One of the best things about RVA is the variety of activities right here. You don’t need to travel far to find unique shopping, stunning gardens or educational, engaging museums. If you haven’t made plans for Spring Break, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our Spring Break Staycation List to help your family make memories without incurring the expenses of a major family vacation.
Head to Maymont
No RVA Spring Break staycation would be complete without a visit (or two!) to Maymont. Across the 100-acre grounds, you’ll enjoy the early-blooming trees, shrubs, and bulbs, and over at Maymont Farm, two new baby goats are stealing hearts. For spring break week, The Robins Nature Center will be open weekdays. And don’t forget Dominion Energy Family Easter, Saturday, April 4!
Read our March/April issue feature all about Maymont as it turns 100 years old here.
Take in Virginia Museum of History & Culture
In addition to VMHC’s brand new, must-see exhibition, We the People: The World in Our Commonwealth, the Museum is hosting daily events to celebrate Spring Break. From Irish dancing to games and crafts, there’s a little something for everyone. Be sure to visit the rest of the Museum while you’re there — there’s so much to see and learn!
Explore Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
I love bringing my children to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. The kids are so happy to run around freely, and I get to enjoy the beautiful setting. While at Lewis Ginter, don’t miss the Klaus Family Tree House, the fairy gardens in the Tree Trail, crossing the stream by The Tea House, and the charming Children’s Section in the library.
Go Cycling on the Virginia Capital Trail
The Virginia Capital Trail runs all the way from Richmond to Williamsburg and is completely smooth and paved. It is perfect for new bike riders! We find the best routes by using the VCT planned itineraries. (Check out the rides designated “Great for kids.”) Encourage your children ages 8+ to learn more about cycling, nature, and The Virginia Capital Trail by working towards becoming a Junior Trail Ambassador.
Appreciate Art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is great for children of all ages. With very young kids, you can ask them about the colors and shapes they see. With older children, I recommend packing a sketch pad and colored pencils, so they can either create reproductions or be inspired to create their own masterpieces. After enjoying the interior of the museum, head outside to the exquisite E. Claiborne and Lora Robins Sculpture Garden. You can enjoy a picnic, purchase food from the café, or simply take in the atmosphere.
Check Out Carytown’s Unique Shops and Yummy Treats
Carytown is full of eclectic shops and eateries for families to enjoy. We love to start our Carytown adventures by playing at the Grayland Tot Lot, a fenced playground. Then, we head to Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream & Café for a sweet treat (you can grab your free RFM while you’re there, too!), followed by picking out a new read at BBGB, an adorable children’s bookstore. The grand finale of the day is purchasing a small new toy at World of Mirth! All of these stores are within a very short walking distance of one another.
Spend a Day at the James River
Referred to as “Richmond’s Natural Playground,” The James River has ways for everyone to enjoy the water. We love to hike around Belle Isle, splash at Reedy Creek, and walk across the T. Tyler Potterfield bridge. If you’re more adventurous, try kayaking or stand up paddleboarding.
And of course, be sure to bookmark the RFM calendar to find fun things to do with your family every day — new events are added daily! Enjoy your time exploring our River City and all it has to offer. Happy Spring Break, from RFM!
