The City of Richmond, Virginia is an awesome place that boasts a deep, rich culture and true historical significance. But, even through all that potential, it may be hard to answer that one true question: “What are we going to do today?” If you’re looking for answers to that inevitable question, then you’ve come to the right place. Below are ten unique experiences that you can do in Richmond during the summer season that the whole family will love. So break out your trusty GPS, stuff the whole family into the car, and get ready for a brand new adventure.
- Take a Segway Tour of Richmond
This tour introduces the sights and sounds of Richmond in a way that you’ve never experienced before. Segways are not just for mall cops, they’re also for you to explore the capital city. You can get specialized tours for places like landmarks, public art, and even a tour of black history around Richmond. If you’re not into a structured tour, you can rent Segways for the whole family and create your own tour.
- See a Play
There are a wide variety of family-friendly plays that you can see this summer. The places that you can see these plays include Virginia Rep’s Children’s Theatre, CharacterWorks Presentations, and Swift Creek Mill Theatre. Seeing a play will introduce your children to a new realm of art that’ll inspire them in a brand new way. Maybe you’ll be able to meet some of the actors and actresses after the show!
- Experience a Giant Screen Movie at the Science Museum
This is a great way to provide some easy entertainment, while also slipping in a dose of education for the kids. The Science Museum of Virginia features films on a variety of topics each day in the Dome. For example, you can go face to face with a great white shark or fly with the butterflies during their seasonal migration, you can explore the Amazon jungle or even travel to the stars; it’s up to you! The gigantic 76-foot screen, top-of-the-line digital projection system and state-of-the-art surround sound provide a more visceral experience than just your average night at the movies. So, if you’re looking to keep cool while also learning a bit more about the world around you and beyond, then Dome films at the Science Museum are perfect for your family.
- Go Mural Hunting
They say that Richmond is for lovers, but it’s really for murals. Richmond is a great place to search for the pieces of gorgeous public art that they have available. This is thanks to projects like the Richmond Mural Project and the G40 Arts Summit that have given local artists a platform to express themselves creatively. While you’re here, you should definitely enjoy it with the whole family. There’s a ton of photo opportunities, and you can take your feet to the streets to get some exercise. If you need a map to get started, take a look at this intensive list that the Richmond Times-Dispatch curated.
- Visit a Brand-New Restaurant
If there’s one thing that Richmond knows a lot about, it’s food. There’s a restaurant in Richmond for every culture under the sun, and they’re just waiting for you to discover it. Just type a particular type of food into your favorite search engine and play eenie meenie miney mo to find the family’s next dinner. If you need a recommendation, Buz and Ned’s Real Barbecue is a great place for delicious barbecue and Farouk’s House of India has some stellar authentic Indian food.
- Explore Belle Isle
There’s a lot to see and do on Belle Isle. It’s a great place to get in touch with nature and try some fun outdoor activities like bike riding and fishing. There’s also an amazing view of the river throughout, whether you’re crossing to the island from the pedestrian footbridge or relaxing at the shore. Belle Isle is the perfect place to make a day out of, and everyone’s surely going to be worn out by sundown.
- Cool Off at Cobblestones Park
If you’re looking for a water park that’ll give you beach vibes even though it’s a hop, skip and a jump from your home, then Cobblestones Park is the perfect place for you. There’s a bunch of waterslides, large pools, and even a “private beach” that’ll add loads of fun and excitement to your summer. Also, there are multiple lifeguards on duty at all times so you can breathe easy knowing that your children are safe.
- Get Out of an Escape Room
Escape rooms have exploded in popularity over the past couple of years, and you can experience one right in Richmond with Escape Room RVA. This one boasts four different rooms that are all family-friendly. This is a great way to work together as a group and learn more about each other in the process!
- Enjoy Jumpology
At Jumpology, you can keep cool while exploring this expansive indoor park. There’s a rope forest, fire swings, and of course, tons and tons of trampolines. This’ll keep the kids entertained for hours on end and will also influence adults to connect with their inner child. If you’re looking for a place to hold an event like a birthday or a family reunion, then this would be an awesome place to hold it so you can get in touch with your family on a whole nother level.
- Take an Outdoor Adventure in the River City
River City Adventures provides a wide variety of outdoor activities that’ll get the whole family involved. You can do things like white water rafting and kayaking on the one and only James River. This is perfect for the family that loves the outdoors, or if you’re looking to bring your technology obsessed family back to reality. Either will get something valuable out of this experience; just remind them that they might get a little wet!
With the great season of summer among us, there are so many ways around Richmond to enjoy it. Whether you’re enjoying an IMAX movie at the Science Museum or exploring Belle Isle, the whole family will enjoy it. You’ll also be able to see Richmond in a brand new light, learn a little bit more about your family, and get a little bit closer in the process. Isn’t that what summer is all about?
