**Many of these activities are free, as we try to help you find ways to keep busy this summer without breaking the bank, and the rest are super cheap or just plain cool.  (Zip lining in Williamsburg, anyone?!)**

We’ll constantly be adding to the list, so check back often, and if you have any to suggest, please let us know!  (And if it’s camps you’re looking for, don’t worry we’ve got you covered there, too.  Click here for a great list of Richmond summer camps for kids!)

All Fired Up
Richmond’s original paint your ceramics studio – also offering fun special summer projects and summer camps for kids.  Locations in Carytown, Midlothian and Short Pump.

AMF Summer Unplugged (FREE)
Free bowling for kids 7 days a week through September 2, 2013. And special discounted prices for bowling for 16 and up too! Then enjoy a kid’s combo meal for just $3.29 per person.

Anthem Lemon-Aid (FREE)
July 19^th through the 21st – Put the squeeze on childhood cancer! Host a LemonAid stand and raise funds for Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Sign up online at www.anthemlemonaid.com. Participation is FREE!

Barnes and Noble’s Summer Offerings (FREE)

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program - It’s free and kids get a free book when they participate!

Barnes & Noble Kids’ Club – Free to join, the Kids Club offers 30% off list price on any one kids’ book for toy for your children. $5 reward for every $100 you spend on kids’ stuff online and in stores. FREE cupcake from cafe for birthdays.

B&N Storytime: Check local stores for details on their FREE weekly kids’ story time.  Some stores also host a free American Girl Club!

Brickz 4 Kidz
Check their site for classes and programs for preschoolers and older kids that teach architecture, engineering and technology concepts with Lego bricks.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA (FREE)
Preschool kids ages 3-5 who are also Virginia residents can enjoy FREE unlimited admission to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA through September 2, 2013.  Visit site for registration information.

Cartwheels and Coffee
Beat the heat with some coffee for you and free play for the kids.  There’s a special corner for the littlest ones, and two big play areas for the toddlers and preschoolers.  Special events such as Story Time and Move With Me are hosted throughout the week and free with admission to this Carytown play area.  ($5 per child, $4 additional child(ren).

Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation (FREE)
Plenty of free activities throughout the summer and some great volunteering opportunities for kids.

The Children’s Theatre of Virginia
The Children’s Theatre of Virginia’s season includes some great summer shows! The Music Man will be playing at the November Theatre at Virginia Rep Center from June 8^th – August 4^th, and Richard Scarry’s Busytown will be at the Willow Lawn Theatre July 5^th – July 28^th. 

Children’s Museum of Richmond
CMoR has some fun events planned for the kids this summer:
Target Family Night: Visit CMoR for just $1 every third Friday through July from 5:00pm – 7:30 pm.
CMoR’s annual Summer Series program also returns to the Central location on select Saturdays and will now be offered at the Chesterfield location on select Sundays in July and August! All Summer Series events are free with museum admission. And don’t miss Summer Nights at CMoR Central!

Club Mom at Chesterfield Town Center (FREE)
Bring the kids out to Club Mom on the first Tuesday of every month in the Food Court from 9-11 a.m. for great entertainment for the kids and fun giveaways for the adults. Free breakfast for children 12 years or younger.

Farmer’s Markets around the city (FREE)
Support our local farms!  Many markets offer free samples, entertainment, and lots of fun for kids and adults. It’s a festive way to spend a couple of hours and check things off your grocery list!

Flying Squirrels’ Squirrel Tail Kids Club (FREE)
Squirrel Tails is the Richmond Flying Squirrels FREE Kids Club for all kids 14 & under!  Kids Club members enjoy free Sunday games throughout the season (see website for dates), eat free on Sundays, and receive special giveaways just for being a member!

Go Ape
This Williamsburg adventure park opened Treetop Junior in 2013, a fun-filled experience of canopy exploring, trail blazing and obstacles for all to enjoy. Kids ages 6-12 can negotiate crossings and finish on a high (literally) with two awesome zip lines!

Hanover County Parks and Recreation (FREE)
Hanover County offers free family events throughout the season including Family Movie Nights, Family Fishing Day and the Hanover Tomato Festival, which will be celebrating its 35^th year!
Click here to learn more about Hanover’s parks.  http://www.co.hanover.va.us/parksrec/parkinfo.htm

Henrico County Parks (FREE)
Great parks like Deep Run Park, Dorey Park, and Three Lakes where there are nature trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and lots more. Crump Park/Meadow Farm Museum has an historic house open for tours at various times throughout the week, and they have animals for the kids to enjoy – they offer lots of outdoor fun with plenty of room to run and play.

Henrico County Parks and Recreation (FREE)
Special summer events including puppet shows, magicians, musicians and theatre troupes are offered at facilities and parks throughout the county, see site for details. And don’t miss the free Open Gym for ages 10 and up.  All skill levels are invited to play pickleball—a fun blend of tennis, table tennis, and badminton! The sport is played using a paddle and plastic wiffle ball on a badminton-sized court. Equipment provided.  Tuesdays 5:30-8:30 p.m. Moody Middle School Tennis Courts.  Mon & Wed 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sandston Recreation Area Tennis Courts.

Henricus Historical Park in Chesterfield County (FREE)
Fun events for all ages.The recreated 1611 Citie of Henricus, an outdoor living history museum with 12 recreated colonial structures, demonstrates history through “hands-on” encounters with period dressed historical interpreters. Visitors interact with interpreters during which time visitors may be asked to assist with cooking, blacksmithing, planting or harvesting. Visitors may even be asked to join the Militia! Be ready for an exciting and provocative experience in living history! Events all summer.

Home Depot Kids Workshops (FREE)
FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 – 12 offered the 1st Saturday of every month at area Home Depot stores between 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Jamestown Settlement
This museum of 17^th century Virginia history explores America’s first permanent English colony. See the replicas of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607. Other highlights include the colonists’ fort and Powhatan village. Kids will enjoy this fun tour of the “old days” – be sure and take a picnic to enjoy right by the waterside.  See site for admission details.

James River Park (FREE)
Enjoy hiking, canoeing, biking, picnicking, birdwatching, photography, and many more activities – create your own fun!

Jumpology
Jump around on over 8,000 square feet of connected, world-class trampolines. Our trampoline field features over 50 trampolines, the famous angled wall trampolines and a series of launching decks of different heights. Open jump time slots on Friday and Saturday book up fast! Please call 2-4 days in advance to pre-purchase your ticket and reserve your flight time. Special jump time pricing for ages 6 & under! $8.00 per child and one accompanying adult jumps free.  Check site for days and times.

Kangaroo Jac’s 
For inflatable play, visit Kangaroo Jac’s, where walk-in play is always available for kids with a little extra energy.  Available every day of the week, no need to call ahead.  For a flat fee, stay and play all day!  Visit site for fees and locations.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Lewis Ginter has several different offerings for kids this summer, including Garden Explorations where kids and adults can enjoy story time and a fun-filled adventure while exploring different areas of the garden, the Summer Survival Series which combines outdoor adventure, teamwork and nature awareness to teach families basic survival skills for the outdoors, Drop In and Dig, the Garden Art Studio and of course the water play area.  See website for full schedules and fees.

Local Library activities and reading programs (FREE)
Check your local library for free children’s crafts and book club events occurring throughout the summer and also get information about summer reading programs.

Chesterfield County Public Library
Richmond Public Library
Henrico County Public Library
Pamumkey Regional Library System, serving Hanover, Goochland, King & Queen and King William
New Kent Heritage Public Library
Petersburg Public Library System

Lowes Build and Grow Kids Clinics (FREE)
This free clinic is available at select stores on various Saturdays at 10am.  Build a wooden project and get a free apron, goggles, patch and more.  Check site for details and to register.

Maymont Park (FREE, donations warmly accepted)
Lots of fun, outdoor activities, a petting zoo, trails, and more. Visits are free or have a recommended fee of $2-$5. The Children’s Farm Barn is a major attraction and hit with the young ones.  Bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it!

Metro Richmond Zoo
Home to over 1,500 animals representing 148 species from around the world, the Metro Richmond Zoo offers a variety of experiences that will make your visit memorable. Visit giraffe up close, and let these gentle giants eat right out of your hand! Not many zoos offer this unique experience!  Hop aboard the Safari Train and take a fifteen minute ride into the African Savannah. Get up close and personal with free-ranging animals while receiving a guided tour. Pack a picnic and enjoy the day!

Mommy & Me (and Daddies Too!) at The Shops at Willow Lawn (FREE)
This FREE monthly event features fun entertainment (which this summer will be provided by the Diggity Dudes and Rocknoceros!), giveaways and interactive crafts for the kids, and lots of helpful information about area kids’ services for parents.  Richmondmom.com is thrilled to be a part of this fun event each month!

National Battlefield Park (FREE)
Richmond was the scene of a number of battles during the Civil War, and National Battlefield Park encompasses 13 separate sites with four visitor centers along an 80 mile route through the City of Richmond, and Henrico, Hanover and Chesterfield counties. Park admission is free. Visitor centers at Tredegar Iron Works (fee), Chimborazo and Cold Harbor are open daily. Visitor centers at Glendale and Fort Harrison are open daily June through August.

Old Time Music Jams at Rockwood Park (FREE)
Bring a chair and don’t hesitate to tap your feet at this monthly informal gathering of musicians playing old timey instruments on the porch at the nature center. Enjoy tunes from yesterday played on fiddle, bass, mountain dulcimer, banjo, autoharp, guitar and many more. Bring your own instrument and join in the fun! Free for the whole family, donations to the nature center warmly accepted.  Held outdoors on the front porch or inside the classroom in the event of inclement weather. Fourth Tuesday of every month, 7 p.m. to 9:30 pm. Call 674-1629 with questions.

Pocahontas State Park (FREE)
Just 20 miles from downtown Richmond, Pocahontas offers boating, picnicking, camping, camping cabins, hiking, and interpretive and environmental education programs. The Aquatic Center offers seasonal water-based activities for the entire family.

Pottery Barn Book Club (FREE)
Stop by the store for story time every Tuesday from 11 – 11:30 a.m. (check with store near you to verify actual times). Members receive special Book Club Passport and special gift if they attend 5 times.  And don’t forget the PBK Summer Reading Challenge!  From now through August 26th, read all the award-winning books on one of our recommended lists and qualify for fun prizes.

Regency Square Mall Kids World (FREE)
The first Thursday of every month Kids World meets at the Fit & Fun Play Area for a fun activity or craft.  Moms will enjoy special discounts, free samples and more!

Richmond SPCA
The Richmond SPCA is a great place for kids to learn the enjoyment of cats and dogs.  Volunteer opportunities are available as well for high school students

Rockwood Nature Center (FREE)
Visit the Center’s live snake, turtle, and honeybee exhibits to learn more about the plants and animals that live in the fields, forests, pond, and marshes of Rockwood Park. Take an archery lesson, join a nature club, learn about geocaching, follow a letterboxing trail, learn map and compass navigation, and much more! Call 804.674.1629 with questions. Location: Rockwood Park, 3401 Courthouse Road (804) 674-1629.  Summer Hours: (June 12-Sept. 2) Tuesday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Science Museum of Virginia
From bugs to space and what’s inside human bodies … explore our world at the Science Museum of Virginia. The IMAX & Planetarium is the biggest in Virginia and puts the audience in the middle of all the action.  This summer the IMAX presents “To the Arctic” and “Flight of the Butterflies”.  Reasonable fees.

Short Pump Pals Club (FREE)
Pals Club members enjoy discounts to participating stores and extra-special birthday treats!  And don’t miss the Short Pump Pals Clubhouse Meetings the 2^nd Tuesday of every month at 11:00am in the Food Court for fun activities and entertainment.

Spirited Art
Each Friday during the summer, Spirited Art teams up with Bricks 4 Kids or All Fired Up to offer Kids Fun Fridays.  Each Friday from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm kids ages 5 and up can unleash their inner artist!  Fee is $35 per class, visit site for details.

Stony Point Fashion Park (FREE)
Bring the kids in their bathing suits and let them go crazy in the outdoor fountain.  Also, check out the live music Thursday – Sunday afternoons, through September 2^nd.

Sweet Spot
This adorable candy and soda shop located in West Broad Village hosts Candy Bingo Nights and book clubs throughout the year.  Check out their site throughout the summer for event information.

The Nature Exhibit at Three Lakes Park (FREE)
Free to the public and fun for all ages, the exhibits in the Nature Center will introduce visitors to the plant and animal life native to the area and wildlife living in the wetlands and woodlands of the park.  Summer hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m.

Virginia Center Commons Mall Family Fun Carnival (FREE)
Kick off the summer at Virginia Center Commons on Saturday, June 29^th from 12:00 pm to 3:00pm at the Family Fun Carnival. Beat the heat with tons of indoor activities including a bounce house, balloon animals and face painting, fun games and much more! Snack on popcorn and cotton candy and enter to win great prizes throughout the day! Free for Kidgits Members; $5 for Non-Kidgits Members.

Virginia Historical Society (FREE)
In addition to its ongoing entertaining and educational exhibitions, beginning Wednesday, August 1st, through Friday, August 31, the VHS will offer families the opportunity to participate in educator-led programs, craft activities, and group readings of historically-themed books. All programs are free and open to the public. Advance reservations are not required. August Afternoons takes place from 2:00-4:00 p.m. daily in the Carole M. and Marcus M. Weinstein Classroom.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (FREE)
Admission to permanent collection galleries is always free. Different events and programs all summer so click here for details and don’t miss the delicious cafe while you’re there.

Volunteer Virginia (FREE)
Discover great opportunities for kids to volunteer and participate in fun activities at the same time. Also, visit our listing at this link of great volunteer positions for kids.

Metro Richmond Zoo.
Home to over 1,500 animals representing 148 species from around the world, the Metro Richmond Zoo offers a variety of optional experiences that will make your visit memorable. Visit our herd of giraffe up close, and let these gentle giants eat right out of your hand! Not many zoos offer this unique experience! Visit our herd of giraffe up close and let these gentle giants eat right out of your hand! Hop aboard the Safari Train and take a fifteen minute ride into the African Savannah. Get up close and personal with free-ranging animals while receiving a guided tour. Pack a picnic and enjoy the day!

MOVIES

Bow Tie Cinemas Movieland 17 at Boulevard Square (FREE)
Free kids summer film series, every Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from June 25^th through August 21^st.  Doors open at 9am, show starts at 10am.  Seating is limited to theater capacity, tickets issues on a first come, first served basis.  See site for movie details.

Byrd Theatre
The Byrd offers lots of low-cost, family friendly movies all summer long for $1.99. Check the website for information.

Cinema Classics at the Henrico Theatre in Highland Springs
Enjoy popular kids’ movies Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer at Henrico Theatre in Highland Springs. Tickets are only $1 per person and can be purchased at the door.  This summer’s offerings include The Princess Bride (June), Shrek (July), and Despicable Me (Aug).  For more information call: 328-4491.

Goochland Drive-In
Nowhere else in RVA can you experience a good ol’ drive-in movie.  And nowhere else can you take a whole family to the movies and spend so little!  Tickets are $8.00 for adults and kids 12 and up, $3.50 for kids 4-11.  All snack bar items are priced $3.75 and under.  Movies offered are all new/current release, see site for schedule.

Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Express
Moviegoers of all ages can climb aboard the Summer Movie Express to enjoy a great selection of films. During this 9-week festival, participating Regal Cinemas, United Artists and Edwards Theatres will offer selected G or PG rated movies for only a dollar on Tuesday and/or Wednesday mornings at 10:00. A portion of proceeds from the Summer Movie Express will be donated to the Will Rogers Institute.  Check site for participating theatres and times.

SUMMER CONCERTS

Dogwood Dell (FREE)
Concerts in the amphitheater all summer long; 2013 schedule released in early June. Visit website for information.

Forest Hill Music in the Park (FREE)
Free evening summer concerts, see site for dates and schedule of bands.

Friday Cheers
A Richmond favorite, each Friday from 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at Brown’s Island.  Tickets are $5 to $10 depending on the show, children under 12 are free.  Season passes available.  See site for band lineup and more information.

Henrico Concert Band and Henrico Community Band In The Park (FREE)
For all ages. The Henrico Concert Band and Henrico Community Band will each perform a series of three outdoor concerts. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and spend a casual evening in the park listening to your favorite band music! In case of inclement weather, the concerts may be cancelled. There will be no rain dates. Information: 501-5859. Henrico Concert Band Mon, June 24, July 29, & Aug 26, 7 p.m. Dorey Park by the lake. Free. Henrico Community Band Thur, June 27, July 25, & Aug 29, 7 p.m. at Deep Run Park Nature Pavilion. Free.

Jammin’ on the James (FREE)
This free concert series on the grounds of the Wilton House Museum is great fun for all ages. Bring a picnic dinner and a lawn chair for family-friendly music on the scenic terrace overlooking the James River. Enjoy complimentary walk-through tours of Wilton as well as face-painting, games, and crafts for kids.

Short Pump Summer Concert Series (FREE)
The Summer Concert Series returns for its 10^th season, beginning June 20^th and continuing every Thursday evening (weather permitting) through August 22nd. 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.

Rikki Dodson.

How do busy Richmond moms do it all?

We wondered about that too and so we went out to talk to some busy moms to find out. One of our interviews left us inspired and motivated to get more involved in the community – even when we already have a busy schedule filled with kids, housework, grocery shopping, husbands, church activities, friends, and more.

Rikki Dodson is a stay-at-home mom of three young children ages 7, 6, and 5. Just like any busy mom, she has clothes to wash, meals to cook, a house to clean, errands to run, carpools to coordinate, and dozens of other activities. But she also finds time to fit meaningful volunteer work into her life. She is the immediate outgoing President of the Junior League in Richmond, where she has been a member for more than a dozen years. This is an incredibly demanding volunteer position that is more like a full-time job at times!

We sat down with Rikki to find out how she does it.

RMOM: How does being a mom and volunteering work together?

Rikki: Volunteering actually helped prepare me for being a mom. But being a mom actually prepares you for volunteering too! You learn that you have to be organized, creative, and energetic as a mom – all the things you need for volunteering too. Being a mom requires multi-tasking and if you can be a mom, you can definitely be a volunteer too.

RMOM: When did you start volunteering with Junior League?

Rikki: I started volunteering years ago when I was working at the Martin Agency, which was also a demanding job. This was before kids and I was not married. I continued my work after we were married because I felt it was important. I stayed with it after my first child, even though I wondered how I would handle it all. But I already knew that you find time to do what is important and volunteering is important to me. I don’t think I will ever stop volunteering in the community in some way.

RMOM: How do you juggle all of the many responsibilities of being a busy mom of 3 and taking on something as demanding as President of the Junior League?

Rikki: The tricky thing is that my husband works a lot – he’s not home every day at 5:00 and he travels with his job. It was a combination of wonderful mother-friends and babysitters when I had board meetings — and of course great neighbors. I had tremendous support of neighbors across the street – the teenage girls babysit for me when I need it – and their parents are supportive too.  I’m also very organized which comes from working at the Martin Agency and Capital One before becoming a mom. I think being so active in gymnastics in school and college also made me more disciplined and focused.  When you train for hours a day for six days each week, you learn discipline. My training as a journalist prepared me for managing tight deadlines too. And of course, like any mom who works at home or out in public, I do a lot on weekends.

RMOM: How does your husband feel about all of the time you spend volunteering?

Rikki: My husband has been very supportive of me – he demonstrates his love for me by allowing me to serve in this role. Lots of women say they don’t have time but you always find time to do what is important.  It was a great way to stay involved in something different as a stay-at-home mom, and it keeps my skill set up and even builds more knowledge and skills. His support and encouragement has really helped.

RMOM: Do you have a lot of other family support?

Rikki: Unfortunately I don’t have family anywhere close! My mother lives in Pennsylvania and is in poor health. My sisters live in other states and we’re all scattered around the country. My husband’s parents are deceased so my children don’t have the joy and benefit of having grandparents around. When you have family around you, you don’t realize how important that is in many ways.  Family living nearby seems like such a simple thing, but if you’ve never had family living close to you, you adjust in other ways. I rely a lot on some great “mom friends” and of course, my fantastic babysitters across the street. Without family, you have to learn to adjust to other ways of finding support. The biggest problem is not having family when there are emergency situations. But we’ve adapted.

RMOM: How do you believe your children feel about your volunteer work?

Rikki: Seeing community needs and serving at high levels has rounded me out even more. This type of volunteer work is important for me and my children because it shows them how important it is to be active in the community and always find ways to help others. I believe I am setting a good example for them. I do hate those nights and weekends when I have to leave them at home with my husband or a babysitter to attend meetings, fundraisers and other events. But I also know that I am doing important work to help others and I am balancing my time with my family in a way that works for us. And I know that volunteering has helped me develop new skills and knowledge with so much more to offer to my kids too. They see it as part of life.

RMOM: What is the hardest part of volunteering so much?

Rikki: Selfishly, you feel that since you are already a mom, you’re giving enough of yourself right now. I don’t even have a housekeeper like a lot of my friends because I think I have to do it all myself. And then you have to also give as a leader. It’s hard to find where you have something and time for yourself.  But even worse, it’s hard to feel okay doing something for myself instead of someone else. I’m always thinking through the kids’ activities, carpools, and sitters for the kids, and how to also be there for my husband. It can be overwhelming and you have to make a decision that this is what you want to do for the right reasons.

RMOM: What do you think is the greatest benefit of volunteering?

Rikki: Volunteering offers great rewards. My children get to see me involved in the community and helping people. They see the good from it and it’s a model for them. The norm should be you do something outside the home, no matter if you’re a stay-at-home mom or a mom who works outside the home. It has helped me develop myself in a different dimension while helping others in the community. I ask myself what skills I gained that I would not necessarily have thought I was going to gain. What can I get out of this? Make the most of it – Junior League offers so many opportunities to do so many things. Volunteering allows you to learn new skills you’ll get in no other way. When I’m ready to go back out into the working world outside my home, I’ll have more skills and knowledge than I had when I left it.

RMOM: Is there anything you want other Richmond moms to know about your views on volunteering?

Rikki: You can do it if you want to. By taking this role, I developed a whole new dimension of myself. Get involved and you’ll find the time.

Talking with Rikki was energizing and motivating. Throughout our conversation she would periodically pause to handle a situation with one of her three children. She spoke quietly, patiently and supportive with each question they asked. It was intriguing to watch her conduct this interview and interact with her children so effortlessly and lovingly.

Rikki encourages women to get out and serve the community – not necessarily in Junior League — though she welcomes that! But she points out that schools love to have moms come and read to kids once a week, help out in the library, and help in many different ways. The under-served population in the Richmond community is in such need of volunteers, especially schools in the East end of the city where parental participation is low. You don’t have to have a child attending a school to volunteer and make a difference either. Churches and other community organizations are searching for volunteers every day. Everyone has something to offer.

She left us with this thought:

“The real thing that women sometimes forget is that even though they’re making that sacrifice, the reward is greater. In the end, you will realize that it all comes back to you in a neat way.”

If you have a story you’d like to share with Richmondmom.com readers, please contact us and let us know. We’d love to hear your comments about this article too.