Summer is HERE!
Now that the private and public schools are all out for the summer, events are heating up around town. The pools are open and vacations have begun. Let us know about events in your community so we can post them here for our readers. Have a healthy and safe week!
Visit this link to learn how to keep kids sharp on summer break.
And, don’t forget to vote for your favorite nominee to win our 2012 Dream Baby Shower too.
Ongoing events
Free and Fun Summer Events – check out all of the summer events right here on Richmondmom.com. Let us know of free or inexpensive events to add to our listing!
Chesterfield Children’s Museum of Richmond is now open – check it out!
Body Worlds & the Brain. Take an in-depth look at the insides of the human body! Featuring 12 actual human bodies that have been preserved through the process of plastination, Body Worlds merges anatomy with the latest neuroscience findings, demonstrating discoveries of brain development, function performance and improvement. $14 for ages 4-12 and $15 for 15+. $7.50 for members. Recommended for children 8 and over.
A Feel For Color through July 13 at the Children’s Museum of Richmond. An exhibit by artist Sarah Barker who reinterprets famous paintings by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Georgia O’Keefe, and others by quilting them in different textures to expose the visually impaired to the talents of master painters. Included in museum admission.
Grand Canyon Adventure – see website for dates and times. Opened in the IMAX®DOME Saturday, June 2. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Adventure takes you on an exhilarating river-rafting adventure down the Colorado River. Meet Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a world-renowned environmental activist dedicated to water conservation and river restoration, and Wade Davis, the eminent anthropologist and writer. The film documents their journey with their daughters as it raises awareness of water management and conservation to global crisis and individual responsibility. $9, $5 for members.
Lewis Ginter’s Family Adventure Packs- Designed for families with children ages 4 – 10. Each pack contains nature books, field guides and tools that help teach basic observation and identification skills. Packs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis at the Garden Cart in June, July and August, from 5 – 8 p.m. during Families After Five. A membership card or valid driver’s license is required to enjoy our fun-filled family packed adventure.
Summer Sounds at Stony Point Fashion Park – Summer is here. Enjoy live music while you stroll, shop and dine to all your favorite tunes performed by local musicians — all summer long!
Maharaja: The Splendors of India’s Great Kings at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The first exhibition to explore the extraordinarily rich visual culture of India’s last royal families, Maharaja: The Splendors of India’s Great Kings spans the period from the early 18th century to the mid-20th century, bringing together over 200 magnificent objects.
Butterflies LIVE!- Experience the wonderful world of butterflies! Tropical beauties, fascinating and showy, transform the Conservatory’s North Wing into a wonderland of vibrant colors…captivating sights…and extraordinary discoveries.Get up close and personal as hundreds of tropical and native butterflies feed on colorful flowers, flutter and take flight all around you. Explore their origins, preferred habitats and lifecycles. This exhibit is geared for all ages with butterfly-related activities and programs for adults and children in the Garden.
Summer Art Camps at the Jacey Gallery- Summer Art Camps exploring Painting, Drawing and Sculpture for ages K-12, June 18 – August 31, 2012. Camps run weekly for 2 hrs/day for each age group and are themed. 9-11 am for Grades K-5 and 12-2 pm for Grades 6-8. Camps are limited to 10 students/age group/week. $150/week, which includes all supplies. A $25 non-refundable deposit due one week prior to enrollment to guarantee a spot. The remaining balance due on first day of camp.
History Day Camp- Pamplin Historical Park History Day Camps combine learning, camaraderie and fun. Your child will live the life of a Civil War soldier, in camp, on the march, on the battlefield and at home on furlough at this full day camp. It is an unforgettable experience that brings back campers year after year. Call now to book your camper! Admission fees are non-refundable. • March, drill and fire a rifle-musket! • Learn combine • Make 19th-century arts and crafts! • Play Civil War-era games — baseball and much more!
The Hope Tree Project through July 4. In this exhibit, students will be encouraged to express their hopes and dreams in a Latin-American inspired art installation, organized by Richmond author Meg Medina. The artwork is fashioned after traditional milagros and is related to Medina’s newest young adult book is The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind by Candlewick Press.
Spring Awakening - November Theater. Winner of eight 2007 TONY Awards, Spring Awakening examines the unbridled energy that ignites the journey from youth to adulthood. Charged with sexual power, poignancy and passion (plus a brilliant contemporary score), Spring Awakening was named “Best Musical of the Year” by nearly every critic including the New York Times. “BOLD! FUNNY! AND INVITING!” –New York Times. Suggested for ages 16+. Contains profanity, partial nudity.
Summer Youth Triathlon Team- Jun 19-Aug 30, Ages 6-15. Team Endorphin Fitness is one of the top ranked youth development programs in the country. The coaches are experts in the sport & they know how to teach proper technique for running, biking, & swimming so each child builds a foundation for a long active lifestyle. They also know how to make it fun.
Youth Volleyball Camps- Multi-day volleyball instruction for beginners to college-bound athletes! Camps for boys & girls aged 8 and up offered throughout the summer (starting 6/18 – 8/2) in our state-of-the-art, air-conditioned facility. Camps are based on skill level, gender & age. Half-day & full-day sessions available.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Grand Opening of the Kids in Parks TRACK Trail at the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail. 10AM ribbon cutting. Free. This Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation program helps get kids and families “un-plugged”, outdoors and actively engaged in nature, for their health and the health of our parks. Each TRACK Trail provides a series of self-guided, brochure led adventures designed to turn an ordinary hike into a fun-filled adventure. Kids who register their TRACK Trail adventures on the Kids in Parks website www.kidsinparks.com become members of the program’s Trail TRACKer Team and earn prizes designed to make their next adventure more fun.
James River Explorer Summer Day Camp- The Richmond Walks and History Programs is sponsoring a summer enrichment day camp (weekly sessions) for rising fourth and fifth graders who seek science/social studies exploration in the great outdoors. Sites visited: The Richmond Riverfront, Richmond’s Historic Canals, Historic Tredegar Ironworks, Brown’s Island, Belle Isle and The Virginia State Capitol.
Camp Pocahontas- Through activities and arts and crafts, campers will explore the life of Pocahontas and the culture of the Powhatan people. Using the re-created Powhatan village of Arrohateck, hands-on activities will include cooking, farming, hunting skills, house and canoe building, weaving fishing nets and making pottery, arrows and tools.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Families After Five. 5pm. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. On Tuesday evenings families gather in the Children’s Garden to experience the joys of summer! Enjoy different activities each week. WaterPlay open til 8:30 p.m.; Garden Cafe open 5 – 7 p.m. Free with garden admission.
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.
Storytime. 11am. Pottery Barn Kids, Short Pump Mall. Kids of all ages are invited to join us for story time. Members receive an official Book Club Passport and a special gift after attending five story time events. Free.
Fabulous Family Fun with Wood. 6:30pm-7:30pm. The Armour House & Gardens. For ages 7+. Registration of a paying adult required with participants under 16. Talk about having some quality family bonding time! We’ll create lots of different and creative projects with wood that your whole family can have fun with. There’s something here for everyone. Supplies and equipment are provided during class. Fee.
Wild in the City: Slip, Sip and Zip!- This tour showcases the exciting opportunities for adventure recreation in the middle of downtown Richmond. Suitable for ages 8 and up, this adventure introduces guests to the beautiful and historic James River with its Class IV rapids running through downtown and includes parts of Shockoe Slip. You won’t get wet, but you will walk on bridges and a pipeline that overlook the river, enjoy a picnic lunch from Alamo BBQ at historic Tredegar delivered by Quickness RVA, and head to Belle Isle for a zip along Passages Adventure Camp’s thrilling zipline over the Belle Isle Quarry.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
All That Jazz & Lunch- St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in partnership with the Richmond Jazz Society has announced the Jazz Lunch line up for the Spring 12 series. For reservations call the Church by the Monday preceding the Wednesday lunch: 643-3589 or online: www.stpauls-episcopal.org/jazzlunches. Food will be catered by leading Richmond restaurants. Cost is $10 per person which includes Jazz and lunch with beverage and dessert. Parking is availble in the St. Paul’s garage, enter from 8th Street.
The Diggity Dudes. 10 am & 1 pm at the Henrico Theatre. This trio’s whimsical songs bring a hip attitude to topics like brushing your teeth and minding your manners. Kids all over the Commonwealth are clamoring to get into their sold out shows, so be sure to reserve your tickets now! Free.
Rock the Block. 6pm-8pm. Woodman Park. Come out and join your community for free mid-week family entertainment in your neighborhood park. Enjoy live music, contests and games, and more! Concessions will be available for purchase. For all ages. For more information, call Rachel Moore, 501-5134.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Tween/Teen Painting Night- Tweens and Teens get their own night to paint at Spirited Art. Our instructor will lead them step by step through the painting till the finish their own masterpiece.
Fabulous Family Fun with Wood. 6:30 pm-7:30 pm at The Armour House & Gardens for ages 7+. Registration of a paying adult required with participants under 16. Talk about having some quality family bonding time! We’ll create lots of different and creative projects with wood that your whole family can have fun with. There’s something here for everyone. Supplies and equipment are provided during class. Fee.
Summer Concert Series- Toad and the Wet Sprocket- The Summer Concert Series returns beginning June 21st and continuing every Thursday evening (weather permitting) through August 16th. Families are invited to enjoy FREE live music performed by local bands, great food, PRIZES and of course, fabulous shopping! Concerts begin at 6:00 PM and run until 8:00 PM in the Main Plaza.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Preschool Paint & Play! All week, join preschool art teacher Sue Brown for fun mornings full of drawing and painting activities inspired by classics such as The Velveteen Rabbit, The Secret Birthday Message, and children’s poetry. Children build listening, observation and small motor skills in a fun, nurturing environment! Children will be served a snack and go to the playground each day. Call (804) 360-2687 or email centerforcreativearts@comcast.net to register.
Fourth Fridays with Frank at the Children’s Museum- 11 a.m. at CMoR Central. The fourth Friday of each month will feature a book that emphasizes financial literacy. After story time, the educator will stick around to play and answer questions in CMoR’s very own Franklin Federal Branch!
Richmond Flying Squirrels Home Game. 6:35pm. The Diamond. Visit the website for ticket prices, giveaway night info, and whether there are fireworks!
Who’s Awake? A Family Night Hike. Ever wonder who stays awake while you sleep? Meet some of Maymont’s nighttime residents and learn about their nocturnal adaptations through experiments, games and a hike of the grounds. Owls, skunks and many other creatures of the dark will help shed some light onto their mysterious ways. Ages 4 and older; adult must accompany children ages 15 and under. $8 per person/$6 members. Register online (preferred) or call 804-358-7166, ext. 324.
Movie Night in the Park- The City of Richmond will be hosting free outdoor family movie nights at a different park each Friday. All movies start at sunset, approximately 8:30-10:30pm. This week: Thor (PG-13).
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Summer Solstice Festival at Grayhaven Winery- Join Grayhaven Winery, Cooper Vineyards, James River Cellars, and Lake Anna Winery for a festive celebration of summer. Live music from very special guest, Richmond’s own, Former Champions! Come out and enjoy the day with great music, excellent wine, spectacular food, and of course, Sangria! Kid friendly, with lots of activities for young and old. Admission Fee: $12 General Admission, $3 + tax for wine tasting.
Modern Artists Made Musical Concert at VMFA at 10:30 a.m. on June 23. Join Hope Harris and the band on a lively musical adventure through the world of modern art. Both the album and the concert take kids and families through a tuneful celebration of 19th and 20th century visual artists, offering musical mini-lessons in art appreciation and encouraging listeners and concert goers to join in the fun! Let scarves and streamers fly and action paint like Jackson Pollock. For tickets: 804-340-1405 or http://tickets.vmfa.museum/
Cultsha Xpo – Science Museum of Virginia; FREE admission – More than 50 arts and cultural organizations will share information about who they are and what programs they offer at this event organized by Culture Works and held at the Science Museum of Virginia. Learn more here.
Vacation Fairy Houses – Even fairies go on vacation! Create a unique ‘vacation house’ to take home for your favorite imaginary creatures, under the guidance of horticulturist Shannon Smith and experienced staff and volunteers. Two opportunities: Saturday, June 23, 9 am – 12 pm. Adults and their accompanying children (children 5 years old and up; no more than two children per accompanying adult, please) create one house together. Some hot glue gun use will be required. We ask you to bring some materials from home; a base and for your house and floral materials are provided. $56 / $45 member per adult/child pair.
National Little League Week at My Manakin Market- Nutzy the Flying Squirrel will be at the Market to help us celebrate National Little League Baseball Week! Show your team spirit by wearing your ball cap or jersey. Stop by the Kids Activity table and make your own baseball buddy. Our Marketeer Club kid vendors will also be joining us, selling their own homemade goodies and crafts.
Jammin’ On The James. 6-8 p.m. Wilton House Museum, 215 S. Wilton Road, Richmond.: Free concert series. Featuring Emme St. James and her Jazz Gentlemen. Family-friendly music, walk-through tours, face-painting, games and crafts. Free. Rain or shine. Donations appreciated. Seating on a first-come basis.Call 282-5936 ext. 4.
Walkerton Explorers- For ages 7-12. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Explore what makes our building and history unique. We will look through a floor, move a wall, post the mail, vote in an election, and learn a 19th-century game. Information: 261-6898.
Spaghetti Dinner/Concert for the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center will be held on June 23rd at the Scottish Rite Temple,4204 Hermitage Rd, Richmond. Time: 4:30-7:00 PM. Meal includes spaghetti with meat sauce,garden salad,bakery bread,homemade desserts and beverage. Musical entertainment provided by local favorites, The Barker Family.
3rd Annual Jack & Abby 5K Race for the NICU- 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Kids Race for the NICU. Bring the entire family out to support families with babies in the Bon Secours Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Strollers are welcome! Butterfly release at start line in honor of babies who have passed or graduated from a NICU. Supports the Jack & Abby Neonatal Foundation:www.jackandabby.org.
Vegetarian Festival!
10th Annual Richmond Vegetarian Festival. Noon-6pm. Bryan Park. The free outdoor event showcases over 100 vendors and restaurants. With live music, dynamic speakers, fascinating food demonstrations(including a version of a VEGAN “Iron Chef”-like competition! Event is free, fees for food.
Richmond Flying Squirrels Home Game. 6:35pm. The Diamond. Visit the website for ticket prices, giveaway night info, and whether there are fireworks!
Richmond Kickers Soccer Home Game. 7pm. City Stadium. Visit the website for special promo nights and details.
Richmond Kickers School’s Out Festival – Don’t miss the Richmond Kickers School’s Out Festival this Saturday! BE THERE for the one-of-a-kind splash zone, featuring an awesome 40-foot slip n slide, wave slide, inflatable games and more. The fun begins at 4 pm and tickets are just $5 before 6pm.
2nd Annual Quoits & Cocktails on June 23 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Historic Richmond Foundation’s Junior Board and Maymont Dooley Noted Society host Quoits & Cocktails. Join us for an evening featuring the game of Quoits, tours and carriage rides around the Maymont property, refreshments and live music by Tammi Kamin Band. Event admission includes open bar and hors d’oeuvres. Saturday, June 23 | 6:30pm – 9:00pm – $30 for HRF and DNS members ; $40 for non-members. Maymont Garden Hall | 1700 Hampton Street.
AARF (www.aarf.org) is in need of yard sale donations for a fundraiser July 21st. Household items, jewelery, book, clothes, etc are needed. Please drop off items off at our adoption stand ONLY ON Saturdays 11-2 at the Libbie/Broad Petsmart. We need items the next 3 weekends to be dropped off so we can price. If you cannot drop off items at this time/place please email aarfva@hotmail.com and put Yard Sale in subject line.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
2nd annual Heart the Arts Festival- Culture comes to Short Pump at the second annual Heart the Arts Fest 2012 on Sunday, June 24, from 12 – 5pm in the heart of West Broad Village. This FREE street festival features a line-up of live music and dance performances, artist demos, games and hands-on projects, along with delicious food offerings and all kinds of festival fun. Don’t miss it!
Magician Uncle Kurt at Dogwood Dell. Catch a free magic show from Uncle Curt at Dogwood Dell’s Festival of Arts on the Ha’Penny Stage at 4:00 p.m. on June 24.
Prime Time Swing play big band music at the Dogwood Dell Festival of Arts June 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Adventures on Promise Island- Mechanicsville United Methodist is having Vacation Bible School from June 24- 29 from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. Sign- up today for a week of island fun and friendship!
Richmond Wedding Expo – Brought to you by Richmond Weddings Magazine and RichmondWeddings.com – Celebrating our 18th Year! FREE PARKING! Admission $10. Fashions by Tiffanys Bridal and The Groom’s Corner. Come to Richmond’s most elegant bridal showcase. Meet with over 80 exhibitors. Thousands of dollars in giveaways! This is the one bridal show not to miss. Purchase tickets at the door. BRIDES – register on our website.
Garden Party at Whole Foods – Celebrating 2 years of growing in the Village Community Garden! Live music, garden tours, refreshments, demonstrations, crafts and games. Free. The garden is located just 500 feet from Whole Foods Market, behind Home Goods, in West Broad Village. Park behind Home Goods and walk down the gravel path to the garden. Great fun for the whole family! Noon until 2:00 p.m.
Richmond Flying Squirrels Home Game. 6:35 pm at The Diamond. Visit the website for ticket prices, giveaway night info, and whether there are fireworks!
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