![\"Free](\"https:\/\/richmondmom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/FREE-Summer-2019-.jpg\")
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
And as always, if you know of any free things to do in Richmond this summer \u2013 or throughout the year \u2013 that we might have overlooked, we would love to hear about them! Let us know at cs@richmondmom.com.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n History Sites and Museums<\/a> <\/a><\/p>\n 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\u2019s capital city. Access to the walk is free, but canal cruises and gondola rides are also available from Riverfront Historic Canal Cruises<\/a> and Venture Richmond<\/a>.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong> Free to visit anytime<\/p>\n Hours:\u00a0<\/strong>N\/A<\/p>\n Location (Parking): <\/p>\n 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 <\/span>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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Programs are available throughout the summer. Most programs and events are free and family-friendly. See a list of 2019 summer programs here.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Cost: <\/strong>Admission is free, donations appreciated<\/p>\n Hours: <\/strong>Tuesday- Friday, <\/span>10am – 4pm; Saturday, 10am – 2pm\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Location:<\/strong> <\/p>\n The Dabbs House served as General Robert E. Lee\u2019s 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\u2019s police headquarters from 1941-2005.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/b>The Tourist Information Center offers visitors information about the County\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong> Admission is free<\/p>\n Hours: <\/strong>Wednesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm (Monday and Tuesday, by appointment)<\/p>\n Location: <\/p>\n It may seem a bit macabre, but this 19th<\/sup>-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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> for upcoming programs, events, and tours.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong> Admission is free<\/p>\n Hours:\u00a0<\/strong>8am \u2013 6pm, daily<\/p>\n Location: <\/p>\n 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\u2019s work as a bank president, newspaper editor, fraternal leader, and spokesperson for economic empowerment and educational opportunities for minorities.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n There are also a number of special programs for kids<\/a> available at the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, including:<\/p>\n EVERY KID IN A PARK PROGRAM<\/strong><\/p>\n The Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site invites all 4th grade students to visit us as part of the White House\u2019s Every Kid in a Park program. Starting September 2015, 4th grade students can go to www.everykidinapark.gov<\/a>\u00a0to complete an activity and obtain a FREE annual entry pass to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks.<\/p>\n JUNIOR RANGER\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Many National Parks offer visitors the opportunity to join the National Park Service Family as Junior Rangers.\u00a0To 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\u00a0download the Junior Ranger activity booklet<\/a>\u00a0and use the\u00a0Maggie L. Walker NHS website<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0virtual tours and exhibits<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Last but not least, click here<\/a> to find free, printable coloring sheets and online games that teach about\u00a0Mrs. Walker, her bank, her home, and her organization, the Independent Order of St. Luke.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Cost:<\/strong> Admission is free<\/p>\n Hours:\u00a0<\/strong>Tuesday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm Location: <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n In addition to the house, visitors can see the historic Carriage House and collection, designed to show the\u00a0horse-drawn transportation typical of country estates in Virginia during the Gilded Age.<\/p>\n Tours and special events are held at the mansion year-round, so be sure to visit Maymont’s event calendar<\/a> to see what’s coming up this summer. Please note that there may be costs associated with some events and activities.<\/p>\n Cost:\u00a0<\/strong>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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Hours:<\/strong> Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm<\/p>\n Location:<\/strong> <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The museum also hosts special programs and events throughout the year, including the summer months. Click here<\/a> to see a list of upcoming events and programs.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong> Admission and most programs are free<\/p>\n Hours:\u00a0<\/strong>Park open daily from dawn to dusk<\/p>\n Historic Farmhouse, Orientation Center and Out Buildings<\/strong> December-February (closed the first two weeks of January) Location: <\/p>\n 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<\/a> are offered through the year. Plus, be sure to visit their Facebook page<\/a> for up-to-date information about events and programs.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong> Admission is free<\/p>\n Hours:\u00a0<\/strong>Park open daily from dawn to dusk<\/p>\n Location: <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> to learn about special programs and train excursions!<\/p>\n Cost:\u00a0<\/strong>Free for children under 13, $5 for visitors over 13 to help maintain the museum<\/p>\n Hours: Location: <\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Chimborazo Medical Museum<\/a><\/strong> Cost:\u00a0<\/strong>Free<\/p>\n Hours: <\/strong>9am \u2013 4:30pm, daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year\u2019s Day)<\/p>\n Location: Civil War Visitor Center at Tredegar Iron Works<\/strong><\/em><\/a> Hours:<\/strong> 9am \u2013 5pm, daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year\u2019s Day)<\/p>\n Location: Cold Harbor Battlefield Visitor Center<\/a> Cost: <\/strong>Free, plus, free Ranger programs<\/a> are offered daily throughout the summer!<\/p>\n Hours: <\/strong>9am \u2013 4:30pm, daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year\u2019s Day)<\/p>\n Location: Fort Harrison Visitor Center<\/em><\/a> Cost: <\/strong>Free<\/p>\n Hours:<\/strong> Open daily during the summer season; weekends in August; closed October through May<\/p>\n Location: <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Cost: <\/strong>Free<\/p>\n Hours: Location: \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019s largest Faberge egg collections, as well as many temporary exhibits showcasing some of the world\u2019s finest artists and sculptors.<\/p>\n In addition to exhibits, the museum also offers a wide range of special events<\/a> and programs<\/a> for kids, youth, and families. Be sure to see all that the museum has to offer this summer – and all year long!<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong> Admission is free<\/p>\n Hours:<\/strong> 10am \u2013 5pm, daily; Open until 9pm on Thursday and Friday<\/p>\n Location: <\/p>\n The Virginia War Memorial is the Commonwealth of Virginia\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> or visit the event calendar<\/a> for upcoming special events.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong> Admission is free<\/p>\n Hours:<\/strong> Monday – Saturday, 9am \u2013 4pm; Sunday, 12pm – 4pm<\/p>\n Location: <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Childrens\u2019 Farm Wildlife Exhibits Nature Center Maymont Gardens<\/strong><\/em><\/a> Location: Estate Entrance
\n<\/strong>Nature and Animals<\/a>
\n<\/strong>Movies<\/a>
\n<\/strong>Music and Theatre<\/a>
\n<\/strong>Sports and Recreation<\/a>
\n<\/strong>Pools and Splash Parks <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nHISTORY SITES AND MUSEUMS<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Canal Walk<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n<\/strong>S. 14th<\/sup> Street and Dock Street
\nRichmond, VA 23231<\/p>\nChesterfield County Museum and Old Jail<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n6813 Mimms Loop
\nChesterfield, VA 23832
\n(804) 768-7311<\/p>\nDabbs House Museum & Henrico County Tourism Center<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n<\/strong>3812 Nine Mile Road
\nHenrico, VA\u00a0\u00a0 23223
\n(804) 652-3406<\/span><\/p>\nHollywood Cemetery<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n<\/strong>412 South Cherry Street
\nRichmond, VA 23220
\n(804) 648-8501<\/p>\nMaggie L. Walker National Historic Site<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>600 North 2nd Street
\nRichmond, Virginia 23219
\n(804) 771-2017<\/span> x 0<\/p>\nMaymont Historic Mansion\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n1700 Hampton Street
\nRichmond, VA, 23220<\/p>\nMeadow Farm Museum at Crump Park<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n<\/strong>March-November
\n<\/em>Tuesday \u2013 Sunday: 12pm \u2013 4pm<\/p>\n
\n<\/em>Saturday and Sunday: 12pm \u2013 4pm<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>3400 Mountain Road
\nGlen Allen, VA 23060
\n(804) 652-1455<\/p>\nMid-Lothian Mines Park<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n<\/strong>13301 N Woolridge Road
\nMidlothian, VA 23114
\n(804) 323-1700 (Chesterfield County Parks and Rec office)<\/p>\nRichmond Railroad Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n<\/strong>Saturday: 11am \u2013 4pm
\nSunday: 1pm \u2013 4pm<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>102 Hull Street (south end of the 14th<\/sup> Street bridge)
\nRichmond, VA 23224<\/p>\nRichmond National Battlefield Park<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n<\/em>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.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>3215 East Broad Street
\nRichmond, VA 23223
\n(804) 226-1981<\/p>\n
\nThis 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.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>470 Tredegar Street
\nRichmond, VA 23219
\n(804) 771-2145<\/p>\n
\n<\/em><\/strong>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.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>5515 Anderson-Wright Drive
\nMechanicsville, VA 23111
\n(804) 226-1981<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>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.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>8621 Battlefield Park Rd
\nHenrico, VA 23231
\n(804) 226-1981<\/p>\nVirginia Holocaust Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n<\/strong>Monday \u2013 Friday: 9am \u2013 5pm
\nSaturday and Sunday: 11am \u2013 5pm<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>2000 E. Cary Street
\nRichmond, VA 23223
\n(804) 257-5400<\/p>\nVirginia Museum of Fine Arts<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n<\/strong>200 N. Boulevard
\nRichmond, VA 23220
\n(804) 340-1400<\/p>\nVirginia War Memorial\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n<\/strong>621 S. Belvidere St.
\nRichmond, VA 23220
\n804-786-2060<\/p>\nNATURE AND ANIMALS<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Maymont<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n<\/a><\/em><\/strong>The Children\u2019s 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 \u2013 5pm, daily.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong><\/a><\/em>Set between the Children’s\u2019 Farm and the Nature Center, Maymont\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong><\/a><\/em>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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
\n<\/em>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\u2019s many specialty gardens<\/a>. The park and gardens are open daily from 10am until 7pm, April through September and 10am until 5pm, October through March. Admission is free.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Nature and Visitor Center
\n<\/em>2201 Shields Lake Drive
\nRichmond, VA, 23220<\/p>\n
\n<\/em>1700 Hampton Street
\nRichmond, VA, 23220<\/p>\n