Best Indoor Winter Activities In and Around Richmond

While we love for our kids to play outside anytime of the year, the winter months can be tough. Icy winds, winter storms, and generally cooler conditions often send the kids running for the warmth of the indoors – and it’s not long before cabin fever sets in for the whole family. So it’s not unusual to find yourself looking for some fun, indoor winter activities that don’t take place in your own living room. That’s why today, we’re taking a look at some fantastic indoor winter activities in Richmond and the surrounding areas.

To pick our favorite activities, we looked for places that offered:

1. Activities for all ages
2. A range of options to suit varying tastes
3. Convenient hours and locations

The following five spots more than met our criteria, offering easy ways to cure cabin fever with tons of indoor winter activities for the whole family.

Take a look at our list and if you have a favorite spot for indoor winter activities, be sure to let us know! You can tell us all about it at cs@richmondmom.com.

1. Massanutten WaterPark®

Chances are you’re already familiar with the many skiing and other winter sport options available at Massanutten Resort. But when you’re ready to come in from the cold, it’s good to know that Massanutten WaterPark® is always heated to 84° Fahrenheit, meaning that even in the coldest winter months, you’ll find it easy to warm up – and still have a blast. The indoor water park is perfect for kids of all ages thanks to a wide range of water slides, inflatable adventures, pools, a lazy river, and more. You can even learn to surf on the FlowRider® Endless Wave! Of course, parents will have fun on all of the water features, too, but when you’re ready to relax, the hot tubs are perfect for kicking back and taking a break.

But the fun doesn’t stop in the water. The park offers plenty of waterless fun, as well. Three stories of eateries and gift shops overlook the WaterPark complex and Diamond Jim’s Arcade, located on the second level, offers hours of gaming fun for all ages. Stay a day or spend the whole weekend – Massanutten offers tons of great accommodations, as well as specials and package deals.  And right now, Massanutten is offering Richmond Mom fans a special winter deal!

Every Sunday from January 5 through March 29, 2020, Richmond Mom readers can get 30% Off Sunday All-Day General Admission booked online with promo code RICHMONDMOM30. This special is not valid on Twilight Admission or any other discounted ticket prices or offers and is available for up to 4 guests per use. Blackout Dates: 1/19/20 and 2/16/20.

Contact:
Massanutten Resort
1822 Resort Drive
Massanutten, VA 22840
(540) 289-4952

2. Science Museum of Virginia

When it comes to combining learning and fun activities, no one does it better than the Science Museum of Virginia.  This beloved Richmond museum provides entertainment, education, and an all-around immersive experience for children – and adults – of all ages. Filled with state-of-the-art exhibits that are designed to teach young minds about the world around them, the museum provides interactive displays, hands-on learning and an endless supply of fun. Tinker in labs, explore the universe or discover the natural world – the possibilities are endless. And thanks to multiple floors of exhibits and plenty of places to work out the wiggles, you’ll be able to work out the wiggles, while exercising your brain!

Be sure to check out their current exhibits, find out what’s playing in The Dome, or visit their event calendar to find out about upcoming special events!

Contact:
Science Museum of Virginia
2500 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 864-1400

3. Launch Trampoline Park

Launch is the newest addition to Richmond indoor fun scene. This state-of-the-art indoor trampoline park offers a range of trampoline courts to suit every taste, style, and age. Bring your friends and catch some major height on our trampoline courts! Take your game up a notch on the trampoline basketball courts, spring into the fun-filled foam pits, take on challengers in the “battle pit” where you can joust on the battle beam and test your skills on the slackline, or let the little ones play on kid’s court for safe, age-appropriate fun.

And once everyone has had a chance to work out the wiggles on the trampolines, you’ll still have plenty to explore thanks to a full-service cafe, an arcade with tons of game options, and a state-of-the-art laser tag arena. With hours every day but Tuesday, including special toddler play times, Launch makes it easy to beat the winter blues.

Contact:
Launch Trampoline Park
10903 Hull Street Road
Midlothian, VA 23112
(804) 419-5753
info@launchrichmond.com

4. SkateNation Plus

SkateNation Plus is Short Pump’s favorite destination for indoor winter fun thanks to their year-round options. SkateNation Plus offers a regulation NHL rink with programs for skaters of all skill levels, including public skating sessions, figure skating, ice hockey leagues and clinics, lessons, and special events. So whether you’re just looking for a way to burn off some energy, want to discover a new hobby, or have kids interested in more structured ice sports, you’ll find something for every age and interest. Plus, when you’re ready to get off the ice, you’ll enjoy a full-service cafe, an arcade, and a state-of-the-art 5,000 square foot laser tag arena.

And if you live on the southside of Richmond and are looking for a closer option, be sure to check out SkateNation Plus’s sister rink, Richmond Ice Zone. They offer many of the same features as SkateNation Plus, minus the laser tag arena.

Contact:
SkateNation Plus
4350 Pouncey Tract Rd
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 364-1477

5. Thunderbolt Indoor Karting

http://www.thunderboltkarting.com/

Experience ALL the thrills this winter with Thundernbolt Indoor Karting. This state-of-the-art indoor racing experience features electric karts that pick up speed much faster than the gas-fueled alternatives and can reach up to 45mph for a truly exhilarating ride. And thanks to Thunderbolt’s flexible Arrive and Drive policy, you can come in anytime, suit up, and hit the tracks. Plus, thanks to their selection of kid-friendly karts, your children can experience the thrill of indoor karting in a secure, controlled environment. Thunderbolt’s Jr. Racing experience features Junior Karts that are smaller in size for a more secure fit, and will only reach speeds of up to 25 mph (compared to 45 mph for Adult Karts).

Once you’ve hit your top speeds on the track, be sure to take a break from reality for a bit and try some Virtual Reality with Thunderbolt’s completely immersive Virtual Reality gaming system. With a wide range of games and experiences available, there’s something for everyone in the family.

Last but not least, be sure to click here to see Thunderbolt’s weekly specials!

Contact:
Thunderbolt Indoor Karting
1365 Carmia Way
Richmond, VA 23235
(804) 378-6066