entertaining locale. Not too many grumpy people as the displays and exhibits engage the children and the adults with them as well. A jewel in old town Winchester!

While the museum is a fun place, it seemed a bit pricey at $8.00 for even our two year old grandson. Also, many of the exhibits are out of order or missing parts and pieces. The maintenance of the facility seems to be low on the priority list. Too bad, we have at least three out of town families with four children a piece, and we won't be bringing them to this museum.

If you have been to discovery museums this one is great for a small town. You will keep the children active and wanting to go back. Of course you will want to go back as well.

We went on field trip for the school, kids love this place they can touch everything and play except the big dinosaur, 4 floor to learn and play.

Kids enjoyed it, and if u go on the 1st Friday of the month the admission is free between 530pm and 7:30 pm for entire family.

We ought the grandparents pass and highly recommend the option. We have taken 5 of the grand kids at different times.they just love the ball tracks.the 3 year old boy is particularly intrigued by the balls. It's easy to spend a couple of hours here the only downside is some of the day care services will bring bus loads of kids and it can get hektic and under supervised. Kids LOVE THE PLACE. What more positive thing can I say?

What a great treasure in our midst. The exhibits are always top notch. Many great activities take place regularly. The gardens are magnificent! Also, a great place to have a bite to eat.

With two kids in tow we wanted to spend a couple of hours in a place where they can have fun and do something interesting. The museum was a disappointment. It was not a museum, but more of an arcade with a couple of items such as a ambulance or a bath of water plopped in the middle of he floor. Two sections were "out of order". The museum claims they have four floors of interactive activities. The fourth floor- the "observation deck" has nothing but a hop scotch game pasted on the floor. Sure the views of the town are nice, but that comes with being on the roof. My kids are very curious and eager to learn and build new things. They were bored after 15 mins. I managed to keep them there for 45 mins before they were begging me to leave. $8 per person - totally not worth it.

This museum has moved recently from the downtown mall to a newly renovated building nearby. What a wonderful space. Still has many of the same fun exhibits. My daughter loves the apple packing plant exhibit.

I took my 6 year old nephew to the museum and he had a great time. We spent 1/2 the day there, got our hands stamped and went out for lunch. After lunch we went back for more fun! The apple shed area was his favorite because he could move around. He also like the roller coaster area. The snake was a bit shy today and only had his head showing (which was more than enough for me!). The roof-top view is cool, you can see a lot of Winchester. I would definitely recommend this as a great place to take the kids. The staff was very nice and helpful.