For many families, warmer weather means eating al fresco; taking in the beautiful outdoors while enjoying tasty meals. When your family wants to eat outside, an easy and affordable way to do so, is to pack a simple picnic lunch.
Fortunately, Richmond provides locals several scenic venues for enjoying family picnics; making even the most basic fare become a fabulous dining experience.
Perfect picnic spot at Jefferson Park. Photo credit: Friends of Jefferson Park
Picnic Spots in Richmond
Agecroft Gardens:
Agecroft Hall makes a stunning picnic venue. photo credit:
https://www.agecrofthall.org
(4305 Sulgave Rd., Richmond, VA, 23221) offers a gorgeous view of the James River and stunning gardens, all around a 16th century Tudor Manor. Prior to picnicking, stroll the Woodland Walk. Your end point will be the backs of Agecroft Hall where you can take in the architecture while enjoying lunch.
Jefferson Park
(E. Marshall St., Richmond, VA, 23223) boasts a playground with a train theme and one of the best views of Richmond’s City Skyline. Bring a blanket and take in the breathtaking view of the river city.
Wilton House Museum:
(215 S. Wilton Rd., Richmond, VA, 23226) is another Richmond historical manor. The backyard of Wilton House, overlooking the James River on one side and the 18th century Wilton House to the other is the ideal backdrop for a family picnic.
Take advantage of the field area to let little ones get their wiggles out before touring the inside of the Wilton House Museum.
Forest Hill Park
Forest Hill Park offers plenty of space to play and relax before or after your picnic. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison
(4021 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond, VA, 23225) has a large field in front of the playground seemingly inviting Richmonders to enjoy and relax. While at Forest Hill Park be sure to explore the trails, playground and maybe even wade in the creek.
Maymont Park
(1000 Westover Rd., Richmond, VA, 23220) is synonymous with spring picnics for most Richmond families. Whether near the petting farm, Japanese Gardens, or traversing to the Nature Center, Maymont Park provides a multitude of options for picnics.
If you’re lucky enough to find an unoccupied gazebo, a favorite spot for our family is in the gazebos on our way to Raptor Valley. The shade and benches provide perfect respite and comfortable space for enjoying even the most impromptu picnics.
Joseph Bryan Park
(4308 Hermitage Rd., Richmond, VA, 23227) includes fields, large trees to provide shade and several picnic shelters. After eating, enjoy the playground, paved trails, or even play a round of disc golf.
Picnicking at the VMFA allows for time to enjoy the Dale Chihuly glass art installation. Check with the VMFA on policies on alcoholic consumption on the lawn. Photo credit: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts / Facebook
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
(200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd Richmond, VA 23220) The E. Claiborne and Lora Robins Sculpture Garden behind the museum offers an outdoor retreat for museum patrons and the community. Bring a picnic to the 3½-acre space to enjoy the styled gardens, a cascading waterfall, and on-site sculpture exhibition.
The multi-leveled grounds with different viewing perspectives is an ever-changing, mix of organic space and contemporary architectural design.
You can pick up treats or an entire meal from nearby restaurants or markets or pack goodies from home to enjoy in the space on the tables provided or on a blanket on the grass.
Neptune sculpture at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison
While dinner outside at any restaurant is a treat, your family can easily transform a simple meal into something fantastic at any of the aforementioned venues.
Lindsay Garrison, your RVA on the Cheap editor
Lindsay Garrison loves Richmond and is proud to raise her own family here. As a teacher for 12 years, she learned how to save, budget and stretch every penny. Additionally, she led groups of students to Europe annually, and took great pride in planning affordable, fun-filled trips. She transferred those skills to her daily life and shares them with readers of RVA on the Cheap. Lindsay utilizes RVA on the Cheap to make enriching life experiences accessible to all. Check her instagram: rva.familyfun for more affordable family adventures!
Be sure to subscribe to email updates, follow @rvacheap on Twitter or like RVA (Richmond) on the Cheap on Facebook to stay in the know about the latest freebies & deals.
- Richmond’s Farmers Markets
- Richmond area scenic drives
- Richmond’s Public Pools & Splash Pads
- The Ultimate List of RVA Parks and Playgrounds
- FREE and cheap date ideas in Richmond, Virginia
- Outdoor labyrinth walks in Richmond offer contemplation, movement
- Nature walks and scenic hiking trails for all levels in the Richmond area
RVA on the Cheap is a member of