Whether it’s your first time in Richmond or you visit at least once a year. There’s always something exciting and new to enjoy in this fabulous city. The following are three of the best options for family-friendly entertainment.
1. Visit the Children’s Museum of Richmond
Image via Flickr by Ron Cogswell
Some parents might groan at the prospect of spending a whole day or even just an afternoon at a children’s museum. Bbut this one will delight patrons of all ages. The Children’s Museum of Richmond offers opportunities to play and learn. You’ll find activities like a pit filled with dinosaur remain to uncover. You’ll also find a reproduced Virginia cave full of stalagmites, stalactites, and plenty of twists and turns.
Grab lunch at the Silver Diner, milk life-sized cows at the Dairy Barn, and settle in for storytime at the Book Nook. Kids can also create their own performances at the Play House or swing from branches at the Living Tree House. Parents can relax on one of the many benches and other seats while they watch their children enjoy themselves.
2. Get Wet at Cobblestones
If you decide to visit Richmond during the summer, don’t miss Cobblestones Park, the city’s resident water theme park. Kids and adults will love coasting down slides, floating in the lazy river, paddling in the tide pool, and challenging their nerve on the roller coasters. It’s actually located just outside Richmond in Glen Allen, which offers many affordable Richmond-area hotels for budget-conscious travelers.
There’s a 1-acre lake at Cobblestones for visitors who enjoy swimming, fishing, and other water-based activities. You can also play basketball or volleyball at one of the facility’s many courts. When hunger strikes, stop at a few kiosks to grab small bites or large meals, depending on your budget and your needs. Of course, you won’t want to miss Splash Zone, which is one of the largest pools in the South and has several slides of varying heights and shapes.
3. Take a Cruise
The Riverfront Canal Cruise can add a moment of peace and tranquility to an otherwise excitement-filled day. Sit back and relax under the canopy as your cruise director offers fun facts about the businesses, buildings, and other iconic Richmond landmarks you pass along the canal. Richmond’s canal system has slowly grown since the late 18th century, so it’s full of historical relevance that kids and adults can appreciate.
If you prefer to walk the riverfront, you’ll enjoy stopping at the many shops and eateries along the way. You could also make your riverfront adventure part of your exploration of downtown Richmond. This district offers kid-friendly restaurants, upscale hotels, historical landmarks, and more. You won’t want to miss the Edgar Allan Poe Museum if your kids are old enough to appreciate it, and the Headman Statue presents an excellent family photo opportunity.
Next time you head to Richmond, don’t forget to check out Cobblestones, the Children’s Museum of Richmond, and the riverfront. By the time your vacation ends, you won’t want to return home.