Whether you’re looking for a place to play with the kids or to decompress with some off-screen time, the Richmond area offers dozens of parks and recreational spots for you to enjoy.
Ready to plan a trip? Grab your picnic blanket and fill your water bottle — here are 25+ of Richmond’s best (along with some pro tips, picnic ideas + history tidbits from the editor):
For nature lovers
Belle Isle
Cross the pedestrian bridge and enjoy the James River Park’s most popular site. Explore historic sites and trails, relax on the rocks, do some bird watching, or take advantage of wheelchair-accessible fishing.
Pro tip: If the lot off Tredegar Street is full, look for parking on 2nd or 5th Streets. You can also access Belle Isle by taking GRTC Route 3 to Belvidere/Holly and walking down to the river.
Flood Wall Park, 14th St. Bridge South End
Nature, industry, and history meet at the trails around the city’s flood wall. It’s an easy hike to splendid views of the river and city and connects with the Richmond Slave Trail, Canal Walk, and the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge.
Pocahontas State Park, 10301 State Park Rd.
This large park offers something for everyone with a seasonal Aquatic Center, the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, campgrounds, and 90 miles of trails.
Pumphouse Park, 1627 Pump House Dr.
The Gothic structure at the center of this park is surrounded by wooded trails ideal for bird watching, hiking, and learning Richmond history.
Pro tip: Dive into the site history before stopping by.
Robious Landing Park, 3800 James River Rd.
Walk along the river on this 102-acre site with opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, rowing, and fishing, as well as hiking and biking.
Three Lakes Park, 400 Sausiluta Dr.
A newly renovated Nature Center features live exhibits, dioramas, and interactive displays to teach visitors of all ages about native plants and animals.
Tuckahoe Creek Park, 12341 Ridgefield Pkwy.
Follow the boardwalk through this wetlands area in the early morning for some prime bird-watching.
Coming soon: Keep an eye on the site’s 20+ acre development project.
For a city escape
Jefferson Park, E Marshall St.
This hillside view offers plenty of scattered tree shade and a skyline view of the city.
Picnic idea: You’re just a few blocks from eateries like Union Market and Spotty Dog Ice Cream.
Larus Park, 8732 Hayden Hill Ln.
Escape to the trails at this nestled-away park bound by Huguenot Road, Chippenham Parkway, and Stony Point Fashion Park.
Libby Hill Park, 2801 E. Franklin St.
This scenic Church Hill spot is perfect for a picnic, workout, or afternoon walk.
Pro tip: Look for the “View that Named the City” sign to learn some Richmond history.
Meadow Park, 401 N. Meadow St.
This triangular neighborhood park has benches, a Little Free Library, and spots to set up a blanket or toss a ball around.
Picnic idea: Grab sandwiches from Garnett’s right across the street.
Monroe Park, 620 W. Main St.
This green space in the heart of VCU is filled with students and community members on warm weather days.
Fun fact: Established in 1851, it is the city’s oldest park.
Scuffletown Park, 418 Strawberry St.
Find this neighborhood park hideaway nestled in an alley between Strawberry Street and Stafford Avenue in the Fan.
Picnic idea: It’s the perfect spot to relax with a treat from nearby businesses like 8 1/2 and Scoop.
Put on your adventurer hat when exploring the trails of Forest Hill.
Photo by @rva.familyfun
For families
Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Rd.
Schedule a tour of the farmhouse and explore Henrico County’s history, or play on the playground.
Dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Rd.
This park with an agricultural history hosts community events like school sports, concerts, outdoor film screenings, and a seasonal farmers market.
Bonus: This spot also features two separate dog parks, one for both large and small pups.
Fonticello Park, 2715 Bainbridge St.
Visit a community garden, play in the “fairy tunnel,” and before you visit, look into the story of the park’s new “wind phone.”
Forest Hill Park, 4021 Forest Hill Ave.
Look for wildlife, play on the playground, or explore the trails.
Pro tip: This park is popular among sledders when snowflakes start to fall.
Maymont, 1700 Hampton St.
The Children’s Farm and Nature Center are both ideal for families of all sizes. Walk the gardens, watch animals, or enjoy a picnic on the grounds.
PARK365, 3600 Saunders Ave.
This state-of-the-art playground features equipment for children of all abilities, including merry-go-rounds, swings, water features, and a treehouse.
Pony Pasture, 7200 Riverside Dr.
There are plenty of opportunities for river activities for all ages at this popular spot on the James. Watch paddlers, hike, bike, or fish.
Get even more dog park options in our full guide.
Photo by Brent Cavedo, @rva_explorers_club
For four-legged friends
Barker Field at Byrd Park, 2481 Park Dr.
Richmond’s first official off-leash dog park opened in 1998.
Church Hill Dog Park, 3600 E. Grace St.
The park is located on the eastern lower terrace of Chimborazo Park.
Pro tip: Watch out for rocks, which might be harsh on paws.
Northside Dog Park, 609 Forest Lawn Dr.
This space tends to be a quieter escape for pups.
Pro tip: Make sure to bring water, as there is none on tap.
Phideaux Field, 4401 Forest Hill Ave
Located at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, this laid-back park provides bowls of water and doggie bags.
Need more options for you and your pup? Check out our guide to dog parks.
Artist Jake Van Yahres worked with local youth to create this Michael Jordan mural in Battery Park.
Photo by @cwclarke_photos
For athletes
Battery Park, 2803 Dupont Circle
Play tennis where Arthur Ashe learned the game, and scope out the basketball courts, playgrounds, and horseshoe pits.
Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Rd.
Head to the center of the park for soccer fields, an 18-hole disc golf course, and tennis courts.
Bonus: The Lakeside park also hosts the RVA Big Market and the 17-acre Azalea Gardens.
Byrd Park, 600 S. Arthur Ashe Blvd.
In addition to events at Dogwood Dell and plenty of walking space, Byrd Park has a tennis complex and two softball fields.
Chimborazo Park, 3201 E. Broad St.
There’s plenty of field space to toss a football or play some pickup soccer at this scenic, 30-acre park.
Pro tip: The playground is one block from the park, along with basketball courts and a community garden.
Deep Run Park, 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy.
This sprawling park has playgrounds, trails, soccer fields, and basketball courts.
Gillies Creek Park, 4425 Williamsburg Ave.
Play disc golf on the classic 18-hole course — reader Miles M. tells us it’s the oldest in the city, established in 1993 — or try out the BMX race track or horseshoe pits.
Great Shiplock Park, 2803 Dock St.
Bikers will love this park, which connects to the Virginia Capital Trail.
Bonus: A recent renovation added benches, shade structures, and bike racks to the area.
Pouncey Tract Park, 4747 Pouncey Tract Rd.
Try your hand at pickleball or use the baseball, softball, soccer, and football fields.
Parks map
Ready to visit these local parks, but still not sure where to start? Close your eyes, and throw your finger down on the map.
Park grab bag
Picked your perfect park? Make the most out of your experience with our favorite items for a relaxing day outside:
- Is there anything quite like sitting in the shade and enjoying a good book? Check out our guide to books by local authors to help choose your next great read.
- The Kindle Paperwhite is a lightweight e-reader option that stands up to bright sunlight.
- A good water bottle keeps you hydrated — we’re big fans of the best-selling Owala FreeSip + this insulated stackable tumbler from Asheville NC-based retailer Pirani.
- Heading to the park with kids? Check out the Owala FreeSip for kids.
- Don’t forget the travel-size bug spray and sunscreen.
- These sunglasses from Nordstrom Rack are available at discount prices + have a style for everyone.
Keep it all together in a handy tote bag — these adorable tote bags are all crafted by small businesses and local makers.
