There are plenty of fun and fascinating things to do in Richmond as an older person. We put out the call to readers and did some research of our own to assemble this list of River City activities ideal for most seasoned Richmonders.
🧠 For the curious mind
Reader Margaret B. told us about a state law called the Senior Citizens Higher Education Act of 1974, whic allows Virginians over the age of 60 to audit college courses at no cost. Reader Martha T. also shouted out the program, and recommended classes at VCU.
If you prefer to learn with other older adults, Reader James C. had this to say:
“For 26 years I have been taking classes through The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond’s Open University. For this 90-year-old, the classes are a godsend. No grades, very, very inexpensive, many different topics and subjects.”
👟 For the athlete
There’s plenty of ways to get your blood pumping. Reader Eddie B. recommended bowling. Grab some friends and pick an alley, or join a league. Henrico County offers one for those 55+ that rolls on Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m.
Henrico also has a golf club (ages 50+) and tennis clubs (ages 55+) at various times throughout the week. Get contact information.
Head out on the diamond with Senior Softball in Chesterfield. Teams play weekly games over the summer and the season ends with a tournament.
In the city, try out the Active Adults programming, including classes at Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center. They’ve got a variety of offerings, from country line dancing to tai chi and yoga.
🎨 For the artist
Take a class at the Visual Arts Center to flex your creative muscles. VisArts offers courses both online and in-person at their Main Street studio.
Of course, the VMFA is free and open 365 days a year. Visitors 65+ can secure a membership for $60 or a dual membership for $85. Peruse the sculpture garden, explore the latest exhibit, or stop for lunch at the Best Café.
🌳 For the nature lover
Get the most out of a Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden annual membership ($75) by taking adult classes. Plus, membership grants you admission at 345+ gardens around North America — including 10 in VA.
Maymont offers memberships for seniors and families at a discount. An individual pass for one year is $35.
🧩 For the gamer
Pick your poison — Henrico County Recreation and Parks has bridge, Mahjong, and pinochle meetups for older adults. Programs are located at the Belmont Recreation Center or Deep Run Recreation Center.
If you’re feeling social, consider joining a local gaming group through Meetup. You can also check out our guide to making friends in Richmond, which features a round up of local social clubs.
With so much to do as an older adult in Richmond, we know we missed out on some activities. Tell us your ideas and we could add them to this article.
More suggestions from RIC readers
“There are two wonderful groups for photographers, though not exclusively for seniors: the Camera Club of Richmond and the Richmond Photographers Meetup Group.” – Arnie C.
Try pickleball: “I am a senior and until 18 months ago had not played a sport since high school. Now I try to play four times a week. It’s fun and accessible to all ages. I play regularly with an 89-year-old gentleman who I often lose to.” – Maureen S.
Learn something new: “The Osher Foundation supports continuing education at universities across the country and the UR program is the largest. $75/year with a broad range of classes and social activities (essentially becoming a student at UR). It’s been a thrill for us since retiring here last year.” – George D.
