Top 10 Activities to Do in Richmond with the Kids

Summer has finally arrived! Take advantage of the beautiful weather and endless sunshine by planning a fun day out with your kids. Richmond is filled with plenty of family-friendly sites, such as Boulevard Flower Gardens and Kings Dominion. Whether you want to plan a relaxed stay-cation or go on a fun adventure with your kids, Richmond is the perfect city to do just that. Need some help finding some fun activities to do with your kids? Read on to see our top recommendations for family-friendly activities in Richmond. 

Looking for the perfect gift for your loved one? Your search has finally ended! Virtual GiftYa cards are great for people who love to explore the city and visit different sites and restaurants. GiftYa offers cards for dozens of sites around Richmond, including many of the ones featured below. Within seconds, you can send a virtual GiftYa card with a special message inside to your loved one. Check out our full selection of gift cards now!

1. Boulevard Flower Gardens

Explore the gorgeous perennials, houseplants, pottery, and more at this popular garden

2120 Ruffin Mill Rd | South Chesterfield | boulevardflowergardens.com

What better way to go out and smell the flowers than to visit Boulevard Flower Gardens? This third-generation garden center is home to a variety of dazzling flowers and plants. You’ll also find beautiful koi fish and water gardens throughout the center. 

All of the products are available for purchase, so you can buy some of your own varieties to grow with your children at home. Gardening can be a great hobby to practice with your kids. Why not get started by purchasing some plants at Boulevard Flower Gardens?

“A great place to find all kinds of items to enhance your indoor and outdoor living space.

Fully stocked throughout the growing season with outdoor trees and shrubs, as well as varieties of flowers and plants to beautify your indoor rooms.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Boulevard Flower Gardens.

2. Kings Dominion

Try a fun ride (or two) with your kids at this popular theme park

16000 Theme Park Way | Doswell | kingsdominion.com

Did you know that Kings Dominion is the only destination in Virginia that features two parks in one location? For over 45 years, families have traveled to Kings Dominion to enjoy its world-class rides, all-inclusive water park, and special events! 

A total of 12 roller coasters call Kings Dominion home. One of them, the Intimidator 305®, is one of the tallest and fastest coasters on the East Coast. But if roller coasters aren’t your thing, you are sure to find something you like from the 60+ rides and attractions at the park. Numerous restaurants and shops are also available onsite to dine in whenever you get hungry. 

“Having grown up in Chicago and fighting the enormous crowds of Six Flags, I love enjoying a day at Kings Dominion! The wait times have always been reasonable, even for rides like Intimidator. There are all sorts of rides and events for everyone, whether you are with your family or out for a solo day of adventure.” - Yelp Review

3. RVA Trolley

See some of the best sites and destinations in Richmond on this famous trolley

1301 E Cary St | Downtown | rvatrolley.biz

As the world opens up again, we can finally get out and explore Richmond with our families. Together, you can explore a new side of Richmond from the view of an upscale RVA Trolley. Historic tours, street art tours, food tours, and more are offered on this popular trolley. As you view Richmond’s historic sights from the comfort of the air conditioned trolley, you’ll learn fascinating facts and information about the city’s rich history. 

“My aunt and I were visiting Richmond, VA so we decided to take a historical tour with this company. From the time we walked into their office til the time we got off the trolley was wonderful. The people were great and Steve was informative and funny. I recommend this company. You would not regret it.” - Yelp Review

4. Science Museum of Virginia

Nurture your child’s curiosity and sense of wonder by taking them to the museum

2500 W Broad St | Richmond | smv.org

Children have a natural interest and sense of wonder with the world around them. Nurture this by taking your kids to the Science Museum of Virginia! This popular museum hosts numerous science exhibits, daily dome shows, and live science demonstrations. 

Whether your child is obsessed with dinosaurs or curious about outer space, they’ll be amazed by all of the wonderful exhibits this museum houses. Hands-on workshops are also available. In these popular “Forge Activities,” you can do everything from make your own paper to learn how to code. 

“Always worth the trip; Make sure not to skip an iMax movie! These vary and you may not see the same one return. Loved it as a kid, and as an adult, I still spend an embarrassingly long amount of time playing with the interactive exhibits. There's also lots of fun photo opportunities!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for the Science Museum of Virginia.

5. Metro Richmond Zoo

Explore this popular zoo that is home to over 2,000 animals

8300 Beaver Bridge Rd | Moseley | metrorichmondzoo.com

Since 1995, thousands of families have driven to Metro Richmond Zoo to learn more about its exotic animals and meet them up close. You’ll see everything from cheetahs to penguins at this 150 acre zoo. You can even feed the giraffes! 

Fun rides like the Penguin Falls Drop and Twist Tower and Jungle Carousel can also be found here! Want to take a new look at the zoo? The Safari Sky lift gives you a bird’s eye view of all the animals and terrain. A Safari Train Ride is also available, and will take you through an 8-acre area that is not accessible by foot. During this 20-minute ride, a conductor will share interesting and unique facts about the animals you see. 

“Excellent zoo, especially with the new additions when they reopened for the public. They built an awesome otter exhibit and another with sloths and a few other animals. My daughter and I always enjoy our visit there.” - Yelp Review

6. Byrd Theatre

Historic movie theater that hosts a live organ player on Saturdays

2908 W Cary St | Carytown | byrdtheatre.com

Have you missed going to the movie theater? So have we! Take a step back in time by visiting the Byrd Theatre with your kids. Many theaters nowadays are part of large chains. However, Byrd Theatre is locally-owned and operated. 

Built in 1928, Byrd Theatre offers modern amenities while also maintaining its old-time charm. There’s even an organ player who performs on Saturdays! Many of the films that are screened are no longer in mainstream theaters, but aren’t yet available online. As a result, the theater is able to offer ticks for only $5. 

“$5 tickets for an opening act and a movie?! Count me in. I thoroughly enjoyed the old school vibes of this place. The organist was such a highlight, and a great way to start off the night. The facilities are pretty well maintained. Staff is nice. Seating is pretty comfortable.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Byrd Theatre.

7. Tang and Biscuit

Grab some food and try your hand at shuffleboard

3406 W Moore St | Scott’s Addition | tangandbiscuit.com

Have you ever played a shuffleboard game before? Try out a laid back game with your kids at Tang and Biscuit! This lively and vibrant social club features a regulation-size shuffleboard court, table shuffleboard, and a 50-foot bar. Other games like Jenga and giant Connect 4 are also available. When you get hungry, you can grab a quick meal at the club’s onsite restaurant and bar. Before you know it, you’ll have spent the whole day here!

“I had a great time here! Who knew shuffle board would be so much fun? We rented one lane for an hour for a birthday and it cost $50. We had a lot of fun and were able to play several games in that time. No experience needed and the rules are simple to learn.” - Yelp Review

8. Rivercity Roll

Fill yourself up with some delicious grub as you bowl for a strike

939 Myers St | Richmond | rivercityroll.com

Who doesn’t love a fun game of bowling? Take your kids out for a fun day filled with bowling and food at Rivercity Roll. Rivercity is one of the few venues in the world that have HyperBowling lanes. During a HyperBowling game, your goal is to hit different lights on the bumpers. Each target is worth a certain multiplier value. 

Hungry? Savory brunch and lunch plates like the RCR Breakfast Plate and Southern Chicken Biscuit are available for your enjoyment. Have a four-legged friend? Don’t leave them at home! Bring them with you onto the patio so you can dine together. 

“Had a REALLY great time here last night. Definitely recommend getting a reservation to get a lane. But once you're in the lane it feels safe to remove your mask and bowl like normal. The fuzzy sweater was my favorite drink and the food was good as always. I will be back!” - Yelp Review

9. G-Force Karts

High-speed go-karts, indoor paintball, laser tag, and more await you

800 E Laburnum Ave, Gate 2 | Richmond | gforcekarts.com

Are you and your children adrenaline junkies? Then head to G-Force Karts! This popular racecourse boasts a massive outdoor Karting track. Their karts can even go as fast as 60 MPH. 

In addition to karting, you can also play laser tag, try your hand at ax throwing, and play some archery tag. Whenever you get hungry, you can head to the on-site food and drink booth. Get ready for a fun day filled with racing and games!

“Go kart racing was a blast as well. I felt like Princess Peach in a game of Mario Kart...The karts go fast, but not so fast that you feel like you'll spin out of control. They do a good job of making sure that everyone is having fun, but most importantly that everyone stays safe while playing.” - Yelp Review

10. The Dairy Bar Diner

Finish your day off with some delicious food and a milkshake

1602 Roseneath Rd | Scott’s Addition | dairybardiner.com

Since 1946, families have enjoyed great meals at The Dairy Bar Diner. Locals even voted The Dairy Bar Diner for Best Milkshake in Richmond Magazine. On the menu, you’ll find breakfast dishes such as the Western Omelette and Corned Beef Hash. Lunch is also served all day, everyday. Whether you want to start your day off with a hearty breakfast or end it with a satisfying dinner, you won’t be disappointed with The Dairy Bar Diner. 

“Went here for lunch today and the staff was AMAZING! It was hot outside and we had our pup out with us on the patio and our lovely server brought out water and a doggy snack for him. Just amazing people and service. The food was also great. Will definitely return!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for The Dairy Bar Diner.

Richmond is a wonderful city for families. There is no shortage of fun activities to do or places to visit. Where do you plan on taking your kids next? Let us know in the comments!