Kid-Friendly Activities and Places in Downtown Richmond

On the hunt for kid friendly activites in Richmond, VA? Explore our list of ideas to make memories and the most of your day downtown with the entire family.

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Start your day off with breakfast or lunch at one of the many surrounding Jackson Ward restaurants nearby and then head to the playground at Abner Clay Park if you're looking for a more active and accessible option for play.

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Fun Features:

• Playground/Jungle Gym
• Covered Pavillion
• Basketball Court

Park Hours: 6 AM-9 PM daily

ART 180 in Jackson Ward is a non-profit providing children between the ages of 8-18 the opportunity to explore self-expression through creativity with their offering of community programs throughout the city; and, Atlas, a teen-focused program providing an art center for Richmond's youth. ART 180 offers indoor kid activities in Richmond, VA year round!

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Kid-centric Offerings:

• Art Experiences
• Events
• Workshops

Whether you are visiting Brown's Island for one of the many kid-friendly events like Friday Cheers or Richmond Folk Festival; or, if you're spending the day exploring the public art and views of the river, Brown's Island is the perfect venue for a family day out in the Riverfront District.

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Pro Tip: Most happenings on the Island are free for kids!

Downtown Richmond offers direct access to some of the best amenities and features of the James River Park System, including the James River itself! From Belle Isle to Great Shiplock Park, there is no shortage of outdoor adventures to try out with the kids in downtown RVA.

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Learn all you need to know about navigating the park system with kids here.

Downtown RVA has no shortage of street art to explore and is a creative (and free) way to take in the city's culture and creativity. With over 150+ murals to find, make a photo scavenger hunt out of the day while you explore all of the art throughout downtown.

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Get ready to explore downtown's 150+ murals here.

Make your day downtown with the kids both educational and fun by exploring the fantastic museums in Downtown Richmond! From interactive exhibits to captivating historical displays, these museums offer a rich array of experiences that will engage and inspire visitors of all ages. Dive into art, science, and history, and enjoy a day of discovery and learning.

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Find all the incredible museums Downtown Richmond has to offer right here.

The Queen's Library Tea Room, a charming European-style café in Monroe Ward, offers an exquisite High Tea experience in an elegant and serene atmosphere. Perfect for celebrating special occasions such as birthday parties or intimate gatherings with friends and family, this delightful tea room provides private event options tailored to your needs.

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Plan your tea party by exploring their private event packages here.

Create a lasting memory with a visit to see the Richmond Ballet's enchanting performance of The Nutcracker. For those with dreams of becoming a ballerina, the School of Richmond Ballet, located in Downtown Richmond's Monroe Ward neighborhood, offers exceptional training and classes. Whether you’re enjoying a magical evening at the ballet or fostering a budding dancer's passion, the Richmond Ballet provides experiences that inspire and delight generations.

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Explore school divisions and sign your dancer up for lessons here.

Looking for a fun family outing or educational excursion for a large group? Look no further than a tour with the Riverfront Canal Cruises where you'll take a scenic and historic ride by water in a canal boat and enjoy the sights and sounds of Richmond's wildlife and nature while learning about the history of the Kanawha Canal. The Riverfront Canal Cruise season operates from April through November.

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Learn all you need to know and grab tickets here.

Embark on an exhilarating bike ride along the Virginia Capital Trail, a stunning 52-mile paved pathway designed for both pedestrians and cyclists. Starting in the historic Shockoe Bottom neighborhood of Downtown Richmond, this trail offers a safe and scenic journey through diverse landscapes, extending all the way to Jamestown. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely ride or an adventurous outing, the Virginia Capital Trail promises a memorable and enjoyable experience amidst the beauty of Virginia’s countryside and historic sites.

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Find a trail map and plan your journey here.

Lights! Camera! Action! Experience the magic of theater with your children at Virginia Repertory Theatre, located on Broad Street in Downtown's Arts District. Attend plays and musicals together, or encourage their young ones to shine by enrolling them in their dynamic summer camps and extensive array of classes. Catering to children from preschool through high school, Virginia Repertory Theatre offers a nurturing environment where kids can explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop their acting skills.

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Learn more about classes and programs for kids and teens here.

Sweet Wynns presents an exciting kid-friendly opportunity in the Financial District with their interactive ice cream workshops designed for kids and their families. The Sweet Kids Workshops are engaging, 90-minute hands-on sessions where children and their accompanying adults get to create their own delicious ice cream from scratch.

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Find out everything you need to know about Sweet Kids Workshops here.