Children’s Museum brings life to mall

November 20, 2019 | Sophia Trout

Wonder Universe is not only opening up new opportunities for children in the New River Valley but providing a second chance to businesses within the mall. 

Blacksburg, Va., November 18 - A Big Universe: At Wonder Universe, children are encouraged to think outside the box. Photo: Sophia Trout

CHRISTIANSBURG, VA -- Wonder Universe, a nonprofit children's museum, opened on November 7 at the New River Vally Mall in Christiansburg, Virginia, and has already impacted the lives of families in the area as well as business at the shopping center. 

The museum once called The Children's Museum of Blacksburg, announced earlier this year that it would be moving from its original location in Blacksburg to the mall. In an article from The Roanoke Times, the location move was vital to "better reflect [the museums] efforts to meet the needs of children across the New River Valley, not just Blacksburg." 

​The goal of the museum is to enrich the lives of children through creativity and hands-on learning. 

​A statement on their website says, "Wonder Universe, with the support of community partners, provides a playful learning environment that inspires children, caregivers and educators to discover and learn side by side," as well as, "We believe in the power of play. It is how children explore, discover, create, and learn," and this all is apparent with one look into the space. 

​Aside from enhancing the opportunities for children in the New River Valley, the museum also brought new life to the mall. 

​The NRV mall, like others around the country, has felt the impacts of online shopping, which resulted in stores having to close their doors. However, Wonder Universe is bringing in families from all across the region, and it's already impacting business within the mall. 

​Megan Stump, an Assistant Manager at the museum, says the museum's arrival has led to stores getting more foot traffic.  

​"Even some of the smaller businesses [are seeing more customers] like the Hot Diggity Dog stand, he's super pumped that we're here because everyone is going over there to get snacks."

From impacting the lives of children to breathing new life into the New River Valley Mall, Wonder Universe has made a positive impact on the community two weeks after opening and is not slowing down any time soon.