13 Kid-Friendly 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.

​

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.

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!

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 Monroe Ward. Plus, most happenings 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. Learn all you need to know here.

Visit downtown RVA's favorite shop for families at Little Nomad, a beloved boutique and children's lifestyle retailer. Located at 104 W. Broad Street in the Arts District, Little Nomad offers an eclectic and expansive collection of children's toys, clothing, books and gifts and monthly workshops and programming for the entire family.

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. Learn all you ned to know on our website here.

Make your day downtown with the kids an educational and fun one with a visit to any of Downtown Richmond's wonderful museums! Find them all here.

The Queen's Library Tea Room is a European-style café within walking distance of The Jefferson Hotel in Monroe Ward offering an elegant atmosphere and a High Tea experience with private event options perfect for birthday parties and celebrating special occassions with friends and family.

Create a lasting memory for the holidays with a trip to see the Richmond Ballet's The Nutcracker or make their dreams of being a ballerina come true by signing them up for the School of Richmond Ballet in Dowtown Richmond's Monroe Ward neighborhood.

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 Canal Cruise season operates from April through November. Learn all you need to know here.

Take a bike ride along Virginia Capital Trail's 52-mile paved pedestrian and bicycle trail offering a safe and fun ride starting in Downtown Richmond's Shockoe Bottom going as far as to Jamestown!

Enjoy a play or musical with the kids or take the stage themselves by signing them up for summer camp or one of the many classes Virginia Repertory Theatre offers to children ranging from pre-school to high school. Located on Broad Street in Downtown's Arts District.

Sweet Wynns offers ice cream workshops in the Financial District for kids & their grownups on weekends. Sweet Kids Workshops are an hour & 30 minute, hands on workshop where kids & their grownups make their own ice cream!