I treasure my memories of playing in the Autumn leaves as a child. Stomping on big, dry, crunchy leaves and the leaves scattering through the air as kids piled on the leaf pile. My kids like jumping in leaves too. Throwing armfuls of leaves in the air and climbing trees also provide fun entertainment and appreciation of nature. Read on to learn which local hot spots offer prime leaf play or tree exploration.
- Maymont – Whether you are exploring the sprawling estate adjacent to the Maymont Mansion viewing the amazing variety of huge, seasoned trees in the arboretum, or enjoying the scenic Japanese Garden, trees here are magnificent and offer both beauty and fun. Additionally, most of the tree varieties are marked so you can discover different species of trees.
My youngest playing in the leaves at Maymont
- University of Richmond – With a beautiful lake at the center, the University of Richmond campus, nestled among beautiful trees offers a perfect spot for leaf play. Whether jumping in leaf piles, throwing leaves, or even rolling down a mega hill in leaves, it’s a location not to be missed.
My boys playing in the leaves at the University of Richmond
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden – This spectacular garden is home to an amazing climbing tree, a Mulberry tree that is over 100 years old. The tree’s knobby branches provide opportunities for hands-on exploration and wonder.
Tree Climbing at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
- Forest Hill Park – We have not visited this lovely park in the Fall, but it is on our list for this upcoming Fall. Still, throughout the year, there are several scheduled tree climbing events you may want to consider.
Recreational Tree Climbing with Riverside Outfitters: My oldest said, “Why is the rope so short when there is still so much tree left to climb?”
- Your own Backyard – Our favorite, hands down though is our backyard, perfect for impromptu leaf play. And what could be better than riding a magic carpet (tarp)?
Magic carpet ride in the leaves.
When was the last time you jumped in a leaf pile? Go ahead. You know you want to. One thing I learned about leaf jumping – remember that old saying, “The bigger they are, the harder they fall”? Well, I can vouch for that. I only jump in the fluffiest of leaf piles. Well, maybe not this big, but you get the idea…
Do you have a favorite place in Richmond to enjoy trees and leaf play? Please share!
