Family Adventures Around the Midlothian Library, A Novel Idea

After months of graciously providing curbside service only to visitors, each Chesterfield County Public Library location is now open. The library is a safe, free venue for families and a starting point for a fun morning out. Using the Midlothian Library (521 Coalfield Rd, Midlothian, VA 23114) as a jumping off point, anyone can create a simple, enjoyable morning out with these nearby locations:

Midlothian Library (521 Coalfield Rd, Midlothian, VA 23114)

Mid-Lothian Mines Park: (13301 N. Woolridge Rd., Midlothian, VA, 23114) is free and open to the public.The park is in walking distance via sidewalk from the library. It’s a perfect park for critter-loving kiddos, walkers, cyclists and runners. My family often sees turtles at Mid-Lothian Mines, and we love feeding the ducks. (Note: feeding the ducks bread is prohibited. Bring lettuce or oatmeal instead). Bridges, tunnels, an amphitheater, and a hill ideal for rolling down makes this park essential in helping to get to naptime.Train and history enthusiasts will enjoy the signage telling the story of the earliest coal mining in America.

Enjoying feeding the ducks in the lake at Mid-Lothian Mines. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

Great Harvest Bakery: (13541 Midlothian Tpke., Midlothian, VA, 23113) offers cookie decorating kits, lunches to go, a beautiful variety of baked goods and more. With comfortable outdoor seating, Great Harvest Bakery is an ideal place for families to stop after playing at Mid-Lothian Mines. The cookies are enormous and perfect for filling hungry bellies. Great Harvest Bakery is only a mile and a half from Mid-Lothian Mines, and less than a mile from Midlothian Library.

Gus Garrison enjoys a treat at Great Harvest Bakery, 13541 Midlothian Tpke., Midlothian, VA, 23113. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

Sycamore Community Park: (510 Coalfield Rd., Midlothian, VA, 23114) is a massive playground behind Sycamore Presbyterian Church. There are separate structures for 2-5 year olds and 6-12 year olds as well as a basketball hoop. Sycamore Community Park is walkable from the library but does require crossing Coalfield Rd.

Kids love the play structures at Sycamore Community Park, 510 Coalfield Rd., Midlothian, VA, 23114

Urban Farmhouse: (13827 Coalfield Crossing, Midlothian, VA, 23114) is the closest eatery to the Midlothian Library. Urban Farmhouse offers outdoor seating, or take your food to go and eat by the fountain between the library and restaurant. My kids go-to favorite for lunch is the Chocolate Almond Butter Panini with Banana and Honey. Grabbing sandwiches at Urban Farmhouse and reading books over lunch is one of our favorite family activities.

Urban Farmhouse, 13827 Coalfield Crossing, Midlothian, VA, 23114

Books, the outdoors and delicious foods are within miles of one another, ready to provide families with respite from the doldrums of virtual learning, home schooling and more. Many thanks to Chesterfield Public Libraries for serving the community during this time; for, opening their doors signifies the beginning of new adventures for many families.

Richmond on the Cheap contributor Lindsay Garrison is a Richmond, Virginia based mom to two young children. A graduate from Chesterfield Schools and Randolph-Macon College, Lindsay is proud to call Richmond home. In the years prior to planning activities and outings with her own children, she was a French teacher. During her tenure she earned accolades for her creative teaching style and ability to connect with her students. Lindsay now applies the skills she learned when she was planning student trips to France, to her own family adventures. She can’t wait to take her own children to France one day! Follow the Garrison’s family adventures on Instagram: @thegarrisonsrva