Richmond, the capital city of Virginia, has managed to retain its old charm. The city is a haven to numerous family and kids activities around and within its vicinity, making it one of the top family spots. With not much influx of tourists, Richmond boasts of a variety of kids friendly, indoor and outdoor activities.
Home to America’s deep rooted history, Richmond, also known as the River City, has an impressive number of monuments with architectural marvels along with battlefields, parks, restaurants, outdoor thrills and museums.
Richmond has something to offer everyone.
Listed below are my The Top 10 Fun Activities For Kids Near Richmond VA
1. G Force Karts
For all the kids and adults, who love a bit of thrill, this is the ideal place to be. High speed Go-karting and off-road racing are the key attractions here. All the activities are done with utmost precautions and keeping the safety of kids and adults alike.
The Go-karts are of 3 types:-
Super Karts, which are apt for the skilled drivers,
Junior Karts, ideal for kids aged 10-15 and
Two-Seater Karts, which accommodates an adult and a child aged 5-14 years.
The tracks can also be reserved in advance and you could have a birthday party as well.
There are virtual and arcade games also to be enjoyed, in case you aren’t one for the Go-kart thrills.
Location: 800 E.Laburnum Ave Gate 2, Richmond, VA 23222-1403
Recommended Age: 5-14, There are activities for adults as well
2. The Escape Adventures
My personal favourite is The Escape Adventures. Why do you ask me?
Have you heard of the concept called Escape Rooms? Escape Rooms are a novel idea where a group of family/friends or co-workers are locked in a room and they need to collectively solve the puzzle or clues to leave the room within the stipulated time.
The Escape Adventures is probably the best Escape Room in Chester. The 2 rooms currently available here are the Blackbeard’s Revenge and Lab Rats, which are filled with thrills and surprises suitable for all ages.
You can also book a room and host your kids birthday party with their gang of friends and let them bond over some thrills and mysteries. Together uncoding a puzzle and escaping the room leads to a better rapport and confidence amongst the participants, adults and kids alike.
Image credit: theescapeadventures.com
Location: 13209 Rivers Bend Blvd, Chester, VA 23836, United States
Recommended Age: Suitable for both kids and adults
3. Science Museum of Virginia
The Science Museum of Virginia is a hands-on experience for the kids who get to engage in various live activities along with viewing the exhibits on many fields of science like humans, animals, mathematics, space, environment, dinosaurs etc.
The IMAX dome screen features movies and live performances on relevant topics which hook the kids’ interest.
The three storey building houses a room especially for kids aged 5 and below called THE LIGHTSPACE, where they are taught about science through sensory methods and math.
PS: There is also a gift shop to take away souvenirs.
Location: 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia
Recommended Age: Suitable for both kids and adults, The LightPLace room is only for kids below 5 years of age
4. William Byrd Park
Image credit: wikipedia
Commonly called the Byrd Park, it is one of the most popular parks in Virginia having walking trails and three lakes. It is the perfect place to spend some quality time with your kids.
Along with basic facilities like a restroom, garden and play area, the park also boasts of an amphitheater and tennis court.
The kids can indulge in a boat ride or a game of tennis, they could also learn how to fish along with having a good ol’ picnic with the family and playing games like tag, ball, frisbee and hide n seek.
Ps: It is a stroller friendly place for toddlers as well.
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Recommended Age: Suitable for both kids and adults
5. The Belle Isle
If you are looking for some adventurous activities for your kids such as hiking, rock climbing, kayaking or fishing, then head out to The Belle Isle.
Once a prison camp, this 54 acre island, along the banks of the river James, is now converted into a public place offering activities for the entire family with the kids.
An absolutely scenic and ‘insta’ pic worthy place.
PS: A must do is walking across the footbridge, to enjoy the unparalleled views of the city and the river.
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Recommended Age: Suitable for kids aged 7 and above under the supervision of adults
6. Triangle Rock Club
Image credit: fayetteville.com
The Triangle Rock Club is the family friendly place with loads of activities suitable for everyone. Indoor and Outdoor rock climbing activities with instructors and appropriate safety checks and gears is the highlight of this club along with their nine yoga and seven fitness activities.
Having classes and activities for all age groups, it is an excellent choice for an outing with the family.
Location: 4700 Thalbro St Richmond, VA 23230
Recommended Age: Suitable for kids aged 4 and adults
7. Riverfront Canal Cruises and Walk
A guided tour along the James river and the Kanawha canal (designed by George Washington), this 40 minutes cruise ride is a must do with kids.
One of the earliest canals in the US, The Riverfront Canal Cruises is filled with nostalgia and history. There’s a walkway adjoining the cruise path that is ideal for biking, walking and strolling with the kids.
THis is a very popular sport for tourists and the locals alike.
PS: You can rent a boat for a private viewing or parties with your group. It would make it a very different and unique idea for your kids’ birthday party.
Location: 4700 Thalbro St Richmond, VA 23230
Recommended Age: Suitable for kids aged 4 and adults
8. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Image credit: publicgardens.org
One place with many touring options, that’s Lewis Ginter Botanical garden for you.
A 50 acre beautifully landscaped garden housing a restaurant, conservatory which is home to exotic flowers from all over the world and a cafe, this place is definitely a must do with kids.
It contains a special Children’s garden, consisting of a Tree House, Farm Garden, Village and Water Play area. It has a Fairy Forest trail for kids.
Location: 1800 Lakeside Ave Richmond, VA 23228
Recommended Age: Suitable for infants, kids and adults
9. Richmond Railroad Museum
The Richard Railroad Museum is made on a former train station and is an amazing place for the kids. They hold special events year long and have train memorabilia exhibits like steam engines and coaches on display.
It teaches the kids the history of evolution of trains and its present journey. The Richmond Railroad Museum also offers short train trips to experience a train ride.
There are two buildings, one having a photo gallery and one for the live display of actual trains. It contains a used books and other items gift shop also.
PS: Free entry for the kids.
Location: 102 Hull St, Richmond, VA 23224
Recommended Age: Suitable for kids and adults.
10. Metro Richmond Zoo
You can never go wrong with a zoo with kids, the Metro Richmond Zoo located in central Virginia is certainly the apt place for a fun filled family outing.
Spread across 70 acres and home to over 190 species of animals and birds like the reticulated giraffe, white rhinoceros, snow leopard, cheetah and Pygmy Hippos, it houses one of the largest collections of primates in the US.
There’s a fifteen minute safari sky ride that gives an aerial view of the entire zoo. The zoo also has a zipline and an adventure park.
PS: Purchase some zoo treats and feed the giraffes with your kids. It sure is an experience to remember.
Location: 8300 Beaver Bridge Rd, Moseley, VA 23120
Recommended Age: Suitable for infants, kids and adults
Image credit:tripadvisor.com
Hope you have a fun filled time visiting the places mentioned above with your kids, as I had for sure. Do let me know any tried and tested kids-friendly places that I’d have missed in the comments below.
