Kids love simple, and I am embracing that fact, especially as we plan our family’s spring break. My goal is to have fun spending time together. We may not be traveling anywhere exotic (or traveling at all), but I know I can provide meaningful experiences for my children, right here in Richmond, without spending any money.
Here are my suggestions for free fun during spring break:
Train Spotting
Both of my kids love watching trains go by. In fact, so do I — it’s mesmerizing! For guaranteed trainspotting, head to Ashland, just north of Richmond. You can park by the train depot, which doubles as the Ashland Visitor’s Center, where you’ll be greeted by enthusiastic train aficionados. They love visitors and keep trinkets on hand, like color-changing cups to give to children who come through Ashland. (You can pick up your free RFM there, too!)
You can actually stand by the tracks and watch trains go by. If your child is sensitive to noise, I recommend sitting outside the Ashland Library, a bit farther away from the railroad tracks.
Splash in the James
The James River is one of the best resources around for free outdoor fun. From Pony Pasture to Belle Isle, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the River. What you do at the river will depend on your children’s ages and your comfort level. For toddlers, sand play at Chapel Island or Moon Beach (located at Pony Pasture) is a safe way to play near the water. For older children, biking across Belle Isle’s pedestrian bridge and trying the bike skills course is exhilarating! Other options range from climbing across rocks at Pony Pasture, to splashing at Reedy Creek.
Learn more about RVA’s treasured James River.
Discover New Playgrounds
School’s out, which means school playgrounds are open! Go check out some new-to-you slides, climbing walls, and other fun features your kids don’t get to use regularly. School playgrounds my children love include: Westover Hills Elementary, Mary Munford Elementary, Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts, and St. Edwards Epiphany School. Make a full day of it by planning a playground hop!
For toddlers or preschoolers, check out church/preschool playgrounds that are fenced. Thanks to the smaller sizing, fences, and age-appropriate play equipment, I always felt safer bringing my toddlers to these playgrounds instead of larger elementary playgrounds.
Serve Others
I know, I know…volunteering doesn’t really fall into the “spring break fun” category; but hear me out. Working together as a family to help the community is meaningful and offers your children a different perspective and compassion. An added bonus is that serving others creates gratitude, so instead of thinking, “we didn’t go anywhere for spring break,” your thoughts are more like, “I’m so lucky I got this time with my family.”
Find family-friendly volunteer opportunities.
Access More for Free
A few tips for free finding more free fun this spring break:
- Always check for age discounts. Many venues offer free admission for babies and toddlers.
- Use your public library to gain free admission to Virginia State Parks.
- Museums for All offers free admission to those receiving SNAP benefits. In Richmond, participating venues include: Maymont, Children’s Museum of Richmond, Science Museum of Virginia, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Virginia Museum of History and Culture, VMFA, and more!
We love to see Richmond families exploring around RVA! Tag us in your family’s spring break adventures @rfmtoday!
