Private group tours are also available for ~$150 per boat. | Photo by Venture Richmond
We’re not kiddin’ around. From major museum attractions to accessible playgrounds around town, there’s something in the River City for children of all ages. Here are a few outings for a sunny summer day:
Riverfront Canal Cruises, 139 Virginia St. | 🎟 $8-$15
Book a 40-minute, historically narrated boat tour of the James and Kanawha Canal.
For the whole family: Those who love fun facts can lean into the history, while others can simply enjoy being on the water.
Kings Dominion, Doswell | 🎟 $45+
Young thrill seekers can explore Planet Snoopy and cool down at Soak City.
Go Ape!, Williamsburg | 🎟 Prices vary by experience
Head east for zip lines, axe throwing, and navigation courses.
Patterson Golf Park, Goochland | 🎟 $6.50- $8
Hit the greens at this nostalgic mini golf course decorated with some unique — and sometimes silly — animal statues.
The Oasis: A High Noon Summer Concert Series | 12-1 p.m. | The Valentine | Free | Join The Valentine on any Thursday this month for a midday concert, featuring a range of jazz, Latin, and funk sounds.
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Chesapeake Baysox | 6:35 p.m. | The Diamond | $13+ | We may not have a home game on the Fourth of July, but the Squirrels are celebrating early tonight + looking forward to Saturday’s fireworks fest.
The “Twilight” Saga | Thursday, July 3-Thursday, July 31 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $9 | The Byrd is showing the entire Twilight saga throughout July, and you can bite into the action starting this week.
Friday, July 4
Red, White, and Lights | 4-10 p.m. | Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen | Free | Snack on fan-fave food vendors and enjoy family-friendly activities like face painting, inflatables, and an evening laser-light show.
Star-Spangled Squirrels Fest | 6-9:30 p.m. | The Diamond | $10+ | Sparks are flying for fireworks, food, and root beer floats at this holiday extravaganza.
Red, White, & Rose | 6:30-10:30 p.m. | Quirk Hotel | $23 | Save your spot for rooftop views of fireworks around the city — wine tastings included.
Saturday, July 5
Richmond Makers Market |12-6 p.m. | Basic City Beer Co | Free | Shop from local artisans selling handmade goods like jewelry, ceramics, home decor, and clothing.
The Science Museum of Virginia unveiled new project renderings for The Green, a public park designed to greenify the passing scenery on Broad Street. Current designs lean into natural elements like stone seating, educational plant signage, and a water feature fed by storm and rainwater. (Richmond BizSense)
Food
Metzger Bar + Butchery will be serving up $10 Schnitzel Sandwiches and $5 Bitburgers today, July 3. Chicken schnitzel, Duke’s Mayo, and local tomatoes — does it get much better than that? Metzger is located on North 23rd Street in Church Hill and will be open from 5 to 9 p.m.
Richmonder
We love seeing the work of retired wildlife photographer Bill Draper celebrated. Draper’s generously donated photos have added life to numerous RICtoday articles, and he’s donated hundreds more to other local sources. Discover more about Draper’s story and passion. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Try This
Another holiday, another day of free admission at Lewis Ginter. Tomorrow, July 4, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can make a trip to the botanical gardens at no entry cost. Browse three new art exhibitions at the Kelly Education Center and Robins Visitor Center, and see what else is on view.
Read
A zine dedicated to the “small, forgettable, beloved things” in Richmond. Poet Mathias Svalina celebrated the publication of The Oregon Hill Review, where Richmonders share their poetic perspectives on the niche and lovable aspects of RVA. Read more about the process and how you can receive a copy. (The Richmonder)
Older Adults
Your fifties + beyond is a great time to build wealth. Beyond basics like bulk shopping and retirement accounts, here are 14 financial benefits seniors are entitled to (but often forget to claim).*
Shop
Mood’s rapid onset THC gummies deliver gentle body relaxation with a strong but balanced, clear-headed euphoria — all in as little as five minutes. Get 20% off.†*
Editor Elise: This art caught my eye because I don’t think I’ve ever seen it before. If you know where Richmonders can find these water-clad pups, show off your landmark-savvy geography skills and let us know.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
More pets go missing on the Fourth of July than any other day in the year. In fact, shelters across the country see a 30% to 60% spike in lost pets around this time.
Richmond Animal League has some tips on keeping your animals safe, like keeping them inside and establishing a comforting space. Just in case, an AirTag can bring some peace of mind.
As someone who has (temporarily) lost a pet before, this is landing on my wishlist.
}})
