Richmond’s Top Destinations for Outdoor Family Fun
With spring out in full force and summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time of year to get out and explore. Richmond is a beautiful city, rich in history and culture, and—as many are surprised to learn—a surprisingly fun vacation (or staycation) destination. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you will find our city has more than enough to keep everyone entertained, engaged and exercising their minds and bodies. Here are our favorite activities in the Richmond area for families to spend quality time together in the great outdoors.
William Byrd Park
At over 200 acres, Byrd Park is one of the largest and most popular parks in the state. It features miles of scenic trails, historic monuments, sprawling lawns for games, an amphitheater, tennis courts, picnic areas for gathering, as well as three (yes, three!) beautiful lakes. During the warmer months, you can book a pedal boat ride, or practice casting a fishing line.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden offers a 50-acre landscape of themed gardens, as well as a cafe and conservatory featuring thousands of rare, exotic plant species from around the world. The Botanical Garden is remarkably kid-friendly with exclusive areas for little ones to explore, including a butterfly garden, a vegetable garden, and a water play area. They even offer storytime and a scavenger hunt along their “Fairy Forest” trail.
Belle Isle
Belle Isle is a beautiful urban park situated on an island within the James River. It’s a nature-lovers paradise where visitors can bike or hike through scenic trails, watch kayakers navigate the rapids, tour interpretive sites, fish at the quarry pond, scramble along miles of beautiful river rocks, climb on the granite wall, or even join sun-worshiping hula hoopers. There is truly something for everyone at Belle Isle!
Hadad’s Lake
Hadad’s Lake is the ultimate warm-weather destination featuring a water park, playground and three different pool areas ranging in size and depth for all swim levels. Play on the rope swing, ride kayaks and canoes, climb on the playground, hit the volleyball or basketball courts—no matter what, you and the family are sure to have fun.
Maymont
Maymont is a 100-acre estate and public park where visitors can go back in time and experience the wonder and magic of the Victoria era. It features Maymont Mansion (a historic house museum), three specially curated traditional gardens, native wildlife habitats, nature center, and a working farm (with petting zoo!). The best part? Admission is free!
Capital Trail
This popular urban trail system offers outdoor adventures for hikers, joggers, and cyclists over 52 miles. BYOB (bring your own bikes), or rent what you need to ride the paved trail which connects with the beautiful Canal Walk in downtown Richmond.
Richmond’s outdoor activities provide your family with their essential daily dose of Vitamin N (Nature!) AND Vitamin D. But, before heading out to soak up the fun in the sun, don’t forget to make sure everyone in the family is protecting their skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen!
About Dr. Sharline Aboutanos
Board certified Richmond plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos helps Richmonders look and feel rejuvenated with an array of surgical procedures, non-surgical treatments, and medical-grade skincare products. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Aboutanos online or call (804) 355-3410 to give yourself the gift of beautiful skin this spring, summer, and beyond!