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.
🎨 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. Kids will remember exploring 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. Kids will remember finding a new passion.
All Fired Up, 2232 Old Brick Rd.
Richmond’s first paint-your-own ceramics studio is walk-in friendly and available for parties. Kids will remember searching the racks for the perfect blank piece.
Virginia Repertory Children’s Theatre, 4204 Hermitage Rd.
The new outpost for Virginia Rep features plays for kids of all ages, camps, and educational programs. Kids will remember embracing the drama at the Young Performers Institute.
SPARC, 2106 N. Hamilton St.
The youth performing arts school puts on kid-friendly plays all year. Kids will remember their first onstage experience.
🌳 Great outdoors
James River Parks, various locations
Kid-friendly spots include Belle Isle, Floodwall Park, Pony Pasture, and the Virginia Capital Trail. Kids will remember spotting turtles near the T. Pott Bridge.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave. | 🎟️ Family memberships
Construction at the Children’s Garden means upgrades to the WaterPlay area and Klaus Family Tree House. Kids will remember Storytime in the Garden.
Riverside Outfitters, 6836 Old Westham Rd.
Get your river thrills on a rafting trip with the whole family. Kids will remember taking a break to jump in the James.
Pocahontas State Park, 10301 State Park Rd.
This Chesterfield park was the largest state park in Virginia when it was created and is home to the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. Kids will remember seeking out adventure with the help of the Junior Ranger Book.
🦁 Animal encounters
Maymont, 1000 Westover Rd. | 🎟️ Family memberships
Interact with animals on the farm, at the Robins Nature Center, and at wildlife habitats. Kids will remember the 34-foot-tall interactive sculpture River Reach.
Metro Richmond Zoo, 8300 Beaver Bridge Rd., Moseley | 🎟️ Memberships
Feed animals, take a ride in the skylift, and try out the Treetop Zoofari zipline and adventure park. Kids will remember purple giraffe tongues.
Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Rd.
Schedule a tour of the farmhouse and explore Henrico County’s history and meet the farm animals living on the site. Kids will remember events like Farm Field Day.
Flat Creek Farm, 13342 Lodore Rd., Amelia
You can bring a groups of up to 12 to the petting zoo for half or one-hour sessions. Kids will remember hand-feeding dozens of animals.
Richmond SPCA, 2519 Hermitage Rd.
Kids can tour the humane center, get take-home crafts, or attend a camp. Kids will remember learning firsthand in the Animal Brigade Service Club.
🧠 Educational activities
Children’s Museum of Richmond, multiple 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. Kids will remember trips around the carousel and exploring the living tree house.
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 enjoy. Kids will remember testing their strength, balance, and agility in the interactive exhibit “Boost.”
Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. | 🎟 Family memberships
The kids area features hands-on activities to introduce young learners to the Commonwealth’s history. Kids will remember face painting, crafts, and music at free First Fridays.
The Valentine, 1015 E. Clay St. | 🎟 Family memberships
Learn about the River City’s past from the experts and complete a scavenger hunt of local artifacts. Kids will remember sitting with the Abraham Lincoln and Tad statue.
Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, 122 W. Leigh St. | 🎟 Family memberships
BHMVA has been a local staple for history for 40+ years. Kids will remember surveying historic photographs and sculptures.
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. Kids will remember student enrichment programs.
🎳 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. Kids will remember take-home crafts and storytime.
DEFY Richmond, 10087 Brook Rd. and Short Pump, 205 Towne Center W. Blvd. | 🎟 Tickets
Burn off some energy at this trampoline park chain. Kids will remember trying stunts in the foam pit.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park, 1345 Carmia Way | 🎟 Tickets
Dodge ball, basketball, and a ninja warrior course await. Kids will remember jumping around at glow nights.
Young Chefs Academy, 2230 John Rolfe Pkwy.
Workshops and classes teach children the basics of baking, farm to table cooking, and nutrition. Kids will remember being their own taste-tester.
Bowlero Richmond, 6540 W. Broad St.
Reserve a lane online for an even more convenient indoor activity. Kids will remember hitting the arcade between games.
Selfie Glam, 201 Towne Center West Blvd. Ste. 713 | 🎟 Tickets
Snap photos and video using dozens of sets and poses. Kids will remember using Bluetooth remotes to capture shots.
⚽️ Accessible playgrounds
PARK365, 3600 Saunders Ave.
The park is designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, but all are welcome to play. Kids will remember exploring the fitness loop.
A Playground for Katie and Friends, 10901 Robious Rd.
This playground is located in Huguenot Park, which also offers a fitness trail, basketball and tennis courts, and fields.
☀️ Summer fun
Riverfront Canal Cruises, 139 Virginia St. | 🎟 Tickets
Book a 40-minute, historically narrated boat tour of the James and Kanawha Canal. Kids will remember the old-timey details on each boat.
Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell | 🎟 Tickets
Young thrill seekers can explore Planet Snoopy and cool down at Soak City. Kids will remember spying their favorite attractions from atop the Eiffel Tower.
Go Ape!, 5537 Centerville Rd., Williamsburg | 🎟 Tickets
Head east for zip lines, axe throwing, and courses to navigate. Kids will remember swinging from tree to tree.
