06.07.2024

Today’s Forecast

89º | 6% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 5:48 a.m. | Sunset 8:29 p.m.

☀️ School’s out — now what?

Kid-friendly activities in Richmond

Check out Maymont’s calendar of special events for even more kid-friendly fun. | Photo via Maymont

We’re not kiddin’ around — 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.

James River Park System
Kid-friendly spots include Belle Isle, Floodwall Park, Pony Pasture, and the Virginia Capital Trail.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Wander the galleries or register for kid-specific programming to cultivate their love of the arts.

Bonus: Tomorrow from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. is Family Day celebrating African and African American art and culture. Head to the museum for free performances, art activities, and collaborative projects.

RICtoday_LewisGinter_WaterwaySplashPad — Waterway at Lewis Ginter is accessible and inclusive for guests of all abilities.
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Photo by Will Nelson

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
The Klaus Family Tree House and Waterway splash area have been recently updated and are included with admission to the Garden.

Pro tip: Waterway is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. through August. It stays open until 8 p.m. on Waterway Wednesdays.

Virginia Repertory Children’s Theatre
The new outpost for Virginia Rep features plays for kids of all ages, camps, and educational programs. Get tickets to see “Dragons Love Tacos,” which will run July 12-Aug. 4. Ideal for ages 4-7.

RICtoday_ChildrensMuseumRichmond_Interior — Seymour welcomes visitors to the Children’s Museum on Broad Street.
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Photo by RICtoday

Children’s Museum of Richmond
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.

Senior City Editor Robin here: I remember trips to the Children’s Museum when I was a kid. RIP to the massive walk-through Tour de Tummy, which really unnerved me as a smell-sensitive child.

Maymont
Interact with animals on the farm, at the Robins Nature Center, and at wildlife habitats. Access to the park is free, but you can purchase tickets to the Nature Center and experience the 34-foot-tall interactive sculpture River Reach.

Ready to visit these local attractions but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map to explore.

Get the full list at the button below.

Indoor options, playgrounds + more

Asked

Kid-friendly bars and breweries are:

A. A life-saver for me and my family
B. A fun place to gather with a group of friends
C. Places I actively avoid

Take our poll

Events

Friday, June 7

Summer Kickoff Festival | Friday, June 7-Saturday, June 8 | Times vary | Maymont, 1700 Hampton St., Richmond | $20 | This two-day fest will feature live music, craft beverages, and local food trucks.
Flying Squirrels vs. Altoona Curve | Friday, June 7 | 6:35 p.m. | The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | $10-$25 | The first 1,000 fans will receive a Pride pennant in honor of Pride Night.

Saturday, June 8

Ardent Block Party | Saturday, June 8 | 12-8 p.m. | Ardent Craft Ales, 3200 W. Leigh St., Richmond | Free entry | Celebrate Ardent’s 10th anniversary with a Leigh Street party featuring live music, food trucks, and 20 guest breweries.
Richmond Night Market | Saturday, June 8 | 5-9 p.m. | 17th Street Market, 100 N. 17th St., Richmond | Free entry | Shop from local vendors, enjoy live tunes from Nickey McMullen, and observe Icing on the Kickz in the makerspace.
KISSNATION | Saturday, June 8 | 7-9 p.m. | Ember Music Hall, 309 E. Broad St., Richmond | $25-$45 | Rock and roll all night with the quintessential KISS tribute band.

Sunday, June 9

RVA RIMBY Festival | Sunday, June 9 | 12-4 p.m. | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2410 Ownby Ln., Richmond | Free entry | Get ready for a party featuring live music from Mackenzie Roark, games, 40+ local vendors, and tacos from TBT El Gallo.
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration | Sunday, June 9 | 2-7 p.m. | Manchester Dock, 139 Virginia St., Richmond | Free | Join Elegba Folklore Society for an experiential walk along the Trail of Enslaved Africans.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Eat

Meet your new dinner date: Purple Carrot plant-based meals

A green caraf and glass, plate of vegetarian noodles, and plate of limes on a green table.

Purple Carrot’s nutritious meals are loaded with flavor. | Photo by Purple Carrot

Introducing your secret weapon against boring, tasteless meals: Purple Carrot.

Purple Carrot offers chef-prepared, fully plant-based meals that are ready to eat in under two minutes. Prefer to cook yourself? Opt for meal kits or shop plant-based grocery items from a fully stocked “plantry.”

This spring, Purple Carrot is ushering in the warm weather with vibrant, seasonal meals like Roasted Red Pepper Farro Bowls with chickpeas and mint (yum).

Pick your Purple Carrot plan

News Notes

Traffic

Two ramps on I-195 will be closed starting this Monday, June 10 due to a painting project. The southbound ramp to Hamilton Street northbound and the ramp from Hamilton Street northbound to I-195 northbound will be closed on weekdays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. until Aug. 7, weather permitting.

Festival

RippleCon is set for Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The comic con fest is put on by RPL at the Main Library and will include gaming, crafts, a cosplay contest, vendors, panels, and photo ops.

Development

A local family is opening the region’s first Lightbridge Academy childcare center in Innsbrook. Ground was broken on the facility in April and it is expected to open in 2025. (Richmond BizSense)

Shop

Väsen Brewing is hosting Here & Queer mini markets each Tuesday this month. Shop from local makers and enjoy a craft brew from 5 to 9 p.m. Next week’s market will feature vendors Jupiter Star Power, Canarations, Rabbiit on The Moon Draws, and Mayzie’s Garden.

Cause

Help out Chesterfield nonprofits by donating to the 11th annual Diaper Drive. Use the Amazon Wish List or drop off new baby diapers and unscented baby wipes at any Chesterfield Public Library branch.

Drink

You can now enjoy an Ashland brew on your next Amtrak trip through Virginia. Center of the Universe’s Brewski will be available for purchase in café cars on Northeast trains starting tomorrow. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Pets

Bowl goals for dogs = Premium proteins. Vibrant veggies. Tantalizing textures. Be the dog parent who keeps mealtime exciting with 50% off Nom Nom’s pre-portioned, freshly-made meals.*

Eat

🍩 Donut worry, be happy

Local deals for National Donut Day in Richmond

Find Flubert the apple cider donut bus at markets around Richmond. | Photo by @sambythespoonful

Today is National Donut Day. While national companies like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ have deals, there are some local shops getting in on the festivities as well.

You can find the First Stop Donuts school bus at the corner of Grove and Malvern and spin the prize wheel to win free donuts, coffee, or vouchers.

Oh Mochi is doing buy one, get one deal on half dozens and dozens of donuts — present this coupon at the VCU-area shop or the location inside The Park to redeem the offer.

You can also snag something sweet from another local bakery like Diablo Doughnuts, Country Style Donuts, Donuts Company, or Westhampton Pastry Shop.

What kind of donut do you think most suits our city? Robin here: Honestly, I’m leaning blueberry. Let us know your thoughts.

What's the River City donut?

The Buy

The Buy 6.07.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

The clear bag you need to go hands-free at any concerts, games, or events this summer (it’s stadium-approved).

The Wrap

Robin Schwartzkopf in a red button down shirt

Today’s edition by:
Robin

From the editor

If you’re following the Riverfront Amphitheater project like I am, check out the progress that’s been made. The stage is taking shape — projected opening is summer 2025.

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