Virginia offers immersive STEM and STEAM experiences that inspire curiosity, collaboration, and real-world discovery for student groups
Across Virginia, group tours can do more than sightsee; they can spark curiosity, fuel innovation, and bring classroom lessons to life. From aerospace engineering to the chemistry of glassmaking, the Commonwealth is home to attractions that deliver immersive STEM and STEAM experiences designed to engage students at every grade level. For tour planners seeking meaningful educational programming, these destinations combine hands-on learning with unforgettable experiences.
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Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education entails authentic learning experiences for all students with an interdisciplinary and applied approach where all fields connect in complex relationships. In today’s economy, problems are not solved in isolation of a specific discipline, but are solved through multiple approaches and perspectives. A strong STEM educational foundation helps to prepare our students for tomorrow’s world by emphasizing collaborative, innovative, quantitative, and logical analysis rooted in a solid understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Here are some great places for groups and students to find STEM-focused programs.
Science Museum of Virginia (Richmond)
In Richmond, the Science Museum of Virginia stands out as one of the state’s most comprehensive STEM-focused institutions. The museum blends architectural grandeur with cutting-edge exploration. Students can participate in hands-on labs, watch live science demonstrations, and engage in maker workshops that encourage experimentation and problem-solving. Interactive exhibits span physics, health sciences, engineering, data analytics, and more, while planetarium shows transport audiences deep into space. Seasonal camps and special programming further enhance opportunities for groups to dive into collaborative, applied learning.
NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center (Wallops Island)
For those inspired by aerospace and space science, Virginia offers exceptional access to NASA’s work. On the Eastern Shore, the NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center introduces groups to aeronautics research, rocket programs, and Earth science initiatives. Exhibits explore everything from sounding rockets to satellite technology, and visitors may even witness a liverocket launch depending on the schedule.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly Smithsonian Air & Space Museum (Washington, D.C.)
In Northern Virginia, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, part of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, showcases some of the most iconic artifacts in aviation and space history. Massive hangars house the Space Shuttle Discovery, the SR-71 Blackbird, and hundreds of aircraft. While exhibit-driven, the center supports STEM education through guided tours, flight simulators, and access to the Smithsonian’s extensive educational resources, including lesson plans and the popular “STEM in 30” video series. The museum’s free programming makes it an accessible and powerful addition to any student itinerary.
Chrysler Museum of Art – Science of Glass STEAM Programs (Norfolk)
The Chrysler Museum of Art’s collections and special exhibitions provide a rich learning environment for a variety of college courses and faculty curriculum goals. The museum offers STEAM tours and workshops focused on the science and chemistry of glass, including demonstrations at the Perry Glass Studio and school tour programs that explore how physics and chemistry apply to glassmaking.
Virginia Air & Space Science Center (Hampton)
In Hampton, the Virginia Air & Space Science Center, the official visitor center for NASA Langley Research Center, further strengthens the state’s aerospace credentials. Interactive exhibits highlight flight dynamics, space exploration, and engineering breakthroughs, while an IMAX theater adds an immersive dimension to the experience. Hands-on activities encourage students to think critically about aerodynamics, propulsion, and the future of space travel.
Virginia Living Museum (Newport News)
While centered on natural history and ecology, the museum’s education programs are hands-on and experiential, including field science, labs, and interactive exploration that blends science with learning. Planetarium and environmental science classes make it a strong STEAM resource, especially for younger learners.
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