School is out, and it’s time to find some fun things to do around town this season. Summers in Richmond, Virginia are filled to the brim with festivals, outdoor activities and family-friendly entertainment. Our mild weather and river-front location combined with tons of history, culture as well as great culinary options make Richmond an ideal place to make plans this summer. Whether you’re a long-time local or are new to the area, here’s a great list to get you started on this year’s summer fun.
Outdoor Activities
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is one of the city’s brightest gems. With over 50 acres of green space including a rose garden, a children’s garden, and even a walk-through butterfly conservatory, it’s the perfect place to spend a day with the family. The gardens have ongoing events throughout the year including concerts and food and beverage events, so check their website for news and updates.
Pocahontas State Park
Drive just 20 miles south of the city into Chesterfield and you’ll find yourself in the largest Virginia state park. At 8,000 acres, Pocahontas State Park offers nearly every activity you might want to try including extensive hiking trails, swimming and boating in swift creek lake, or miles of exciting mountain biking trails. The park boasts a very popular Aquatic Recreation Center as well as an ongoing summer concert and entertainment series, Pocahontas Premieres.
James River Park System
You can’t think about Richmond without thinking about the James River, and at 600 acres, the James River Park System is the city’s largest park. Richmond is the only urban city in the country with a Class IV white water rapids, right in the middle of downtown. But if that sounds a little too extreme, there’s also four public boat ramps for recreational boating, two rock climbing sites, and more than 20 miles of walking and hiking trails. It’s the perfect place to get your outdoor adventure fix without even leaving the city.
Maymont
Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and park where you can stroll through the gardens and arboretum, see native wildlife habitats, feed friendly goats, explore The Robins Nature Center and take a historical audio tour. Summer camps, special events and markets happen throughout the year.
Cultural and Educational Activities
Science Museum of Virginia
Engage your kids with educational and fun summer camps and workshops at the Science Museum of Virginia. They offer programs for different age groups that combine learning with hands-on activities. STEM-specific activities and camps are offered throughout the summer. Cool off inside and watch an immersive film in their dome theater or even watch their in-house rat basketball team show off their skills.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Richmond is incredibly lucky to be the home of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, a world-class fine art museum that attracts renowned artists and exhibits. In addition to its permanent and traveling installations, the museum also caters to families through their Family Day events, hands-on art activities and even summer camps. They have specialized programming for kids of every age – from infants to teens. It’s a great way to introduce children (and yourself!) to the world of art and its appreciation.
Special Events
Richmond Flying Squirrels at The Diamond
Catch a minor league baseball game with the Richmond Flying Squirrels at The Diamond stadium, right in downtown. In addition to a packed summer season of games, The Diamond also hosts movie nights and other family-friendly activities with fireworks on select nights. Become season pass holders and support your local team!
Carytown Watermelon Festival
Over 100,000 people visit the annual Watermelon Festival in Richmond’s beloved Carytown neighborhood. This year they’re celebrating their 42nd anniversary on August 11th. With 80 musicians, over 100 exhibitors, one of the largest kids’ areas of any festival on the east coast and all of the great Carytown style, it’s become the largest one-day festival in the state of Virginia. Experience great live music on multiple stages throughout the festival, delicious food from local vendors, shopping and tons of watermelon! It’s a Richmond tradition!
South of the James Farmers Market
Every Sunday this summer from 10am – 1pm in the Forest Hills neighborhood you’ll find dozens of local food vendors with the freshest produce, meats, honey, and more at the South of the James Farmers Market. You’ll also find crafts and live music in a lively atmosphere perfect for families. It’s a great way to support local growers, producers and artisans while also filling up your fridge and pantry for the week.
No matter what interests you and your family have, Richmond has something to offer you this summer. Now go out and make the most of it!