RVA Offers Indoor Fun, Variety for Children

On cold and rainy days, parents of young children search for activities to keep their kids active and to burn some of their energy. The Richmond area offers many engaging indoor choices for families. From observing animals to exploring the local train station, the options are exciting for young children. Check websites and/or call these fun attractions to verify information is correct.

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Want more ideas of things to do with kids? See more family friendly things to do in and around Richmond.

Gus Garrison observes animals at the Robins Nature Center at Maymont. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison.

Robins Nature Center at Maymont (2201 Shields Lake Drive; Richmond, VA): Recently renovated, the facility is completely hands-on to allow for learning through play. Children love watching the lizards, snakes, turtles, fish and the star of the Nature Center, Louie, the otter. Burn energy climbing up and down the 34 foot River Reach as many times as possible during your visit. Tues., Thurs., Fri., Sat., & Sundays 10:00am – 5:00 pm

Hands on learning at the Science Museum of Virginia. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

Science Museum of Virginia (2500 West Broad St; Richmond, VA): is interactive and exciting. Test those soccer skills, race a cheetah, create projects in the makerspace, or play air hockey against a robot. While visiting, enjoy a show at the Dome. Exhibit tickets are reduced to $10 Wednesdays. Wed., Thurs., Fri. & Sun. 9:30 am – 5 pm, Sat. 9:30 am – 5:50 pm

There is lots of space to move and vehicles to explore at the Keystone Antique Truck and Tractor Museum in Colonial Heights. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

Keystone Antique Truck and Tractor Museum (880 W Roslyn Road; Colonial Heights, VA): in Colonial Heights is a short drive from Richmond. From bicycles to John Deere tractors, children who love things that go will be enamored. Little learners will experience how transportation has evolved over time while exploring the many spacious rooms of the museum. Open 7 days a week. 9 am – 5 pm

Soak in history and architecture at the Main Street Train Station. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

Main Street Station (1500 E Main Street; Richmond, VA) : holds history and fun for older and younger children. There are historical signs and stories downstairs, as well as a Virginia LOVEwork sign. Check out the beautiful marble floors upstairs along with more relics telling the story of Richmond’s railroad history. View the Amtrak schedule in advance to be sure to see a train while there. Daily 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Eloise Garrison learns about art from around the world at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd; Richmond, VA): offers opportunities for all ages to experience art, culture and history. Bring along a sketch pad and colored pencils, and walk the museum choosing favorite pieces to replicate. Younger children will enjoy quick scavenger hunt questions, like finding the painting with the animals, or the one with the most colors. FREE Daily: 10 am – 5 pm, Wed, Thu, and Fri until 9 pm

Here in Richmond we are lucky to have many ways to keep children engaged and having fun through these long winter months.

Want more ideas of things to do with kids? See more family friendly things to do in and around Richmond.

By Lindsay Garrison

Richmond on the Cheap contributor Lindsay Garrison is a Richmond, Virginia based mom to two young children. A graduate from Chesterfield Schools and Randolph-Macon College, Lindsay is proud to call Richmond home. In the years prior to planning activities and outings with her own children, she was a French teacher. During her tenure she earned accolades for her creative teaching style and ability to connect with her students. Lindsay now applies the skills she learned when she was planning student trips to France, to her own family adventures. She can’t wait to take her own children to France one day! Follow her adventures on Instagram at @thegarrisonsrva