With so much variety, Richmond offers plenty of family fun. Luckily, there are many family activities in RVA for free. Be sure to check out the following locations when searching for a day of free family fun.
⭐️Related post: Free and cheap summer fun in Richmond
FREE Activities in Richmond, VA for families
President James Monroe’s tomb at Hollywood Cemetery. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison
1. Hollywood Cemetery:
(412 South Cherry St., Richmond, VA, 23220) is an incredible outdoor museum. Before visiting, check the website for must-see items, including a beautiful view of the James River, two U.S. Presidents gravesites and the “Iron Dog.”
The entire cemetery is wheelchair and stroller friendly.
⭐️ Related post: Richmond Historic Cemeteries offer quiet solace of nature, window to the past and notable art
Canal Walk in Richmond, Virginia.
2. Riverfront Canal Walk:
is a great way to learn about Richmond’s history while getting exercise. Choose between biking or walking your way through the banks of the Haxall Canal and the James River & Kanawha Canal.
The walk is 1.25 miles; full of history told through medallions, monuments and exhibits.
Related post: Guide to Walking Around the James River
3. Rockwood Nature Center:
(3401 Courthouse Rd., North Chesterfield, VA, 23236) is home to many reptiles, amphibians and a honey bee hive. Staff is on hand to answer questions from budding zoologists.
The Nature Center is behind the large playground at Rockwood Park, making it an exciting addition to a day at the park.
⭐️ Related post: The Ultimate List of RVA Parks and Playgrounds
Statue honoring teen civil rights activists at Capitol Square. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison
4. Virginia Capitol Square:
(1000 Bank St., Richmond, VA, 23218) was designed in 1758 by Thomas Jefferson. Even just being on the grounds is a historical experience.
There are several monuments to Virginians who have positively impacted the Commonwealth and the U.S. as well as beautiful gardens.
⭐️ Related post: RVA Historic Sites
Sculpture garden at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a fun place to hang out and picnic. Photo credit: VMFA/Facebook
5. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
(200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond, VA, 23220) is free and open to the public 365 days a year.
With permanent exhibits ranging from African art to Pre-Columbian, the VMFA has art nearly everyone can appreciate. The exterior of the museum is stunning, complete with a sculpture garden and large green space for relaxing picnics.
⭐️ Related post: Richmond’s Museums Highlight History, Art, Science and More
When planning summer activities for family, be sure to consider these free attractions right here in RVA.
— By Lindsay Garrison
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: @rva.familyfun
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