Learn all about Wild Child!
Wild Child: Museum & Menagerie is a new destination for indoor play & outdoor exploration here in Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley. We are inspired by the natural world and how important it is to connect with each other and all the other plants and animals sharing the Earth with us.
Our Mission:
As a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving families with young children, our aim is to helping them appreciate and learn about nature, including human nature and how different animals– especially mammals, like us — live and care for their young. We want to provide supports for parents trying to take cues from nature when it comes to raising their children, and letting them be the wild little explorers they are meant to be. This is easier said than done in our society that prioritizes routines and is attached to screens. It’s almost impossible when you don’t have a village of family members and friends with shared values willing to share in the work of raising your little ones.
Our Vision:
What we offer the community:
EVERYDAY PLAY
We welcome members of the public to come and check out Wild Child’s Museum most days from 11am-4pm (schedule may vary depending on seasonal and semester offerings. We use these hours to host Wild Child Time, also known as “Everyday Play” sessions where families can come play and enjoy the interactive exhibits with their little ones. Learn about different animals, let loose, and make some new friends!
You are free to come and go as you please, but please note Caregivers are responsible for children during your visit.
Check out our Schedule for details on when to visit us for Everyday Play. You can walk-in or book in advance to secure your spot!
SUPERVISED PLAY
In addition to daily opportunities for “Everyday Play,” we also offer special “Supervised Play” sessions on a regular basis. These are typically more like structured classes or age-based playgroups where Wild Child staff and volunteers offer facilitated activities during a set period when parental presence and supervision is not required.
Parents can sign their child up for 90-minute age-based Playgroups (they may leave & come back for pick-up or stay & participate.) Upon scheduling, this can be extended for a total of 3 hours of Supervised Play while parents or caregivers enjoy CREW’s facilities where they can work, study, or socialize on-site.
The Supervised Play options we offer include:
- Animal Kingdom: All-ages Playgroup (great for home schoolers and families of all sizes)
- Baby Animals: Pack & Playdate (0-2yrs)
- Tiny Animals: Toddler Fodder & Fun (2-5yrs)
- Pack Animals: Moving & Grooving (6-12yrs)
Check out our FAQ if you’d like to reach more about our approach during Supervised Play.
CAMPS, EVENTS, & MORE
Wild Child is pleased to offer special Seasonal Camps as well as occasional workshops and special events. Our animal-inspired camp sessions incorporate different learning challenges about the museum’s Featured Creatures with a new theme each day. Each week we’ll practice mindful movement, go on nature walks, endure survival challenges, and hone your gardening, harvesting, and baking skills, too! Camps run as a drop-off program with optional parent presence.
Wild Child isn’t just for kids, by the way! We also plan to offer workshops for parents and caregivers, highlighting traditional parenting practices and the latest science’s support for attuning to our children’s biological, socioemotional, and intellectual needs.
Check out our Schedule for details on when you can sign up for the next Camp or Workshop.
We can also host your child’s next Birthday Party OR provide customized child care & children’s enrichment programming for your next Special Event. Book your private event package today. This is also a great option for homeschool groups looking for a new and exciting place to meet up!
We are recognized by the IRS as 501(c)3 tax-exempt charitable organization. We fund our affordable offerings and special scholarship opportunities through program fees, grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations from generous supporters like you!
Please consider supporting our mission with a donation. Gift shop proceeds also go towards keeping Wild Child fun & affordable!
Our Location:
We’re proud to be inside CREW’s newly renovated location
Our Physical Address:
Wild Child: Museum & Menagerie
Room 103
6044 Main St
Mount Jackson, VA 22842
Our Mailing Address:
Wild Child: Museum & Menagerie
9618 S Congress St
New Market, VA 22844
We can't wait to welcome you and your children, young & old, to our awe-inspiring and nurturing space!
