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Visiting Kings Dominion with Little Kids

The West End Mom

Jun 14, 2021
8 min

Visiting Kings Dominion with Little Kids

I grew up going to Kings Dominion, so it was a trip down memory lane when I took my own littles for the first time this June. There have been quite a bit of renovations since I was a kid, but the best parts of the park are still the same. We decided to visit on a Sunday since the park doesn't open on weekdays until June 18. We also opted for the Premium Parking pass because we were unsure of the crowds on a weekend. We were really glad we picked this parking option - it is ju

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The West End Mom

May 26, 2021
3 min

RVA Pools: 2021 Pool Recommendations

We are thrilled for pool season to finally be here! I asked you for your favorite family-friendly pools around #RichmondVA . Here are your recommendations in alphabetical order. *All information was pulled from the pool's website or the member's response. 1.ACAC Midlothian: This gym has fitness, tennis, pools & family events. The pool is zero entry, and it has a sun shade over a portion of the pool plus pool slides! There is also an indoor pool for year around fun. 2. Ashlan

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The West End Mom

Jul 25, 2020
3 min

Local Pools: Which Pools are Open?

We've all been looking for ways to have fun and stay cool with our children during this "new normal," and local pools are an easy and safe way to have fun. I polled the #WEM community for pools that are open and family friendly. Here are the responses in alphabetical order. All information was pulled from the pool's website or the member's response. 1.ACAC Midlothian: This gym has fitness, tennis, pools & family events. They are open and members don't need to make reservation

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The West End Mom

Jul 6, 2020
4 min

Summer Parks: Where can We find Shade?

With social distancing still a necessity and cabin fever at an all time high, we've been visiting parks a lot recently! Summer is now in full effect, and we all need to find some shady spots to explore. Here is a round up of some local parks with great shade (in no particular order): 1. Deep Run Park: This 165 acre park is at the corner of Gaskins Road and Ridgefield Parkway. Deep Run has a pond, 3.4 miles of trails, three separate playgrounds, picnic shelters, bathrooms, a b

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The West End Mom

Jun 28, 2020
3 min

Dinwiddie County's The Red Barn Farm

We had the best time at The Red Barn Farm's family farm tour! The barn is in North Dinwiddie, which is about 50 minutes from Short Pump. The trip is very easy on 95! We left Richmond at 1:15, and we arrived at 2. I called to book a tour for our family on our way. Luckily, there was space, but make sure you call ahead to schedule a tour. To ensure social distancing, the groups are limited in size. We parked right by the barn, and there was lots of space to run around before th

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The West End Mom

Jun 24, 2020
2 min

Fredericksburg's Braehead Farm

We had the best time visiting Braehead Farm this week! It is the oldest farm in historic Fredericksburg, and it's less than an hour from Short Pump. We left Richmond at 12:30, and we were there before 1:30 - it was such an easy trip on 95. We packed our car potty (there are only porta potties), umbrella stroller for G, a picnic blanket and snacks. We didn't need the snacks, though - the farm market has lots of treats! When we arrived, there was lots of parking in the gravel l

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The West End Mom

Jun 22, 2020
4 min

My Favorite Stroller-Friendly Walks

Getting out with little ones, especially a newborn, can be tricky! When I had my son, I was nervous to walk anywhere with him except in the neighborhood because I knew what to expect. After a month or so, I started trying out locations around Richmond. Here is a roundup of my favorite locations in the Richmond area to walk with a regular stroller (no jogging stroller needed), and all of them are perfect for new walkers & toddlers too! 1.The University of Richmond: All-Around

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Crozet, Virginia: Fruit Picking at Chiles Peach Orchard

The West End Mom

Jun 15, 2020
2 min

Crozet, Virginia: Fruit Picking at Chiles Peach Orchard

One of our favorite day trip locations is Charlottesville. Since it is an hour or so away, it makes an easy getaway from Richmond. We have been visiting Carter's Mountain Orchard for a while, but this was our first time visiting Chiles Peach Orchard. Last summer we weren't able to join all their family friendly events because I was 9 months pregnant and then we had a newborn, but we can't wait to attend them! A few of the notable summer events are: Wind Down Wednesdays, The S

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The West End Mom

Jun 14, 2020
2 min

Our Go-To Outdoor Spaces

Since becoming a mom, I have been taking my children to explore the beautiful outdoor spaces in Richmond. Our favorite spots have free admission and don't require reservations. I love that we can drop-in at any time to walk, watch wildlife, picnic, and play. *During the pandemic, we visited U of R almost weekly and Crump Park more than I can count! Since all preschools and churches were closed, we haven't tried their playgrounds recently. 1. University of Richmond: We love U

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The West End Mom

May 6, 2020
2 min

Local #RVA Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is will be here before we know it, and there are a lot of amazing local businesses & momtrepreneurs providing treats for moms! I will continue to update this list as I find more local goodies. 1. Amanda Ryan Tucker Art: Amanda has an beautiful Mama & Baby series. I have a black and white one and it's so special to me! The prints are around $55. Her work is also available at Gild and Ash. This boutique offers online ordering with curbside pickup and shipping. Ther

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The West End Mom

Apr 29, 2020
4 min

Our Daily Routine

We've been following a flexible routine while we have been at home, and that has really been helping us! I say flexible because we don't stick to it like glue, and I usually rotate activities and virtual events each day. I also set up a few activities each night for my son to find when we go downstairs - this grabs his attention and starts play (they take 5 minutes or less to set up). With two little ones, I have to maximize nap time: when my daughter is asleep, my son and I

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The West End Mom

Jan 5, 2020
1 min

Art Class at the VMFA, Artsy Infants

We’ve been taking art classes at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in the City of Richmond since H was 4 months old. This was one of the first “mommy and me class” we did together. We love taking these classes once a month, and you and your little one can participate in them almost weekly if you want. Artsy Infants (3-13 months): This class is from 12:30-1:30 on select Mondays. It begins with an “open play” time: babies can do tummy time, experience new shapes/toys, and intera

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The West End Mom

Dec 12, 2019
2 min

My Favorite Classes for Babies (0-1)

What do you try first with a baby in Richmond, Virginia? I was a bit skeptical when my friend, who also had a four month old, wanted to try mommy and me classes. What activities can a baby who is not crawling really do? It turns out quite a lot! My baby was able to do tummy time, practice sitting up, and have sensory exploration. Besides spending quality time with my baby boy, I got dressed, got out of the house, and got to interact with other moms. There are three classes in

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The West End Mom

Sep 1, 2019
2 min

Maymont's Summertime Toddler Time

Toddler Time at Maymont is a three or four week class that happens once a week from 10-11. It costs $30-$38 for the session, and it takes place in the Nature Center or the Children’s Farm. Since we signed up for Summer Fun, it was inside. It was perfect for those hot summer days ️ The Nature Center even has a “Family Restroom”! Our class was pretty small. It fluctuated between 3-5 children during the session. Our teacher Courtney was really good with toddlers, especially when

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