Summer is in full swing and July 4 is just around the corner. As always, let us know about any fun events going on in the community so we can add them to our calendar! Have a fantastic week and stay cool!
Ongoing Events All Week Long
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.
CMoR Chesterfield is open!
To The Arctic (film in IMAX®DOME) takes you on a never before seen journey into the lives of a mother polar bear and her two seven-month old cubs as they navigate the changing Arctic wilderness they call home. Captivating, adventurous, and intimate footage brings you up close and personal with this family´s struggle to survive and thrive in a frigid environment of melting ice, immense glaciers, spectacular waterfalls, and majestic snow-bound peaks. $9 general admission, $5 for members. It’s a COOL place to be!
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!
Butterflies at Lewis Ginter!
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.
Camp Pocahontas- Through activities and arts and crafts, campers will explore the life of Pocahontas and the culture of the Powhatan people. Using our 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. Make-and-take crafts are included. New this year is a pontoon boat tour of historic sites on the James River.
Monday, June 25, 2012
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.
Brownie Girl Scout Day- 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m. Children’s Museum of Richmond Central, 2626 W. Broad St., Richmond. Brownie Girl Scouts can participate in classes based on environmentally-friendly activities and practices. Three-hour program includes activities to earn: My Great Day Badge, where scouts learn how to organize and plan ahead for activities; and the Making Games Badge, where scouts learn about and participate in various games. $25. Reservations required. 746-0590 ext. 372.
Early Literacy Story Times- Story times help develop early literacy skills, which enable your child to be reading-ready for kindergarten. Midlothian and LaPrade libraries; times vary by location.
Richmond Flying Squirrels Home Game. 12:05 pm at The Diamond. Visit the website for ticket prices, giveaway night info, and whether there are fireworks!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Families After Five at 5 pm. 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.
Heart to Heart for Grandparents. Bon Secours, Innsbrook (4121 Cox Road) at 11:00 a.m. Is it harder to parent today? How has parenting changed since you were a kid? When should grandparents speak their mind? How can you build a stronger relationship with your in-laws?
Storytime. 11am at 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.
Summer Movie Express- Each Tuesday and Wednesday for nine weeks, G and PG movies will be shown for $1 at area Regal Cinemas. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Will Rogers Foundation.
Early Literacy Story Times- Story times help develop early literacy skills, which enable your child to be reading-ready for kindergarten. Chester, Clover Hill, Enon, Meadowdale and Midlothian libraries; times vary by location.
Richmond Brass & Percussion Consort For all ages. Join us at the Henrico Theater for a patriotic concert celebrating our nation’s Independence Day. Directed by Mr. George Tuckwiller, Assistant Professor of Music at Virginia State University. Information: 328-4491.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Expectant Girls Night Out at Hip to be Round. Richmondmom.com announces the winner of our 2012 Dream Baby Shower contest.
Turn Your Life Into Stories!- Ever wonder what it might be like to write stories or poems, but aren’t sure how to begin? Ever start writing something but then give up? Come explore your memory and imagination! Put your thoughts into words. After a lunch break (bring along a brown bag lunch), we’ll share what we’ve written and work to create finished pieces. Take home starts for new writing ideas. This program is recommended for teens ages 14-18. Registration is recommended for this program and begins June 11. Register online at library.chesterfield.gov or by calling the library.
Sharks: Built to Hunt- With razor-sharp teeth, a streamlined torso and keen sense of smell, the shark is at the top of the underwater food chain. Their extraordinary predatory skills both fascinate and frighten humans, although the shark has more to fear of human activities. Join us in the classroom as we explore the intriguing features of sharks.
Summer Movie Express- Each Tuesday and Wednesday for nine weeks, G and PG movies will be shown for $1 at area Regal Cinemas. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Will Rogers Foundation.
Lunch Break Science at the Science Museum of Virginia on Wednesday, noon-1 pm. Pack a lunch and join us. Museum scientists and others share easy to understand information on My Brain … My Magnificent Motherboard – presented by Brain Injury Association of Virginia Executive Director Anne McDonnell on June 27 and it’s all free.
Drop-in and Dig. 9am-11am. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Families with children are invited to drop-in and participate in simple, easy to learn gardening tasks under the guidance of Children’s Garden staff and volunteers. Free with Garden admission.
Blue Sky Puppets – Select Pamunkey Regional Libraries hosts a Goldy Bear and the Three Locks, Readin’ and Dreamin’ BIG puppet show. Call 804-365-6211 for show times. (Free)
Read 2 Rover- Come to the Clover Hill Library for casual, drop-in times for kids to read aloud to therapy dogs. The program, started by Caring Canines, is a fun way to help children become better readers. Studies have shown that children who have difficulty reading in front of teachers, parents or peers feel comfortable reading to a dog. For children struggling with reading, the comfort and companionship of a therapy dog helps turn something stressful into a soothing activity.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Sweet Summer Book Club- First Sweet Summer Book Club Meeting at Sweet Spot. We’re reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. (Free)
Four County Players Present ‘Snoopy: The Musical”- In 2002, we presented a fantastic production of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and ten years later, the Peanuts gang is back to open our 40th Anniversary Season in this wonderful sequel! This lighthearted musical is fun for the entire family, full of laughs, great music, and beloved characters played by a stellar cast of some of the area’s most talented teens.
Summer Concert Series- The Fredds- 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.
Kingsfest- Get ready for three full days of Christian music in one location! It’s a music festival you will not want to miss. Along with admission to Kings Dominion, the rides and all the fun, you will get nightly concerts with some of today’s top Christian artists. Come for one night, two nights or all three!
Henrico Community Band – Bring a blanket or lawn chair and spend a casual evening in the park listening to your favorite band music! Deep Run Park at 7:00 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the concerts may be cancelled. There will be no rain dates. Information: Amy Perdue, 501-5859.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Story Time- Visit faraway lands, make friends with all sorts of interesting creatures, and discover a world of imagination inside favorite books. Includes readings, songs, finger plays, poems, and other fun activities that nurtures little ones love of reading. Repeats each week. 10 a.m.
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: Zookeeper at Broad Rock Complex, 4615 Ferguson Lane.
Nepal Dance Theater at Dogwood Dell at 11 a.m. – Catch an Eastern Indian dance performance from Nepal Dance Theatre at Dogwood Dell’s Festival of Arts on the Ha’Penny Stage.
Four County Players Present ‘Snoopy: The Musical”- In 2002, we presented a fantastic production of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and ten years later, the Peanuts gang is back to open our 40th Anniversary Season in this wonderful sequel! This lighthearted musical is fun for the entire family, full of laughs, great music, and 
beloved characters played by a stellar cast of some of the area’s most talented teens.
Good Green Fun- Families with children of all ages are invited to spend some time in the Children’s Garden listening to books, gardening, participating in walkabouts and having good green fun. Featured activities will rotate, repeats each week.
Kingsfest- Get ready for three full days of Christian music in one location! It’s a music festival you will not want to miss. Along with admission to Kings Dominion, the rides and all the fun, you will get nightly concerts with some of today’s top Christian artists. Come for one night, two nights or all three!
Generation Z Games – Come out for a night jam packed with games! The night will be filled with basketball, air hockey, ping-pong, Xbox Kinect, PS3, and more. Come put some fun into your Friday! Information: 225-2056. Held at the Eastern Henrico Recreation Center (1440 N. Laburnum Ave.)
Idina Menzel- 8 p.m. Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage, 600 E. Grace St., Riichmond. Idina Menzel, star of Broadway’s “Wicked” and the original stage production of “Rent,” will perform her brand new live show. Tickets can be purchased at www.IdinaMenzel.com, Richmond CenterStage and Landmark Theater box offices, www.BroadwayInRichmond.com, or charge by phone at 1-800-514-3849.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Four County Players Present ‘Snoopy: The Musical”- In 2002, we presented a fantastic production of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and ten years later, the Peanuts gang is back to open our 40th Anniversary Season in this wonderful sequel! This lighthearted musical is fun for the entire family, full of laughs, great music, and beloved characters played by a stellar cast of some of the area’s most talented teens.
Parham Parade and Festival- The 3rd Parham Parade and Festival will take place on Saturday, June 30, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. in Richmond, Virginia. The parade begins at 10:00 at Trinity Lutheran Church on Lansdown Road. It winds through our community and ends at Parham Road Baptist Church. This year’s parade includes the 392nd Army Band, The Wounded Warriors of VA with their sponsored dragster, the RIR pace car who will be giving away 2 tickets to the Fall Sprint Cup Race, the VCU Men’s Soccer Team, The Richmond Kickers Soccer team, Arena Racing USA race cars, the Peanut Characters from Kings Dominion and much more. The event is FREE and open to the public.
Hansel & Gretel- Come to the Paramount Theater in CHarlottesville to see the Missoula Children’s Theatre proudly present an original musical adaptation of the Brothers’ Grimm age-old tale of a journey, a secret and a grand adventure.
Ezibu Muntu – Spring Concert. 7pm. The cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. Ezibu Muntu African Dance and Cultural Foundation is a professional organization of dancers, drummers, entertainers and other individuals dedicated to invoking a better educated positive understanding of African culture, values, traditions and the cultural arts as a whole.
Huguenot Volunteer Fire Department 4th Annual Independence Day Celebration is Saturday June 30th, 2012 at 5:00 pm. The event will be held at 2693 Rocky Oak Road in Flat Rock. The celebration features live performances by the local band Everwilde and rising country artist Amber Hayes. Also available are inflatable rides for the kids, which includes a 65’ Water Slide, food and craft vendors, a dunking tank and an awesome fireworks display which can be viewed in 3D that begins at dusk.
Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration. Free fun for the whole family Join us for our spectacular event in celebration of America’s Independence! Enjoy a multi-faceted array of festive entertainment and activities for the entire family. Activities will include musical entertainment, tethered hot-air balloon rides, arts and crafts, face painting, a petting zoo for children, contests and games, and pony rides! Other highlights include a watermelon feast, Uncle Sam on stilts, Jonathan Austin the juggler, a patriotic performance featuring a historic color guard, drum and fife music, and a period musket salute by Living History Associates, Ltd. Tours of Meadow Farm Museum and the Orientation Center exhibits will be available free of charge. Concessions will be available for purchase. Information: Rachel Moore, 501-5134. From 1p.m. -5 p.m. – Meadow Farm Museum/Crump Park.
St. Jude Summerfest- 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Approximately 50 juried craft persons will offer their wares. A variety of jewelers, fabric, clay and iron artists will be featured. Artists with photographs or a choice of acrylic, oil, water color and silk paintings will exhibit along with glass artisans. Entertainment will be provided throughout the day. Admission is free.
Kingsfest- Get ready for three full days of Christian music in one location! It’s a music festival you will not want to miss. Along with admission to Kings Dominion, the rides and all the fun, you will get nightly concerts with some of today’s top Christian artists. Come for one night, two nights or all three!
Family Fun Carnival- Virginia Center Commons kicks off the summer with the Simon Kidgits Club’s Family Fun Carnival on Saturday, June 30 from 11am-5pm. Beat the heat with tons of indoor activities including a bounce house presented by Roll-N-Bounce Party Rentals, balloon animals and face painting by Traveling CarniBall, fun games and much more
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Capitol Square Walking Tour: Jefferson, Washington and Spielberg- Designed by John Notman in 1850, Capitol Square is home to the Virginia State Capitol, the Executive Mansion, the Bell Tower, the Civil Rights Memorial and a number of monuments dedicated to Virginians who helped shape our nation’s history, including George Mason, Thomas Jefferson and Harry F. Byrd. A State Capitol tour is included. Meet at Capitol Square’s 9th and Grace street gate.
Four County Players Present ‘Snoopy: The Musical”- In 2002, we presented a fantastic production of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and ten years later, the Peanuts gang is back to open our 40th Anniversary Season in this wonderful sequel! This lighthearted musical is fun for the entire family, full of laughs, great music, and beloved characters played by a stellar cast of some of the area’s most talented teens.
Busch Gardens IllumiNights! Busch Gardens celebrates summer with IllumiNights, a nightly extravaganza featuring live performances, music and special effects that culminates in a park-wide firework spectacular. Beginning July 1 through August 19 each country will celebrate IllumiNights in its own way with multiple performances throughout the evening. Fifty nights of fireworks provide a perfect beginning to celebrate July 4 and a perfect ending to a summer evening.
Don’t miss our great July 4 Celebrations and Events post on the website. Make your plans early for Independence Day fun!
