Rescue: New Must-See Exhibit at the Science Museum of Virginia

The Science Museum of Virginia has a new, interactive exhibit that teaches you how to save lives: Rescue!

Bringing the excitement of emergency response, Rescue is a new interactive STEM exhibit at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond. This exhibit gives families the chance to pilot a helicopter, navigate a smoke-filled rescue mission, race a jet ski... plus more than a dozen hands-on experiences.

Perfect for the whole family, Rescue has hands-on adventure and interactive activities designed for curious preschoolers to teenagers and grown-ups!

Rescue is on display at The Science Museum of Virginia from July 13 to January 17, 2027.

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Everything YOU need to know about Rescue:

Looking for things to do with kids in Richmond? The Science Museum of Virginia's Rescue exhibit has taken over the Garner Gallery.

This exciting new interactive exhibit combines hands-on learning with action-packed adventure. With 12+ hands-on rescue missions, guests can help out on life-saving missions like navigating a smoke-filled emergency scene, conquering the 360-degree climbing challenge, and deliver life-saving flotation devices by drone during a simulated ocean rescue.

My family especially loved piloting the life-sized helicopter simulator, racing jet skis on the rescue mission, crawling through the simulated burning building, and stepping behind the anchor desk to deliver breaking news.

This exhibit is LITTLE KID APPROVED!

1. Kid-level viewing: many of the hands-on activities are built at kid-height

2. Touch friendly & hands-on: children can crawl inside a helicopter, walk a balance beam, crawl through a tunnel, ride a jet ski, try on real rescue uniforms, ride in a lifeboat and more!

3. Lots of open space: the exhibit is spread out, so children can move freely throughout the space.

4. Lots of things that go: children can explore and get on a helicopter, jet skis, an inflatible boat & more!

Special Programming: Operation Rescue

Mark your calendar for Operation Rescue on August 15!

During this special event, you can meet emergency responders, test your skills with hands-on rescue equipment and spend time with adoptable rescue dogs.

The best part? Admission is just $10 that day!

*For more on Rescue, check here!

Where is The Science Museum of Virginia?

The museum's address is 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220.

You can find free parking in the parking deck between The Children's Museum of Richmond and The Science Museum of Virginia.

When is The Science Museum of Virginia open?

The Science Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Fridays through Labor Day.

Rescue will be on display from July 13 to January 17, 2027!

How much does it cost to visit The Science Museum of Virginia?

The Science Museum of Virginia's regular admission costs $17.50 per adult (13-59), $14.50 per senior (60+), $14.50 per youth (6-12 years old), and $10 per preschooler (3-5 years old) to visit daily. Children 2 years old and younger can visit for free. Rescue is included in daily admission!

Teachers can visit the Science Museum’s permanent exhibitions for free with their teacher ID!

*The Science Museum of Virginia also participates in Museums for All. This means the Science Museum offers a discounted daily admission  & reduced-rate membership for limited-resource families. Present your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card at the front desk to qualify for this program.The Museums for All daily admission cost is $1 or $3, and for $25, two adults and all children under 18 in the household can visit for one year.

If you are interested in a membership, check here for more details!

More Information about The Science Museum of Virginia:

Here are things to do at the Science Museum of Virginia with kids under 7.

I've been bringing my children to this museum since they were babies, and there's so many things to see and do with them here. The entire museum is stroller friendly, so it's easy to bring little ones here.

LightPlace: This section of the museum is designed specifically for children 5 and younger. LightPlace filled with preschool-sized hands-on activities like the oversized Lite Bright, puzzles, building blocks, and a climbing area. It has floor-to-ceiling windows, so the room is filled with light and views of the trains. There is also an area just for children 18 months and younger, so even the smallest explorers can crawl to sensory experiences!

The Speed Exhibit: This exhibit has over 50 stations for you to learn about motion and time! You can race an Olympic athlete (or dinosaur), practice throwing like a baseball player, feel hurricane force winds or challenge a robot in air hockey.

The Outside Exhibits: You will find restored train cars outside, a giant chess board and a submarine. You can see this area from LightPlace, too.

Can I bring food and water into the museum?

Yes! You can bring in snacks and water to the museum, and there are designated eating areas in the museums. You'll also cafe with seating that sells coffee, snacks, box lunch items, chips, etc. The gift shop has bottled drinks, candy and snacks. Outside The Dome, the theater, you can purchase fresh popcorn, drinks and candy -- this is our favorite place to grab snacks!

Is the museum stroller friendly?

Yes! The entire museum is ADA accessible. You will find both stairs and elevators around the property.

You can find more things to do with kids on @thewestendmom 's Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok !