Kid*Vention
Annual Family Science Festival
Strap on your goggles and slip into your lab coat for Kid*Vention, the Virginia Discovery Museum’s annual celebration of everything science! Every spring, this community event inspires children to explore the world around them with all their senses. Meet dozens of local exhibitors as you investigate biology, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, physics, zoology, and more through fun, hands-on demonstrations, experiments, and games.
Details | Sponsors | Become an Exhibitor | Event Policies | FAQs | Contact
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors
Become an Exhibitor
The deadline to apply for an exhibitor table is March 31, 2026. Tables must stay open from 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
1) Review Exhibitor Fees
Does your business, organization, or group have a passion for science and inspiring our community’s next generation of explorers, scientists, and thinkers? Become an exhibitor at our 26th annual Kid*Vention! Local exhibitors are at the heart of this event, which welcomes around 1,000 visitors each year, and Kid*Vention provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with families from the area.
2) Apply Online
All exhibitors must complete and submit an application at the link below, including a description of the hands-on science activity, game, or experiment they plan to bring. Activities are subject to review by VDM staff to approve content, age-appropriateness, and repeatability; to avoid duplicate stations; and to assist with event organization.
3) Complete Payment
Exhibitor spaces are limited on a first-come, first-served basis, and the deadline to apply for a table is March 31, 2025, so apply early to secure a spot. If you have any question about applying or submitting payment, please contact Director of Operations Lindsay Jones at operationsdirector@vadm.org or (434) 977-1025 x102.
Event Policies
Event Participants
- Event participants with any of these symptoms are asked to refrain from attending Kid*Vention.
- Kid*Vention will take place indoors at Key Recreation Center.
- All event participants must Check-In before participating in any activities.
Check-In & Check-Out
- 9:30 a.m.: Event Starts
- Although activities start at 9:30 a.m., event participants may arrive and check in anytime during the event.
- Check-In takes place at Key Recreation Center’s main entrance.
- Kid*Vention will take place rain or shine.
- 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Festival Activities, Experiments & Games
- 1:00-1:10 p.m.: Event Ends
- Exhibitor tables close. The Virginia Discovery Museum, located just a short walk down the pedestrian mall from Key Recreation Center, will be open until 5:00 p.m. for playtime. Any event participants who visit the Museum are asked to pay general admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Germ Concerns
How many people are expected to attend Kid*Vention?
Kid*Vention typically draws between 800-1,000 visitors throughout the day in addition to VDM staff, exhibitors, and event volunteers.
Event Admission
How much does it cost to attend Kid*Vention?
Event admission is a suggested donation of $15 per family. All donations directly support the Virginia Discovery Museum, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, including exhibit creation and maintenance, educational programs, and VDM’s Sponsored Admission Program.
Does my Virginia Discovery Museum membership grant me free admission to Kid*Vention?
No. Membership only applies to general admission visits to the Museum but does not include free admission to annual events hosted by the Museum.
Do I need to purchase or reserve tickets in advance?
No. Kid*Vention takes place indoors at Key Recreation Center, and there is no maximum capacity for the event. Families are welcome to show up anytime during the event from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Does my $15 entry donation include free admission to the Virginia Discovery Museum?
No. Due to limited capacity inside the Virginia Discovery Museum, we are not able to offer free admission to Kid*Vention attendees. Event participants are still welcome to visit the Museum, but they are asked to pay general admission.
Parking & Directions
Where can I park for Kid*Vention?
The Market Street Garage (550 E Market Street) or Water Street Garage (200 E Water Street) provide the first hour of parking for free, then charge $1 per half hour (or portion thereof) before capping at $12 maximum. Both locations use pay-by-plate technology through the Metropolis App, which requires visitors to create an account with their name, phone number or email address, license plate number, and a form of contactless payment. Key Recreation Center, where Kid*Vention takes place, is also located across the pedestrian mall from the Downtown Transit Station, and Charlottesville Area Transit offers a Free Trolley that stops at the station as it travels through Downtown and the University of Virginia. Click to learn more about parking downtown or more about public bus routes and fares.
Click the icon in the upper left corner for map legend and details.
Contact Us
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? To learn more about VDM’s Kid*Vention family science festival, contact Director of Operations Lindsay Jones at operationsdirector@vadm.org or (434) 977-1025 x102.