Hello there! If you’re new here, welcome to the Richmond area! I’m Corrie, an Army spouse and mom of two boys. We’ve been station at Fort Lee for six short months but have found lots to do! I’m here to share fun family activities in the area specific to military families! Let’s dive in!
Blue Star Museums: Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families giving free museum access to hundreds of museums all over the country! The 2022 Blue Star Museums program begins on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 21, 2022 and ends on Labor Day, Monday, September 5, 2022. Click the link to see the map of those participating in Virginia!
Free Museums: These museums are all free for DOD card holders! The Quartermaster Museum at Fort Lee is my three year old’s favorite…but he’s an Army brat!
Army Quartermaster Museum, Fort Lee
American Civil War Museum, Richmond
Military Discounted Museums:
Military families receive a discount at SMV! (Photo credit: Corrie Reeter)
Events:
Independence Day Celebration at Fort Lee – open to all DOD card holders. Check out the Fort Lee FMWR Facebook page for details and other events.
The Reeter family enjoys the 4th of July celebration at Ft. Lee (Photo credit: Corrie Reeter)
Summer VBS – Hosted by Memorial Chapel at Fort Lee.
Summer Story Time and Reading Program – Hosted by the Fort Lee Library
P.W.O.C – Weekly women’s Bible Study with childcare for children 1-5. Such a great opportunity to build community with other women that includes childcare! Fall kick off starts September 15th at 9:30am. Similar to MOPS but for military spouses, daughters, service members etc!
Ft. Lee offers several family programs. (Photo credit: Corrie Reeter)
Bi Weekly Craft and Snack Time for toddlers – Fort Lee Community Center. Follow the Fort Lee Family Housing Facebook for info and other events like splash pad parties!
Groups / activities:
Military Wild is an outdoor adventure group organized by and for military families and they have a branch here in Virginia. Organized family hikes, bike and brew meet ups, kayaking…there is something for everyone! Like their Facebook page so you don’t miss any meet ups!
FMWR Races: If you are a runner or run /walker I love how affordable the FMWR (Family Morale Welfare and Recreation) sponsored races are! They took a break during Covid but are starting to host them more often again. Some of my favorite races (and triathlons) have been hosted by our local FMWR. Follow Fort Lee FMWR for upcoming races and events.
FMWR sponsors affordable races. (Photo credit: Corrie Reeter)
Places to Visit:
Busch Garden’s passes – did you know you and your family can get free passes once a year to Busch Gardens?! Visit their website to reserve yours for FREE!
Petersburg National Battlefield – This National Park is tucked away in a little corner of Petersburg / Fort Lee! It is 2,700 acres of historic battlefield rich with history and also walking / biking trails. You can drive through the battlefield and stop to read the history or park and explore on foot. Definitely one of our favorite spots while at Fort Lee! Multiple places to enter the park so see the website for details.
Get outside and enjoy nature at Petersburg National Battlefield. (Photo credit: Corrie Reeter)
Little Creek at Fort Story: Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story is a Navy / Army base that sits right on Virginia Beach. You can access the base with your military ID. The beach provides bathrooms and an outdoor shower and you have the PX on base if you need anything during your trip.
Fort Monroe Beach – Fort Monroe is a quiet beach on an old Army post near Virginia Beach that is now public access! It too is rich in history but also makes a great beach day.
If you need recommendations for anything at all you can reach me on Instagram at @ajoyfulmilspouse or follow the blog https://ajoyfulmilspouse.wordpress.com
Three open ended questions when welcoming the new girl
Resources for finding a church at your new duty station
My most used military discounts
–By Corrie Reeter
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