Need last minute plans for the weekend? Want an easy idea for family fun on a holiday? I've got you covered! I rounded up 30+ day trips we've taken with our kids -- finally! Each one has been approved by my kids. While they have been 5 or younger on each adventure, these are Virginia places and spaces that are fun for all ages. Even the grownups will have fun!
The best part? All of these spots are 2 hours or less from Richmond!
*Follow @thewestendmom on Instagram and TikTok for things to do with kids in Richmond and around Virginia!
The Best Day Trips from Richmond, Virginia with Kids:
1. Ashland, Virginia
Ashland Train Station: With the tracks going right through the town of Ashland, you are guaranteed to see a cargo or passenger train! Over 60 trains come through the town in 24 hours & there is usually at least one per an hour. Ashland provides a quaint atmosphere with lots for families to see & explore -- almost everything is walkable.
Driving Distance: around 30m
Cost: free
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
Kings Dominion: Open since 1975, this theme park is located in Doswell, about 25 minutes from Richmond. Kings Dominion has 12 world-class coasters, a 20 acre water park, a 14 acre kids’ area, music festivals & seasonal events. You could easily spend a day here & you’d still need more time to explore the entire park!
Driving Distance: around 30m
Cost: A daily ticket for an adult is $49.99 if you purchase it online ($75+ at the gate). If you have a child between the ages of 3-5 make sure to register him for the free PreK Pass.
When to Visit: all year
Pufferbelly Park: This park is less than 5m from Ashland Station. The park has shaded picnic tables & open space, but the playground is mostly in the sun. It even has a skate park.
Driving Distance: around 30m
Cost: free
When to Visit: all year
2. Charlottesville & surrounding counties:
Blue Mountain Brewery & Critzer Family: The local brewery and farm are across the street from each other in Afton, Virginia. You can visit the farm for pick you own peaches, apples and pumpkins, and play in the nature-inspired play space. Then, you can drive over to Blue Mountain Brewery for live music & mountain views. This family friendly brewery with a large green space and kid-friendly menu.
Driving Distance: 1h, 15m
Cost: Critzer Family Farm has no admission cost, and cost varies at Blue Mountain Brewery.
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
Carter Mountain Orchard: Owned by the Chiles family, Carter Mountain is one of the most popular orchards in central Virginia for apple picking. It’s easily a full day adventure - you can purchase food, like the famous apple cider donuts, eat on the lawn with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, enjoy Bold Rock Brewery & pick your own peaches or apples.
During the summer, children and grownups can participate in Cultivating Curiosity Class. This children's program that meets on Mondays and Tuesdays each week in June through August. Each week has the same class, and the themes change each week. Children can learn about peaches, apples, bees and more. The program is geared towards children between the ages of 3-8, but all ages are welcome to participate in the story time, craft, picking adventure and snack. To learn more about our experience in this class, check here.
Driving Distance: 1 hour
Cost: Cost varies by activity & season
When to Visit: The brewery is open year-round. The Thursday Night Concert Series goes until September 30. It’s on Thursdays from 5-9 with live music & food trucks. Peach season is June through August. Apple season is mid-August through mid-December.
*Check here for my review.
Chiles Peach Orchard: Located in Crozet, Chiles Peach Orchard is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Short Pump. There’s a restuarant, an outdoor patio and open air store. At the peach orchard, you can pick your own peaches, blueberries and strawberries. During “normal times,” there are so many family friendly events, including Pancakes with Santa. The Chiles family also owns Carter Mountain and Spring Valley Orchard.
Chiles Peach Orchard also hosts Cultivating Curiosity for children and parents during the summer.
Driving Distance: 1h, 15m
Cost: Varies depending on event
When to Visit: They are open all year. You can pick peaches, blueberries and strawberries right now. In the fall, they have apples & pumpkins.
*Check here for my review.
James Madison’s Montpelier: Located in Orange County, James & Dolly Madison’s historic home is on 2,700 acres with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains! Montpelier has over 8+ miles of trails, historic buildings, gardens & archeological sites. You can explore on your own, take a guided tour, have a picnic & even participate in archeology digs!
Driving Distance: 1h, 15m
Cost: Tickets cost $10 per adult, $5 per child 6-12 & 5 and under are free.
When to Visit: all year (most of the property is full sun)
*Check here for my review.
Liberty Mills Farm: This Virginia farm has a 34 acre corn maze, the largest in the county! Besides exploring the four different trails in the corn maze, you can pick your own flowers & pumpkins in the fall and pick your own strawberries in the spring. Liberty Mills Farm also has campfire sites, hay wagon rides and an outdoor play space. The outdoor play space has a large wooden tractor, a slide, natural stepping stones and more!
Driving Distance: 1h, 15m
Cost: Varies depending on event
When to Visit: They host seasonal events. The Strawberry Festival is near Memorial Day each year, PYO flowers are open June through October, the corn maze is open September through November, and PYO pumpkins is open September and October.
*Check here for my review.
Market at Grelen: Located in Somerest, this 1,000 acre tree nursery has PYO fields, a gift shop, 5 miles of trails + a casual cafe with outdoor seating. Throughout the year, you can pick-your-own blueberries, blackberries, peaches, plums & apples.
You can order food, ice cream & drinks on the porch. Cafe seating is first come, first serve. It’s spread out & kid friendly. Booster seats & high chairs are available upon request.
The Grelen Trails have options for all ages & skill levels . The trails are open Wednesday - Sunday from 10-4. (March-December) and Monday-Friday from 9-4 (January & February).
Driving Distance: 1h, 15m
Cost: Free
When to Visit: You can visit all year for the cafe and trails. Throughout the year, you can also PYO blueberries (summer), blackberries (August), peaches & plums (summer), apples (fall), and cut your own Christmas trees (December).
*Check here for my review.
The Saunders-Monticello Trail: Located in Kemper Park, this 2 mile trail is wheel chair accessible! We like this trail because we can easily bring a stroller, it has beautiful mountain scenery, there are unique boardwalks & it has lot’s of the shade! There are also a bunch of other hiking trails that connect to it. These gravel paths, boardwalks & woodland trails weave through the trees, by a pond & Palmer Woodland Theater, and all the way up to Monticello Visitor Center.
Driving Distance: 1h, 15m
Cost: Free
When to Visit: all year (trails have shade in summer)
*Check here for my review.
3. Colonial Beach, Virginia
Colonial Beach: Located about an hour from Richmond, this beach is on the banks of the Potomac. While this beach gets crowded on summer days, we can usually find street parking before 10 in the morning even on weekends.
We like this beach because the waves are small, so it's perfect for children and families. It's the second largest beach in Virginia, and there are a bunch of fun things to do around it. Colonial Beach has over 20 restaurants, and the boardwalk has shops & a golf cart LoveWorks sign on it. We like eating at Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar, and the outside patio is family friendly. There's sand under the tables - my littles loved playing in it while we eat.
Driving Distance: 1h, 20m
Cost: Free
When to Visit: all year
*Colonial Beach is less than 20 minutes from Westmoreland State Park. It has trails and beaches, including the popular Fossil Beach.
4. Cumberland, Virginia
Bear Creek Lake State Park: This Virginia State Park is less than an hour from Richmond, next to Cumberland State Forest! It has trails for hiking, biking & horseback riding trails, archery ranges & two playgrounds. Bear Creek Lake State Park also has cabins & camping sites. The *highlight* of this park, especially in the summer, is the 40-acre lake with a boat launch, fishing pier, boat rentals & swimming!
This park is about 30 from Farmville if you wanted to extend your day trip.
Driving Distance: 1 hour
Cost: Parking costs $7. If you have a REI receipt you can park for free!
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
5. Farmville, Virginia
High Bridge Trail State Park: This state park is a 31 mile trail perfect for hiking, biking & horseback riding. It is located in Cumberland, Nottoway & Prince Edward Counties, about an hour & 30 minutes from Richmond, and it has 9 different entrances. The highlight of this state park is the High Bridge itself, standing 125 feet over the Appomattox River.
Driving Distance: 1h, 15m
Cost: Depends on your parking - if you park in downtown Farmville, it's free. Parking costs $7 at the state park lot.
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
6. Fredericksburg, Virginia
Belvedere Plantation: This 600+ acre working farm is about an hour from Richmond, VA on the Rappahannock River. Also known as The Peony Farm, Belvedere hosts events in the spring, summer & fall. This farm has everything: hayrides, a pumpkin patch, flower picking, clean restrooms, changing stations, a market, food options & so many activities! My kids loved the mountain slides, pedal trucks & race track, zip lines & pig races.
Driving Distance: 1 hour
Cost: Cost varies depending on event ($12 to $22)
When to Visit: Seasonal events include Fall Harvest Festival (September-November), Easter Eggstravaganza and Sunflower Spectacular (June & July)
*Check here for my review.
Braehead Farm: This Fredericksburg farm has been family owned since 1937. Braehead has pick your own produce fields for strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, sunflowers & more. The market has prepicked produce, goods and ice cream. Behind the barn is an amazing play area for children with farm animals. Chickens roam freely!
Driving Distance: 1 hour
Cost:
When to Visit: Seasonal events
*Check here for my review.
Snead's Asparagus Farm: This Virginia farm has whimsical, woodland play area plus PYO fields! This sustainable family farm is located in Caroline County, just over an hour from Short Pump. Snead's has pick your own sunflowers in late summer, pumpkins in the fall & cut your own Christmas trees in December. This farm is especially great for toddlers, preschoolers and elementary aged children because of the wonderful play spaces, trails, and mountain slides.
This one is worth the admission and the trip! My children love this play area - especially the sand play and pedal trucks. The play space is so unique and there are so many options for pretend play and exploration. We haven't been to another farm like it!
Driving Distance: 1h, 9m
Cost: Cost varies on event. Expect to pay at least $10 per person (children 2 & under are free)
When to Visit: April through December
*Check here for my full review.
7. Jamestown, Virginia
Chippokes Plantation State Park: Located across the James River from Jamestown, Chippokes Plantation is one of the country’s oldest working farms (1619). You can tour the antebellum mansion, walk through the formal gardens, visit with the animals or check out the outdoor Farm and Forestry Museum (antique farm equipment).
The park has 12 miles of trails, and the most popular one is College Run Trail. It’s 1.2 miles and goes from the Visitor Center, along the James River to the historic area. There is also a beach front area, but use caution - there are a lot of shells (wear water shoes) and if it’s a particularly hot day, this is a rough walk with children under 5.
Driving Distance:
Cost: Parking costs $7.
When to Visit: all year
Jamestown Beach Event Park: This beach is just over an hour from Richmond in Jamestown, Virginia. Jamestown Beach is ADA accessible, family & dog-friendly. The beach is open from 8AM to sunset. The bathrooms & concession stand are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day from noon to 5 (week days) and noon to 6 (weekends). This beach has kayak rentals & a designated fishing area.
We like this beach because the waves are very small, and there are so many family-friendly attractions in the Historic Triangle. Also, Billsburg Brewery is nearby, and it's on the Jamestown Yacht Basin.
Driving Distance: 1h, 12m
Cost: There is a parking fee from Memorial Day to Labor Day: $4 (weekdays) and $7 (weekends & holidays). There is also a 2.95% fee on credit/debit cards.
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
Jamestown Settlement: A little over an hour from #RichmondVA is America’s first permanent English settlement from 1607. At this living history site, visitors can explore a recreated James Fort, Powhatan Village & 3 ships, Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery. There are both indoor & outdoor exhibits & experiences, plus the property is stroller friendly & has beautiful views of the James River!
Driving Distance: 1h, 12m
Cost:
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
VDOT Ferry: Jamestown-Scotland Ferry is located between the Jamestown Settlement & Jamestown Beach. It’s free to ride this ferry, and it takes about 30 minutes to cross the James River. Chippokes Plantation State Park is in Surry, less than 10 minutes from the ferry’s dock.
My kids love this ferry. You get to drive your car on the boat, and then you can walk around it. We've even seen deer swimming across the river before!
Driving Distance: 1h, 13m
Cost: Free
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my full review.
8. Lancaster, Virginia
Belle Isle State Park: This state park is located about an hour and half from Richmond on the Northern Neck's Rappahannock River. It has 7 miles of shoreline, including access to Mulberry & Deep Creeks. The trails are perfect for hiking & biking, and they have a boat/canoe launch & dock. There are three picnic shelters, too. The park is open daily 8 to dusk, and you can rent bikes, canoe and kayak daily from 9-3. This park has a $5 parking fee.
We like this park because you can explore wetlands, farmland & forest, plus the playground overlooks the beach. While the beach is narrow, my littles really enjoy playing here.
When we visit Belle Isle State Park, we always stop at NN Burger in Tappahannock. The milkshakes are delicious! Another fun adventure to add on is a visit to Tom Rhodes' Enchanted Forest.
Driving Distance: 1h, 41m
Cost: Parking is $5 (standard rates), and $7 on weekends in April to October
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review of Tom Rhodes' Enchanted Forest in Warsaw.
9. Louisa, Virginia
Lake Anne State Park: This 3,127 acre state park has 10 miles of lake frontage, and it's just an hour & 5 minutes from Richmond. This is one of Virginia's most popular beaches, and this is a great spot for families! We like it because it has shallow water & no waves, and it has a playground, concessions & bathrooms near the beach. Lake Anna State Park also has trails for biking, hiking & horses plus yurts & cabins.
Driving Distance: 1 hour
Cost: Parking costs $7 in off season & $10 April through October.
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
10. Lynchburg, Virginia
Liberty Mountian Snowflex: This mountain top rec center has ski slopes, mountain tubing & a sledding hill. The mountain is covered in Snowflex - a special turf surface that’s slippy & grippy, essential for snow sports, plus it’s soft to fall on (no hard ice or packed snow)! All ages are welcome & you can even schedule a beginner lesson for any of the snow sports.
Driving Distance: 2 hours
Cost: Parking costs $7 in off season & $10 April through October.
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
SeaQuest Lynchburg: SeaQuest is a 20,000 square feet petting zoo aquarium that opened in 2019. There are about 1,500 animals - turtles, sting rays, sloths & more. You get to touch & feed animals from around the world! My crew loves visiting this aquarium. Some of our favorites are using the vending machines to get animal food + feeding sting rays & giant tortoise. We usually spend an hour & half to 2 hours exploring.
Driving Distance: 2 hours
Cost: Tickets cost $10.99 for children 2-11, $16.99 for 12 & older, and $13.99 for 55+/military/students.Admission is free for foster children, certified teachers, families in need.
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
11. Lexington, Virginia
Natural Bridge State Park: This Virginia State Park has 7 miles of hiking trails & views of the Blue Ridge Mountains & James River in it’s 1,500+ acres. The main attraction is the 215-foot tall Natural Bridge, a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. While your hiking, you can also see Monacan Indian Village & Lace Falls. Since it’s located about 20 minutes from Lexington, you can make it a day trip by exploring the city, grabbing something to eat & checking out Virginia Safari Park.
Heads up: This is not a stroller friendly hike. There are 137 stairs to reach the Natural Bridge. I brought a baby carrier & H was carried on our trip back. Because of the steps, this was the hardest hike we’ve done with kids. Carrying a 1.5 yo & 3.5 yo up all those steps is no joke... but definitely worth it! We have seen some parents carrying an umbrella stroller, though.
Driving Distance: 2 hours
Cost: Admission costs $6 for children ages 3-12 and $9 for those 13 & older. Children under 3 are free.
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
12. Harrisonburg, Virginia
Massanutten Resort: Throughout the 6,000 acre property are hiking trails, parks and playgrounds that guests can use free of change. All activities are a la cart, so you don't need to be a resort guest to enjoy them. We also enjoyed the gem mining & the amazing indoor water park! There is a giant water-powered playhouse, lazy river, tube slides, body slides, and an area just for children 36" and smaller. There is also a snack bar and a floor filled with arcade games. They offer day passes to the water park.
Gem Mining: My children loved gem mining, especially sifting the dirt and getting wet. After we picked up our bags from the adventure center, we walked behind the building to the Massanutten Mining Company. There is a gem mining sluice and water pumps through the trough. After you get a sifter, you pour your bag of dirt in it and let the water wash away the dirt. My children were so excited to find the different stones, gems and fossils. Our bag also came with a key so we could identify what we found.
It costs $8 for a small dirt bag and $12 for a large bag. If you purchase the large bag, you could definitely split it between two children.
Summer tubing is offered between April and October, and it is set up on two lanes that drop 120 vertical feet over the course of 600 feet. While you also get to ride a conveyor belt to the top of the hill, this is definitely a workout between pulling your tube and carrying your kids (if you need to). Definitely wear comfy clothes!
It costs $10 for 2 rides or $14 for 4 rides. Children must be 36" or taller to ride. While everyone must ride in his own tube, you can connect your tubes together. My children really enjoyed riding in pairs and as a whole family!
Driving Distance: just under 2 hours
Cost: varies by activity
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
13.Newport News, Virginia
Mariners Museum and Park: This indoor museum and outdoor park are all about water and our county's maritime heritage. Children can explore the galleries - highlights for us including the model ships and ship replicas, scavenger hunt, and the toys. Toys Ahoy! exhibit has over 100 different items on display - all toys from the past. The larger-than-life Battleship game (inspired by the Battle of Hampton Roads) and the sail boat are fun.
The 550-acre park has trails around Mariner's Lake, a Bumblebee Learning Garden, and a nature-inspired play area.
We also loved the cafe - it has dominos and games to play with while you eat.
Driving Distance: 1h, 25m
Cost: $1 a ticket, and children under 2 are free
When to Visit: all year
Virginia Living Museum: The museum features the animals & plants living in Virginia. The indoor exhibits feature the different regions of Virginia - there is a 30,000-gallon Noland Chesapeake Bay Aquarium! The outdoor exhibits are on Deer Park Lake & you use a boardwalk to see animals like foxes, deer & bald eagles. There is even a Dinosaur Discovery Trail!
Driving Distance: 1h20m
Cost: Adult’s tickets are $20, children’s tickets are $15 (ages 3-12), & under 3 are free.
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
14. Norfolk, Virginia
Nauticus: Located in Norfolk, this maritime museum has interactive exhibits on the environment, industry and military. This museum is such a unique destination for families because you also get to board and explore the USS Wisconsin, an authentic WWII battleship.
Nauticus has rotating exhibits & permanent exhibits, a discovery center, STEM programing, and the Battleship Wisconsin! They also have a sailing school, camps and seasonal events.
Driving Distance: 1h, 40m
Cost: It costs $15.95 for adults and $11.95 for kids (2 and under are free). Seniors and active duty military receive a discount. Virginia & North Carolina teachers get one free adult admission ticket with a valid teaching ID. Science Museum of Virginia members receive free admision.
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
Norfolk Botanical Gardens: Located in Norfolk, this botanical garden has over 60 different gardens, including a children’s garden. WOW Children's Garden has a world-themed splash park, passport gardens, a nature walk with habitat gardens, and so many opportunities to learn & play. There are over 15 miles of trails (most are stroller friendly).
My children loved the “Prickly Pear Lair” that has a variety of cactuses growing and a log cabin. We also enjoyed doing the “Quests” throughout the garden - each quest has different challenges & items to find - it’s like a scavenger hunt through QR codes on your phone. Our favorite area was the huge sand pile with a slide, tunnel and climbing structure.
Driving Distance: 1h, 54m
Cost: It costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors & Military, and $13 for children 3-17. They also offer free admission to all Lewis Ginter members!
When to Visit: all year
The Virginia Zoo: Opening in 1900, the Virginia Zoo is on 53 acres & it’s home to over 700 animals! You can explore a variety of habitats like the Africa-Okavango Delta and Asia - Trail of the Tiger to see animals native to that region, including a zoo farm. Our favorites were seeing the baby rhino & giraffe, playing in the nature discovery zone & riding the Norfolk Southern Express! The Virginia Zoo is the only AZA-accredited zoo in Virginia.
Driving Distance: 1h57m
Cost: It costs $17.95 for adults and $14.95 for children 2-11. Military & first responders get $2 off admission. You can leave/re-enter.
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
15. Palmyra, Virginia
Fruit Hill Orchard: This family owned orchard has over 2,000 fruit trees, including peaches & apples. Fruit Hill Orchard also has pick-your-own zinnias & sunflowers in summer, pumpkins in October & fresh, cut trees in December. I love visiting this orchard with children because everything is in close proximity and all the activities are *FREE* (yard games, space to run & cute apple museum)!
Driving Distance: 1 hour
Cost: free
When to Visit: They have pick your own peaches an apples throughout the summer. You can also get prepicked pumpkins & fresh cut Christmas trees seasonally.
*Check here for my review.
16. Portsmouth, Virginia
The Children's Museum of Virginia: The Children’s Museum of Virginia is 72,000 square feet - the largest museum for kids in Virginia! It has 2 floors of interactive exhibits, including a safety zone, working port, bubble play, and a Tot Lot. Our favorites were the model trains & Toddler Tracks, Happy Paws, My Backyard & Beyond, and Dr. Forces Traveling Energy Extravaganza.
Driving Distance: It’s an hour & 45 m from RVA & at the same exit as The Outer Banks.
Cost: Tickets cost $11 for adults, $10 for kids (2-17) and 2 & under are free. AAA members can save $1 per ticket! Children's Museum of Richmond & Science Museum of Virginia members have reciprocal rates, too.
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
17. Spotsylvania, Virginia
Lake Anne State Park: This 3,127 acre state park has 10 miles of lake frontage, and it's just an hour & 5 minutes from Richmond. This is one of Virginia's most popular beaches, and this is a great spot for families! We like it because it has shallow water & no waves, and it has a playground, concessions & bathrooms near the beach. Lake Anna State Park also has trails for biking, hiking & horses plus yurts & cabins.
Driving Distance: 1h, 15m
Cost: Parking costs $7 in off season & $10 April through October.
When to Visit: all year, but the beach is best Memorial Day to Labor Day
*Check here for my review.
18. Virginia Beach, Virginia
First Landing State Park: First Landing State Park is the most visited state park in Virginia! There’s a lot of history here - it’s the location where the first English colonist landed in 1607. Legend also has it that Blackbeard (the pirate) hid in the Narrows area of the park. The park was built in part by an all African American Conservation Corps between 1933-1940.
It has over 20 miles of trails & 1.5 miles of beach front. It has really easy beach access, and with parking costing $7 on weekdays and $10 on weekends, it’s cheaper than most VB oceanfront day parking options. The waves are very small, making it kid friendly (it’s on the Chesapeake Bay). We used a stroller from the car to the beach (just leaving it on the boardwalk).
Driving Distance: 2h, 22m (a little more than 2 hours, but it's worth it!)
Cost: $7 parking
When to Visit: all year
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center: This aquarium features coastal habitats from around the world with animals representing over 300 species! It also has a 1/3 mile nature trail on Owls Creek, a protected salt marsh. The Adventure Park is by the marsh & it has low & high ropes courses plus zip lines!
Driving Distance: 2h, 22m
Cost: It costs $24.95 for adults, $22.95 for seniors & $19.95 for children. 2 & under are free.
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
19. Williamsburg, Virginia
Busch Gardens & Water Country USA: This 422-acre amusement park has rides, attractions & events for thrill seekers & families, including concerts & holiday events. Nearby the park is Water County USA, the largest water park in Virginia. It has a lazy river, slides, raft rides, and pools.
Driving Distance: 1h, 14m
Cost: Tickets vary by date, but expect to pay around $51.99 per adult (online). Children 3-5 can get a PreK pass for free, and children 2 and younger can visit for free.
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
Colonial Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg is a 301 acre living-history museum with restored & recreated colonial buildings from when Williamsburg was the capital of Virginia in the 18th century. With special events like a ice skating rink in the winter to the every day events like military activity & carriage rides, Colonial Williamsburg is a fun place to explore with your family. It’s also a part of the Historic Triangle with Jamestown & Yorktown.
Driving Distance: 1 hour
Cost: Cost varies by activity, but you can explore for free
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review, and check here for my guide to the Historic Triangle.
Freedom Park: This 600 acre park offers so much for families from trails & a playground to an adventure park & historical sites. Freedom Park was home to one of the earliest Free Black Settlements in America. This park is also where a Revolutionary War battle was fought & its home to an 18th century cemetery. It’s in James City, less than an hour from Richmond & you could easily spend a day here!
Go Ape Williamsburg is a treetop adventure course with zip lines, axe throwing & a monkey drop! There are height & weight requirements for children. Check their website for details!
Driving Distance: 1 hour
Cost: free
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
Great Wolf Lodge’s Indoor Water Park: Great Wolf Lodge is about an hour from Richmond, and it’s a really easy getaway for families. The indoor water park is so much fun - it has a wave pool, water slides, raft slides, a large tree house and a kiddie pool.
Driving Distance: 1 hour
Cost: Groupon has a deal for day passes & the weekday passes are much cheaper than weekend ones ($30ish vs 100ish).
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for more tips.
Sweethaven Lavender: This family owned lavender farm grows lavender, wildflowers, and sunflowers. They also host seasonal events, including a Fall Harvest Festival and Christmas events. We, especially, love visiting during the spring -- you can cut lavender, eat lavender infused treats like cotton candy & brownies and explore the beautiful farm. It is also the perfect spot for a picnic- there are picnic tables & large trees for shade. There are hammocks & a children play area too! Our adventures here usually last about 3 hours.
Driving Distance: 1 hour
Cost: Varies depending on event, but you can expect to pay at least $2 for adults & children are free.
When to Visit: Lavender season is from May - July 4. Seasonal events are in the fall and winter, too.
*Check here for my review.
Veterans Park: This 19 acre park is less than 10 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg. There’s open green space, basketball courts, pickleball courts, sand volleyball courts, picnic shelter & Kidsburg! Kidsburg is a 30,000 square foot ship themed playground! This playground is really fun - it even has a zip line!
Driving Distance: 1 hour
Cost: free
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
York River State Park: This park is 2,531 acres & has more than 30 miles of trails along the marsh, river shoreline and through the woods. This Virginia State Park has two playgrounds, an amphitheater, observation decks, boat rentals, and more. The biggest draw for us is the beautiful shoreline, especially Fossil Beach.
The walk to Fossil Beach is about .5 from the playground & bathroom closest to the Rental Office. It is not stroller friendly - bring the baby carrier.
Driving Distance: 1 hour
Cost: Parking costs $7.
When to Visit: all year
*Check here for my review.
20. Yorktown, Virginia
Yorktown Beach: Located in Historic Yorktown, this local beach has 2 acres of beachfront on the York River. This beach is incredibly family friendly with lots of room to play in the sand and shallow water. The only waves come from boats leaving the docks - these are so much fun to watch! Next to the beach are public bathrooms and outdoor showers to rinse off sand. There is a new Mobi-Mat that accommodates strollers, wagons and wheelchairs, making this beach accessible for everyone. It is free to park, and the walk from the different parking lots is stroller/wagon friendly.
When we visit, we enjoy eating at Yorktown Pub. The outdoor patio is tented & overlooks the beach. The food portions are generous & my children loved the grilled cheese & chicken tender meals. We also never miss visiting Ben & Jerry's; it's just a short walk from the beach.
While there are a lot of jellyfish, this is one of our favorite local beaches because of the quaint town atmosphere, the free trolley, and the restaurants along the Riverwalk.
Driving Distance: 1h, 28m
Cost: free
When to Visit: all year, but beach is best on warm days
*Check here for my review. Check here for more things to do near by.
Looking for an overnight trip? Check out my guide 5 Family Friendly Getaways Less than 2 Hours from Richmond.
Looking for a weekend getaway to Roanoke? Check out A Getaway Weekend in Roanoke, Virginia.
Looking for more things to do with kids in Richmond? Follow along on our weekly adventures on @thewestendmom !