Many readers have asked us for details on 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. The law allows VA “senior citizens” (defined as anyone 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.”
Pro tip: Given the pandemic, there are many online options for prospective students.
For the athlete 👟
Want to get moving? There’s plenty of ways to get your blood pumping. Reader Eddie B. recommended bowling. Grab some friends + pick an alley, or join a league. Henrico County offers one for those 55+ that rolls on Mondays from 1-3 p.m.
Henrico also has a golf club (ages 50+) and tennis clubs (ages 55+) at various times throughout the week. Contact information for these clubs can be found here.
Get out on the diamond with RVA Senior Softball in Chesterfield. Teams meet on Thursday evenings over the summer and the season ends with a tournament.
In the city, try out water aerobics at Swansboro Pool (ages 50+) or the classes offered at Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center. They’ve got Country Line Dancing, 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 Gardens annual membership ($85) 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 and you can get another $10 off if you sign on for two years.
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. Or, attend a game night at a local brewery — Väsen Brewing Company in Scott’s Addition has Bingo Night every Tuesday with food from Stella’s Grocery.
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’ll 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.” - Reader 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 4 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.” - Reader 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.” - Reader George D.
