You may know Fredericksburg for its Colonial and Civil War history.
The area is definitely full of museums and battlefields. George Washington’s boyhood home is even located in Fredericksburg. But there are some unique adventures in Fredericksburg that may be news to you.
If you are planning a day trip to Fredericksburg or just passing through, you’ll have to check out these five frugal finds.
Free activities in Fredericksburg, Virginia
COMPLETE AN OTTER-LY AMAZING SCAVENGER HUNT –
Try the scavenger hunt in Fredericksburg for some FREE fun. (Photo credit: Kori Johnston)
Stop by the visitor center (706 Caroline Street) to pick up a copy of the Otter-ly Amazing Scavenger Hunt. It’s free. There are seven otters located in the downtown area.
You’ll be able to learn a bit of history as you work your way from location to location. Scan the QR code located on each otter statue to learn more about its history. Enjoy the downtown area and shops and make sure to take a break at the new Riverfront Park. It’s located along the Rappahannock River at 713 Sophia Street.
You may even find one of the otters here. Make sure to return your completed scavenger hunt to the visitor center for a small prize.
VISIT AN OPOSSUM–
While you’re downtown completing the scavenger hunt, you’ll have to stop by “Possum-bilities”. It’s a store located on the 2nd floor of the Sweet Sheep Emporium candy store (211 William St.).
Have you ever held an oppossum?! Try this unique and FREE activity in Fredericksburg, Virginia (Photo credit: Kori Johnston)
Every second Sunday of the month at 11 am, there’s a free possum storytime where you can meet a real opossum. There’s always an opossum ambassador at the store every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. This shop is definitely worth a visit.
RELAX AND READ A BOOK –
Riverby Books is a charming used bookstore in downtown Fredericksburg that sells and buys books. Bring in some of your own books during your visit and you may leave with some cash or store credit.
Curl up with a good book at Riverby Books in Fredericksburg, VA. (Photo credit: Kori Johnston)
If you’re not looking to buy or sell, Riverby Books is the perfect spot to browse or curl up with a book from one of their shelves. Lots of fun photo ops here.
PARTICIPATE IN A FREE PAINT NIGHT –
Bella Joy Ballroom is a new dance studio in the area. They recently celebrated their first anniversary. Bella Joy Ballroom has been offering free paint nights in the community every third Wednesday of the month at 7 pm.
Try out a FREE paint night! (Photo credit: Kori Johnston)
All you need to do is contact them via email or DM to get your name on the list. They also have $5 birthday dance parties the first Saturday of each month. There’s a dance lesson, open dancing, cake and the birthday dance all for $5 per person. What a deal!
RIDE A TRAIN –
Are you a train lover or do you know a train lover? If so, the Rappahannock Railroad Museum is worth a visit. This museum is free, although they do take donations.
The museum is only open on Saturdays, 9 am – Noon. Two trailers house two small museums. One has operating model railroad layouts of various gauges. The other offers a glimpse into railroad history.
You can take a free train ride in Fredericksburg! (Photo credit: Kori Johnston)
The best part is getting to ride the Little Yellow Train. This open-air train ride is free. It’s a 2-mile round trip ride that lasts about 45 minutes.
–By Kori Johnston
Kori Johnston is a New Mexico transplant who has lived in the Fredericksburg area for over 18 years. As a mother of six, she’s always on the lookout for free and frugal fun. She posts regularly about her family’s adventures on Instagram and Facebook. You can find her at @familyadventuresva or on her blog: https://familyadventuresva.com/.
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