Moms Rock all week long!
Lots of kids recently enjoyed their winter/spring break from school. But there are still hundreds of kids anticipating a fun spring break the week of April 8 when schools close for a week of family fun.
We’ve compiled a list of family-friendly events to help you with planning your upcoming spring break.
If you’re planning to stay in Richmond during spring break – you’re not alone – and there are lots of activities in the area. Many of them are free so check out our list. If you know of any family-friendly events going on during the week of April 8, please email us so we can continue building our Spring Break Event Listing.
And here’s a listing of summer events from 2011 but many are still available this year during spring and summer, so check them out – we’ll be updating this list over the next few weeks so let us know of other events to add.
Enjoy!
Fun – Anytime
Metro Richmond Zoo – Located at 8300 Beaver Bridge Road, more than 400 animals, some of which are endangered species displayed in spacious, naturalistic exhibits. For more information, call (804) 739-5666.
Science Museum of Virginia – Located at 2500 West Broad Street, the Science Museum is the best Richmond has to offer in the way of hands-on science. Adults and children alike will be fascinated by the exhibits, which explain the physics of aviation, the insides of a computer, or the astronomy of the night sky. Fly a flight simulator, write a computer program, grow your own crystals, or catch an Omnimax film in the planetarium. Traveling and seasonal exhibits give visitors a dynamic, current perspective on science. Enjoy Cultural events at the Museum right now.
Romp n’ Roll has a variety of classes and camps for kids from babies to 5 years. Check them out during Spring Break and tell them Richmondmom.com says “hi”!
Children’s Museum of Richmond – Fun any day of the year. Special Spring Break Camp 2012: The Sights and Sounds of Spring. 9 a.m. – 12 noon from April 9-13, 2012. For more information, call (800)659-1727. CMoR’s Springtacular! 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Children’s Museum of Richmond, Central Location. For more information call: (804) 474-7000. Enjoy the Sights and Sounds of Spring at the Children’s Museum of Richmond’s Spring Break Camp. Campers will bloom with all that springtime has to offer while learning about plants and animals, cooking, creating amazing art, reading stories and, most of all, having fun!
Multiplication Madness Spring Camp will focus on learning multiplication facts (0-12) in a positive, effective, and fun way. Each session is limited to first 20 students registered per location. Register by Sat, Mar 31st at this link. $50 per student. Mon, Apr 9th – Thurs, Apr 12th – Session 1: 9:00am – 11:00am; Session 2: 11:00am – 1:00pm – Locations: Short Pump: 3151 Lauderdale Drive – 804-364-3333 – shortpump@mathnasium.com; Midlothian: 15508 WC Commons Way – 804-378-2211 – midlothian@mathnasium.com; Mechanicsville: 9369 Atlee Rd #3103 – 804-559-0550 – mechanicsville@mathnasium.com
Great Wolf Lodge is a vacation destination!
Richmond Parks – special events listing by park location. Lots of free events and outdoor activities.
Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg – fun anytime.
Bass Pro Shop has activities for kids all the time and a large aquarium in the middle.
Sweet Spot in Short Pump has plenty of spring and Easter treats so hop in anytime! Check out their many events this week.
The James River Film Society is pleased to announce that the 19th James River Film Festival will unspool April 12-19, 2012. Confirmed guests and programs include experimental film expert, writer and educator Scott MacDonald, animator and educator Jodie Mack, Super 8/hand processing and “direct filmmaking” workshops by MONO NO AWARE (rescheduled from James River Shorts 2011), local animator Janet Scagnelli with her new film and much more. Stay tuned for more information and updates!
April 9
All week: Fishing and Mountain biking day camps with Virginia Outside, click on their calendar for schedule of Richmond day camps for spring break. For our review of one of their summer week-long fishing camps with sister company Virginia Fishing Adventures, click here.
Zula Patrol – At CMoR Short Pump Extended to May 18th! Join all of your favorite characters from the Zula patrol as you and your family explore weather phenomena at each of the interactive stations in this special exhibit, at CMoR for a limited time!
Carnival Fair at The Showplace – Rides, Games, Bingo, Fair Food, Family Fun – Thursday April 5th – Sunday April 15th. CLICK MORE to see complete listing of information. HOURS, ADMISSION, etc. Hours: Monday – Friday 5 pm – 11 pm; Saturday – Sunday noon – 11 pm.
Sweet Spot in Short Pump has plenty of spring and Easter treats so hop in anytime! Check out their many events this week and special times for kids on spring break.
FREE Petting Farm. 11 am-5 pm. Short Pump Mall, Main Plaza. Visit baby chicks, goats, bunnies, lambs, and more. Through April 14.
Hip to be Round FLASH Sale – Check Facebook for a one day sale on the 9th!
Money Camp for Teens – Virginia Credit Union Offers Free Money Camp for Teens – The camp is free and is designed to help middle and high school students make the most of their money. It will meet from 2 – 3 p.m. Monday – Friday. There will be hands-on activities, computer research time and interaction with other teens, led by financial education staff for Virginia Credit Union.
Great Gardening with Kids: Growing a Spaghetti Garden at Maymont, April 9, 9:30-10:30am, Children’s Farm. Growing vegetables with kids can be easy, fun and nutritious for the family! Come to Jack’s Vegetable Garden near the Children’s Farm to learn about growing vegetables and see how to grow a spaghetti garden in a container. Ages 5 and older; adult must accompany child. $5 per person. Space is limited; register online or on-site the day of the program. For information, call 804-358-7166, ext. 310. Just $5 per person.
Discover Magic at Enon Library with magician Mike Klee leading a magical adventure based on children’s books.
Storytime with Miss Peninsula Outstanding Teen 2012, at CMoR at 11:00 a.m.
University of Richmond Department of Music FREE Concert Series: University Jazz Ensembles, Mike Davison, Director at 7:30 p.m. – Camp Concert Hall, Booker Hall of Music. For more information call: (804) 289-8277 or visit website.
Sur la table – Learning the key techniques of cooking and baking is important for everyone—especially kids! This spring break, bring in your little chefs for our three-day culinary boot camp filled with hands-on culinary exploration. Working side-by-side with our expert instructors and other young cooks, junior chefs will learn essential cooking and baking techniques as a foundation for a lifetime of fun and creativity in the kitchen. $120 per person for 3 days – 4/9-12.
April 10
Spirited Art is offering 3 days of painting available for kids at their Short Pump studios and kids have a choice of attending one, two, or all three days (April 10-12) – it’s up to you.
Melody Magic Music has some fantastic spring-themed play dates planned for April 10 – “Bunnies, Chicks, and Sheep” – and they are JUST $8/kids.Visit the website or call 804.334.6241. They’re located at 3041 Lauderdale Drive.
Zula Patrol – At CMoR Short Pump Extended to May 18th! Join all of your favorite characters from the Zula patrol as you and your family explore weather phenomena at each of the interactive stations in this special exhibit, at CMoR for a limited time!
Sweet Spot in Short Pump has plenty of spring and Easter treats so hop in anytime! Check out their many events this week.
Brain Balance Open House – Come tour, meet the staff and learn more about Brain Balance – We are specialized achievement centers that utilize a drug-free multi-faceted approached to address the underlying issues in many of the behavior, development, and learning disorders that plague so many children today. Please RSVP to mmartin@brainbalancecenters.
Carnival Fair at The Showplace – Rides, Games, Bingo, Fair Food, Family Fun – Thursday April 5th – Sunday April 15th. CLICK MORE to see complete listing of information. HOURS, ADMISSION, etc. Hours: Monday – Friday 5 pm – 11 pm; Saturday – Sunday noon – 11 pm.
FREE Petting Farm. 11 am-5 pm. Short Pump Mall, Main Plaza. Visit baby chicks, goats, bunnies, lambs, and more. Through April 14.
Young at Art: Ancient Art and Languages. 10 am-11 am. VMFA – Preschool Program. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each month. Check website for times and details. Al
so April 11 and 12.
Digging for Dinos at Maymont from 11 am -12 noon. How big was a T-rex tooth? Did cavemen and dinosaurs exist at the same time? Learn the answers as you explore the world of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. Playing the part of a paleontologist, kids will dig through sand to find fossils and learn what these artifacts can tell us of an earlier time. Ages 5-9. $8 per person/$7 members (includes admission to the Nature Center). Register online (preferred) or call 804-358-7166, ext. 333. Limited space for walk-ups.
Spring Break Nature Celebration at Three Lakes Nature Center – What better way could you spend spring break than at your local nature center? Join us for this very special opportunity as we open up our classroom doors for a behind-the-scenes look at items from our nature collections. Staff will be available each day to provide information and answer questions. Information: call 262-5055. Free for all ages.
Short Pump Pals Clubhouse Meeting. 11am. Short Pump Mall Food Court. One of Richmond’s most recognizable figures, Jonathan Austin is sure to entertain adults and kids alike with juggling, magic, comedy and unicycling all in one!
Mickey’s Magic Show at Glen Allen Library on 10501 Staples Mill Road. An afternoon of magic and fun for the entire family and meet Mickey’s assistant – Jack the Magic Bunny. It’s all FREE.
April 11
Rev up with Science! at the Science Museum of Virginia on Wednesday, April 11, 2 pm. Looking for something fun to do with the kids this spring break? Join Richmond International Raceway, Virginia 529 College Savings Plan, and the Science Museum of Virginia for a special announcement! All guests who attend the announcement will get to experience a special Mentos® Geyser Tube demonstration first hand and receive a wristband good for a discounted $5 entry to the
Museum for the afternoon.
More on April 11
Mommy & Me at Willow Lawn on April 11 features Hope Harris and the Cousins Jamboree with lots of foot-stompin’ fun! Kids and adults will love this and it’s all FREE.
Sweet Spot in Short Pump has plenty of spring and Easter treats so hop in anytime! Check out their many events this week.
No Batteries Required at Glen Allen Crump Park and Meadow Farm Museum. Fun for the whole family. Ages 5 and up can try trundle hoops, walk on stilts and experience other 19th century fun and games. Free family event.
Zula Patrol – At CMoR Short Pump Extended to May 18th! Join all of your favorite characters from the Zula patrol as you and your family explore weather phenomena at each of the interactive stations in this special exhibit, at CMoR for a limited time!
Carnival Fair at The Showplace – Rides, Games, Bingo, Fair Food, Family Fun – Thursday April 5th – Sunday April 15th. CLICK MORE to see complete listing of information. HOURS, ADMISSION, etc. Hours: Monday – Friday 5 pm – 11 pm; Saturday – Sunday noon – 11 pm
FREE Petting Farm. 11 am-5pm. Short Pump Mall, Main Plaza. Visit baby chicks, goats, bunnies, lambs, and more. Through April 14.
Spirited Art is offering 3 days of painting available for kids at their Short Pump studios and kids have a choice of attending one, two, or all three days (April 10-12) – it’s up to you.
Overtime Athletics Spring Break Sports Camp At Cool Spring Baptist Church. Don’t just sit at home during spring break – come out to camp! You’ll make friends, play games, win prizes and get MOVING. Camp will feature games like kickball, dodgeball, capture the flag and relay races. We’ll learn some basic sport skills for basketball, soccer and flag football. And you won’t want to miss out on our fun fitness events like the Exercise Scavenger Hunt. For boys and girls in grades 1-5. 9am-Noon on Wednesday April 11, Thursday April 12 and Friday April 13. www.overtimecamps.com to register.
Young at Art: Ancient Art and Languages. 10am-11am. VMFA – Preschool Program. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each month. Check website for times and details. Also April 12.
April 12
Barnes & Noble Storytime at Short Pump Children’s Storytime: Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 6 and Under). Join us each Thursday for our Children’s Storytime. On the third Thursday of each month, we’ll have a special visit from Seymour and the Children’s Museum.
Spring Break Freezer Sale at Dream Dinners Woodlake. Get delicious prepared foods without ordering or creating them – they’re already prepared and waiting to go. You just heat and eat! But it’s one day only so don’t miss it.
Sweet Spot in Short Pump has plenty of spring and Easter treats so hop in anytime! Check out their many events this week.
Spirited Art is offering 3 days of painting available for kids at their Short Pump studios and kids have a choice of attending one, two, or all three days (April 10-12) – it’s up to you.
Who Goes There – From paw prints and burrows to smells and scat, animals leave many clues to their whereabouts. We’ll take a look at some of the animal signs that tell us who’s been hanging around. Participants will create their own track guidebook and practice making molds of tracks. Ages 5 and older. $8 per person/$7 members (includes admission to the Nature Center). Register online (preferred) or call 804-358-7166, ext. 324. Limited space for walk-ups.
Zula Patrol – At CMoR Short Pump Extended to May 18th! Join all of your favorite characters from the Zula patrol as you and your family explore weather phenomena at each of the interactive stations in this special exhibit, at CMoR for a limited time!
Carnival Fair at The Showplace – Rides, Games, Bingo, Fair Food, Family Fun – Thursday April 5th – Sunday April 15th. CLICK MORE to see complete listing of information. HOURS, ADMISSION, etc. Hours: Monday – Friday 5 pm – 11 pm; Saturday – Sunday noon – 11 pm
FREE Petting Farm. 11 am-5pm. Short Pump Mall, Main Plaza. Visit baby chicks, goats, bunnies, lambs, and more. Through April 14.
Overtime Athletics Spring Break Sports Camp At Cool Spring Baptist Church. Don’t just sit at home during spring break – come out to camp! You’ll make friends, play games, win prizes and get MOVING. Camp will feature games like kickball, dodgeball, capture the flag and relay races. We’ll learn some basic sport skills for basketball, soccer and flag football. And you won’t want to miss out on our fun fitness events like the Exercise Scavenger Hunt. For boys and girls in grades 1-5. 9am-Noon on Wednesday April 11, Thursday April 12 and Friday April 13. www.overtimecamps.com to register.
Samantha’s Tea Party at Maymont. The 1904 world of Samantha, a lively young American girl, comes to life during this delightful morning of old-fashioned games, crafts, exploring, manners, carriage rides, a special tea party and more. Dolls are welcome, too! Meet at Maymont’s Carriage House. Ages 7-11. $25 per person/$20 members. Registration required; for information, call 804-358-7166, ext. 329.
Little Lambs Eat Ivy For all ages. Watch as the sheep are shorn with hand-shears. Learn how the wool is processed and what it can be used for while visiting the new lambs. Information: 501-2130. Thur, Apr 12, 9:30-11:30 a.m. – Meadow Farm Museum. Free.
Young at Art: Ancient Art and Languages. 10 am-11 am. VMFA – Preschool Program. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each month. Check website for times and details.
April 13
Scorched Earth - APR 13 – MAY 20, 2012 at WILLOW LAWN – Best-selling author (Richmond’s own) David L. Robbins has adapted his suspense-filled, compassionate thriller for the stage. A rural Virginia community is torn apart when the tiny body of a stillborn, mixed-race baby is exhumed from the graveyard, and the neighboring church is burned to the ground. See website for dates and times of all shows. NOTE: Suggested for ages 14+. Contains some profanity.
Sweet Spot in Short Pump has plenty of spring and Easter treats so hop in anytime! Check out their many events this week.
Flying Squirrels Picnic Night includes two hour all you can eat buffet (begins 1 hour before game time), a reserved Diamond Club Seat down the 3rd base line, and pregame music on the concourse. Enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork, BBQ chicken, Coca Cola products, garden salad, cookies and more. Fireworks after the game! To order tickets call 804.359.3866 ext. 339. Limited seating available. Game starts at 6:30 p.m. as Flying Squirrels take on Altoona Curve. Just $28 per person.
Meet the Critters For all ages. Turkeys, chickens, sheep, horses, cows, and pigs. You will find them all here at Meadow Farm. Join a costumed guide as they offer a personal introduction to the farm animals. Information: 501-2130. – Fri, Apr 13, 9:30-11:30 a.m. – Meadow Farm Museum. Free.
Zula Patrol – At CMoR Short Pump Extended to May 18th! Join all of your favorite characters from the Zula patrol as you and your family explore weather phenomena at each of the interactive stations in this special exhibit, at CMoR for a limited time!
Carnival Fair at The Showplace – Rides, Games, Bingo, Fair Food, Family Fun – Thursday April 5th – Sunday April 15th. CLICK MORE to see complete listing of information. HOURS, ADMISSION, etc. Hours: Monday – Friday 5 pm – 11 pm; Saturday – Sunday noon – 11 pm.
Overtime Athletics Spring Break Sports Camp At Cool Spring Baptist Church. Don’t just sit at home during spring break – come out to camp! You’ll make friends, play games, win prizes and get MOVING. Camp will feature games like kickball, dodge ball, capture the flag and relay races. We’ll learn some basic sport skills for basketball, soccer and flag football. And you won’t want to miss out on our fun fitness events like the Exercise Scavenger Hunt. For boys and girls in grades 1-5. 9am-Noon on Wednesday April 11, Thursday April 12 and Friday April 13. www.overtimecamps.com to register.
FREE Petting Farm. 11 am-5pm. Short Pump Mall, Main Plaza. Visit baby chicks, goats, bunnies, lambs, and more. Through April 14.
April 14
Virginia War Memorial Run Walk. Join us as we honor and remember the sacrifices of the United States military in this inaugural event. All ages invited. Online registration.
VCU Intercultural Festival: This year’s festival theme is “It’s a big world, after all.” All activities are free and open to the public. The festival includes a variety of food vendors, cultural displays and performances, fashion shows, student-produced art exhibitions, interactive booths and lessons in ethnic dance. There are also games, crafts, children’s activities, a petting zoo and door prizes to showcase the more than 30 cultural student organizations at VCU. For more information about the festival, call (804) 828-4514
Date Night at Spirited Art – Come and paint Amen Corner. The $60 price is for two people painting. Each painting will be painted on a 16×20″ canvas.
All Fired Up – GRAND opening at their Short Pump location on April 14 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Stop by and visit and enjoy some fun with Sweet Spot treats too.
Sweet Spot Welcomes All Fired Up - Sweet Spot joins the Open House fun by offering candy inspired activities from 1-4pm. Join us at 1pm for a soda tasting, ongoing raffles and prizes throughout the day, and at 3pm we’re having a Blind Candy Taste Test (how well do you know your candies?). Free event for all ages. We look forward to seeing you on the 14th.
Intercultural Festival at VCU. This is a FREE festival that brings together and supports all of the beautiful diversity that VCU and the surrounding community has to offer.Games, food, petting zoos, cultural performances, and more! The event is FREE, and is open to everyone. Bring your friends and family and immerse yourself and your mind into the various cultures found all around the world!
American Heart Association’s Richmond Heart Ball – Black-tie event supporting cardiovascular research and community education at the Science Museum of Virginia. Presenting sponsors Bon Secours Richmond Health System, Health Diagnostic Laboratories, Inc., and VCU Medical System.
Virginia War Memorial Run Walk. Join us as we honor and remember the sacrifices of the United States military in this inaugural event. All ages invited. Online registration.
102.1 The X Chili Cook-Off 2012 – Saturday, Apr 14 11:00a to 8:00p at Richmond Raceway Complex.
Beyond Barbie Celebrates Women at Holiday Inn Koger Center. Celebrating Real Women with Beyond Barbie is on April 14, 2012 from 7-9 p.m. The event takes place at the Holiday Inn Koger Conference Center, 1021 Koger Center Boulevard, Chesterfield. Admission is just $10 and advance tickets are available at 804.318.8265.
Virginia will be filled with commemorative Civil War anniversary events during the Sesquicentennial, including the Civil War and Emancipation Day on April 14, 2012. Opening remarks begin the day at 9:30 a.m. at Historic Tredegar, located at 500 Tredegar Street. Events and activities take place all over the city until 5:00 p.m. Activities include a marketplace, special exhibits, artifact washing and interacting with historic interpreters.
Scorched Earth - APR 13 – MAY 20, 2012 at WILLOW LAWN – Best-selling author (Richmond’s own) David L. Robbins has adapted his suspense-filled, compassionate thriller for the stage. A rural Virginia community is torn apart when the tiny body of a stillborn, mixed-race baby is exhumed from the graveyard, and the neighboring church is burned to the ground. See website for dates and times of all shows. NOTE: Suggested for ages 14+. Contains some profanity.
Zula Patrol – At CMoR Short Pump Extended to May 18th! Join all of your favorite characters from the Zula patrol as you and your family explore weather phenomena at each of the interactive stations in this special exhibit, at CMoR for a limited time!
Carnival Fair at The Showplace – Rides, Games, Bingo, Fair Food, Family Fun – Thursday April 5th – Sunday April 15th. CLICK MORE to see complete listing of information. HOURS, ADMISSION, etc. Hours: Monday – Friday 5 pm – 11 pm; Saturday – Sunday noon – 11 pm
FREE Petting Farm. 11 am-5pm. Short Pump Mall, Main Plaza. Visit baby chicks, goats, bunnies, lambs, and more. Through April 14.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Jammin’ – Enjoy a special “vibe” in the Children’s Garden. The Garden rocks and rolls with the special energy that comes from listening, dancing, clapping and stomping feet to the music. Visit website for fee information.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
TAX Day is normally April 15 but it’s April 17, 2012 this year – get your taxes in on time – and you get two extra days to get it done on time!
The Richmond Craft Mafia presents Spring Bada-Bing. The Richmond Craft Mafia presents the seventh annual Spring Bada-Bing: The Boss of All Craft Shows on Sunday, April 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Plant Zero in South Richmond’s Manchester Art District. This year’s event will feature over 60 independent artists and designers, selling handmade wares ranging from perfume to plush and everything awesome in between. To learn more about Spring Bada-Bing, please visit www.springbadabing.com.
Beautiful Gardens: Bountiful Options at Colonial Williamsburg Garden Sympsium. April 15. Click for details. Whether you garden for beauty or for food production, there will be plenty of “food for thought” at Colonial Williamsburg’s 66th Garden Symposium. Guest speakers and Colonial Williamsburg landscape staff will offer a bounty of tips and ideas to make the best use of your time and space. Join us and discover alternative plant choices and techniques that will help you grow gardens that are beautiful and productive.
7th Annual Spring Bada Bing at Plant Zero on April 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Richmond Craft Mafia event is just in time for Mother’s Day (or, failing that, just buy something good for yourself—it technically makes you a job creator if you buy from the vendor directly).
Broadway at the Bird. Enjoy and afternoon of Broadway hits from the 30s and 40s through today’s hits beginning at 3:00 p.m.. Performers of all ages will entertain and amaze you with top-notch performances from previous Dogwood Dell actors and other friends of the Dell. A show for the entire family, you are guaranteed to enjoy yourself!
Scorched Earth - APR 13 – MAY 20, 2012 at WILLOW LAWN – Best-selling author (Richmond’s own) David L. Robbins has adapted his suspense-filled, compassionate thriller for the stage. A rural Virginia community is torn apart when the tiny body of a stillborn, mixed-race baby is exhumed from the graveyard, and the neighboring church is burned to the ground. See website for dates and times of all shows. NOTE: Suggested for ages 14+. Contains some profanity.
Zula Patrol – At CMoR Short Pump Extended to May 18th! Join all of your favorite characters from the Zula patrol as you and your family explore weather phenomena at each of the interactive stations in this special exhibit, at CMoR for a limited time!
Carnival Fair at The Showplace – Rides, Games, Bingo, Fair Food, Family Fun – Thursday April 5th – Sunday April 15th. CLICK MORE to see complete listing of information. HOURS, ADMISSION, etc. Hours: Monday – Friday 5 pm – 11 pm; Saturday – Sunday noon – 11 pm
