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Things for Kids to do in Richmond

POSTED BY
Lindsay Garrison

Whether it’s summer, fall, winter, or spring – there are plenty of things to do with kids in RVA.

Check out these ideas and let us know of others! And don’t miss our lists of more activities and attractions in Historic Sites, Museums,  Parks & Fun Places, Report Card Rewards, Orchards & Berry Farms, and Special Needs Resources.

Visit attraction websites for current hours, exhibits, features, and costs.

Lambing season has officially begun at Colonial Williamsburg. This lamb is part of the Leicester Longwool sheep herd. These lambs are part of their Rare Breeds Program here in the Historic Area and represent some of the breeds of animals that would have existed in 18th-century America. 

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Amusement Parks near Richmond

  1. Busch Gardens Williamsburg: Just a short jump down the interstate and you’re at Busch Gardens where the fun takes you to far-away lands. Attractions include rides, roller coasters and exciting shows – and don’t miss the incredible food and beverages. Water Country USA is 3 miles down the road. Check website for special holiday events, like the ever popular Christmas Town, and pricing.
  2. Kings Dominion: A short drive from most any part of town and you’re instantly transported to a park filled with rides and fun. Lots to see and do including live shows – and don’t miss the delicious food! They offer lots of discounts and special prices for events so visit the website and check it out – and don’t miss the FREE preschool passes. See our helpful hints to help plan your next visit.

Trampoline Parks in Richmond

Jumpology has 11,000-square-feet of trampolines, Ninja training skill course, a rock wall and foam pit.

Sky Zone trampoline park offers weightless fun with open jumping, trampoline basketball, foam pits and Ultimate Dodgeball.

Museums in Richmond

  1. Chesterfield County Museum & Jail. Built as a replica of the county’s 1750 Courthouse, the museum is located directly behind the historic 1917 courthouse. The Old Jail, adjacent to the museum, was built in 1892 and housed prisoners for 70 years. A Civil War Trails sign is located nearby which describes the April 1865 retreat from Petersburg through the county by Robert E. Lee’s Confederate Army. Free admission.
  2. Children’s Museum of Richmond (CMoR): A fantastic place for kids to play and let their imagination run wild! Plenty of fun at the Richmond city main locations as well as Chesterfield location. Annual membership or daily entrance fees available. 

Children love playing and climbing at the Children’s Museum of Richmond playground. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

  1. Edgar Allan Poe Museum: Where Poe’s creepy stories come to life! Visit the museum to see a collection of artifacts belonging to Poe. The gift shop takes a humorous approach that is worth a visit alone for off-beat souvenirs. 
  2. Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park. Meadow Farm Museum, an 1860 living history farm site and museum, presents programs and exhibits on the culture of the rural South. Costumed interpreters provide insight into the lives of Dr. John Mosby Sheppard, the owner of Meadow Farm, and his family. On selected weekends, they demonstrate seasonal activities in the farmhouse, barn, doctor’s office, blacksmith forge, kitchen, fields, and pastures. Visitors can also stop by Meadow Farm’s Gift Shop for a variety of items. Free admission (some fees for special events and exhibits).
  3. The Science Museum of Virginia: Wonder and amazement await every age. Explore traveling exhibits or enjoy some of the areas that are available all year long. Special events, camp-ins, and more! Annual membership or per visit fees apply.

The Science Museum of Virginia is a fun place for children AND adults. (Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison)

  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: Kids will love this amazing museum in the heart of Richmond. Enjoy the art and exhibits – and create their own art! FREE admission (fees for some special attractions and exhibits).

Indoor Fun for kids in Richmond

  1. G-Force Karts center offers karting, laser tag, Nerf fun and more.
  2. Laser Quest Richmond offers live action laser tag in a multi-level maze with swirling fog, space age lighting and space age music.
  3. Thunderbolt Indoor Karting is a thrilling indoor electric powered racing experience in Chesterfield.
  4. Peak Experiences indoor rock climbing cent offers a 15,000 square-foot climbing terrain that can present a fun physical challenge for the athletic. Great for a rainy day.

Water Fun near Richmond

  1. Hadad’s Lake is a warm weather center of aquatic fun with Rope swings, floating trampoline, launch tower, horseshoes, volleyball, paddleboats and miniature golf. May to September.
  2. Riverside Outfitters is s complete safety conscious outfitter to the aquatic experience on the James River providing equipment for trips for a few hours or by their Brown’s Island Outpost.
  3. Water Country USA: Splish, splash and have a ball! Combine your fun with Busch Gardens and get tickets to both venues– and save money!
Soak City

Photo credit: KIngs Dominion Soak City / Facebook

  1. Soak City is the waterpark counterpart to Kings Dominion that features slides, the Tidal Wave Bay, inner tube attractions and lazy rivers.

Outdoor Fun for kids in Richmond

  1. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: What a beautiful place for kids and adults. Enjoy the thousands of plants and blooms. Take the kids to the specially designed children’s garden, roam through the amazing tree house and visit the butterfly room. Annual membership or per visit fees available.
  2. Maymont Park: Convenient from all sides or town, Maymont is a 100-acre Guilded Age property that is also fun kid-oriented destination. Enjoy the children’s Farm Barn and play with the chickens, goats, and other animals. Or watch the fox and bear roam around and play. Visit the indoor nature center or hike the trails around the park and see birds, butterflies and more. It’s FREE! (Some fees for mansion tours or other special events).
  3. Richmond Metro Zoo: Richmond center for wildlife, with exotic animals and plenty of outdoor fun. It’s home to over 2,000 animals! Fees on website.

 

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Whether it is waterparks, skate parks, museums or libraries, there are plenty of places for kids to have fun in the Richmond area. Visit websites for details, dates, and other information.

FREE Activities for Kids in Richmond

Local Storytimes Offer Early Literacy Skills, Socialization

Home Depot Kids Workshops on the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Nature Exhibit at Three Lakes Park

Parks and recreation

Richmond SPCA  Animal loving volunteers must be 14 or older to volunteer independently (without a parent or guardian). Youth volunteers 7 or older may volunteer with a parent or guardian.

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More things to do in and around Richmond:

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