4 Kid-Friendly Activities in Richmond That Are Fun for the Whole Family
Warm weather has made its way to Richmond, and we couldn’t be happier to get outdoors and enjoy a little sunshine (with SPF, that is!)! But, after an unpredictable year, many of us are finding ourselves a little hesitant to travel, and are caught without plans to enjoy the season. Thankfully, our local Richmond area has plenty of summertime fun to offer. Whether your family is into long lazy days at the lake or a trip to the local farmers market, these 4 kid-friendly activities offer something for everyone to love.
1. Cool off at Soak City
Get ready—Kings Dominion’s 20-acre waterpark, Soak City, is scheduled to open on June 19th! With over 24 slides, a massive wave pool, and of course, a lazy river, Soak City is the definition of family fun. Since Kings Dominion opens at 11am and admission to Soak City is free with park entry, consider trying to squeeze in a ride or two before the waterpark opens at noon.
Pro-tip: If you plan on spending a full day at Soak City, consider renting a private poolside cabana to relax in the shade.
2. Go for a paddle (or pedal!) on Swift Creek Lake
Swift Creek Lake is a 225-acre getaway located in the beautiful Pocahontas State Park just 20 minutes from Richmond. There are no motorized boats allowed on Swift Creek Lake, but visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and pedal boats from the park. The lake also offers plenty of camping, fishing, and picnic areas, so get ready to make new family memories!
Pro tip: If your family needs a break from the water, Pocahontas State Park has over 90 miles of hiking and biking trails.
3. Support your local farmers
Teach your little ones the importance of buying local and eating healthy by shopping at one of Richmond’s many summer farmers markets! Here are a few of our favorites:
South of the James Farmers Market is open Thursdays from 4 to 7pm May through October in beautiful Forest Hill Park. South of the James Market often features farmers from Monarch Flower Farm, Wandering Cow Farm, and Barham Seafood, and food vendors from Monique’s Crepes and Alchemy Coffee.
RVA Big Market is open every Saturday from 8am to 12pm year-round. Held in historic Bryan Park, Big Market features a variety of farms, food trucks, art vendors, and live music. Past vendors have included Norma’s Produce, Rappahannock Oyster Co., Ninja Kombucha, Hazel Witch Farm, and Color Wheel Coffee. The market posts a full vendor list every Tuesday afternoon on their Facebook page.
RVA Black Farmers Market is held on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm at various locations. As its name implies, this market highlights Black farmers, food vendors, and artists. It also features live music and kid-friendly games & activities. Past vendors have included Juice Life, Real Roots Food Systems, Barb’s Blooms, and Whole Column 15 Coffee. Show your support for Richmond’s Black community by shopping at this market!
4. Listen to live music
What’s better than listening to live music together outdoors on a summer night? Your family is sure to have a blast at one of these summer concerts:
Westchester Concert Series. Enjoy live music, food, and drinks in the Westchester Commons shopping area on select Fridays and Saturdays through August! The Westchester Concert series kicks off June 26th from 5 to 8:30pm with live music from local band 5SecondRule. Westchester Commons has one of the highest concentrations of restaurants in the Richmond area, so be sure to check out the incredible craft beer selection at Sedona Tap House and try the mouth-watering Ricotta Gnocchi at The Shaved Duck Restaurant.
Flowers After 5. Every Thursday evening beginning at 5pm, enjoy live music, food, drinks, and a garden stroll at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. The Gardens are open until 9pm, with music and food sales ending at 8pm. Families can purchase tickets in advance or at the Gardens. Admission is $14 for adults, $11 for seniors, $8 for children age 3-12, and free for children under 3 and Garden members.
Pro tip: If your family doesn’t go anywhere without its four-legged companion, visit the Gardens on the second and fourth Thursday nights for Fidos After 5 when leashed dogs are allowed.
After Hours at Meadow Event Park. Formerly located in the Innsbrook community, the After Hours concert series is moving to Meadow Event Park this summer. The series already has over 25 shows scheduled, including rescheduled concerts from last year. With doors opening at 5pm and musicians taking the stage at 6pm, the After Hours concert series gives the whole family the opportunity to see popular acts like Hanson and Train. The best part? Children 10 and younger accompanied by a parent are admitted free.
Pro tip: Bring earplugs for your little ones!
Whatever you do, stay safe out there!
Remember to always wear a broad-spectrum waterproof sunscreen when outdoors, and cover up with a hat and long sleeves whenever possible. Also, consider protecting your eyes by wearing polarized sunglasses, especially if you’re out on the water—they cut down on glare and UV rays.
I hope you enjoyed this list of kid-friendly activities to enjoy with your family this summer. As always, if you’re in the Richmond area and would like to discuss skincare treatments or other aesthetic enhancements to help you look your best, contact my office online or call (804) 355-3410.