Summer is here in full swing now and we have plenty of family-friendly events and activities listed below. Make plans early to enjoy as many events as possible. And be
sure to check out the free and low-cost events in our special posting too. Enjoy your week!
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.
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!
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.
How to Train Your Dragon Spectacular in DC July 19-22, 2012.
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.
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.
Kids Layne & Ladies Layne Fall Sale July 19-22. One BIG sale to outfit your whole family. New TWEEN Section: Brands like: Tea Collection, Deux Par Deux, Olive Juice, Mimi & Maggie, Boden & more. Castles & Crowns Trunks. Thousands of NEW boutique items sizes 0-16. Up to 80% off retail. New & Nearly New Items. Dressing Rooms available. 50% off Sunday.
Making the Invisible, Visible- Come to the Science Museum of Virginia to peruse art/science sculptures created by Rebecca Kamen and works by students in the 2011 Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship at George Mason University. Kamen is a professor of art at Northern Virginia Community College and was the instructor for the art/science projects created by the George Mason students. Included with Museum admission.
How People Make Things- Through Sunday, October 7, use real tools, materials, machines and processes of manufacturing in this interactive exhibition inspired by the factory tour segments from the “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood” television series. Explore the four manufacturing processes of cutting, molding, deforming and reassembling in a fun and safe manner. Included with Museum admission.
Toying with the Future. Through July 29. Wilton House Museum, 215 S. Wilton Road, Richmond. Exhibition presents toys from the 18th through the 21st centuries, and considers the similarities and differences between social values.
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.
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!
Summer Reading Club. Through August 31. Henrico County Public Libraries. Register online with your Henrico library card, or stop by any of the nine locations. Receive a Chick Fil A Ice Dream coupon at registration and a glow-in-the-dark stadium cup after reaching your reading goal. Prize drawing will be held for e-readers, gift baskets with bookstore gift cards, and iPad 2s. Finishers will be automatically entered into the online drawings. Clubs for all ages: pre-readers, children, teens, and parents.
Prenatal Fitness Classes at Cedarhouse School on Saturdays from 9:30 am – 10:30 am.
Hip to be Round Sizzling Hot Sale! Up to 70% off through July 25, 2012.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Real Cute Kids launch on Richmondmom.com!
James River Explorer Summer Day Camp. 9 a.m. start time. One-week camps beginning July 16, 23, and 30 at Brown’s Island Park, S. Seventh St., Richmond. Sponsored by the Richmond Walks and History Programs. For rising fourth and fifth graders who seek science/social studies exploration in the great outdoors. 673-9255.
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Altoona Curve July 16 at 7:05 p.m. at The Diamond.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Richmond Food Truck Court. Head to the Virginia Historical Society every Tuesday and Friday night this summer for the RVA Food Truck Court, a gathering of over 10 gourmet mobile catering vendors. Participating food trucks will offer gourmet chef inspired food, specialty beverages, and desserts.
Kids of all ages are invited to join Pottery Barn Kids for story time every Tuesday. Members receive an official Book Club Passport at their first story time and a special gift after attending five story times.
The Continentals in Concert. 7-9 p.m. Hermitage High School, 8301 Hungary Springs Road, Henrico. Enjoy big band sound as the Division presents its 41st annual summer concert. For all ages. Free. 501-5859.
Short Takes Art Education at VMFA – Mellon Collection (register online) Tue, Jul 17, Ages 5 – 6. Spend the morning at the races, discovering the excitement of sporting art. Students learn to play the game “Skittles” and also spend time sketching in the galleries.
Mom’s Treehouse is hosting a Will Run For Wine Social on July 17th at 7pm. Join the group of supportive moms at Mom’s Treehouse for a 3 mile run followed by a wine social! Please RSVP to [email protected] if you’re able to attend. Click here for more information.
The Continentals in Concert from 7pm-9pm at Hermitage High School. A free concert – Enjoy the best of the big band sound as the Division presents its 41st annual summer concert featuring The Continentals. Great music and fun for the entire family!
Little Artist at Deep Run Rec Center at 4:30 p.m. For ages 3-5, paste, create paint, glue and have fun in a creative art class. Call 804.501.7275 to register.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Storytime featuring Leapfrog Tag Geography. 4 p.m. Barnes and Noble Short Pump, 11640 W. Broad St. Richmond. Ages 4 and up. Reservations required. 360-0103.
Free Movie & Popcorn – “The Smurfs” at 1:30pm at Providence United Methodist Church, 901 South Providence Road, Richmond. Beat the heat and enjoy family movies and popcorn.
Aquarius Live From the Ocean Floor – Wednesday, July 18, noon-1 pm – Join us for a live presentation direct from the bottom of the ocean near the Florida Keys. Scientists aboard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s underwater laboratory Aquarius share their one-of-a-kind marine science experience as they camp in the world’s only underwater laboratory with fish and coral reefs as neighbors. This internet stream Lunch Break Science presentation takes you to an area few of us will ever experience first-hand and opens up a fascinating world researchers are excited to share. Free.
Spirited Art is starting a weekday class – every Wednesday, we will be offering an adult class at 11 a.m. You’re welcome to bring your own lunch/snacks during this weekday class. Check out our calendar www.myspiritedart.com
SSSlither!: Snakes. 10-11 a.m. Three Lakes Nature Center, 400 Sausiluta Dr., Henrico. Meet in classroom to learn why snakes are beneficial to the world, how they fit in the food chain and why we should do our best to protect these misunderstood reptiles. For all ages. Free. 262-5055.
David Vanderveer, the Chainsaw Comedian. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Henrico Theatre, 305 E. Nine Mile Road, Henrico. Whether juggling running chainsaws, bull-whipping flowers from ladies’ fingers or uni-cycling while shooting balloons off volunteers’ heads, Vanderveer’s high-spirited humor carries the show. For all ages. Free. Reservations are required. 328-4491.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Barnes & Noble Storytime at Short Pump – Children’s Storytime: Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 6 and Under). Join us each Thursday for our Children’s Storytime. On the third Thursday of each month, we’ll have a special visit from Seymour and the Children’s Museum. Thursday January 12, 2012 10:30 AM – Thursday December 13, 2012 at Short Pump – 11640 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23233, 804-360-0103.
Richmondmom.com Presents Team RVAEpic Tales at Social Media Club. This month, our friends from Chevy are visiting from corporate to share our adventures through video, photos, and how it fits into the larger topic of Big Brands and Social Media through the Social Media Club of Richmond. Test drive a Sonic or Volt before the meeting and win a chance to drive a Volt for a WEEK! We’ll be presenting at the Children’s Museum of Richmond downtown on July 19, 2012. You can purchase your tickets online through Eventbrite; Social Media Club of Richmond meetings include delicious appetizers and a full bar. Thanks to Kelly Vance PR and Dominion Chevrolet for sponsoring!
Samantha’s Tea Party at Maymont – 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon – The 1904 world of Samantha, a lively young American girl, comes to life during this delightful morning of old-fashioned games, crafts, exploring, manners, carriage rides, a special tea party and more. Dolls are welcome, too! Meet at Maymont’s Carriage House. Ages 7-11. $25 per person/$20 members. Registration required; for information, call 804-358-7166, ext. 329.
Enterprise Care Sale with Call Federal Credit Union from 4 pm – 7 pm – Call Federal Credit Union has partnered with Enterprise Car Sales to offer a member-only Sizzling Summer Used Auto Sales Event with special finance incentives at our Chesterfield Branch.
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!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Anthem LemonAid at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU – 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!
Fun Friday’s at Spirited Art – Each Friday they will have either a 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. art class for kids and adults. July 20 is 2 pm – 4 pm!
LiveSky: Here Comes the Sun at 6:00 p.m. – Join us for an evening devoted to the undeniable super star of our solar system: the sun. The sun is the provider of nearly all the power on Earth, brings us light and heat, and allows for the water cycle to take place on our planet. The sun is one of the most important parts to life here on Earth. Come learn more about this celestial furnace and our future with the sun! After the show, weather permitting, we will point telescopes into the vastness of space and see things with our own eyes!
Target $1 Family Night. 5-7:30 p.m. Children’s Museum of Richmond Central, 2626 W. Broad St., Richmond. $1 per person. 474-7000.
Anthem LemonAid 11th annual fundraiser for childhood cancer treatment and research.
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!
Movies in the Park. 8:30 p.m. Humphrey Calder Community Center, 414 N. Thompson St., Richmond. “Puss in Boots” (PG). In the event of rain, the movie will be canceled.
Water Safety Fun. 6-8 p.m. Osborne Park, 9530 Osborne Tnpk., Henrico. Water activities, children’s games, and educational exhibits for the whole family. Concessions available for purchase. For all ages. Free. 501-5134.
Family Game Night. 6-8 p.m. Walkerton Tavern, 2892 Mountain Road, Glen Allen. Backgammon, checkers, chess, cards, dominos, and other games. Outdoor games weather-permitting. For all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free. 261-6898.
Brain Waves. 5-9 p.m. Science Museum of Virginia, 250 W. Broad St., Richmond. Hands-on activities to learn more about the body’s control center and its amazing abilities. Bring your bike helmet for a professional fitting by the Virginia Department of Health. Bring your car or booster seat for curbside fittings/adjustments by Virginia Farm Bureau. Included with Science Museum of Virginia exhibit admission. Body Worlds & the Brain exhibition tickets are sold separately. Advance ticket purchase is recommended for Body Worlds & the Brain. 864-1400.
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Akron at the Diamond at 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Color Me Rad 5k event to benefit Special Olympics.
AARF – Animal Adoption Yard Sale – AARF (www.aarf.org) Yard Sale July 21st- AW Shucks Shell Gas at Pouncey Tract Road. 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Anthem LemonAid 11th annual fundraiser for childhood cancer treatment and research.
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!
Christmas in July at Short Pump – Christmas in July at Short Pump Town Center. Live Christmas music, visits from Santa and Mrs. Santa, face painting and “tattoos” for the kids, and you and your kids (of ALL ages) can help us create a community mural for the Central Virginia Food Bank! Details are on Facebook. People in the Central Virginia region who do not have enough resources to feed their family. So, please bring canned goods (canned tuna and peanut butter are especially needed) or bring a few dollars (ONE dollar provides FIVE meals. Yes, you read that right.) Help us provide 25,000 meals!
Dogwood Dell at Byrd Park and The Latin Jazz Show present the 6th Annual Latin Jazz & Salsa Festival. July 21 from 7 pm to 10 pm. Entertainment by Tito Allen, Frankie Morales, Melena, and Allen Hidalgo. This is a family-friendly environment sure to be an enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance. Admission is free but there will be concessions, vendors, and plenty of other reasons to bring spare cash.
Spiderman and Friends at Children’s Museum of Richmond – Bring your friends to visit with your friendly neighborhood Spider-man, and his friends, the Green Goblin, Captain America and Ironman!Show times are at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm with an opportunity to meet the characters after the shows. Visit www.ChildrensMuseumofRichmond.org for more details. FREE with admission.
Civil War Medicine Family Fun Day – Come learn about Civil War Medicine from field surgery to hospital life in Richmond. Events on this day will include living history, surgical demonstrations, children’s activities and much more. All events are included with regular Museum admission. 10 am to 4:30 p.m. at The Museum of the Confederacy.
BARK Jog-A-Dog – Have a dog? Bring them. Need one? Borrow one from BARK! Join us at American Family Fitness West End, located behind Short Pump Town Center for a great community experience. We help local canine rescue organization BARK to exercise their dogs prior to their adoption events at PetSmart. We get to socialize the animals, give them some exercise and affection and help send them off to happy “furever” homes. Please contact Kerith Rae at: [email protected] for more details on how you can be involved.
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Akron Aeros at The Diamond at 6:35 p.m.
Victorian High Tech at Maymont Mansion – This special behind-the-scenes tour reveals the bells, whistles, hidden panels, knobs, tubes and other technological wonders that made Major and Mrs. Dooley’s home one of the most modern in Gilded Age Richmond – 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Visit Maymont Mansion and marvel at the latest up-to-date comforts of an 1890s home: electricity, central heat, indoor plumbing, telephone service, an elevator and more. $5 per person/$3 members. For information, call 804-358-7166, ext. 329.
Richmond Kickers vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds – Come out and support the Richmond Kickers as they take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Friday, July 13 at 7:00 p.m. Parking is free and all ages are welcome!
The Charlie Daniels Band at Innsbrook Snag-a-job Pavilion in Glen Allen at 6:00 p.m.
Seldom Seen at Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield, VA. They’re an American bluegrass band formed in 1971 in Bethesda, Md. The Scene has long been regarded as one of the most progressive bluegrass bands as well as one of the finest acts in the entire whole genre. Opening act TBA. Gates open at 5 p.m.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
No Nuts Moms Group of Richmond – Moms’ group and playgroup for all ages of kids diagnosed with a peanut and/or tree nut allergy (non-food allergic siblings welcome). Monthly get togethers. We rotate the playgroup location throughout the Richmond area – Glen Allen/Short Pump, Midlothian, Mechanicsville, and City of Richmond. Next event: Pole Green Park playground, Mechanicsville; July 22, 3-5 PM, Huguenot Park playground, Chesterfield.
Anthem LemonAid 11th annual fundraiser for childhood cancer treatment and research.
Chesterfield Children’s Theatre Disney music revue at Dogwood Dell’s Festival of Arts on the Ha’Penny Stage. July 22 at 4:00 p.m. at Dogwood Dell.
Music in the Park is a free, family-friendly Sunday night concert series at Forest Hill Park. Bring a picnic, chairs and the whole family for a great (free!) night in the park. 808 plays ska. 6:00 pm – 8 pm at Forest Hill Park.
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Akron Aeros at 5:05 pm at The Diamond.
Behind the Scenes at Maymont from 1 pm – 1:30 pm. Walk through the Employees Only door for a special peek at the inner workings of the Maymont Nature Center. Thirteen aquariums and more than 200 animals require more care than meets the eye. Ages 5 and older; adult must accompany child. $6 per person/$3 members (includes admission to the Nature Center). Register at the Visitor Center desk on the day of the program. (Groups of 5 or more must register in advance.) For information, call 804-358-7166, ext. 333.
Drive to Feed the Hungry Benefit - To help raise money for the Central Virginia Food Bank, car enthusiasts are invited and encouraged to ‘Show’ and ‘Shine’ at the Drive To Feed The Hungry Open Car Show. Fun for the whole family, this outdoor event will include door prizes, trophies, peer judging, music and more. Donations will be accepted for the Food Bank and those who want to show their car can register on Sunday, July 22. All makes and models are welcome. Car registration is 10 a.m. to noon. The rain date is Sunday, July 29
