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Richmond, VA · Guide

Things to do with kids in Richmond

Last updated November 1, 2026 · 15 places

Richmond offers a balanced mix of city history and sprawling outdoor spaces, making it a reliable destination for family outings. From the interactive exhibits at local museums to the winding trails along the James River, there is plenty of room to roam, whether your family leans toward active explorations in park settings or quieter afternoons at cultural landmarks.

This guide focuses on school-age children and younger, highlighting destinations that keep momentum up through play and nature-based activity. We have curated a list that covers everything from botanical gardens to neighborhood playgrounds, ensuring you have the information needed to plan your day efficiently.

Good to know this fall

Fall break and early-season rain shift families toward the indoor picks on this list fast. The first wet weekend of the month is the busiest — go right at opening, and check school-holiday weeks before you drive across town.

Want picks tuned to your kids' ages, dietary needs, and interests — not just a static list?

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  1. 01

    Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

    4.7 (2,080)1800 Lakeside Ave, Richmond, VA 23228, USA
    Kids' menu likelyCalmAll ages

    Extensive botanical gardens featuring a butterfly sanctuary, a children's garden, and various themed plant displays. The site offers paved paths and a cafe.

    Parent tip · Reserve a specific time for the butterfly exhibit when purchasing tickets to ensure entry.
  2. 02

    Maymont

    4.8 (10,461)1700 Hampton St, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
    CalmBest for school-age

    This 19th-century estate features expansive grounds, a zoo, a farm, and the Robins Nature Center. Visitors can walk through diverse gardens or tour the historic mansion.

    Parent tip · Visit the Robins Nature Center toward the end of your trip to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  3. 03

    Science Museum of Virginia

    4.7 (5,788)2500 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
    LivelyBest for school-age

    A large museum featuring hands-on educational exhibits, a dome theater, and animal displays. It offers a variety of interactive science activities suitable for different age levels.

    Parent tip · Check the daily schedule upon arrival to ensure you do not miss specific animal Q&A sessions or dome shows.
  4. 04

    PARK365

    4.8 (1,196)3600 Saunders Ave N, Richmond, VA 23227, USA
    LivelyAll ages

    A fully fenced, accessible playground with dedicated areas for various ages. Facilities include picnic tables, basketball courts, and a fort-style play structure.

    Parent tip · Bring your own drinks, as the onsite water fountains are often unreliable.
  5. 05

    Libby Hill Park

    4.7 (2,037)2801 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
    CalmAll ages

    A small park known for panoramic sunset views of the James River and downtown. It provides open grassy areas suitable for picnics and light play.

    Parent tip · Plan to arrive before sunset to secure a good spot for the view.
  6. 06

    Taylor Farm Park

    4.9 (422)200 Whiteside Rd, Sandston, VA 23150, USA
    LivelyBest for preschool

    A uniquely designed park featuring a man-made recirculating play creek, splash pad, zip lines, and treehouse-style climbing structures.

    When to go: no wait weekdays

    Parent tip · Explore the full park beyond the splash pad to find less crowded sections like the mini-waterfalls.
  7. 07

    Forest Hill Park

    4.7 (1,594)4021 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond, VA 23225, USA
    CalmAll ages

    A large park located near VCU with walking trails, grassy areas for picnics, and a wooden playground. It hosts a weekly farmers market.

    Parent tip · If visiting with a stroller, note that access to the playground area can be challenging.
  8. 08

    Children's Museum of Richmond

    4.6 (2,865)2626 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
    LivelyBest for toddlers

    A hands-on museum designed for younger children with themed play areas including a grocery store, train exhibit, and art studio.

    Parent tip · Look for the smaller nooks within the play zones if you are visiting with a very young child to avoid the busier main areas.
  9. 09

    Three Lakes Park & Nature Center

    4.6 (2,058)400 Sausiluta Dr, Richmond, VA 23227, USA
    CalmAll ages

    A park featuring walking trails around three ponds, a nature center, and playgrounds. The paths are generally paved and suitable for strollers.

    Parent tip · Watch for turtles near the water, which are a common sight along the trails.
  10. 10

    Huguenot Park

    4.6 (1,247)10901 Robious Rd, Richmond, VA 23235, USA
    LivelyBest for school-age

    A community park with a variety of play areas, athletic fields, and walking trails. It includes shaded seating and a dedicated playground for children.

    Parent tip · Check the playground path for posted activity suggestions designed for parents to do with children.
  11. 11

    Bryan Park

    4.5 (2,593)4308 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA 23227, USA
    CalmAll ages

    A large park offering diverse ecosystems, including ponds, wooded trails, and creeks. It is a popular spot for birding, biking, and picnicking.

  12. 12

    Great Shiplock Park

    4.6 (949)2803 Dock St, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
    CalmAll ages

    A waterfront park that serves as a trail head for the Capital Trail. It offers scenic views of the river, train trestles, and paths for hiking or biking.

  13. 13

    North Bank Trail/ Texas Beach

    4.5 (783)1907 Texas Ave, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
    LivelyBest for school-age

    A riverside area accessible by trails. It features sandy beaches, rocky terrain, and hiking paths near the water.

    Parent tip · Wear appropriate hiking shoes for the terrain leading down to the water.
  14. 14

    Maymont Japanese Garden

    4.7 (135)1700 Hampton St, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
    CalmBest for school-age

    A tranquil section of Maymont featuring a Japanese garden with ponds, bridges, and stepping stones. It is designed for quiet reflection.

    Parent tip · Wear non-slip shoes, as the path involves steep steps down into the garden area.
  15. 15

    White House of the Confederacy

    4.4 (983)1201 E Clay St, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
    CalmBest for school-age

    A historic house museum focusing on the home of Jefferson Davis. Guided tours are available, providing information on the residence and its history.

Common questions

How were these things to do with kids in Richmond chosen?

Each place starts from current local listing data for Richmond, then is screened for family fit — things like kids' menus and high chairs, how loud it gets, the ages it suits best, and practical details like stroller room and wait times.

How current is this guide?

This guide was last updated in November 2026. FamSpots refreshes its city guides on a rolling schedule, and each page shows its own update date at the bottom.

Is FamSpots free?

Yes. Every city guide is free to read with no account. Creating a free account adds recommendations tuned to your kids' ages, interests, and dietary needs. No credit card is required.

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