VA Border Kids

Looking for an unforgettable, screen-free family adventure just a couple hours from Martinsville or Danville? Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh checks all the boxes: interactive exhibits, creative play, learning disguised as fun, and nonstop excitement for toddlers through tweens.

We made the trip with both our toddler and our 8-year-old—and they were both in heaven. Honestly, I had a blast too!

🎉 Our Favorite Moments

The second we walked in, it was full speed ahead!

My toddler darted straight to the play farm, giggling as she picked pretend veggies and fed toy animals. Meanwhile, my 8-year-old made a beeline for the giant chess board, totally locked in like a mini grandmaster.

We also loved:

🎨 Painting the glass wall – artsy fun without having to bring anything home 🧱 ImagiFAB – STEAM stations for building, crafting, and experimenting 🐟 Splash Zone – bring water shoes & extra clothes! 🎭 Role-play exhibits like the grocery store, ambulance, and firetruck 🎶 StepNotes light-up stairs – perfect for a little music + movement moment

🍽️ Lunch Break: Juneteenth Festival Across the Street

We were lucky to catch the Juneteenth Festival right across the street for lunch!

✅ Stroller-friendly

✅ Kid- and toddler-approved

✅ Full of music, food, and good energy

The food was a little pricey, but totally worth it for the cause—and it was so good. Next time though, I’ll probably pack a lunch or some snacks to save a little.

🎒 Mom Tips: What to Bring (from Someone Who’s Been!)

Here’s my real-deal list of what I wish I’d brought—and what saved the day:

👟 Sneakers > sandals – I wore my Tevas but should’ve gone with sneakers. 👗 Comfy clothes – My Halara dress was a total win for comfort and movement. 💦 Water bottles – You’ll be moving a LOT, and it gets warm. 👶 Backup outfit – Especially if your toddler loves the water table like mine! 🕘 Arrive early – Less crowding = more calm. 🎨 Save messy zones for last – Splash zones and art tables are best near the end.

📸 Photo-Worthy Moments

Don’t forget your phone—there are tons of sweet memory-making photo ops here!

📷 Our faves:

The giant chess board Painting on the clear glass walls Pretend firetruck + ambulance play Light-up music stairs Building zones with colorful creations

You’ll get candid smiles all day long.

📍 Bonus Stops Nearby (Optional Add-Ons!)

If you want to make it a full day in downtown Raleigh, here are a few local gems nearby:

🌳 Moore Square Park – Right across the street! Great for a snack break or picnic. 🍫 Videri Chocolate Factory – Free to peek inside, and smells amazing! 🥗 Morgan Street Food Hall – Lots of kid-friendly food options & space to roam 🍓 State Farmers Market – If you have time on the way in or out!

🗺 Marbles Day Trip Recap

✅ Quick Details

📍 Location

Raleigh, NC (2 hrs from Martinsville)

🎟 Admission

Free with ASTC membership, otherwise $9 per person (ages 1+)

⏰ Ideal Visit Time

2–4 hours

👶 Best For Ages

1–10

👜 What to Bring

Water, snacks, change of clothes, comfy shoes

💡 Parent Tip

Save water & art zones for last!

💬 Final Thoughts

As we were leaving, my son turned to me and said:

“Mom! This place was so cool!!!”

I couldn’t have said it better myself. Marbles is vibrant, hands-on, and endlessly creative. It’s one of those rare places where kids and parents are equally entertained—and fully engaged.

We’ll absolutely be back (with snacks, sneakers, and maybe a B12 shot 😅). If you’re within driving distance, it’s 100% worth the trip.