Entertaining littles is hard work, especially in Richmond’s summer heat. Luckily, the River City has plenty of locally-owned businesses with fun activities perfect for keeping the tiniest Richmonders entertained, learning, and moving. Continue reading for just a few of Richmond’s local businesses that offer kid-friendly summer fun, both indoors and out – making them a happier place for both kids and parents!
Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Virginia Museum of History & Culture’s Commonwealth Explorers Exhibit:
A long-term exhibition featuring designated stations as well as opportunities for free play, this hands-on, interactive exhibition uses a wide range of story-driven features for kids to see, touch, and experience Virginia’s past and present.
Children’s Museum of Richmond:
From dress-up to arts and crafts, interactive exhibits to a beloved carousel, The Children’s Museum promotes growth through play for the whole family.
Metro Richmond Zoo
Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day feeding giraffes, scoping out penguins, and communing with peacocks.
Log off from electronics and snag a copy of your favorite game or try a new one at this unique café with more than 1,000 tabletop games in its library. Children 12 and under play for free with a paying adult.
Richmond Railway Museum & Main Street Station:
Check out an impressive model railroad that showcases many scenes from Richmond’s yesteryear as well as exhibits highlighting railway history in Virginia, then head across the bridge to Main Street Station, where you can catch daily trains pulling into the historic station.
The Play Space at Art Factory, designed for kids 0-5, features multiple play structures for kids to climb, slide, and explore in a climate-controlled setting.
Canal Boat Tours through Venture Richmond
At just 40 minutes, this quick zip down Richmond’s historic canals by flat-bottomed boat is the perfect unique activity for a summer afternoon.
While not an activity per se, a stop to Perk! is a child and parent-friendly activity. Grab coffee and some fresh pastries while the littles enjoy their children’s corner packed with kid-height chairs, toys, and more.
Maymont
Let your kids run free at this 100-acre estate in the heart of Richmond. Part park, part farm, part gardens, and so much more, this uniquely Richmond gem offers something for everyone. For an indoor activity, check out the Robins Nature Center or an upcoming Toddler Time. While there’s no fee to enter the estate, tickets are required for the Nature Center.
Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum:
Travel back in time and explore 125,000 square feet of antique trucks and tractors. From an antique fire truck to row after row of tractors, this is a must-see for any child who loves trucks and old cars.
Play a round of miniature golf on Bogey’s picturesque course accented with water features and mature landscaping. Looking for something a little faster? Check out Little Links- a new offering where players of all ages and skill levels use oversized clubs and balls to play nine holes in less than 30 minutes.
