Spring is one of the prettiest seasons in Richmond, Virginia. We finally have warmer weather and sunnier days, so it's so much easier to get out of the house with kids in tow. While walking by the James River is one of my go-to walks with kids, I never skip out on visiting RVA's Garden Trail between March and June.
RVA's Garden Trail includes 8 Richmond area sites that are less than 10 miles from each other. The gardens included are Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Maymont Park, Agecroft Hall and Gardens, Virginia Center for Architecture, Capitol Square, The Valentine, and Edgar Allen Poe Museum.
From RVA's Garden Trail and my weekly RVA walks with my children, I pulled together my favorite places to see spring blooms with the whole family. Each one of these places is kid-friendly, and I've included restaurants and dining options that are nearby too. While most of these green spaces are free to visit , some of the gardens do have an admission cost.
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Here are 7 gardens to visit in Richmond, Virginia with kids:
1.Agecroft Hall & 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.
Where to see the blooms at Agecroft Hall: The Sunken Garden has 4,000 tulips of 50 different varieties (April-May).
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from noon to 5pm
Cost: Garden admission costs $6 per adult, $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.
2. Fountain Lake: Located in the City of Richmond, Fountain Lake is inside Byrd Park, a public park covering 287 acres of open space, paths, lakes, tennis courts & fields. There are three lakes with sidewalks around them and lots of geese. During the summer, Fountain Lake has pedal boat rides, and a concessionthat offers snacks, lunch, restrooms and free Wi-Fi. This park is stroller friendly, and my children like the "secret garden." While the paths around the lakes are full sun, there are plenty of shady spots on the lawn.
Where to see blooms in Byrd Park: Cherry trees line the lake, so it’s a beautiful stroller-friendly walk in the spring!
Hours: dawn to dusk daily
Cost: free admission
Nearby: Boulevard Burgers and Brew is 10 minutes away.
*Check here for my review.
3. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: 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.
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).
Where to see the blooms in Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: This local garden has 50 acres of themed areas, stroller friendly paths & the hidden areas to explore. A Million Blooms is April 1 to June 1. Don’t miss Cherry Tree Walk!
Hours: 9am to 5pm daily; the garden is closed on January 19, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Cost: $17 per adult, $14 per senior, $8 for kids 3-12, and children under 3 are free
Nearby: The Garden Cafe is on property. SB's Lakeside Loveshack is less than 5minutes away.
*Check here for my full review.
4. Maymont Park: Located in the City of Richmond, Maymont Park is one of the best places in Richmond to visit with children. With 100 acres and 400 animals, there is so much to see and do as a family. The Children's Farm is free to visit, and you can see animals and feed them (quarters or tokens required). There is also an outdoor play space, stroller friendly trails, and manicured gardens.
Where to see the blooms at Maymont: The Italian Garden & Japanese Garden put on a show in the spring: cherry trees, magnolia trees, daffodils, tulips & more! RVA’s prettiest, pink tree is currently in full bloom (visit this week to see it).
Hours: 10am to 7pm
Cost: free daily admission
Nearby: Boulevard Burgers and Brew is 10 minutes away.
*Check here for my full review.
5. University of Richmond: We love U of R for many reasons: the ease of parking, the availability of bathrooms & shelter, the paved paths around the lake, the beautiful architecture, the new eco-corridor, and all the hidden places to play and explore.
The paths are mostly flat, but you can choose some of the steeper inclines if you want more of a workout. There are shady paths, a gazebo, and benches (perfect for nursing), too. This one is dog friendly (on a leash) and free!
Where to see the blooms on University of Richmond Campus: Named No. 1 Most Beautiful Campus multiple times, you’ll find red & white tulips, daffodils & immaculate flower beds all over campus.
Hours: open daily
Cost: free
Nearby: Tyler Haynes Student Commons has sandwiches, smoothies, etc. It is next to the lake. Christian's Pizza is about 5 minutes away.
*Check here for my full review.
6. The VMFA’s sculpture garden: We love visiting the Virginia Fine Arts Museum in the City of Richmond. Visiting both the museum and the the Claiborne & Lora Robins Sculpture Garden is free, and it's a perfect for children of all ages! We absolutely love the childhood art classes and art camps. Sign up for these as soon as you can - they are popular & they fill up! Family Days are also back at the museum, and the next one is August 1. These are free community events geared towards children 3-12 year olds that celebrate art and culture.
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!
Where to see the blooms at the VMFA: This 3.5 acre garden is stroller friendly, has the perfect rolling hill & is perfect for picnics. Daffodils are blooming RN!
Hours: 10am to 5pm daily
Cost: free daily admission
Nearby: The VMFA Cafe has family friendly menu options on property.
*Check here for my full of the garden, and check here for my review of the childhood art classes.
7. Hollywood Cemetery: Looking for a serene & unique hike? Check out Hollywood Cemetery. Established in 1847, Hollywood Cemetery spans 135 acres with hills, valleys & over 2,000 trees! It is an active cemetery, a registered arboretum & an outdoor museum. Hollywood Cemetery is also the final resting place of two United States Presidents, James Monroe and John Tyler and many other notable figures. With views of the river, the city & the fall foliage and spring blooms, this is a peaceful walk you’ve got to try!
When walking the cemetery, you are on the same road as cars. They do go very slowly, but just a heads up with little kids. These paths and road do have hills.
Where to see the blooms at Hollywood Cemetery: President's Circle has the prettiest cherry trees!
Hours: 8am to 5pm (winter), 8am - 6pm (daylight savings)
Cost: free daily admission
Nearby: The Pit and The Peel is 5 minutes away.
*Check here for my review.
Things to do with kids in RVA, Richmond gardens, historic gardens in Virginia, The RVA Garden Trail, best places to see spring blooms in Richmond, Virginia
Looking for pick your own flower farms around Richmond? Check out my guide on Virginia Flower Farms!
Did your favorite Richmond area garden make my guide? If not, send me an email at megan@thewestnednmom.com . Can't wait to check it out!