Free and Almost Free Summer Activities for Families in Richmond 2019

Richmond Mom

The arrival of summer break is an anticipated event for most families. Kids are excited to be done with school and homework – and parents are ready to bid farewell to early morning alarms, pre-school chaos, and after-school running around. However, between camps, vacations, and the need for ongoing entertainment, the summer budget can get blown pretty quickly. That’s why it’s always nice to have some free, or nearly free, activities in your family’s entertainment repertoire.

To help you keep your summer busy, but budget-friendly, we’ve put together an extensive list of FREE or almost free activities throughout the Greater Richmond area. Use the quicklinks below to jump to your preferred category, or simply scroll the list. From parks to play to family-friendly movies, we’ve got you covered all season long.

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 at cs@richmondmom.com.

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

HISTORY SITES AND MUSEUMS

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.

Cost: Free to visit anytime

Hours: N/A

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

Chesterfield County Museum and Old Jail

The Chesterfield Museum is a brick reproduction of the colonial courthouse of 1749, built on a tract of land known in the 18th Century as “Coldwater Run.” In 1749, the courthouse was both a social gathering spot and a political center, serving as the site for speeches, horse trading, and games. The 1892 jail, now commonly referred to as “the Old Jail”, could hold up to 24 prisoners whose meals were prepared by the sheriff and his family. The building was seldom used in the 20th century until 1936, when crime became an issue in the county. Eventually the building became home for the Chesterfield County Police Department and, later, the Fire Department. It was designated a museum in 1982. The Old Jail is open for tours which begin at the County Museum next door.

Programs are available throughout the summer. Most programs and events are free and family-friendly. See a list of 2019 summer programs here.

Cost: Admission is free, donations appreciated

Hours: Tuesday- Friday, 10am – 4pm; Saturday, 10am – 2pm

Location:
6813 Mimms Loop
Chesterfield, VA 23832
(804) 768-7311

Dabbs House Museum & Henrico County Tourism Center

The Dabbs House served as General Robert E. Lee’s field headquarters during the summer of 1862. The museum provides a place to learn about the history of the Dabbs House from its use as a residence for the Dabbs family to its time as the Henrico’s police headquarters from 1941-2005.

Visitors can tour the 1862 field headquarters, browse the exhibit galleries and gift shop, and view a video on the history of Dabbs. The site also provides a picnic area.

The Tourist Information Center offers visitors information about the County’s historical and cultural opportunities. As one of 61 certified visitor centers statewide, it provides maps and guides from the Virginia travel industry as well as brochures from the other 60 centers across the state.

Cost: Admission is free

Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm (Monday and Tuesday, by appointment)

Location:
3812 Nine Mile Road
Henrico, VA 23223
(804) 652-3406

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.

The cemetery does host special guided walking tours along with The Valentine, however, there is usually a cost associated. Be sure to check the Hollywood Cemetery event calendar for upcoming programs, events, and tours.

Cost: Admission is 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.

Tours are free and and begin at the start of each hour from 10am, with the last tour beginning at 4pm. Each tour begins in the park’s visitor center on 2nd Street with a viewing of the 20-minute introductory film, “Carry On: The Life and Legacy of Maggie Lena Walker,” and concludes with a 30-40 minute tour of Walker’s home right around the corner on Leigh Street.

There are also a number of special programs for kids available at the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, including:

EVERY KID IN A PARK PROGRAM

The Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site invites all 4th grade students to visit us as part of the White House’s Every Kid in a Park program. Starting September 2015, 4th grade students can go to www.everykidinapark.gov to complete an activity and obtain a FREE annual entry pass to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks.

JUNIOR RANGER

Many National Parks offer visitors the opportunity to join the National Park Service Family as Junior Rangers. To become a Junior Ranger at the Maggie L. Walker NHS, come to the visitor center, pick up a Junior Ranger activity booklet, and start your quest to discover more about the life and legacy of Maggie L. Walker. Once you have completed the booklet, return to the visitor center to receive your Junior Ranger badge. You can also download the Junior Ranger activity booklet and use the Maggie L. Walker NHS website and the virtual tours and exhibits to complete the activities. Once you are finished, mail your completed booklet to: Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, 3215 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23223.

Last but not least, click here to find free, printable coloring sheets and online games that teach about Mrs. Walker, her bank, her home, and her organization, the Independent Order of St. Luke.

Cost: Admission is free

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm

Location:
600 North 2nd Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 771-2017 x 0

Maymont Historic Mansion

In addition to a beautiful park, Maymont is also home to the historic Maymont Mansion, built in the early 1890s. The mansion was home to James and Sallie Dooley and was built in the Romanesque Revival style combined with the picturesque Queen Anne style. The mansion is a 12,000 square-foot, 33-room home that has been beautifully preserved and today, serves as a museum to the Gilded Age of design. Guided tours are available on the hour and half-hour with the last tour beginning at 4:30pm.

In addition to the house, visitors can see the historic Carriage House and collection, designed to show the horse-drawn transportation typical of country estates in Virginia during the Gilded Age.

Tours and special events are held at the mansion year-round, so be sure to visit Maymont’s event calendar to see what’s coming up this summer. Please note that there may be costs associated with some events and activities.

Cost: Admission to the park and grounds is free, but a $5 suggested donation is requested for house tours. Tour tickets can be purchased online here.

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm

Location:
1700 Hampton Street
Richmond, VA, 23220

Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park

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.

The museum also hosts special programs and events throughout the year, including the summer months. Click here to see a list of upcoming events and programs.

Cost: Admission and most programs are free

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

Mid-Lothian Mines Park

Mid-Lothian Mines Park is the home to one of the first major industrial sites in the United State. This 44-acre preserve opened in 2004 as a tribute to the citizens of Chesterfield County, past and present. Today, you can visit the cut stone ruins of the mines surrounded by beautiful woodlands. Historical markers are available throughout the park and guided tours are offered through the year. Plus, be sure to visit their Facebook page for up-to-date information about events and programs.

Cost: Admission is free

Hours: Park open daily from dawn to dusk

Location:
13301 N Woolridge Road
Midlothian, VA 23114
(804) 323-1700 (Chesterfield County Parks and Rec office)

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.

The museum offers guided tours, each lasting around an hour. Special group tours can be scheduled by calling (804) 231-4324. Be sure to visit the museum website to learn about special programs and train excursions!

Cost: Free for children under 13, $5 for visitors over 13 to help maintain the museum

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 four 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.

Cost: Free

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.

Cost: Free, plus, free 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.

Cost: Free

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

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.

Cost: 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.

In addition to exhibits, the museum also offers a wide range of special events and programs for kids, youth, and families. Be sure to see all that the museum has to offer this summer – and all year long!

Cost: Admission is free

Hours: 10am – 5pm, daily; Open until 9pm on Thursday and Friday

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

Virginia War Memorial

The Virginia War Memorial is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s premier monument, museum, and educational center honoring the memory of all Virginians who served and supported the military from World War II through today. The memorial provides educational outreach, exhibits, documentary films, and patriotic programming, and includes a museum, the Shrine of Memory, and the Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center. The Virginia War Memorial Museum offers over 14 exhibits including the new Pacific Theater War Trophies and the USS Virginia (CGN-38) Ships bill.

The Virginia War Memorial regularly hosts a variety of school programs, both on and off site, lectures, exhibitions, seminars, and ceremonies. See their programs here or visit the event calendar for upcoming special events.

Cost: Admission is free

Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9am – 4pm; Sunday, 12pm – 4pm

Location:
621 S. Belvidere St.
Richmond, VA 23220
804-786-2060

NATURE AND ANIMALS

Maymont

Maymont is undeniably one of Richmond’s greatest treasures. From the beautiful gardens to the open grounds to the historic sites, the park provides something for everyone, including nature and animal lovers. See a list of their nature and animal exhibits below. Please note, that while general admission to Maymont is free, some of the exhibits to have suggested donations and/or small admission fees.

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 from 10am 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

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 mornings from 10 – 11am.

In addition to the Summer Nature Series, the Nature Center offers additional programs and special events, most of which are free. Email hac003@henrico.us for more information or click here to see upcoming events and programs this summer.

Nature Center Hours (Seasonal):
June-August:
Tuesday-Friday: 10am – 4:30pm
Saturday and Sunday: 12pm – 4:30pm

September-November
Tuesday -Sunday: 12pm – 4:30pm

December-February
Saturday and Sunday: 12pm – 4:30pm

March-May
Tuesday-Sunday: 12pm – 4:30pm

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

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. The SPCA also provides special kids’ activities and camps ($). 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:
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. Rockwood Nature Center is the only county-operated nature center in Chesterfield and is home to an array of native reptiles and amphibians, as well as a honeybee hive and visual informative displays and sits in front of over five miles of paved and unpaved trails.

The Nature Center offers programming throughout the year, but while admission to the park and nature center are free, formal programs may have a cost associated. See a list of 2019 programs and costs here.

Cost: Admission is free.

Summer Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm

Fall / Winter / Spring Hours: Friday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm

Location:
3401 Courthouse Road
North Chesterfield, VA 23236

MOVIES

Bowtie Cinemas Free Summer Kids Series

Head to Movieland at Boulevard Square for FREE family-friendly movies every Tuesday and Wednesday morning at 10am from June 25 until August 21, 2019.

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

Free Movies in the Park

Every summer, Richmond Parks and Recreation offers a Movies in the Park series at various 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. Concessions will be available for purchase.

See the full movie line-up here.

Movies on the Lawn at West Broad Village

Bring a blanket or chair out to West Broad Village this summer to watch free movies under the start. Every Friday in July, a family-friendly movie will be presented. Arrive early for a block party starting at 8:30pm, complete with balloon art and complimentary popcorn. Plus, enter raffles to win prizes from your favorite West Broad Village retailers.

2019 Movie Line-up:

7/5: A Wrinkle In Time
7/12: Mary Poppins Returns
7/19: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
7/26: Christopher Robin

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

$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.

See the full movie line-up here.

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

Regal $1 Summer Movie Express

*CORRECTION: We initially listed Regal’s Summer Movie Express with dates through the beginning of September, however, while many theaters around the country offer those dates, Richmond area theaters will only offer Summer Movie Express through August 14 to coordinate with back-to-school calendars. Our apologies for any inconvenience!

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 18 until August 14, 2019. 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
10091 Jeb Stuart Parkway, Glen Allen

Regal Short Pump & IMAX
11650 West Broad Street, Richmond

Regal Commonwealth & IMAX
5001 Commonwealth Centre Pkwy, Midlothian

Regal Westchester Commons
361 Perimeter Drive, Midlothian

Regal Southpark Mall
300 Southpark Circle, Colonial Heights

FREE MUSIC AND THEATRE

Festival of the Arts at Dogwood Dell

Back for its 63rd 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.

Schedule: Click here to see a complete Festival of the Arts 2019 schedule.

Location:
Dogwood Dell
1300 Blanton Avenue
Richmond, VA 23221

Henrico Theatre Summer Children’s Series

As part of Henrico Theatre’s ongoing programming, they offer a special Summer Children’s Series, featuring kid-friendly performances and programs at no or minimal cost. Here’s the 2019 line-up:

June 21 (free) – Barefoot Puppet Theatre presents Galapagos George

July 10 (free) – Chris Michael Magic Show

August 10 ($10) – Moana Sing Along

Location:
305 E. Nine Mile Road
Henrico, VA 23075
(804) 652-1460

Music in Forest Hill Park

This popular free summer concert series takes place one Sunday each month from May until October. Music in the Park Concert Series is all about fun, family, friends, and neighbors congregating one Sunday evening a month to picnic, recreate, relax, and enjoy great music! Bring chairs and a picnic to enjoy an evening of fun and fellowship.

Sponsored by the Forest Hills, Westover Hills, and Woodland Heights Neighborhood Associations along with the City of Richmond Parks and Recreation.

2019 Line-Up:

7/7: Mikrowaves (mash-up of R&B and Electronica)
8/4: Easter Stanard Time (D.C. Ska/Rocksteady favorites)
9/8: Brass in Pocket (Pretenders tribute band)
10/6: The Bush League (North Mississippi-style blues)

Location:
4021 Forest Hill Ave
Richmond, VA 23225

Rock and Roll Summer at West Broad Village

From 7pm – 10pm every Friday until June 28, 2019, the West Broad Village community will come alive with music, dancing, and the sounds of summer. This year features their most diverse lineup of local musicians.

2019 Line-Up:

5/31: The Here and Now – 80’s & 90’s Rock Band
6/7: Main Street Station – Country
6/14: Dance Candy – Disco/Top 40
6/21: Crowded Streets – Dave Matthews tribute
6/28: Flat Elvis – 70’s, 80’s, 90’s Party Band

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

Summer Concert Series at Short Pump Town Center

The Annual Short Pump Town Center Summer Concert Series includes free concerts on June 7 and July 26. Performances are from 5:30pm – 8pm and wine tastings will be available from Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant.

2019 Line-Up:

6/8: Three Sheets To The Wind
7/26: Phil Vassar and Lyndsey Highlander

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

Summer Concert Series at Stony Point Fashion Park

Bring the family out for a night of music and relaxation at Stony Point Fashion Park’s Triangle Park. Take a stroll, shop, dine, or just sit back and enjoy local music. Beer and wine will be available for purchase and all sales will benefit Wine for Cures. But please note, No outside food or drink is permitted.

2019 Line-up:

6/6: Groove Motive (R&B, pop, rock, motown and funk)
6/20: Dundies (variety of genres, ranging from oldies, country, classic rock)
7/11: InsideOut (dance hits, classic Motown and oldies.)
7/25: Harley Boone (modern country)
8/1: Flashback (oldies, Motown, Beach Music, Disco, Big Band, Swing, Rock, and Country)
8/15: Ron Moody & Centaurs (beach music)
8/29: Tight Slacks (80s rock and Motown)
9/5: GOOD SHOT JUDY (classic swingin’ big band hits)
9/19: Abbey Road (Beatles music)

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

Westchester Commons Summer Concert Series

The Westchester Concert Series returns for its 5th year and you’re invited every other Friday night to enjoy great friends, food, fun, and, of course, live MUSIC! All events are FREE to attend, and there will be food and beer/wine available for sale. As of now, concerts are held on the Village Green, near Plaza Azteca and Noodles & Company.

2019 Line-up:

6/14: Red Neck Pool Party
6/21: En’Novation (Rescheduled)
6/28: Diamond Heist
6/29: 5 Second Rule
7/12: Totally Random
7/26: The Embers
8/9: Spectrum
8/23: South of James
9/6: MSB, featuring Steve Bassett
9/20: Flashback
10/4: The Voltage Brothers

Location:
15786 WC Main Street
Midlothian, VA 23113

SPORTS AND RECREATION

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. Be sure to check out other specials at the participating locations listed below.

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

King Pin Lanes Midlothian Kids Specials

King Pin Lanes offers $2 games and $2 shoe rentals for kids under the age of 10.

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

Parks and Playgrounds

Of course, you probably already know about the huge array of free parks and playgrounds available throughout the greater Richmond area. To learn more about some of the top parks, be sure to visit our list of Best Parks and Playgrounds or visit your city or county Parks and Rec site below:

Chesterfield
City of Richmond
Hanover
Henrico
State of Virginia

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!

Cost: Free

Hours: Sunrise to sunset

Location:
7310 Riverside Dr.
Richmond VA 23225

Virginia Capital Trail

Opened in 2015, the Virginia Capital Trail connects Virginia’s colonial capital of Williamsburg to the present day capital in Richmond. The trail parallels the Scenic Route 5 corridor and offers glimpses of the countless sites and landscapes that shaped Virginia’s history over the last 400 years. With 52 miles of dedicated, paved trails, it’s perfect for for a family bike ride – even if you have beginning bike riders in your crew. If you don’t have bikes for everyone or want to enjoy a guided excursion, be sure to visit Basket and Bike for rentals, guided tours, and more.

Cost: Free

Hours: N/A

Location: Various points throughout the city and along Route 5. Visit the interactive trail map to find entrance points near you, picnic spots, bike rentals, and much more.

Washington Redskins Training Camp

See the Redskins up close and personal right here in Richmond! From July 25 – August 11, 2019, 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

POOLS AND SPLASH PADS

POOLS

Richmond City offers a number of indoor and outdoor pools that offer free family swim times and open/lap swim times. The pools also offer American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim lessons at all levels from beginning to advanced – child to adult. Lifeguard certification, first aid, and CPR training are also available. See a list of the pools below:

INDOOR POOLS SCHEDULE (Year Round):

Group Swim (reservations required): Monday – Friday, 9am – 12:30pm; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 1pm – 3:45pm

Open/Lap Swim: Monday – Friday, 1pm – 4:30pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30pm – 8pm

Bellemeade Indoor Pool

Location: 1800 Lynhaven Avenue. Richmond, VA 23224
Phone: (804) 646-8849
Cost: Free

Swansboro Indoor Pool

Location: 3160 Midlothian Turnpike. Richmond, VA 23224
Phone: (804) 646-8088
Cost: Free

OUTDOOR POOLS SCHEDULE (Mid-June – Labor Day):

Family Swim: Monday – Friday, 5pm – 7pm

Open/ap Swim: Monday – Friday, 1pm – 4:30pm; Saturday, 12pm – 5pm; Sunday and Holidays, 1pm – 5pm

Battery Outdoor Pool

Location: 2719 Dupont Circle, Richmond, VA 23222
Phone: (804) 646-0127
Cost: Free

Blackwell Outdoor Pool

Location: 238 E. 14th Street, Richmond, VA 23224
Phone: (804) 646-8718
Cost: Free

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-

Hotchkiss Outdoor Pool

Location: 701 East Brookland Park Boulevard. Richmond, VA 23222
Phone: (804) 646-3762
Cost: Free

Powhatan Outdoor Pool

Location: 1000 Apperson Street. Richmond VA 23231
Phone: (804) 646-3595
Cost: Free

Randolph Outdoor Pool

Location: 1507 Grayland Avenue 23220
Phone: (804)646-1329
Cost: Free

Woodville Outdoor Pool

Location: 2305 Fairfield Ave, Richmond, VA 23223
Phone: (804)646-3834
Cost: Free

SPLASH PADS

Splash pads are a great way to cool down during the hot summer months. Featuring fountains and other fun water features, splash pads are available at a number of Richmond area locations, including the following: