Summer break is upon us, and parents all over Richmond are creating fun bucket lists of what they’d like to do with the kids during break. One of the great things about summers in Richmond is that there are a variety of affordable activities for families. Consider our list of outings for $10 or less as you make your family’s summer bucket list.
Watch a Movie Together at the Theater
Both Regal Cinemas and Cinema Cafe are offering summer deals for children. The Regal Summer Express offers $2 tickets every Tuesday and Wednesday. Beginning June 26, Cinema Cafe’s Summer Kids Series has $1 tickets Monday – Thursday.
Explore and Experiment at Science Museum of Virginia
Science Museum of Virginia’s $10 Days allow visitors to pay $10 admission, regardless of ticket category. There are two $10 Days this summer: June 2nd, where $10 tickets extend until 8:00 P.M. for Science After Dark, and August 26th. (Admission is free daily for children 2 and under, members, active-duty military, retired military, veterans and teachers with ID.) Keep an eye out for an SMV family membership giveaway on our social media channels and RFM eNews this summer!
Ride a Trolley in Ashland
The 41st annual Strawberry Faire on June 3rd is an entire day filled with family fun. Watch a parade, ride a trolley, cheer during the pet pageant, and of course enjoy strawberries at this free, family and pet-friendly event.
Learn and Play at Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Tuesday mornings, VMHC hosts families on the front lawn to play with toys from yesteryear, as well as space-themed activities. Last summer, my children loved learning to play Jacks, and Jacob’s Ladders. There is no registration required for Front Lawn Fun, and it is a drop-in event, making this an easy outing to add to your weekly summer fun. VMHC also hosts First Fridays each month from 5:00pm – 8:00pm with free admission to the galleries for everyone, specials in their café, food trucks, live music, and family activities. Be sure to stop by the RFM table to enter to win a prize and make a craft!
Celebrate National Pollinator Week at Maymont
Make plans to visit Maymont on June 17th for the 11th annual Bumblebee Jamboree. This free event teaches families about pollinators through crafts, snacks, and games. After enjoying the event, be sure to explore the grounds and visit the animals, both of which are also free.
Take Skating Lessons at Skate-A-Way
A fun way to cool off is to bring your kiddos to Skate-A-Way on Thursdays at 10 A.M. Tiny Tot Skating is a class designed for beginners (not necessarily toddlers), to participate in a short lesson to learn the basics of roller skating. No registration is required. Tiny Tot classes are $8 cash or $9 card and rental skates are included.
Honor American Heroes at Virginia War Memorial
On June 23rd, Virginia War Memorial invites families to their Hill of Heroes event. In addition to live music, there will also be crafts, tours, letter-writing opportunities, military demonstrations and more.
Engage with Nature at Pocahontas State Park
Every Thursday at 10:00 A.M, Pocahontas State Park holds Caterpillar Club, a program designed for ages 3-5 to learn about our natural world. While these ranger-led programs are geared toward ages 3-5, all ages are welcome. Caterpillar Club is free, but registration is required.
Cool off at a Splash Pad
Splash pads are one of my favorite activities with little ones, because they cool us all off, without the worry that comes with taking a very young child to the pool. Fortunately, there are several free splash pads around RVA. You may choose from: Dorey Park, Dunncroft/Castle Point Park, Eastern Henrico Recreation Association, Short Pump Park, Stony Point Fashion Park, or Twin Hickory Park.
Bask in the Beauty of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Stroll through over 50 acres of gardens, check out the M&T Bank Butterflies LIVE! Exhibit and Incanto: An Oasis of Lyrical Poetry for free on July 4th. This is a walk-up event only; no registration required.
Richmond provides so much for families, and affordable summer fun is one of our favorites! Bookmark our list to take the stress of planning family fun off your plate this summer.
