Richmond, Virginia, offers a wealth of opportunities for families seeking engaging activities without significant financial outlay. The city and its surrounding region are rich with attractions, many of which are free or available at a minimal cost. From interactive museums and historical sites to expansive parks and animal encounters, there are numerous options for a day of free family fun. This article compiles information from various local resources to provide a detailed overview of accessible activities for families in the Richmond area.
Free Attractions and Outdoor Activities
The Richmond region provides several notable free attractions suitable for all ages. One prominent location is the historic Hollywood Cemetery. Situated at 412 South Cherry Street, this site is described as an incredible outdoor museum. It offers a beautiful view of the James River and contains the gravesites of two U.S. Presidents. A notable feature is the “Iron Dog” monument. The cemetery is noted to be wheelchair and stroller friendly, making it accessible for families with young children.
Another significant outdoor activity is the Canal Walk. This is a great way to explore Richmond’s history while getting exercise, either by biking or walking. The path runs along the banks of the Haxall Canal and the James River & Kanawha Canal. The walk is 1.25 miles long and features history told through medallions, monuments, and exhibits. This provides an educational and active outing without any cost.
For families interested in nature and wildlife, the James River offers various points of interest. The Canal Walk is one way to experience it, but the river itself provides opportunities for viewing and, in some areas, safe water play. Pony Pasture Rapids is specifically mentioned as a location to visit along the James River.
Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, located at 3400 Mountain Road, is another free option. Families can schedule a tour of the farmhouse to explore Henrico County’s history and meet friendly farm animals living on-site. It is advisable to check the park’s schedule for special events like Farm Field Day.
The Rockwood Park Nature Center, found at 3401 Courthouse Road in North Chesterfield, is free to visit. It is home to many reptiles, amphibians, and a honey bee hive. Staff are on hand to answer questions from budding zoologists. The Nature Centre is located behind the large playground at Rockwood Park, making it an exciting addition to a day at the park.
For a unique educational experience, the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond offers The Fed Experience. This attraction allows visitors to learn all about money without spending any.
Museums and Cultural Centres
Richmond boasts a variety of museums and cultural centres that offer free admission or free days, providing excellent educational opportunities for children.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is a major cultural institution. Visitors can run around the giant Chloe statue in the outdoor gardens and also go inside the museum, which is free. The gardens offer 50 acres of themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, the Cherry Tree Walk, and a healing garden, as well as a beautiful Conservatory. A highlight for children is the Children’s Garden, which contains WaterPlay, the Klaus Family Tree House, the Jane Quinn Sanders Farm Garden, and the International Village, which references world architecture, global cultures, and native plants. The VMFA is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The Science Museum of Virginia, located at 2500 W. Broad St., is a thrilling place for curious minds. Families can explore a variety of hands-on science displays and interactive exhibits covering topics from physics to space. A major attraction is the Dome Theater, which shows amazing planetarium shows. The museum also features the “Amazing Farm” exhibit, where kids can learn about agriculture, see how food is grown, and learn about farm animals. The museum hosts daily demonstrations and visiting exhibitions, and special events and workshops throughout the year.
The Children’s Museum of Richmond has locations in Richmond and Chesterfield. It includes multiple attractions and special events perfect for helping little ones ages 0-8 learn through play. The museum hosts regular workshops, story times, and art projects, making every visit unique. The address for one location is 2626 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220.
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture, at 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., features a kid’s area with hands-on activities to introduce young learners to the Commonwealth’s history. A pro tip is to get a free look at the museum’s offerings during First Fridays, which typically feature face painting, crafts, and live music.
The Valentine, at 1015 E. Clay St., allows visitors to learn about the River City’s past from experts and complete a scavenger hunt of local artifacts, with a prize for completing it.
The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, at 122 W. Leigh St., has been a local staple for over 40 years. It features a mix of ongoing and rotating exhibits, including photographs, sculptures, and stories for children to survey like true historians.
The Virginia Holocaust Museum, at 200 E. Hamilton St., offers youth performing arts school activities, including kid-friendly productions, camps, and workshops throughout the year. This provides an opportunity for children to experience the excitement of their first onstage experience.
For future authors, Richmond Young Writers offers unique writing workshops at various locations, including classic poetry, Dungeons and Dragons storytelling, and screenwriting.
Animal Encounters and Farm Visits
Interacting with animals is a popular free or low-cost activity for families in Richmond. Several locations offer such opportunities.
Maymont, at 1000 Westover Road, is a premier destination for animal encounters. It is part of a beautiful estate and is considered one of the best things to do with kids. The farm offers hands-on animal encounters with chickens, pigs, horses, and other farm animals. Also on-site is a 40-acre wildlife habitat with Virginia native species such as black bears and bobcats, and the Robins Nature Center, which houses an aquarium and interactive educational exhibits. Access to the park is free, but there is a suggested admission of $5. The Nature Centre may have an additional cost for tickets to see special displays. Maymont is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The Metro Richmond Zoo, located at 8300 Beaver Bridge Rd. in Moseley, is a privately-owned zoo. It is easily one of the top things to do with kids, offering observation of more than 2,000 animals such as giraffes, tigers, and lemurs in a natural setting. Families can also enjoy the zoo’s playground, carousel, safari train ride, and safari ski lift. Children can feed animals, take a ride in the skylift, and get adventurous with the Junior Explorer Course + Treetop Zoofari zipline. A core memory moment for kids is meeting RVA’s beloved pygmy hippo, Poppy. The zoo also offers an Animal Brigade Service Club for middle schoolers to get involved in humane education.
Flat Creek Farm, at 13342 Lodore Rd. in Amelia, allows groups of up to 12 to meet ponies, pigs, goats, alpacas, bunnies, and more during half or full-hour sessions.
The Richmond SPCA, at 2519 Hermitage Rd., offers opportunities for kids to tour the humane centre, collect take-home crafts, or attend camps. Opportunities vary for different age groups.
Amusement Parks and Paid Attractions
While not free, some attractions offer significant value and are worth mentioning for families planning a larger outing. Kings Dominion offers a variety of fun activities for the whole family during most of the year. The park has more than 60 rides, a PEANUTS-themed area for younger kids called Planet Snoopy, and Soak City, an adjacent 20-acre waterpark with a lazy river, wave pool, and thrilling water slides. For its 50th anniversary in 2025, the park is unveiling a new ride called Rapterra, the world's tallest and longest launched wing coaster.
Brambly Park, set on two acres in Scott’s Addition Historic District, is an urban winery and restaurant with a heated outdoor pavilion where families can enjoy Italian-style appetizers and entrees. It offers games like Giant Jenga and cornhole, and special events such as Trivi-o-ke. The cost is based on purchase.
The Science Museum of Virginia has a Dome Theater for planetarium shows, which may have an additional fee, though general admission is free.
Conclusion
Richmond, Virginia, presents a diverse array of free and low-cost activities suitable for families. From exploring historical cemeteries and canal walks to engaging with interactive exhibits at museums like the Science Museum of Virginia and the Children’s Museum of Richmond, there are ample opportunities for education and entertainment. Animal lovers can enjoy free access to parts of Maymont or visit the Metro Richmond Zoo for a fee. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the James River and numerous parks. By utilising these resources, families can enjoy a fulfilling day out without a significant financial commitment. It is always advisable to check the official websites or contact the venues directly for the most current information on opening hours, admission policies, and any potential costs.