We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like the Children’s Museum to the best playgrounds around town, there’s something in the River City for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 30+ kid-friendly activities around the 804.
Ready to visit these local attractions but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map to explore.
🌳 Great outdoors
James River Parks, various locations
Kid-friendly spots include Belle Isle, Floodwall Park, Pony Pasture, + the Virginia Capital Trail.
Core memory moment: Kids will remember spotting turtles near T. Pott Bridge.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave. | 🎟️ Family memberships
Reaching 13 feet off the ground, The Klaus Family Tree House is wheelchair accessible + included with admission to the Garden. The children’s splash pad typically opens around late May.
Riverside Outfitters, 6836 Old Westham Rd.
Get your river thrills on a rafting trip with the whole family.
Pro tip: If you’ve got an adventure-loving kid, they’ll love jumping in the James and can get early exposure to river safety and education.
Pocahontas State Park, 10301 State Park Rd.
This Chesterfield park is a haven for biking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Plus, it’s home to the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum.
Core memory moment: Kids will remember seeking out adventure with the help of the Junior Ranger Book.
Trail Kids RVA, various locations
This nonprofit program organizes hikes for local youth and their tag-along adults, ensuring a mix of engagement, adventure, and socialization.
🎨 All about the arts
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. | 🎟️ Family memberships
Wander the galleries or register for kid-specific programming to cultivate their love of the arts. Make an afternoon out of it with lunch at the Best Café or in the sculpture garden.
Visual Arts Center of Richmond, 1812 W. Main St. | 🎟️ Family memberships
Register for classes and camps that teach kids the basics of sewing, metalworking, stained glass, and more.
All Fired Up, 2232 Old Brick Rd.
Richmond’s first paint-your-own ceramics studio is walk-in friendly and available for parties.
For the whole family: All Fired Up is a great activity for all ages. Adults will also enjoy painting a piece, and if you want to keep it simple, explore a range of price points for different items.
Virginia Repertory Theatre, various locations
Sign your shining star up for an immersive week-long camp or a one-day class and keep an eye on Virginia Rep’s family-friendly performance schedule.
Can’t make it in person? Embrace the theatrics at home with Virginia Rep’s free video library of activities and author-read bedtime stories.
SPARC, 2106 N. Hamilton St.
The youth performing arts school organizes kid-friendly productions, camps, and workshops throughout the year.
Core memory moment: Kids will remember the excitement of their first onstage experience.
Richmond Young Writers, various locations
Future authors can register for unique writing workshops like classic poetry, Dungeons and Dragons storytelling, screenwriting, and more.
🦁 Animal encounters
Maymont, 1000 Westover Rd. | 🎟️ Family memberships
Interact with animals on the farm, at the Robins Nature Center, and at various wildlife habitats.
Pro tip: Access to the park is free, but you can purchase tickets to the Nature Center and experience “River Reach,” a 34-foot-tall interactive sculpture and play area.
Metro Richmond Zoo, 8300 Beaver Bridge Rd., Moseley | 🎟️ Memberships
Feed animals, take a ride in the skylift, and get adventurous with the Junior Explorer Course + Treetop Zoofari zipline.
Core memory moment: Kids will remember their first time meeting RVA’s beloved pygmy hippo, Poppy.
Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Rd.
Schedule a tour of the farmhouse, explore Henrico County’s history, and meet the friendly farm animals living on-site.
Pro tip: Keep up with the park for special events like Farm Field Day.
Flat Creek Farm, 13342 Lodore Rd., Amelia
Bring groups of up to 12 to meet ponies, pigs, goats, alpacas, bunnies, and more during half or full-hour sessions.
Richmond SPCA, 2519 Hermitage Rd.
Kids can tour the humane center, collect take-home crafts, or attend camps.
Pro tip: Opportunities at the SPCA vary for different age groups. Middle schoolers can join the Animal Brigade Service Club to get involved in humane education.
🧠 Educational activities
Ideas take flight at the Science Museum of Virginia. | Photo by Science Museum of Virginia
Children’s Museum of Richmond, various locations | 🎟 Family memberships
With locations in Richmond and Chesterfield, the Children’s Museum includes multiple attractions and special events perfect to help little ones ages 0-8 learn through play.
Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St. | 🎟 Family memberships
From daily demonstrations to visiting exhibitions to rat basketball, young scientists will find something to spark their interest.
For the whole family: Test your strength, balance, and agility in the interactive exhibit “Boost.”
Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. | 🎟 Family memberships
The kid’s area features hands-on activities to introduce young learners to the Commonwealth’s history.
Pro tip: Get a free look at the museum’s offerings during First Fridays, which typically feature face painting, crafts, and live music.
The Valentine, 1015 E. Clay St. | 🎟 Family memberships
Learn about the River City’s past from experts and complete a scavenger hunt of local artifacts — don’t forget to grab a prize for completing it.
Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, 122 W. Leigh St. | 🎟 Family memberships
BHMVA has been a local staple of history for 40+ years.
Core memory moment: Kids will remember surveying photographs, sculptures, and stories like a true historian.
Virginia Holocaust Museum, 200 E. Cary St. | 🎟 Family memberships
Older kids (recommended for sixth grade and up) can learn about the complex and sobering history of the Holocaust with relevant exhibitions.
🎳 Indoor adventures
Richmond Public Library, multiple locations
Register your young reader for a fine-free library card or check the schedule of events at a branch near you.
Pro tip: Residents of Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Petersburg, and more regional cities and counties can obtain a free RPL card.
Kids Empire, 9860 W Broad St. | 🎟 Tickets
Burn off some energy on rainy days at this indoor playground chain.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park, 1345 Carmia Way | 🎟 Tickets
Dodge ball, basketball, and ninja warrior courses await.
Bonus: Membership passes are available for kids who want to keep up a regular jumping schedule.
Young Chefs Academy, 2230 John Rolfe Pkwy.
Workshops and classes teach children the basics of baking, farm-to-table cooking, and nutrition.
Bowlero Richmond, 6540 W. Broad St.
Reserve a lane online for an even more convenient indoor activity.
Core memory moment: Kids will remember their first — potentially ambitious — time bowling without bumpers or a ball ramp.
⚽️ Accessible playgrounds
PARK365, 3600 Saunders Ave.
The park is designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, but all are welcome to play.
Preview: PARK365 features an accessible tree house, a merry-go-round, calming gardens, water features, and sensory play areas.
A Playground for Katie and Friends, 10901 Robious Rd.
Located in Huguenot Park, this playground will reopen this spring with improved accessibility and equipment features.
Bonus: The park also allows access to a fitness trail, basketball and tennis courts, and fields.
☀️ Sunny day fun
Private group tours are available for ~$165 per boat. | Photo by Venture Richmond
Riverfront Canal Cruises, 139 Virginia St. | 🎟 Tickets
Book a 40-minute, historically narrated boat tour of the James and Kanawha Canal.
For the whole family: Older passengers will appreciate the historic details, while younger ones will enjoy just being on the water.
Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell | 🎟 Tickets
Young thrill seekers can explore Planet Snoopy and cool down at Soak City.
Elise here: Even as an adult, I love a nostalgic walk through Planet Snoopy — and don’t get me started on “Boo Blasters,” formerly known as “Scooby-Doo! and the Haunted Mansion.”
Go Ape!, 5537 Centerville Rd., Williamsburg | 🎟 Tickets
Head east for zip lines, axe throwing, and navigation courses.
Patterson Golf Park, 12586 Patterson Ave.
Hit the greens at this nostalgic mini golf course decorated with some unique — and sometimes silly — animal statues.
🧃 Be prepared
Shop some of our favorite kid-friendly essentials to keep the whole family happy, hydrated, and ready to make memories.
- Owala Kids Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler | This tumbler has a spill-resistant straw (yes, that’s a thing) and is top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Bentgo Kids 5-Compartment Lunch Box | Pack snacks for kids in a popular Bentgo box that’s BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
- Nintendo Switch | You just can’t beat a handheld gaming device when keeping kids content and entertained during car rides around town.
- Hap Tim Travel Backpack | Keep everything in a backpack that’s got good padding on the straps, plenty of compartments, a wide mouth opening, and a rain-resistant exterior.
- Kids sketch pad | Kids can sketch, take notes, and feel connected to their adventures with a sketchbook meant to inspire creativity.
- Disposable cameras | Kids will have a ton of fun + stay entertained by taking their own pictures of what they see during your adventures.
- KeepGoing Travel First Aid Kit for Kids | Be prepared for minor scrapes or bruises that could slow your day down — this kit contains 60 pieces of essential first aid supplies.
- Sunscreen stick | Have a portable sunscreen stick handy for outdoor adventures.
