9+ Family-Friendly Activities in Richmond

Traveling with your kids is a great way to make memories, and it allows them to grow and explore. But that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to find things that the whole family can enjoy when you’re on vacation. Luckily, Richmond, Virginia, has plenty of activities that both parents and kids will love.

If you’re thinking about taking a family trip to Richmond, check out the list of fun-filled activities below before booking a hotel or creating your itinerary

Catch a Movie at Byrd Theatr

Open 365 days a year, Byrd Theatre was built in 1928 and is a national landmark. Byrd Theatre has survived the decades with a mostly unaltered appearance, and its architecture is a real treasure with golden arches, marble walls, and some original seating. The cherry on top is that tickets are only $4, significantly less than your standard movie ticket.

Attend a concert at the the Richmond Coliseum

Attending a concert at the National or the Richmond Coliseum is a great way to enjoy live music with family in Richmond. The National is a historic theater in downtown Richmond that has been hosting concerts and other events since 1923. The venue has a capacity of 1,500 people and features a variety of musical acts, from indie rock to hip hop to country.

The Richmond Coliseum is a larger venue that can hold up to 13,500 people. It has hosted concerts by some of the biggest names in music, including the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and Elton John. The Coliseum also hosts sporting events and other shows throughout the year.

Learn and Play at The Children’s Museum of Richmond

The Children’s Museum of Richmond offers educational activities that children of all ages can benefit from. Boasting a stimulating, hands-on environment, the museum gives kids a chance to learn, play, and explore. The museum’s Chesterfield location has a mini whirlpool, Dino Dig Pit, art studio, carousel, tree house, and more.

Visit the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia

Visiting the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia is a great way to learn about the history and culture of African Americans in Richmond and throughout Virginia. The museum is located in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood and features exhibits and programs that highlight the contributions and experiences of African Americans in the state.

The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from the history of slavery and the Civil Rights movement to the achievements of African American athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs. Visitors can see artifacts and photographs that bring these stories to life, and interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages.

Visit the Virginia State Capitol

Visiting the Virginia State Capitol is a great way to learn about the history and government of Virginia, and to see some beautiful architecture. Designed by Thomas Jefferson, the Capitol building has been the seat of Virginia’s government since 1788 and is one of the oldest continuously operating legislative buildings in the United States.

Visitors to the Capitol can take a guided tour to learn about the history of the building and its role in Virginia’s government. The tour includes visits to the House of Delegates and Senate chambers, as well as the Governor’s office and the Old House Chamber where Patrick Henry famously declared “Give me liberty, or give me death!”

Visit the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is one of the nation’s best. The garden’s mission is to educate and connect the community while trying to improve it. Throughout the year, the garden houses different activities, such as art installations, family “Walk and Talks,” Storytime, painting, treasure hunts for kids, and much more. Admission runs $8 to $13, based on age.

Get Outside at Maymont

Need some fresh air? Visit Maymont Farm’s 100 acres for a walk around the Children’s Farm Barn and check out the goats, chickens, and other native animals. Maymont also offers carriage rides, a mansion tour, and monthly family-friendly events and activities.

Take a Stroll Around the Metro Richmond Zoo

The zoo is open year round from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Tickets range in price from free for infants to $16.25 for seniors. In addition to seeing all the exotic animals, one of the most popular activities is the Treetop Zoofari Course.

The course takes two or three hours and includes 16 zip lines past animals such as kangaroos, monkeys, and emus. On Fridays and Saturdays during the summer, you can even do the course at night!

Ride the Rides at Kings Dominion

Kings Dominion is the ultimate theme park and water park, offering roller coasters, waterslides, a carousel, and tons of other thrilling activities. The park also has live entertainment and “fast lane” tickets that let you make the most of your day by skipping the regular lines. Daily tickets start at $51, and you can purchase two-day tickets for $67. The park opens at 10:30 a.m., and the water park opens at noon.

Planning a trip that the whole family can enjoy doesn’t have to be a hassle, especially if you’re traveling to a destination like Richmond. Try out some of the activities in this article, and you’ll be sure to have a great trip and create lifelong family memories.