Busch Gardens has lots of KIDsiderate rides shows and tours.
Kids can hang out with their favorite pals at Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™ or explore the Land of the Dragons® and discover a magical play land at Busch Gardens®. You’ll want to cool off over at Water Country USA®. Both parents and kids will love interactive splash zones like H2O UFO® and Cow-A-Bunga®.
Last year Christa brought her preschoolers to the park read her review of Busch Gardens here.
The 2-Park Preschool Pass offers unlimited admission to both Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA for children ages 3 – 5, through Sept. 7, 2015.
Hurry, passes must be registered and redeemed by May 31, 2015. Learn more and register for your pass here.
]]>
Colossal Curl is the only slide in North America to have both a 24-foot funnel feature and a 40-foot wave element on one slide. It towers high above the tree line near the park’s entrance and practically demands attention from guests entering Virginia’s largest water park.
Colossal Curl is sure to whet the appetite of thrill seekers of all ages. This high-adrenaline, action-packed water slide adventure features a funnel element that swishes and swirls up to four riders aboard a cloverleaf-shaped raft before whisking them through the slide’s enclosed tubes on their way to a 40 foot tall wave element that hurtles them high above the park’s landscape. ]]>
High school students in grades nine through 12 are invited to join with their schools’ administration to enter the Water Country USA Colossal Pool Party Giveaway. One lucky school will be awarded the following:
- VIP admission for up to 250 students and up to 50 chaperones to Water Country USA.
- The opportunity to be among the first to ride Colossal Curl.
- Access throughout the day to a VIP zone.
- Complimentary lockers and dining options.
- Transportation assistance to and from Water Country USA.
- An exclusive two-hour party after the park closes to the public.
To enter the contest, participants should submit a video that is no less than 30 seconds, but no more than two minutes, long. The video should describe why their school deserves to win a colossal pool party at Water Country USA. The entry phase of the contest begins on March 24 at 10 a.m. and submissions will be accepted through April 11 at noon. Starting at 5 p.m. on March 21, Water Country USA fans can vote on which school they think should win the contest. The entry process,official rules and submission criteria are available on Water Country USA’s Facebook page
Colossal Curl will make a splash at Water Country USA in late spring. True to its name, Colossal Curl will thrill guests with a high-adrenaline, action-packed water slide adventure. The park’s first family-thrill attraction features a funnel element that will swish and swirl up to four riders aboard a cloverleaf-shaped raft before whisking them through the slide’s enclosed tubes on their way to a wave element that hurtles them high above the park. The unique combination of funnel and wave thrill elements, makes Colossal Curl the only attraction of its kind in North America.
I, like everyone else on the planet, am SO ready for Spring. I’m already dreaming of all the summer days we’ll be spending at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA. You can grab their best deal for the little ones and join us! Did you know that you can get a Preschool Pass for children aged 3 – 5 that provides FREE admission to both parks all summer long? Children 2 & under are always free.
Here’s what you need to know about the Preschool Pass:
1) You have to register online prior to going to Busch Gardens and you can’t do it on a mobile device. Visit: www.buschgardens.com/bgwpreschoolpass to register for your child’s pass.
2) Next, you’ll need to activate your pass before May 31, 2014 by going to guest services near the front gate at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. You’ll need proof of your child’s age, such as a birth certificate or passport.
3) Please note that this offer is NOT available at the Busch Gardens front gate and you can’t register on your phone while standing in line. Be sure to register online and print your e-ticket to redeem for the Preschool Pass at guest services.
4) It’s FREE ADDMISSION to BOTH parks…come on, that’s a no-brainer! Who’s with us?
And what about the adults? Well, we can’t be left out…there’s a Fun Card option for adults that offers unlimited admission to Busch Gardens through September 1, 2014 for $72. And they’re throwing in Water Country admission for free, if you get the Fun Card before March 31st. Get yours HERE.
So, for $72, you and the kids can spend the entire summer going to BOTH parks as many times as you want. OMG – I’m gonna live there this summer! Stay tuned for lots of stories of our adventures as well as some give aways and the latest money saving options for your family in our new Savvy Saver App.
This is a big year at both parks. Busch Gardens has a jam packed schedule all season, including the launch of London Rocks, the newly renovated kid zone at Land of the Dragons, their annual Food & Wine festival and a few new furry friends. We met Finn and Conner, the new Irish Setter puppies, this past weekend. Super sweet and cuddly. And Water Country USA is set to unveil their brand new thrill ride, Colossal Curl, this year. Maybe I can strap a water proof camera on my head and brave that one???
Find out more about the newly renovated Land of Dragons and
the Land of Dragons Grand Opening Day.
Also, be sure and take advantage of this fun offer with FREE admission for preschoolers to nearby parks. But don’t delay – this offer is only good if you grab it by May 31, 2014.
Busch Gardens® and Water Country USA® – Celebrate Childhood with this Limited-Time Pass Offer
A visit to Busch Gardens® and Water Country USA® is more affordable than ever for parents with young children using a Free 2-Park Preschool Pass. Through an online-only offer, children ages 3 to 5 can get a preschool pass this spring and enjoy unlimited admission to both Virginia parks through Sept. 1.
Busch Gardens offers more than 50 KIDsiderate® attractions, including Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™ and Land of the Dragons®, which are celebrating big anniversaries this spring. Kid-sized roller coasters like Grover’s Alpine Express at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA’s Kritter Korral™ are among the can’t miss kid-friendly attractions waiting for families to enjoy this spring.
]]>Visit www.buschgardens.com/bgwpreschoolpass before May 31, 2014 to register for a Free 2-Park Preschool Pass. Proof of the child’s age is required at the time the passes are redeemed and the passes must be redeemed at either park by May 31, 2014. Children ages 2 and younger receive complimentary admission and do not need to register.
Visit the website for complete details.
Please visit websites or call to confirm dates and times of events – they may change after posting here.
Yay! It’s finally summer and school is out! Enjoy our great list of fun events this week.
Have an event to add to our calendar? Email us at christa@richmondmom.com! Don’t forget to check your Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver card for great savings at many local events and activities for kids and adults. Don’t have a card? No worries – download a copy here!
Visit our Richmond Summer Camps and Summer Fun 2013 links for a huge listing of camp options and things to do all summer long.
Be sure and watch our website this week to vote for your favorite nominee to win thousands of dollars in prizes in our Dream Baby Shower.
Now Through August 18
SYMMETREES at The Science Museum of Virginia. Photographer and sculptor John Moser shares his unique view of fallen trees in Central Virginia forests by capturing their photos, then enhancing them so that the images take on a life of their own. Included with exhibit admission. Free for members.
Now Through September 6
Flight of the Butterflies – The Science Museum of Virginia: Read our Real Richmond Review.Migrate with hundreds of millions of Monarch butterflies across North America! Discover the hideaway of these magnificent creatures – a secret that was unlocked after 40 years of research by Dr. Fred Urquhart. Immerse yourself in this compelling adventure as you find a super generation of butterflies who miraculously travel to a new and remote destination. Experience firsthand the beauty of the migration cycle of butterflies spanning not only thousands of miles but generations!
To The Arctic at The Science Museum of Virginia: Through September 6, 2013. Venture across floating ice with a mother polar bear and her two cubs as you take an extraordinary journey into the Arctic. Discover the constant struggle for survival as they face natural predators and a rapidly changing climate. Travel with a herd of caribou to their calving ground and plunge into the ethereal underwater world of waltzing walruses! Gaze across an exquisite spectacle of sapphire white as you see hundreds of miles of snow-bound peaks in this breath-taking film!
Now Through September 29
Robots + Us at The Science Museum. The Museum is open 9:30am-5pm on Memorial Day. What differentiates humans and robots? Explore what it means to be human by examining how lifelike machines emulate four major categories of human capabilities: moving, sensing, thinking and being. Take a closer look into robotics, computer science and biomedical engineering as you encounter interactive components, videos and much more! It’s here now through September 29, 2013! And BOOST! opens this weekend so don’t miss it!
ALL WEEK
Take advantage of CMoR’s extended summer hours with fun activities each weeknight! All Summer Nights activities are free with museum admission. A variety of food options are available at the Seymour Snack Shack including frozen yogurt, popcorn, snow cones and a variety of hot and cold beverages like coffee and juice.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Henrico County Public Library – Musical Fun with the Diggity Dudes. Visit websites below for location/directions.
Brave at Westover Hills Branch Library at 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, June 18
International Sushi Day- learn to make sushi from the pros and enjoy your labor. Please call to register at 646-4768 Main Library 3:30pm.
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson at Water Country Williamsburg. Must be at event sight before 11am to register. Event begins at 11am. Be a part of the Worlds Largest Swimming Lesson and set the biggest Guinness World Record yet all while helping send the vital message Swimming Lessons Save Lives to millions of kids and adults around the globe!
Westchester Commons Kid’s Club. Crafts, games and story time. Free fun for parents and kids.
Welcome to the 2013 Regal Summer Movie Express! Below is a list of participating locations and start dates. Each location will host the Summer Movie Express on Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10am for nine weeks. Admission is $1 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Will Rogers Institute. Regal Summer Movie Express offers $1 movies again this summer – 2013!
Movie Time and Free Popcorn at Ginter Park Library.
Richmond Main Public Library – Girls of Summer- Reading List- Local authors Meg Medina and Gigi Amateau launch their Girls of Summer Reading List. Other authors will be there too! Great book talks, meet authors, FREE ice cream and drinks, BOOK GIVEAWAYS, and more. It is AWESOME!
Wood Family Fun – Dig In – Dig This Picnic. 6:30pm. Kick-off the summer with a family-style feast of fried chicken and fixings and toe-tappin’ tunes by the Hanover Concert Band. Celebrate the joy of reading and sign up for the Summer Reading Program and have your face painted, too. Lawn chairs & blankets welcome. (Free). 16600 Pouncey Tract Rd, Rockville, VA 23146.
Wednesday, June 19
Regal Summer Movie Express offers $1 movies again this summer – 2013!
Since 1976, St. John’s Church Foundation has presented historical reenactments at the original location of the Second Virginia Convention of March 1775. Professional actors in 1770s attire portray ten delegates, including Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. The delegates engage in the debates and arguments of the Second Virginia Convention, which lead up to Patrick Henry’s immortal “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech. 1:00 pm Doors open, seating is on first come, first serve basis 1:30 pm Music program 2:00.
Welcome Summer Concert at Saint James Episcopal Church, 1200 West Frankln, Richmond.
Backyard Makeover and Baseball Game at The Diamond starting at 5:30pm – 10pm. Backyard Makeover Giveaway presented by Valpack & 1140 WRVA. Game time is 6:35pm, gates open at 5:35pm.
RVA Food Trucks at Chesterfield Towne Center 6pm-9pm.
COTU Food Truck Court. Have your favorite COTU brew along with a choice of 5-8 different food truck vendors all while enjoying the new outdoor beer garden at the brewery! Every Wednesday, COTU invites the community to enjoy some great local food, beer, and friends.
The Armour House & Gardens. Ages 4 – 6 will join Alice for a magical story, craft and garden party. Register: 804-501-7275.
Lunch Break Science at the Museum. Free. The Eastern Front 1941-45. 12noon-1pm. Mechanized Warfare through the Eyes of a German Panzer Officer.Presented by Winidore Press Author and Editor Stephen Thomas Previtera.
Thursday, June 20
Barnes & Noble Storytime. 10:30 a.m. Join us each Thursday for our Children’s Storytime. On the fourth Thursday of each month, we’ll have a special visit from Seymour and the Children’s Museum.
Summer Sounds at Stony Point Fashion Park. Thursday, June 20, 2013 Ron & Gary (Classic Rock & Beach) – it’s FREE!
Hanover ARC Night at the Flying Squirrels. Please join Hanover Arc on June 20, 2013 for a great night of baseball, fireworks and tie dye with the Flying Squirrels. Purchase tickets in advance for $7 each. Checks Payable to Hanover Arc, POB 91, Ashland, VA 23005.
70’s Music Night and Flying Squirrels Baseball at The Diamond. Starts at 5:35pm – 10pm. 70’s Music Night, Tie-Dye Jersey Auction & Fireworks presented by Coventry, Ford & Big Oldies. Game time is 6:35pm, gates open at 5:35pm.
On Stage at Maymont: Johnny Hott’s Piedmont Souprize! 6pm. Enjoy a free performance by Johnny Hott’s Piedmont Souprize. Funding for On Stage performances provided by The E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.
Greater Richmond SCAN. Training designed to educate you about child sexual abuse and empower you to help prevent it. Appropriate for parents, coaches, teachers and community members. Register: 804-257-7226.
Wellness in Bloom: An Evening for the Community and Fan Free Clinic. Fan Free Clinic will explore the connection between health, the community and gardens during Wellness in Bloom, Thursday, June 20 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Keynote speaker Frank Robinson, CEO and president of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, will speak about the healing power of gardens in communities. $50. Phone: 804.358.6343, ext. 110. Email for information and tickets: pfoster@fanfreeclinic.ord.
National Recording Artist Sister Hazel is kicking off off the 10th Annual Summer Concert Series at Short Pump Town Center, Thursday, June 20th from 6 – 8PM in the Main Plaza. The 10th Annual Summer Concert Series, presented by Mercedes-Benz of Midlothian and David R. McGeorge Car Company, takes place every Thursday night, June 20 through August 22 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m, in the Main Plaza. Families are invited to enjoy FREE live music performed by a variety of national, regional and local artists.Visit the website for more information and concert lineup.
Summer Reading Kickoff at West End Public Library 11am-noon. Celebrate the start of the Summer Reading Program with a carnival. Join in the fun activities, food and surprises. Please sign up at the circulation desk or call 804-646-1877. It’s free.
Icebreaker Games at the Goochland Library, 3075 River Road W. Kids 11 and up. Bring a friend and make new ones at this fun summer program. Pizza and treats provided by the Friends of the Goochland Library.
Full Moon Paddle at Pony Pasture, 7200 Riverside Drive, Richmond. 6pm-10pm. Take a paddle down the James and see the full moon rise. Minimum age is 15, equipment is provided. Register: 804-748-1623. Join us on this evening whitewater kayak trip down the James River, in either Sit-on-Top or whitewater kayaks, as the nearly full moon rises in front of us! Previous river paddling experience is required. Minimum age is 15. Swimming ability is required. Completion of a two-day, Beginner Whitewater Kayak class is required if using a whitewater kayak.
Friday, June 21
Summer Sounds at Stony Point Fashion Park. Friday, June 21, 2013 Special Edition (Motown, Oldies, Soul, Top 40).
Reflections Big Band at Dogwood Dell, Richmond. 8pm. It’s FREE!
Target Family Night is back by popular demand. Bring the whole family to enjoy what The Children’s Museum has to offer from 5:00-7:30pm on the third Friday of every month for just $1 per person! Click here for more information and to confirm offer is still valid as some months may change.
LiveSky: Is There Anybody Out There? After running out of options here scientists are looking into the cosmos for signs of intelligent life! Join us as we look into the probability of success in conducting this gigantic search. At 9 pm, weather permitting, members of the Richmond Astronomical Society share their telescopes so you can gaze up into the vastness of space! LiveSky is $5, free for members.
Barnes & Noble welcomes the Cat in the Hat in the Children’s Department at 7pm. Costume Character – Parents, be sure to bring your camera to get a picture of your little one with the Cat in the Hat! Friday June 21, 2013 7:00 PM.
Saturday, June 22
Lowe’s Monster Growers University. It’s going to be a monster summer at Lowe’s! Bring your child to Lowe’s this Saturday and they can build these awesome Mike and Sulley Scarers inspired by Disney•Pixar’s upcoming release Monsters University! 10am at Lowe’s.
Sunshine 5k Run/Walk in White Bank Park, 400 White Bank Road, Colonial Heights. 8am.
Boost! Opens. Signaling Beginning of Multi-Year Transformation for the Museum. Opening Day: Saturday, June 22. Celebrate with us as the Museum opens its biggest new, permanent exhibition in a decade and heralds the start of new, exciting things to come. Boost! challenges your perception of health and wellness in a way that is personalized and playful! Included with exhibit admission, free for members.
Spring N2 Summer! Check out exciting live science demonstrations and grab a cone of everyone’s favorite summer treat – ice cream! With everything from robots to live performances, Spring N2 Summer has something for everyone in the family. Included with general admission, free for members.
Virginia Summer Solstice Wine Festival in Amherst, VA. Wine, face painting, food, petting zoo, arts, and crafts.
Jack & Abby Race – Bring the entire family out to support families with babies in the Bon Secours Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) by participating in a 5K Run/Walk/Stroller and 1/2 Mile Kids Fun Run. Jack and Abby Smith would have celebrated their 4th birthdays this June.
RVA Streets Alive – Free and open to everyone! Inspired by open streets projects all over the world, this event is about closing streets to cars and opening them to the public to create a whole new healthy, sustainable and vibrant city street experience. Open to everyone to do what they wish – run, walk, bike, roller blade and more. Make sure to check out the vendors lining the streets with free activities for the entire family.
American Civil War Center at Tredegar. The war saw nursing go from an all male profession to one populated by ladies determined to show their patriotism and aid the thousands of wounded soldiers. Join a costumed interpreter for this interactive gallery tour and examine the accomplishments of women in nursing and medicine during the American Civil War.
American Family Fitness Celebrates Summer with Family Fun Day. Zumba, kick-boxing demos, moon bounce, food, games, and more.
Mr. MooPoo. America’s favorite teddy bear Mr. Moopoo, star of the book You Me and Mr. Moopoo Makes Three, is back in the second book by author/illustrator Beth Herman, Mr. Moopoo in the Kitchen. She and Mr. Moopoo will be at Chop Suey Books in Carytown on June 22 at 2 p.m to read from her new book and sign copies. Bring parents, grandparents, and of course the kids to enjoy the fun!
ShamROCK ‘N’ ROLL. 7pm. Cosby HS Auditorium. Enjoy an evening of Irish dancing by the Heart of Ireland students as they share the achievements of the year at their 1st annual recital. Tickets $10 – adults/$8 – children 4-11 and seniors. Available in advance or at the door. General seating. For more information, contact Heart of Ireland School of Dance at 464-8190 or info@heartofirelandschool.com.
Midlothian Mines Farmers Market. The Midlothian Market is located in the parking lot behind Midlothian Urban Farmhouse and features many of the farms and food trucks featured at the South of the James Farmer’s Market.
American Red Cross BabySitter’s Training. This interactive course prepares you to become a great babysitter – and shows parents you take this responsibility seriously. Learn how to respond to emergencies, make decisions under pressure, communicate effectively with parents, recognize safety and hygiene issues, feed, diaper, and care for infants, start your own babysitting business, and much more! Perfect for ages 11 to 15.
Great American Backyard Campout at Pocahontas State Park. Have a night of camping under the stars. There will be plenty to keep kids of all ages busy during the overnight adventure. Featuring Old Dominion Iron Chefs cooking demonstration using cast iron and Dutch ovens, live music from the Bee Flats, and the Crewe Astronomy Club will bring their telescopes. Reserve a camping spot: 804-796-4255.
Donuts for Dad. 10am-11am at Ashland Library, 201 S. Railroad Avenue, Ashland, VA. Donuts for dad, muffins for mom, and summer reading for all.
Hockey Fights Hunger at SkateNation Plus, in Glen Allen, VA. On Saturday JUNE 22nd, 2013 at 6:30 PM, Hockey Fights Hunger will host the “Hockey Fights Hunger” charity fundraising hockey game. Proceeds from the game, including tickets, sponsorship, auction and raffle sales go to helping to feed those in need. This year’s Hockey Fights Hunger Game will feature hockey players from all over the US and Canada. Many NHL Alumni are scheduled to appear including winners of the Stanley Cup and NHL Hall of Fame members. 4350 Pouncey Tract Road, Glen Allen.
Sunday, June 23
Lowe’s Monster Growers University. It’s going to be a monster summer at Lowe’s! Bring your child to Lowe’s this Saturday and they can build these awesome Mike and Sulley Scarers inspired by Disney•Pixar’s upcoming release Monsters University! 2pm at Lowe’s.
Summer Sounds at Stony Point Fashion Park. Sunday, June 23, 2013 Deuce (Oldies, Rock & Pop).
]]>