Richmond, Virginia, still feels haunted by the spirit of one of America's greatest and most misunderstood poets and horror writers, Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849). It was a fun-filled feast for both the senses and the mind. Then in 2013, Virginia began the LOVEworks program intended to encourage travel in Virginia. Did we miss any top places to visit in Richmond in this guide? 17 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Richmond - Atlas Obscura You can also cruise the canal on 40-minute historical tours, which depart on the hour from the Turning Basin, between 14th and Dock streets on Virginia Street. Civil War 2. Let us know in the comments. If you find yourself in Richmond, theres a culinary adventure that you simply cant miss. Check out our famousarts scene, too. If you are wondering what to do in Richmond, Virginia with kids, I highly recommend taking your tykes to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Your youngsters can immerse themselves in this gorgeous garden as they do fun activities. Address: 818 East Marshall Street, Richmond, Virginia. Were everyone-friendly a place where inclusion is evident in efforts like BlkRVA and OutRVA. Not only does the RVATukTuk Sightseeing Tour offer a thrilling ride, but it also opens up a window to Richmonds rich history and landmarks. Metro Richmond Zoo Source: flickr Metro Richmond Zoo Metro Richmond Zoo is known for having over 2,000 animals and if you come here you will find over 190 different species of wildlife that hail from all over the world. From 1801 until 1835, he was the fourth Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. 1: Canal Walk Flickr/Ron Cogswell Looking to sightsee? Were dog-friendly. Sinister Scares of Shockoe Bottom Tour 3. Its a perfect activity for families, creating memories that will last a lifetime. These experiences will create unforgettable memories for your family. One is the Edward V. Valentine Sculpture Studio, one of only four surviving 19th-century American sculpture studios open to the public. The imposing white Capitol was built in 1785 to 1788 to the design of Thomas Jefferson, who modeled it after the Roman temple known as the Maison Carree in Nimes, France. You can visit the garden she planted behind the house, filled with fragrant roses. One of Richmonds most beloved neighborhoods is Carytown, a district dating back to 1938 that is renowned for its small shops, eateries, and more. TheAmerican Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar, along the James River, includes the Tredegar Ironworks ruins and two exhibit galleries. Address: 2000 East Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia. EXPERIENCE BLKRVA About BLKRVA Regions Arts & Culture Attractions Dining Health & Wellness . Outside, you will want to explore the museums sculpture garden and grounds. Walk back 400 years in time atHenricus Historical Parkto see where Pocahontas lived. The area is popular with those who enjoy outdoor activities, but Roanoke is Virginia's top nature adventure destination, popular for its rock climbing, hiking, sports fishing, and boating. The Arts District Food Tour by Discover Richmond Tours is a culinary adventure through the citys vibrant arts district. You will get to enjoy food in RVAs oldest neighborhood while hearing stories from the past about vampires, the Revolutionary War, and more. This area also is home to the unique CWDKids Tree House, which is fully wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the view from up top. Sculptures 2. Knowledgeable Guides: They provide insightful commentary, interesting facts, and engaging stories, enhancing the overall experience and deepening visitors understanding of the city. Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks Fun & Games Museums Nightlife Nature & Parks Spas & Wellness Classes & Workshops Water & Amusement Parks Zoos & Aquariums Casinos & Gambling Fun & Games Game & Entertainment Centers Richmond, VA. Attractions. . They carry an array of alcoholic drinks as well as non-alcoholic ones. Venture to the old Broad Street Station and spend the day as a family exploring the wide variety of interactive exhibits covering four floors at the Science Museum of Virginia. I rate these activities based on the following criteria: Richmond, VA is a city that offers a plethora of things to do and explore. 18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Virginia, 14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Richmond, VA, 15 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Williamsburg, VA, 11 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Charlottesville, VA, Virginia in Pictures: 21 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 15 Best Cheap Beach Vacation Spots in the USA, 11 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways in Virginia, 10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Norfolk, VA, 10 Best Hiking Trails in Shenandoah National Park, 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Virginia Beach, 24 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, hiking in nearby Shenandoah National Park. At Fort Harrison, you will learn more about a September 29, 1864 attack on the fort. The Poe Museum also has a gift shop where you can buy all sorts of trinkets for your kids, such as toys, jewelry, accessories, books, bobbleheads, and clothes. The most well-known site in Fredericksburg is the National Military Park which was the home of four major military battlefields used during the Civil War. At the Ultimate Dodgeball attraction, your family will get to play a classic game of dodgeball as they jump on trampolines. Take in a show at the beautiful Byrd Theatre and spend an hour or two in the company of great artists in the Virginia Museum of Fine Art; be dazzled by the nation's finest collection of Faberg jeweled Easter eggs. As you peruse the collections and The Story of Virginia, which is the main exhibit, you will encounter 1,600 years of Virginia history. The Virginia Museum of History and Culture, established in 1831, features the largest display of Virginian artifacts. Richmond has heaps of tasty coffee shops and you will find them throughout different parts of the city. Look no further than Richmond's Canal Walk. 1. Its a feast for the senses that will leave you craving more. 7 Free Things to Do in Richmond | U.S. News Travel The important collections of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts are the envy of many museums in larger cities. 9 Fun Things to Do Near Richmond, VA (2023): Best Places to Visit! This historical gem is filled to the brim with captivating stories, awe-inspiring art, and a vibrant natural landscape thatll take your breath away. Outside, you will find the bronze sculpture of the War Horse which is a memorial to all the mules and horses killed throughout the Civil War. As you stroll, you will pass the American Civil War Center, Box Brown Plaza, and Browns Island, a six-acre park along the James. This is where our country started, and grew, and fought, and fought again. You will be amazed at the originality and how different those four little letters can be! Why We Recommend Going Here Follow the scenic Colonial Parkway to explore historic sites including the first English settlement at Jamestown and the Yorktown battlefield where the Revolutionary War ended. Are you looking for the best things to do in Richmond VA for your upcoming trip? Stop for a snack at Le Creperie or one of the bakeries and cafs, or stay for dinner and choose from Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Italian, Japanese, or vegan cuisine. Outside, you will find rose gardens where you can see and smell more than 70 different roses, the Asian Valley dedicated solely to Asian plants, and the Cherry Tree Walk, which bursts into bloom each spring. Explore Richmond, Virginia. Ive personally experienced all the wonders Richmond has to offer, so get ready for a firsthand account of the most fun-tastic activities to enjoy with your little ones. Both are highly educational and accessible, but the food tour adds an extra layer of deliciousness. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. When you need refreshing ice cream on a hot summer day, visit Beverly Mazursky! Learn a bit about the Native American tribes that called Virginia home, the invasion of the colonists, the Civil War, and current events. poses beside the butterfly-shaped bar he has created for The Can Can restaurant at 3120 W. Cary St. in Richmond, VA, Thursday . Virginia Museum of History and Culture The museum focuses on the moving story of the Ipson familys survival and experiences. The Richmond regions collection of museums will have you thinking, appreciating, talking about issues and taking in beauty with a purpose, with experiences youll only find here. The treehouse and large area of the botanical gardens that are set aside for children are popular places to go for families; older kids will want to experience the Virginia Museum of History & Culture's new exhibit on the first missions to the moon. But, nothing beats visiting their Richmond location where youll be able to try their Virginia Blackberry Belgian-Style White Ale or their beloved Gingerbread Porter while downing a pizza at the same time. She uses her seven years of experience to craft captivating pieces for her readers. Attractions Museums Gardens Kings Dominion Black History Museum VA Museum of Fine Arts Edgar Allan Poe Museum Science Museum of VA We've got lots of fun things to do, whether you're here for a quick visit or plan on staying awhile. So buckle up as we go on a trip through the captivating world of fun things to do with kids in Richmond, VA. Dont miss out on our handpicked selection of the absolute best activities for kids in Richmond. Richmond - Virginia Is For Lovers We hope youre planning to stay a while, because theres a lot youll want to see here. But there are a lot more things to do in this lively southern city. The tour struck a balance between education and excitement, making it a hit with both the kids and the teenagers. There are numerous other fun things you can try, like going through obstacles, playing basketball, jumping into the foam zone, climbing suspended ladders, and so much more. More About Richmond, VA. Hotels Attractions Restaurants Campgrounds. The Riverfront Canal Cruises are perfect for all ages, whether they may be infants or senior citizens. Take a break from the outdoors and venture into the conservatory, where you can see seasonal displays, the orchid house, cacti, and butterflies. 8 places to celebrate July Fourth in Central VA - Richmond Times-Dispatch Open 365 days a year and free to visit, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts features roughly 40,000 pieces of artwork and is one of the largest museums in the United States. Virginias Holocaust Museum is definitely one of the best museums in the capital city and worth a visit, especially if youre looking for things to do in Richmond on a rainy day. Address: 480 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia. Full description Explore one of Virgina's most bustling neighborhoods with a food tour of Carytown. Its central exhibit, The Story of Virginia, contains a collection of over 500 artifacts, which give visitors a first-hand look at items from the past, from prehistoric tools to contemporary accomplishments. Will teenagers and tweens enjoy this attraction? Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Berkeley Hotel, 408 E Grace StRichmond, VA 23219(804) 213-2330Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. The Fischer Collection of Modernist works made the museum's holdings internationally significant by adding outstanding examples of German Expressionism. At various times, the basement floor is also accessible to the public, showing how the household slaves lived and worked. Also, if youre a beer and wine enthusiast, you can find both in the same place at Garden Grove Brewing and Urban Winery it is the perfect place to end your day in Richmond! When your youngsters arent swimming, they can have fun on the playgrounds, enjoy a game of basketball or volleyball, and play miniature golf. The Historic Estate is perfect for a family picnic as you sit on the soft grass and eat deliciously prepared meals and tour historic buildings thatll make your tribe feel as if theyve gone back in time. Whether youre interested in history, culture, outdoor activities, or simply indulging in delicious food, Richmond has something to cater to a wide range of interests and ensure a fulfilling experience for visitors. Today, you can visit a site dedicated to the prolific Richmonder that includes 6 buildings in Jackson Ward. Some of his original manuscripts, documents, and personal items are displayed in the museum. The city is planning multiple activities to celebrate history. One thing that Richmond has no shortage of is colorful street art. Charlottesville, just over an hour from Richmond, sits in the middle of central Virginia's Piedmont region and is a peaceful retreat beside the Blue Ridge Mountains. 1. Although a botanical garden might not be the first place you would think of to bring the kids, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has a surprising number of things to do for both children and adults, making it the perfect place to visit for families. Raven Trekking: Edgar Allan Poe's Richmond, Virginia 53 S Jefferson StRichmond, VA 23220(804) 814-8690Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Address: 200 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia. Sky Zone Trampoline Park is open for all ages but, Toddler Time is only for toddlers aged 2 and below and their guardian. The Black History Museum,Valentine Museum,Virginia Museum of History and CultureandAmerican Civil War Museumshow life from all sides in this city. The property encompasses several buildings, including the Edward V. Valentine Sculpture Studio and the Wickham House. The son of an actress and a runaway father . The fourth Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, Marshall served from 1801 to 1835, and his court opinions established several crucial concepts of constitutional government. Unfortunately, the water is too swift for swimming but you will still see many locals lounging around socializing and enjoying a little downtime by the water! 30 Best Day Trips From Richmond Places Nearby! The Maymont Farm is better for younger kids. The Wildlife Habitat is ideal for your animal-loving kids as they see the amazing wildlife up close, like black bears, bison, bobcats, elk, hawks, bald eagles, bison, and so on. The tour was educational, fun, and easily accessible for all ages. 401 N. 3rd Street | Richmond, VA 23219 | (804) 782-2777, 2023 Visit Richmond VA. All Rights Reserved. The paved trail passes a variety of statues, sculptures, and historical markers that share information about 400 years of Richmonds history. By visiting Hadads Lake, your kids can go swimming, swing from ropes as they drop into the water, jump on floating trampolines, ride paddle boats, and so much more. Look no further than a day at Shield N Sheath where you will have a chance to experience their hatchet house and all the fun that comes with it! Maymont (Richmond) - What to Know BEFORE You Go (2023) - Tripadvisor The park also features a rock-climbing area, fishing, 1.7 miles of walking and bike trails, and a mountain bike route with a 3,263-foot long / six-minute circuit. It shows how prominent Richmond families lived and gives a glimpse into their private world. Most of Delaware's most popular beaches are located within the protected area of Delaware Bay, which provides calm swimming conditions, although the highly popular Rehoboth Beach sits right on the Atlantic, beckoning tourists and locals alike. Best things to do in Richmond, VA with kids include the Science Museum of Virginia, the Virginia Aviation Museum and Richmond National Battlefield Park. This is with an appointment (which you can do on their website). Along Richmonds main drag, West Broad Street, you will find the 44,000 square foot Childrens Museum where everyone can be a kid and experience interactive learning and play through the many areas, including indoor fun at the bank, diner, schoolhouse, and news studio. As always, your safety is our first priority. Many of the exhibits feature Black Virginians like Arthur Ashe and displays depicting critical stories such as Desegregation, Emancipation, Civil Rights eras, and Jim Crow. There are well over 50 murals throughout the downtown (over 150 beyond) and Richmond has even received accolades from large publications (such as the Huffington Post) for its street art. And among these fantastic options, the RVATukTuk Sightseeing Tour stands out as the top choice. The teahouse and caf make the perfect place to get a refreshing drink or lunch when exploring the botanical gardens. These scenic boat rides are perfect for you and your tribe to enjoy after spending the day shopping and visiting attractions in downtown Richmond. You will listen to stories of those who survived the Holocaust and began a new life in the Richmond area. Youll also find some of the nations most famous landmarks in Richmond, all waiting to be explored! Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden offers storytime for your little ones and a Kid Quest, where your little ones will fill out a pamphlet as you explore the Fairy Forest on the tree trail. Things to Do Family Fun Where to Eat OutRVA BLK RVA June 25 Pride Month at the Garden Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden June 29 Flowers After 5 Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden June 30 Friday Cheers Brown's Island July 04 July 07 First Fridays for the Whole Family July 08 Richmond Night Market 17th St. Market View more blog posts Address: 480 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219. The museum's library and archives are another important aspect of the collections, and there are a great deal of genealogy resources available, including the recently developed Database of Virginia Slave Names. The displays feature over 300 artifacts and audio recordings of local survivors testimonies. Does it have ample parking space? The Belle Isle is a beautiful island within Richmond. Additionally, I delved deep into online resources, scouring reviews, forums, and family-friendly websites to gather a wide range of perspectives and opinions. 25 Virginia LOVE Signs to Visit in 2023 (+ Locations! A new building, opened in 2019, contains more than 7,000 square feet of gallery space for permanent and changing exhibitions. If you are searching for free kid-friendly things to do in Richmond, Belle Isle is one of your best options. Other major exhibits include the survival story of the Ipson family, a full reproduction of the Nuremberg Trial courtroom, and the Jewish American Hall of Fame. Theres Unhappy Hour at thePoe Museum, jaw-droppers at theScience Museum of Virginiaand dozens of other museums tucked throughout the region. 25 Best Things to Do in Richmond, Virginia - VacationIdea.com Address: 428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond,Virginia23220. While the initial building was lost to fire, the replica, built in 1934, is a more-than-acceptable substitute. Thanks for stopping by and we hope you will share your own VA travel tips on here, too! The Richmond Region speaks to different people in different ways. Jumpology Trampoline Park provides a fun and energetic environment for kids to bounce and play. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Virginia Crossings Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, 1345 Carmia WayRichmond, VA 23235(804) 379-2500Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Built in 1753, Wilton was the home of William Randolph III, . The church is still open and welcomes visitors on Sunday mornings for services. Edgar Allan Poe 2. You have nine yoga classes to choose from and seven fitness classes that offer a wide array of choices, depending on what you want to focus on. If you click on an affiliate link we provide, we may receive compensation. Their recommendations and firsthand accounts played a crucial role in shaping my choices. Us Civil War 2. Explore the Black History Museum and Cultural Center for both famous and forgotten stories of African-Americans' lives in Virginia. 31 Best Things to Do in Richmond, VA (for First-Timers) 14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Richmond, VA | PlanetWare The Poe Museum is perfect for your family, no matter what age they are. The 1.25-mile trail is the best way to take in Richmond's 400-year history. 1. Hours: Monday-Saturday 9AM-4PM; Sunday, 12-4PM. Governor's Palace Sean Xu / Shutterstock One of the best things to do in Williamsburg is to visit the first Royal Governor estate, at Colonial Williamsburg. Fun Factor: This measures the level of excitement, engagement, and enjoyment that the activity offers. The Richmond Metro Zoo is another popular choice, featuring a wide variety of animals and interactive experiences. Youll discover explosive flavors in their pho and their extensive tap list. It was George Washington who urged the Virginia General Assembly to build a canal and roads to connect east coast harbors to western markets.