Does anything say family fun more than ice cream?! Of course not! But, I learned early on that an ice cream outing rarely fills enough time. If I’m going to get them dressed, ready, and all buckled in, I want to spend more than an hour or so out of the house.
Enter playground/ice cream double header outings! I started scouting playgrounds in the Richmond region and then finding nearby ice cream shops. Not only did it add time to our adventure, but the time outdoors made us all happier.
As always, use your best judgement regarding weather and the playgrounds. If it’s too hot or too cold, try for another day, or plan your outing for the warmest/coolest part of the day. And, during summer months I check the playground equipment with my hands to be sure it won’t burn my children’s skin before they use it.
Add this list to your family’s adventures!
Clarendon Park and Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Located in Chesterfield, Clarendon Park is an older playground within the Clarendon neighborhood. It’s bright colors and equipment make it suitable for toddlers through upper elementary students.
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream (11221 Hull Street Rd, Midlothian, VA) is less than 5 minutes driving distance from Clarendon Park. It is helpful to know that children under 40″ can get a free baby ice cream cone! This location also has a covered sitting area with chalk and a sandbox.
Humphrey-Calder Park and Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream Ice Cream
Humphrey-Calder Park is a unique play space, as it’s surface is all sand. It’s also fenced and gated, which is universally assuring to parents of little ones.
Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream (2911 West Cary St., Richmond, across from the Byrd Theatre) is locally, woman-owned (and you can pick up your free RFM while you’re there!) and is one mile from Humphrey-Calder Park. I do recommend driving as the walk is not shaded and would be far for a child who had just been running and playing on a hot summer day.
Short Pump Park and Blue Cow Ice Cream or Gelati Celesti
With two separate playgrounds, a butterfly garden, and a splash pad in the summer months, it’s no wonder Short Pump Park is a popular place for children and families.
After playing, drive to Blue Cow Ice Cream (12171 West Broad St). With flavors like Banana Puddin’, Goat Cheese with Blueberry Swirl, and Triple Berry Crisp, you can’t go wrong!
Or, check out Gelati Celesti at 11805-5 West Broad Street. This locally owned RVA staple features iconic flavors like Just Ask and Ukrop’s Rainbow Cookie, along with seasonal favorites.
Twin Hickory Park and Vampire Penguin
Twin Hickory Park is a great choice for a summer play date as the playground has a large canopy. There’s also a splash pad adjacent to the playground, so kids can easily cool off.
Only a 2-minute drive away is Vampire Penguin (11345 Nuckols Rd, Glen Allen). Specializing in shaved snow, Vampire Penguin’s desserts are light and fluffy.
You Pick the Playground and BYOP
My final suggestion is to choose a small playground and invite a few friends to meet you. In the summer months, bring a cooler filled with popsicles for the kids to eat after they’ve played for a while. We do this every summer, and my kids always look forward to it! Heads up — bring lots of popsicles! We make sure to have enough for every child, even the ones who aren’t from our play group.
For more playground fun, try playground hopping around Richmond!
