Joseph Woods
Things to Do in Richmond VA With Kids | Top Things to Do in Richmond With Kids
Last Updated On: 15th January 2026, 10:59 pm
If you have kids, you won’t have any trouble keeping them engaged and entertained in Richmond. What’s going on in Richmond for kids? There are plenty of things to do in Richmond VA with kids. You might be asking, “Is Richmond family friendly?” The answer is yes!
Richmond has plenty of fun and interesting things to do for kids, including parks, trails, Metro Richmond Zoo, petting zoos, museums (including a children’s museum, riverfront cruises, kid-friendly restaurants, and much more. The opportunities for your kids to play, learn, enjoy nature and the outdoors, and see historical sites are endless. How do you spend a day in Richmond Virginia? Let us tell you! If you’ve been searching “kid friendly activities near me,” check out this guide for some of the best things to do in Richmond VA with kids.
Looking for the best things to do in Richmond VA with kids? The Science Museum of Virginia features interactive exhibits and live demonstrations that kids will love. With hands-on experiences that expose kids to STEM activities such as exploring space, human biology, science, speed, and more, your kids will be learning while having fun!
The popular Hot Wheels: Race to Win exhibit allows kids to design and build speed machines using die-cast cars. Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks showcases 20 of the world's most iconic skyscrapers from North America, Asia, and Australia. The display was built with meticulous architectural detail, using more than half a million LEGO bricks. Kids can build their own creations with the 200,000 loose LEGO bricks in the interactive construction areas. This is one of the best kids activities Richmond VA has to offer.
The museum is also home to the 76-foot Dome Theater, the largest screen in Virginia, which includes a planetarium. Tickets cost $17.50 for adults and kids 13 and older, $14.50 for kids from 6-12, and $10.00 for kids from 3-5. Children 2 and younger get in free. This is one of the most fun things to do in Richmond VA with kids!
Need one of the most unique things to do in Richmond VA with kids? King’s Dominion is one of the biggest attractions in Virginia, offering a wide variety of fun activities for the whole family. The park features over 60 world-class rides, including the world’s tallest and longest launched wing coaster. At Jungle X-Pedition, explore the deep, dark jungle with fun and immersive rides. Planet Snoopy is a PEANUTS-themed area, featuring the whole Peanuts gang, where younger kids can have fun at their level. Soak City is a 20-acre waterpark that includes a lazy river, wave pool, and thrilling water slides, such as the 65-ft-tall Hurricane Heights.
Kings Dominion also holds special events throughout the year, including Grand Carnivale, Halloween Haunt, and WinterFest. A one-day admission ticket to King’s Dominion is $80.00 at the gate, but you can purchase tickets online for $40.00.
One of the largest art museums in North America, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a great place to introduce kids to art. You’ll appreciate this as one of the best things to do in Richmond VA with kids. The museum houses almost 50,000 works of art that span 6,000 years of world history. The collection includes African art, American art, British sporting art, Fabergé, and Himalayan art.
Works from artists such as Paul Cezanne, Vincent van Gogh, Francisco Goya, Frank Lloyd Wright, Georgia O’Keeffe, Edgar Degas, Peter Paul Rubens, and many more are on display. The museum includes the Leslie Cheek Theater, a performing-arts venue that hosts a wide range of performing arts events throughout the year. Admission to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is free.
Looking at the best things to do in Richmond VA with kids because you’re relocating? Planning a move to Richmond? Let On The Fly Moving make your relocation smooth and stress-free! Our experienced Richmond movers are ready to handle every detail, so you can focus on settling into your new home. We have experienced local movers, top-rated apartment movers, and long distance movers. Call On The Fly Moving today at 804-836-4954 or fill out our form for a free moving estimate!
Science Museum of Virginia | Interactive Fun and Learning for Kids
Looking for the best things to do in Richmond VA with kids? The Science Museum of Virginia features interactive exhibits and live demonstrations that kids will love. With hands-on experiences that expose kids to STEM activities such as exploring space, human biology, science, speed, and more, your kids will be learning while having fun!
The popular Hot Wheels: Race to Win exhibit allows kids to design and build speed machines using die-cast cars. Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks showcases 20 of the world's most iconic skyscrapers from North America, Asia, and Australia. The display was built with meticulous architectural detail, using more than half a million LEGO bricks. Kids can build their own creations with the 200,000 loose LEGO bricks in the interactive construction areas. This is one of the best kids activities Richmond VA has to offer.
The museum is also home to the 76-foot Dome Theater, the largest screen in Virginia, which includes a planetarium. Tickets cost $17.50 for adults and kids 13 and older, $14.50 for kids from 6-12, and $10.00 for kids from 3-5. Children 2 and younger get in free. This is one of the most fun things to do in Richmond VA with kids!
Science Museum of Virginia Hours & Location
- Address: 2500 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
- Phone: (804) 864-1400
- Hours: Open every day from 9:30 am - 5 pm
Maymont | Hands-On Educational Experience for Kids
Need educational things to do in Richmond VA with kids? Maymont covers over 1,200 acres and has an on-site farm that offers kids hands-on animal encounters with chickens, pigs, horses, and other farm animals. Free educational programs allow kids to learn about life on a farm. The farm includes a 40-acre wildlife habitat with black bears, bobcats, and other native species. The architecturally stunning 12,000-square-foot, 33-room mansion at Maymont was completed in 1893 and is well preserved, harkening back to the opulence of its time. The 29,000-square-foot Robins Nature Center, the largest facility of its kind in central Virginia, includes a 30,000-gallon aquarium and interactive educational exhibits. The farm is free to visit. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for kids 3-16 at Robins Nature Center.Maymont Hours & Location
- Address: 1001 Spottswood Rd, Richmond, VA 23220
- Phone: (804) 525-9000
- Hours: Open every day from 10 am - 7 pm
Metro Richmond Zoo | See Over 2,000 Animals from Around the World
Looking for “toddler friendly activities near me?” One of the best things to do in Richmond VA with kids is the zoo! Metro Richmond Zoo is a fantastic place to take your kids, housing more than 2,000 animals and over 190 species from all over the world on 70 acres. See endangered animals such as tapirs, cheetahs, rhinos, tigers, and orangutans. Let a giraffe eat right out of your hand! The walk-through aviary is home to hundreds of colorful birds, such as the demoiselle crane, sacred ibis, Mandarin duck, Lady Amherst's pheasants, and much more. The zoo’s Safari Train takes you through the African Savannah, where you’ll see chimpanzees, zebras, tigers, lemurs, and many other species in a natural setting. Metro Richmond Zoo is one of the few zoos in the United States that has a takin in residence. Takins are considered national treasures in China, much like the giant panda. The zoo also features a playground, a carousel, and a safari ski lift. They even have zip lines! Tickets are $26.95 for adults and kids 12 and over and $19.95 for kids 2-11. Kids under 2 are free. This will be one of the things to do in Richmond VA with kids that your children will talk about for weeks!Metro Richmond Zoo Hours & Location
- Address: 8300 Beaver Bridge Rd, Moseley, VA 23120
- Phone: (804) 739-5666
- Hours: Open every day (excluding Sunday) from 9:30 am - 5 pm
Children’s Museum of Richmond | Engaging Families and Inspiring Growth in children
The Children’s Museum of Richmond is great for kids under 9 years old as the early-learning exhibits and experiences are geared toward them. You won’t regret checking out the things to do in Richmond VA with kids that the museum offers. Although the museum is a place for kids to have fun, it’s also an opportunity for the whole family to play and learn together. Kids learn fundamental concepts, socialization skills, language development, and much more, all while having a great time. Your kids will love riding the carousel, climbing the living tree house, or pretending to be a teacher, mechanic, or hospital or ambulance worker. The museum’s art studio allows kids to expand their imaginations by drawing, painting, and building projects, either by themselves or with other kids. The museum also has a playground where kids can run around and have fun. Admission to the museum is $9.00. It’s truly one of the most exciting things to do in Richmond VA with kids!Children’s Museum of Richmond Hours & Location
- Address: 2626 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
- Phone: (804) 474-7000
- Hours: Open every day (excluding Monday) from 9:30 am - 5 pm
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | Includes a Children’s Garden Just for Kids
If you need things to do with kids in Richmond VA, check out these gardens. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is considered one of the best botanical gardens in the US. The garden spans 50 acres and is home to themed gardens, dining options, and a classical domed conservatory. Popular attractions include a cherry tree walk, a rose garden, an Asian garden, and a children’s garden that includes a tree house 13 feet high off the ground, an international village where kids can see plants and architecture from around the world, the Waterway splash pad, and Investigation Station, where kids can get hands-on experience learning about gardening. The rich botanical garden hosts events throughout the year, such as the Virginia Daffodil Society Show, spring and fall plant sales, and a holiday light spectacular in December. Admission is $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for kids from 4-12. Children aged 3 and under get in free. You'll find many moms with their friends and children here for a day out! If you need the best things to do in Richmond VA with kids, you’ll love this!Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Hours & Location
- Address: 1800 Lakeside Ave, Henrico, VA 23228
- Phone: (804) 262-9887
- Hours: Open every day from 9 am - 5 pm
King’s Dominion | World Class Amusement Park
Need one of the most unique things to do in Richmond VA with kids? King’s Dominion is one of the biggest attractions in Virginia, offering a wide variety of fun activities for the whole family. The park features over 60 world-class rides, including the world’s tallest and longest launched wing coaster. At Jungle X-Pedition, explore the deep, dark jungle with fun and immersive rides. Planet Snoopy is a PEANUTS-themed area, featuring the whole Peanuts gang, where younger kids can have fun at their level. Soak City is a 20-acre waterpark that includes a lazy river, wave pool, and thrilling water slides, such as the 65-ft-tall Hurricane Heights.
Kings Dominion also holds special events throughout the year, including Grand Carnivale, Halloween Haunt, and WinterFest. A one-day admission ticket to King’s Dominion is $80.00 at the gate, but you can purchase tickets online for $40.00.
King’s Dominion Hours & Location
- Address: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
- Phone: (804) 876-5000
- Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 11 am - 9 pm, Friday through Sunday 11 am - 10 pm
Virginia Capital Trail | Where Kids Can Exercise and See Historical Sites
Virginia Capital Trail is a 52-mile pedestrian and biking trail that connects three of Virginia’s historic cities: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Richmond. The Virginia Capital Trail is a great place for the whole family to get out, get some exercise, and enjoy the scenery around you. The trail takes you past Revolutionary War battlegrounds, riverfronts, bridges, wetlands, rail trails, and historical landmarks. Near Richmond, the trail passes through Four Mile Creek Park. The trail is free to use daily from 6 am to 9 pm and is known for the easy access to downtown. This is one of the best free things to do in Richmond VA with kids.Virginia Capital Trail Hours & Location
- Address: 2803 Dock St, Richmond, VA 23223
- Phone: (804) 788-6453
- Hours: Open every day from 6 am - 9 pm
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts | One of the Top Art Museums in the US
One of the largest art museums in North America, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a great place to introduce kids to art. You’ll appreciate this as one of the best things to do in Richmond VA with kids. The museum houses almost 50,000 works of art that span 6,000 years of world history. The collection includes African art, American art, British sporting art, Fabergé, and Himalayan art.
Works from artists such as Paul Cezanne, Vincent van Gogh, Francisco Goya, Frank Lloyd Wright, Georgia O’Keeffe, Edgar Degas, Peter Paul Rubens, and many more are on display. The museum includes the Leslie Cheek Theater, a performing-arts venue that hosts a wide range of performing arts events throughout the year. Admission to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is free.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Hours & Location
- Address: 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220
- Phone: (804) 340-1400
- Hours: Open Saturday through Tuesday from 10 am - 5 pm, Wednesday through Friday from 10 am - 5 pm
Three Lakes Park & Nature Center | A Great Place to Get Outdoors with Your Kids
Need some outdoor things to do in Richmond VA with kids? Three Lakes Park & Nature Center is a beautiful park that kids will love. Spanning 6,500 square feet, the park offers lots of opportunities for kids to enjoy the fresh air, nature, and to explore. The exhibits in the Nature Center feature a variety of plant and animal life native to the area, as well as wildlife living in the wetlands and woodlands of the park. Amenities kids and adults can enjoy at the park include fishing, a hiking and nature trail that meanders through swamps, upland forests, open fields, meadows, woodlands, and other habitats, an open play area, play equipment, and a 50,000 gallon in-ground aquarium that showcases local marine animals. The park also has interactive exhibits that teach visitors about the native plants and animals. This is one of the easiest things to do in Richmond VA with kids!Three Lakes Park & Nature Center Hours & Location
- Address: 400 Sausiluta Dr, Richmond, VA 23227
- Phone: (804) 652-1470
- Hours: Open 24/7
Map of Things to Do in Richmond with Kids
Check out all the best things to do while living in Richmond VA with kids with our map!Moving to Richmond? Let Us Help!
Looking at the best things to do in Richmond VA with kids because you’re relocating? Planning a move to Richmond? Let On The Fly Moving make your relocation smooth and stress-free! Our experienced Richmond movers are ready to handle every detail, so you can focus on settling into your new home. We have experienced local movers, top-rated apartment movers, and long distance movers. Call On The Fly Moving today at 804-836-4954 or fill out our form for a free moving estimate!
Joseph Woods
The founders of On The Fly Moving Guys, Joseph Woods and Jordan Berry, are two childhood friends who in their teen years learned to love the moving industry. After perfecting their crafts, they launched On The Fly Moving Guys in 2018 and the rest is history. Since then they worked hard to build the most trustworthy and reputable moving company in Richmond Virginia. Our 5 star ratings and thousands of happy customers prove it.
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