2018 Guide to Free (and Almost Free) Summer Activities in Richmond

Summers can get expensive very quickly. With kids out of school, the summer hours can get long and while time at home is nice, we all need to get out now and then. However, these days, even a simple trip to the movies can easily cost $50 or more. Fortunately, here in Richmond, there are a number of free places, events, and activities that provide entertainment for the whole family without costing a cent.

To help you find the best places to entertain the family for free this summer, we’ve updated our popular Guide to Free (and Almost Free) Summer Activities in Richmond. The following activities will provide a wide array of choices for your family depending on your interests and ages.

And as always, if you know of any free things to do in Richmond this summer – or throughout the year – that we might have overlooked, we would love to hear about them! Let us know in the comments below or send us an email at cs@richmondmom.com. In the meantime, check out our Kids Eat Free (Or Cheap) in Richmond guide for great deals all year long.

History and Museums
Nature and Animals
Movies
Music
Sports and Recreation
Pools and Splash Parks

HISTORY AND MUSEUMS

Historic St. John’s Church

Famous as the site where Revolutionary War hero, Patrick Henry, gave his “give me liberty or give me death” speech, St. John’s church is now a National Historic Landmark. The church has been restored by the St. John’s Church Foundation and features educational programs and special events. The site also includes a visitor center and gift shop. Admission and events are free, but donations are welcome.

Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Sunday: 1pm – 4pm
*Free live re-enactments are available on Sundays from 1pm – 2:30pm.

Location:
2401 E. Broad Street
Richmond VA 23223
(804) 648-5015
(877) 915-1775

Hollywood Cemetery

It may seem a bit macabre, but this 19^th-century cemetery is actually packed with history and beauty. Set on the banks of the James River, Hollywood features intricately carved Gothic monuments, elaborate tombs and mausoleums, and beautiful gardens throughout. In addition to the bodies of two U.S. presidents, Hollywood Cemetery is also the final resting place of Jefferson Davis, 28 Confederate generals and many other significant and notable figures in Virginia history. Admission is always free

Hours: 8am – 6pm, daily

Location:
412 South Cherry Street
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 648-8501

Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site

Visit the former home of Maggie Lena Walker, the first African-American bank president (of any gender) and a devoted civil rights advocate. See exhibits and special displays highlighting Walker’s work as a bank president, newspaper editor, fraternal leader, and spokesperson for economic empowerment and educational opportunities for minorities. Admission is free.

Hours:
March 1 through October 31
Tuesday – Saturday: 9am to 5pm
November 1 through February 28
Tuesday – Saturday: 9am to 4:30pm

Location:
600 North 2nd Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219

Richmond Railroad Museum

Set in an authentic century-old passenger and freight station, the Richmond Railroad Museum provides visitors with a look at what life was like when railroads ruled. Highlights include a stationmaster’s office, a freight room with artifacts and exhibits, a gift shop, and a gallery showcasing Richmond’s largest HO scale model railroad. Admission and tours are free. Special group tours can be scheduled by calling (804) 233-6237.

Hours:
Saturday: 11am – 4pm
Sunday: 1pm – 4pm

Location:
102 Hull Street (south end of the 14^th Street bridge)
Richmond, VA 23224

Richmond National Battlefield Park

These 13 historic battlefields throughout Richmond, Hanover, Henrico, and Chesterfield tell the story of one of the bloodiest and most tragic wars in our nation’s history. While exploring all of the battlefields is quite an undertaking, there are five visitor centers that offer a chance to see highlights of battles that occurred in and around the Richmond area. All visitor centers offer free admission.

Chimborazo Medical Museum
This museum highlights Confederate medical history with exhibits of period medical equipment and representations of hospital life. The building is also the Headquarters for Richmond National Battlefield Park and Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site.

Hours: 9am – 4:30pm, daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day)

Location:
3215 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23223
(804) 226-1981

Civil War Visitor Center at Tredegar Iron Works
This is the main visitor center for Richmond National Battlefield Park. The center includes three floors of exhibits and artifacts with orientation films shown throughout the day. Ranger programs are offered daily throughout the summer.

Hours: 9am – 5pm, daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day)

Location:
470 Tredegar Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 771-2145

Cold Harbor Battlefield Visitor Center
Exhibits and artifacts are on display throughout the center, including an electric map program that describes the 1862 Battle of Gaines’ Mill and the 1864 Battle of Cold Harbor. Ranger programs are offered daily throughout the summer.

Hours: 9am – 4:30pm, daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day)

Location:
5515 Anderson-Wright Drive
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
(804) 226-1981

Fort Harrison Visitor Center
The Fort Harrison Visitor centers focuses on the capture of Fort Harrison by Union troops on September 29, 1864 with exhibits, a relief map, and short film about the battle. A 20-minute, self-guided historical walking trail begins at the visitor center.

Hours: Open daily during the summer season; weekends in August; closed October through May

Location:
8621 Battlefield Park Rd
Henrico, VA 23231
(804) 226-1981

Glendale/Malvern Hill Battlefields Visitor Center
Located inside the Glendale National Cemetery, this center features a five-minute electric battle map program that describes the last two battles of the 1862 Seven Days campaign.

Hours: Open daily in June, July and early August

Location:
8301 Willis Church Road (Glendale National Cemetery)
Richmond, VA 23231
(804) 226-1981

Virginia Museum of History and Culture

In addition to an extensive library and ongoing programs, The Virginia Historical Society offers exciting hands-on exhibits like “The Story of Virginia,” an interactive exhibit that showcases 16,000 years of Virginia history spanning from earliest man to modern technology. While general admission is free, some special exhibits, require a ticket. See a complete list of exhibits here.

Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 10am – 5pm (galleries and museum shop)

Location:
428 North Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 358-4901

Virginia Holocaust Museum

Explore the history of the Holocaust at the Virginia Holocaust Museum. Since opening in 1997, the museum has provided history, artifacts, records, films and both permanent and temporary exhibits that portray the reality of this atrocity through the stories of its victims. Admission is always free.

Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11am – 5pm

Location:
2000 E. Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23223
(804) 257-5400

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Since 1936, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has been a center of cultural and artistic discovery. The museum features a permanent collection of more than 33,000 works of art, including one of the world’s largest Faberge egg collections, as well as many temporary exhibits showcasing some of the world’s finest artists and sculptors. Admission is always free. In addition to exhibits, the museum also offers a wide range of special events and programs.

Hours: 10am – 5pm (9pm on Thursday and Friday), daily

Location:
200 N. Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 340-1400

MOVIES

Bowtie Cinemas Free Summer Kids Series

Head to Movieland at Boulevard Square for FREE movies every Tuesday and Wednesday morning at 10am from June 19 until August 15, 2018.

See the full movie line-up here. 

Location:
Movieland at Boulevard Square
1301 North Boulevard at West Leigh St.
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 354-6099

Movies in the Park

Every summer, Richmond Parks and Recreation offers a Movies in the Park series at parks throughout the city. Activities begin at 8pm and movies will start at 8:30pm (or at dark). Be sure to bring chairs and blankets and get there early! Free admission.

See the full movie line-up here. 

$1 Movies at Henrico Theater

Head to the historic Henrico Theater for “almost free” movies this summer – and throughout the year. Tickets are $1 per person and all concessions are $1 each.

Black Panther (PG-13); June 1 at 7pm;  June 2 at 2 & 7pm

Justice League (PG-13); July 6 at 7pm; July 7 at 2 & 7pm

Tomb Raider (PG-13); August 3 at 7pm; August 4 at 2 & 7pm

Ferdinand (PG)Ferdinand (PG); May 19 at 2 & 5pm; May 19 at 2 & 5pm

The Lego Ninjago Movie (PG); June 16 at 2 & 5pm

Coco (PG); Special Showings! July 20 at 10am & 1pm; July 21 at 2 & 5pm

Contact:
305 E. Nine Mile Road
Henrico, VA   23075
(804) 652-1460
HenricoTheatre@henrico.us

Regal $1 Summer Movie Express

No, they’re not completely free movies, but they’re close. Participating Regal Cinemas throughout the Richmond area offer family-friendly movies for only $1 every Tuesday and Wednesday morning from June 20 until September 19, 2018. Tickets can be purchased at the box office of your local theater and start at 10am.

See the full movie line-up here.

Participating Theaters:

Regal Virginia Center Stadium 20
Regal Short Pump Stadium 14 & IMAX
Regal Commonwealth Center Stadium 20 & IMAX
Regal Westchester Commons Stadium 16
Regal Southpark Mall Stadium 16

MUSIC

Festival of the Arts at Dogwood Dell

Back for its 62nd season, Festival of the Arts brings music, theater, and dance to the Richmond community. Every year, this free summer festival presents live performances from a wide variety of genres at the Dogwood Dell amphitheater, including a select number of children’s performances on the Ha’Penny Stage.

Upcoming Events: Click here to see a complete Festival of the Arts 2018 schedule.

Location:
Dogwood Dell Main Stage
1300 Blanton Avenue
Richmond, VA 23221

Rock and Roll Summer at West Broad Village

Come out for live music, raffles, games, food, drinks, and visits with local businesses every other Friday, June-August, at 7pm. Beer and wine are available for purchase, as well as food from Chuy’s Tex Mex, Carolina Ale House & Carrabba’s Italian Grill.

Location: 2301 Old Brick Road (The Pad near Aloft Hotel), Glen Allen, VA 23060

Free Summer Concert Series at Short Pump Town Center

The 15^th Annual Short Pump Town Center Summer Concert Series, presented by Capital One Cafe, includes free concerts on June 8, June 29, and July 13. Performances are from 5:30pm – 8pm and wine tastings will be available from Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant.

Location: 11800 W. Broad St. (Main Plaza), Henrico, VA 23233

Stony Point Fashion Park Summer Concert Series

Head to Triangle Park at Stony Point Fashion Park every first and third Thursday for live music performed by local musicians. Concerts will occur May 24 – September 20 and beer and wine will be available for purchase benefiting Wine for Cures. In addition, new or gently used shoes will be collected for Soles4Souls. These shoes help provide education, disease prevention and hope to those in need around the world. See a complete list of concerts here.

Location: 9200 Stony Point Parkway (Triangle Park), Richmond, VA 23235

Music in Forest Hill Park

Head to one of Richmond’s favorite parks this summer for free music under the stars. From May 13 until October 7, live concerts will be available on select Sundays. Visit them on Facebook for updates.

Location: 4021 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond, VA 23225

NATURE AND ANIMALS

Crump Park and Meadow Farm Museum

This Henrico County park is a great family getaway on its own with playgrounds, picnic shelters, walking trails and more. But the Meadow Farm Museum makes it even more special with a living history museum and farm that represents life in 1860s rural Virginia. The farm museum features a historic farmhouse, a blacksmith forge, live animals and costumed interpreters. Admission is free. Click here to see a list of upcoming events and programs.

Hours: Park open daily from dawn to dusk

Historic Farmhouse, Orientation Center and Out Buildings
March-November
Tuesday – Sunday: 12pm – 4pm

December-February (closed the first two weeks of January)
Saturday and Sunday: 12pm – 4pm

Location:
3400 Mountain Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 652-1455

Three Lakes Nature Center

Get up close and personal with your natural environment at the Nature Center at Three Lakes Park. The center features a 50,000-gallon aquarium, as well as exhibits focusing on plant and animal life native to the Richmond area. A free Summer Nature Series is available on select Wednesday morning from 10 – 11am. Programs are free. Email hac003@henrico.us for more information or click here to see upcoming events and programs.

Nature Center Summer Hours:
June-August:
Tuesday-Friday: 10am – 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 12pm – 4:30pm

Location:
400 Sausiluta Drive
Henrico, VA 23227
(804) 652-1470

Free Family Summer Activities at Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops offers free family-friendly activities all summer long. From workshops to craft times, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to check out the full schedule here.

Location:
Bass Pro Shop Ashland
11550 Lakeridge Parkway
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 496-4700

Maymont

Childrens’ Farm
The Children’s Farm at Maymont features barnyard animals of all shapes and sizes. Visit with goats, sheep, horses, cows, rabbits, chickens, ducks and more, while enjoying a stroll through the beautiful Maymont grounds. There is no formal admission fee, but a $5 donation is suggested to help with upkeep of the farm and its animals. Open 10am – 5pm, daily.

Wildlife Exhibits
Set between the Children’s’ Farm and the Nature Center, Maymont’s wildlife exhibits feature native Virginia species, including raptors, bobcats, gray fox, black bears and bald eagles. There is no formal admission fee, but a $5 donation is suggested to help with upkeep of the exhibits and animals. Animals are on display daily from 10am until late afternoon.

Nature Center
Although not free, the Nature Center is well-worth the small admission price. Head inside for hands-on exhibits featuring local fish, animals, and plants. Watch fish and other aquatic species in the 30,000-gallon aquarium or watch the playful James River otters swim. The center is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10am until 5pm. Admission is $4 for ages 13-59; $3 for ages 4-12 or seniors 60+ and free for children under 4 and Maymont members.

Maymont Gardens
The Maymont Estate features distinct gardens, each carefully planned, created, and maintained. Enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the Japanese Gardens and waterfall; the elegance of the Italian Gardens; or discover new plants, and trees at one of the park’s many specialty gardens. The park and gardens are open daily from10am until 7pm, April through September and 10am until 5pm, October through March. Admission is free.

Location:
Nature and Visitor Center
2201 Shields Lake Drive
Richmond, VA, 23220

Estate Entrance
1700 Hampton Street
Richmond, VA, 23220

Farm and Wildlife Entrance
Corner of Spottswood Road and Shirley Lane
Richmond, VA, 23220

Richmond SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

If you and your family love animals, then there’s no better place to cuddle kittens or play with puppies than the SPCA. Best of all, the SPCA is available, not just during the summer, but throughout the year. Bring the kids in to see the available animals, spend time with potential pets, or drop off donations and supplies. In the meantime, be sure to check out Waggle’s World, the SPCA’s kid-friendly website, complete with games, activities, and ideas, as well as information about free educational tours of the SPCA and other special opportunities. Visit the Richmond SPCA calendar of events for upcoming activities, special events, and adoption fairs.

Hours:
Adoption/Visiting Hours
Monday, 12pm – 5pm
Tuesday – Friday, 12pm – 7pm
Saturday, 11am – 6pm
Sunday, 12pm – 5pm

Location:
Robins-Starr Humane Center (Richmond SPCA)
2519 Hermitage Road
Richmond, VA 23220
Main Office: (804) 521-1300
Kids’ Programs (including camps, tours, and parties): (804) 521-1327
Volunteer/Program information: (804) 521-1329

Rockwood Nature Center

Located at Rockwood Park in Chesterfield County, the Rockwood Nature Center is housed in an authentic log cabin and features nature and outdoors programs for kids, families, and groups of all ages. Admission to the park and nature center are free, but formal programs may have a cost associated. See a list of programs and costs.

Location:
3401 Courthouse Road
North Chesterfield, VA 23236

Yappy Hour at Stony Point Fashion Park

Bring your pups out for a night of free treats, giveaways and live music. Free doggie photo ops will be offered compliments of the SPCA. The SPCA will be accepting donations.

Dates:
Friday, July 27, 2018; 6 – 8pm
Friday, August 24, 2018; 6 – 8pm
Friday, September 28, 2018; 6 – 8pm

Location:
9200 Stony Point Parkway
Richmond, VA 23235

SPORTS AND RECREATION

Canal Walk

From sunny riverside paths to deliciously dark and eerie tunnels, the canal walk covers 1.25 miles and takes visitors through 400 years of history along one of the earliest trade routes in and out of Virginia’s capital city. Access to the walk is free, but canal cruises and gondola rides are also available from Riverfront Historic Canal Cruises and Venture Richmond.

Location (Parking):
S. 14^th Street and Dock Street
Richmond, VA 23231

Bowl America Summer Blast Pass

Take advantage of Bowl America’s free Summer Blast Pass, where kids 12 and under receive two free games of bowling every day all summer long. Parents can enjoy the Parent Summer Blast Pass for one free game each when accompanied by a registered Summer Blast Pass child.

Richmond Area Locations:
Bowl America Eastern
5018 Williamsburg Road
Richmond, VA 23231
(804) 222-5183

Bowl America Midlothian
7929 Midlothian Turnpike
Richmond, VA 23235
(804) 320-7115

Bowl America Short Pump
4400 Pouncey Tract Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 360-8222

Bowl America Southwest
11532 Hull Street Road
Midlothian, VA 23112
(804) 744-1500

Kids Bowl Free at King Pin Lanes

King Pin Lanes offers two free games of blowing for kids who are registered in their Kids Bowl Free program. Click here to learn more or to register your child.

Locations:
King Pin Lanes
200 Otterdale Rd, Midlothian VA 23113

Kids Skate Free Program at Rollerdome Family Fun Center

Sign up for the Kids Skate Free program and kids 10 years and younger can skate free at select times every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Skate rentals are not included.

Kids Skate Free Times:
Fridays, 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Saturdays, 12pm – 5pm
Sundays, 2pm – 5:30pm

Location:
Rollerdome Family Fun Center
4902 Williamsburg Rd
Richmond,VA 23231
(804) 726-2841

Pony Pasture

This popular Richmond park offers everything you need for a hot summer day. Head to Pony Pasture for riverside fun for the whole family. Play in the river or sun on the rocks – without spending a penny!

Location:
7310 Riverside Dr.
Richmond VA 23225

Washington Redskins Training Camp

See the Redskins up close and personal right here in Richmond! From July 26 – August 14, 2018, you can watch practices on select training days. You’ll need to have a Fan Pass for admission, but you can sign up for your free pass here.

Schedule: Click here for a daily training and practice schedule.

Location:
Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center
2401 W Leigh Street
Richmond, VA 23220

Yoga at Stony Point Fashion Park

As part of the “Art of Living Series,” free yoga classes are available in Triangle Park at Stony Point Fashion Park. Classes are held the second Thursday of every month from July until November. No mats are needed and families are welcome!

Dates:
Thursday, August 10th, 6 – 7pm
Thursday, September 14th, 6 – 7pm
Thursday, October 12th, 6 – 7pm
Thursday, November 9th, 6 – 7pm

Location:
9200 Stony Point Parkway
Richmond, VA 23235

POOLS AND SPLASH PARKS

Bellemeade Indoor Pool

Location: 1800 Lynhaven Avenue. Richmond, VA 23224
Phone: (804)646-8849
Cost: Free
Hours: Monday-Friday, 1:00pm-4:30pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30pm – 8pm.
Additional offerings: American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim lessons at all levels from beginning to advanced; Lifeguard certification; first aid and CPR training, Richmond Racers Swim Team. Group swim times (with paid reservations) are available Monday – Friday, 9am – 12:30pm and Tuesday, Wedneday, and Friday from 1pm – 3:45pm.

Swansboro Indoor Pool

Location: 3160 Midlothian Turnpike. Richmond, VA 23224
Phone: (804)646-8088
Cost: Free
Hours: Monday-Friday, 1:00pm-4:30pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30pm – 8pm.

Additional offerings: American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim lessons at all levels from beginning to advanced; Lifeguard certification; first aid and CPR training, Richmond Racers Swim Team.  Group swim times (with paid reservations) are available Monday – Friday, 9am – 12:30pm and Tuesday, Wedneday, and Friday from 1pm – 3:45pm.

Fairmount Outdoor Pool

Location: 2000 U Street. Richmond, VA 23223
Phone: (804)646-3831
Cost: Free
Hours: (June 19, 2018 – September 2018 after Labor Day) Monday-Friday, 1:00pm-4:30pm; Saturdays, 12:00pm-5:00pm; Sundays, 1:00pm-5:00pm
Additional Hours and Offerings: American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim lessons at all levels from beginning to advanced; Lifeguard certification; first aid and CPR training, Richmond Racers Swim Team. Adult Swim, Monday – Friday, 7:00pm-8:00pm; Family Swim, Monday – Friday, 5:00pm-7:00pm.

Hotchkiss Outdoor Pool

Location: 701 East Brookland Park Boulevard. Richmond, VA 23222
Phone: (804)646-3762
Cost: Free
Hours: (June 19, 2018 – September 2018 after Labor Day) Monday-Friday, 1:00pm-4:30pm; Saturdays, 12:00pm-5:00pm; Sundays, 1:00pm-5:00pm
Additional Hours and Offerings: American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim lessons at all levels from beginning to advanced; Lifeguard certification; first aid and CPR training, Richmond Racers Swim Team. Adult Swim, Monday – Friday, 7:00pm-8:00pm; Family Swim, Monday – Friday, 5:00pm-7:00pm.

Powhatan Outdoor Pool

Location: 1000 Apperson Street. Richmond VA 23231
Phone: (804)646-3595
Cost: Free
Hours: (June 19, 2018 – September 2018 after Labor Day) Monday-Friday, 1:00pm-4:30pm; Saturdays, 12:00pm-5:00pm; Sundays, 1:00pm-5:00pm
Additional Hours and Offerings: American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim lessons at all levels from beginning to advanced; Lifeguard certification; first aid and CPR training, Richmond Racers Swim Team. Adult Swim, Monday – Friday, 7:00pm-8:00pm; Family Swim, Monday – Friday, 5:00pm-7:00pm.

Randolph Outdoor Pool

Location: 1507 Grayland Avenue 23220
Phone: (804)646-1329
Cost: Free
Hours: (June 19, 2018 – September 2018 after Labor Day) Monday-Friday, 1:00pm-4:30pm; Saturdays, 12:00pm-5:00pm; Sundays, 1:00pm-5:00pm
Additional Hours and Offerings: American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim lessons at all levels from beginning to advanced; Lifeguard certification; first aid and CPR training, Richmond Racers Swim Team. Adult Swim, Monday – Friday, 7:00pm-8:00pm; Family Swim, Monday – Friday, 5:00pm-7:00pm.

Woodville Outdoor Pool

Location: 2305 Fairfield Ave, Richmond, VA 23223
Phone: (804)646-3834
Cost: Free
Hours: (June 19, 2018 – September 2018 after Labor Day) Monday-Friday, 1:00pm-4:30pm; Saturdays, 12:00pm-5:00pm; Sundays, 1:00pm-5:00pm
Additional Hours and Offerings: American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim lessons at all levels from beginning to advanced; Lifeguard certification; first aid and CPR training, Richmond Racers Swim Team. Adult Swim, Monday – Friday, 7:00pm-8:00pm; Family Swim, Monday – Friday, 5:00pm-7:00pm.