100 Things to Do with Kids in Richmond, Virginia (Summer 2026, Part 1)
- The West End Mom
- Apr 21
- 8 min read
Hey Richmond! Looking for things to do in Richmond with kids? I’ve got 100 ideas for you to try this summer with your family.
From the best parks and kid-friendly hikes to epic water parks and tree top adventures, I've curated a summer bucket list for Richmond families that will keep your family entertained, educated, and exploring all summer long!
*Heads Up:
(1)While some of these activities are open all year, the places, activities and events on this list have been curated specifically for summer fun.
(2) Everything on my list includes places that are 2 hours or less from the Richmond metro area. IMO, summer is for epic day trips!
*Follow @thewestendmom on Instagram for things to do with kids in Richmond!
*Heads Up: My website uses affiliate links. This means I may get a commission or freebies if you book through or purchase items from my website. Clicking my links is no extra charge for YOU, and it makes sure my guides are available for FREE to the community. Thank you for supporting my small, mom-owned business!
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Here is Part 1 of my ** 100 Things to Do with Kids in Richmond ** series — your go-to local guide for family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable summer break ideas!
1. Explore the Maymont Park.
Maymont Park is celebrating its 100 year anniversary this year! To celebrate, they've just reopened the Maymont Mansion (it's been renovated), and they've upgraded the Virginia Wildlife Trail to include new habitats for coyotes and porcupines.
This 100-acre Victorian estate in the City of Richmond also has a Children's Farm, intricate gardens, open green space and more. Visiting the outside portions of Maymont Park is free of charge. Visiting the nature center and touring the estate have an admission cost per person.
The Robins Nature Center is an indoor exhibit at Maymont Park that showcases the animals & plants of the James River and Chesapeake Bay. You can learn and explore the ecology of the James River through play, aquariums & interactive animation. This 29,000 square foot attraction also has bathrooms including a family restroom, a sitting area, a gift shop & beautiful views of the park.
Hours: Maymont is open daily from 9am to 5pm. The nature center is open on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 10-5. Maymont will extend its hours for summer around Memorial Day weekend!
Perfect for: a full day outside and visiting with animals
*Check here for my review.
2. Have a picnic at Agecroft Hall and Gardens.
Located in Windsor Farms, this 16th century mansion is open to the public. It was originally built in Lancashire, England. In 1925 it was dismantled & shipped across the Atlantic. Now in Windsor Farms, Agecroft Hall overlooks the James River and the railroad tracks, and it’s surrounded by intricate gardens. As a part of the RVA Garden Trail, it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic or to explore the beautiful green space.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from noon to 5pm
Cost: Garden admission costs $6 per adult, $5 per senior, $4 per student, and children 6 and under are free.
Nearby: Taste Unlimited, Continental Grill, and Gelati Celesti are less than 5 minutes away.
*Check here for my review.
3. Walk or Bike the Virginia Capital Trail.
This paved trail starts at Brown's Island and goes all the way to Jamestown! We visited many portions of this trail, but one of our favorites is Great Shiplock Park to Rocketts Landing. This is one of the most popular portions of The Capital Trail, and it is about 2.4 miles round trip (each way is 1.2).
This Richmond trail is great for kids because it is stroller and bike friendly, plus it has incredible city and river views. While this path is mostly flat, I think it would be better for older children because of the environment (lots of walkers, bikers & dogs, fishhooks & wire in the grass) and there are sections with very easy access to the river.
Heads up: This paved trail has full sun. The long distance is great for bigger kids and more intermediate bikers. If you've got smaller kids, bring the stroller or use a toddler bike trailer on your bike. We haven't made it the entire way yet - my almost 5 year old loved it, but it was tough for my almost 3 year old.
Best for: a scenic, paved trail great for biking with kids or taking a leisurely family walk.
*Check here for a review.
4. Visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The Virginia Fine Arts Museum in the City of Richmond has FREE admission 365 days a year, and they host family-friendly events all year. Every Wednesday night, you can attend a live jazz concert in the Atrium from 6-8pm. Family Days also take place every February, June, and September. Most of these activities are recommended for children ages 3 through 12, but all ages are welcome.
The Claiborne & Lora Robins Sculpture Garden is a 3.5 acre garden, and it is part of the Richmond Garden Trail . It has green space, blooms, waterfalls & paths. The garden has large trees and tables with umbrellas that provide shade. It’s one of only 8 museums to have a permanent work by Chihuly!
Best for: free admission and plenty of space for kids to explore art and free concerts on Wednesday night
*Check here for my full of the garden, and check here for my review of the childhood art classes.
5. Visit Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.
Located in Lakeside, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful places in Richmond, and it is so peaceful to explore! It has been our most used membership for the past three years, and I recommend it to all everyone. I love it because there are paved paths throughout the gardens, and they are mostly flat - perfect for strollers, new walkers & toddlers.
I am especially excited to check out the NEW spaces this summer! Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s expanded Conservatory and new gardens are set to officially reopen on Saturday, May 23, 2026. This grand reopening added 7.5 acres of gardens, a larger conservatory with a year-round butterfly exhibit, and a new lake.
I also love this property because there are multiple bathrooms, two of which are large - perfect for maneuvering with a stroller. It's also very nursing friendly: there's a lounge in the library, and there are benches throughout the gardens in the shade. As our children have gotten older, we have been able to enjoy the Children's Garden (splash pad, tree house & sandbox), the children's activities (painting, story time, gardening, and more), and Flowers After Five (a family friendly concert series on Thursday nights).
Hours: 9am to 5pm daily; the garden is closed on Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Cost: $20 per adult, $15 per senior, $10 for kids 3-12, and children under 3 are free
*Check here for my full review.
6. Visit Animals at Metro Richmond Zoo
Located on 150 acres in Chesterfield, The Metro Richmond Zoo is home to 2,000 animals. There’s 190 different species! It’s open all year from 9:30am-5pm Monday through Saturday, and it's closed on Sunday.
Besides walk-in tours, guests can zip line on the Treetop Zoofari or participate in kids camps. Make sure to check the website for daily experiences like otter feedings, penguin feedings & cheetah talks (included with admission).
Our favorite part about our zoo is the feeding experiences with the giraffes, barn yard animals & birds.
Pro Tip: It’s field trip season through mid June. There’s a lot of people between 9:30-noon.
Throughout the year, I’ve seen the smallest crowds between 1pm & close.
Best for: seeing and feeding animals like giraffes and riding the safari train
7. Hike the easiest waterfall hike with kids at Pocahontas State Park.
Located inside Pocahontas State Park, Beaver Lake Trail goes 2.5 miles around Beaver Lake. While it’s rated a moderate hike, we make it kid-friendly & stroller friendly by starting at the CCC Museum, walking down the gravel incline, going around the dam & connecting to the paved trail that goes back up to the CCC Museum.
The best part? It will only take ~5 minutes with kids to reach the water fall! Make it even easier by going back up the hill instead of trying our loop (~an hour).
Perfect for: Swimming, paddle boating, hiking trails, and shaded picnic spots
*Check here for my review of Beaver Lake Trail.
8. Catch a Flying Squirrels Game with the Richmond Flying Squirrels.
This minor league baseball team has games every year between April and September. While they are an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, they have infused everything RVA into their gear, stadium and atmosphere. And... they just opened a brand new stadium and it's top of the line!
All kids 14 and younger are invited to join the FREE Squirrels Tails Kids Club. Kids who are members get FREE general admission to all Sunday home games. Children can also enjoy kid-themed giveaways and meet and greets with Nutsy and Nutasha.
Perfect for: All Richmonders because they are now playing in a brand new stadium: CarMax Park!
9. Cheer on the Richmond Kickers.
Our local Richmond Kickers' play throughout the summer - their seasons runs from March to October. And their games are really fun! They have concessions and local food trucks like Chick-Fil-A, Kona Ice + Dippin' Dots and Cary Street Cafe food truck. We really enjoyed arriving early, getting a free hat, having a picnic and watching the game - there was so much for the kids to see.
The Red Army, the most loyal fans, have flags, red smoke and drums - my kids loved watching them cheer on the team!
If you purchase your tickets before the day of the match, they are $15. Children 4 and under are free. Another bonus is that the stadium seats are completely shaded in the evening!
10. Watch a movie at Goochland Drive In.
Located in Hadensville, this drive-in theater has been open since 2009. The venue is pet friendly, they have restrooms, and they have an affordable concessions stand. Movies are rain or shine, and most of the nights have double features. Gates typically open around 6/6:30 on movie nights with movies beginning around 8pm.
Tickets cost between $18-$25 per vehicle, and all tickets must be purchased ahead of time from Goochland Drive-In Theater's website. I like this theater for families because it is not as expensive as a trip to the regular movie theaters, too!
Perfect for: a family night out
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Looking for all the free things to do around Richmond, Virginia? Check out my guide to FREE things to do in RVA with kids: Free Things to do with Kids in Richmond this Summer!
For more things to do with kids around Richmond, follow me on @thewestendmom on Instagram!
