RVA Tots

If you’re looking for fun, family-friendly activities in Richmond without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place! There are so many free things to do for kiddos of all ages. From outdoor adventures to storytimes and indoor play, RVA offers a variety of activities that will keep your little ones entertained while giving your wallet a break. Check out this ultimate list of free things to do in Richmond with kids!

1. Paint a bath bomb at Buff City Soap. Midlothian, Short Pump, and Willow Lawn location all offer free bath bomb painting with no purchase necessary. See my review here.
   
2. Get freebies at Chick fil A Storytime. The Ashland and Virginia Center Commons location offer an adorable storytime that includes songs, a book, a Chick fil A treat, craft, and a free coffee for mom! Typically 10am the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Get more info here.
   
3. Home Depot Kids Workshop. 1st Saturday of the month from 9am-12pm. Register ahead of time here. See my review.
   
4. Watch the trains go by at Downtown Ashland. The Ashland Library also has great views of the trains passing by!
   
5. Visit and take a tour of your local fire station. Most fire stations allow you to take a tour of the station. Make sure to call ahead! See my post here.
   
6. Lowe’s Kids DIY Workshop. See the schedule here. Here’s my review!
   
7. Visit a playground with a mommy & me swing. Pouncey Tract Park, Rockwood Park, and Bryan Park all have the cool swings where you can swing with your little one.
   
8. Take a stroll over the James River. Take a scenic walk over T. Potterfield Memorial Bridge. See my post here.
   
9. Make new friends at Hanover Library Playgroup. Offered once a month the first Tuesday of the month at 10:30am. See my post.
   
10. Watch a fish feeding at Bass Pro Shop. Currently Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 12pm (dates may change). Here’s my review.
    
11. See river and train views at Hollywood Cemetery. Some of the best views of the city and the river can be found here, plus it’s stroller-friendly! More info here.
    
12. Play at Park365, a giant fenced in playground. See my post.
    
13. Explore RVA with a hike with Trail Kids RVA. This free hiking group is a great way to make new friends and explore different areas of the cities. See my review here.
    
14. Barnes and Noble Storytime. Offered at many locations around town. Click for more info.
    
15. Play by the river. Pony Pasture Half Moon Bay is the perfect spot to splash by the James River. Here’s my post.
    
16. Try a sensory storytime with Henrico Library. Many Henrico Libraries offer special sensory storytimes that include crafts and toys to play with. See their calendar here. Here’s my post on a sensory storytime we loved.
    
17. Play at an Elementary School Playground when schools are closed. We love this one in the woods. Also love that there are 3 different playground in this one spot!
    
18. Visit Pufferbelly Park, a playground that’s great for climbers that also has a sand pit. More info.
    
19. Play indoors OR outdoors at Midlothian Library. Richmond’s newest library offers impressive play spaces for kiddos. Get the details here.
    
20. Climb and play on trains at RF&P Park. This hidden gem in Henrico has a stroller-friendly path with trains along the way. Here’s more info.
    
21. Bike or stroll down the scenic Virginia Capital Trail. This is one of my favorite spots to see scenic downtown RVA right by the James River. See my post.
    
22. Play inside at Short Pump Pal’s Playhouse. An adorable free indoor play area at Short Pump Town Center. More info.
    
23. Feed the ducks at Echo Lake Park. This Henrico spot is also one of the best shaded playground spots in RVA! See my review here.
    
24. Tots and Tunes at Deep Run Rec Center. Typically the 1st Tuesday of the month at 10am. Check the latest Henrico Parks & Rec Guide for updated info!
    
25. Play in the sand at a playground with a sand pit. See my list here.
    
26. Visit farm animals at Maymont’s Children’s Farm. This is a must-do for little ones in RVA. You can also see bears, eagles, cows, and more!
    
27. Explore the Battlefields of Mechanicsville. These are all great spots for little ones to run around and include tons of history. See my post.
    
28. Visit Taylor Farm Park, RVA’s largest and most impressive playground. More info here.
    
29. Ashland Theatre Toddler Takeover. The 2nd Saturday of the month. More info.
    
30. Go for a bike ride or stroller-friendly walk at one of RVA’s many parks. See my list of recommendations here.
    
31. Test ninja skills at the Play 60 Obstacle Course. This former Commanders training center has ninja steps, floating boards, and a traverse wall
    
32. Fellowship Community Church Storytime. FCC Storytime has adorable themed storytimes the 1st Thursday of every month 10:30am-11:30am. More info.
    
33. Preschool Play Cafe. This playgroup by Hanover Parks and Rec is for kiddos 6 months to 5 years old. They take place every Wednesday 10:15-11:15am and location varies. More info.
    
34. Short Pump Mall outdoor play area. The children’s play area has musical instruments, games, and a little tunnel to play in. You can also pay to ride the Short Pump Express. Here’s more info.
    
35. Frank J Thornton Indoor Pool. If you’re a Henrico resident (or have a YMCA membership), you can swim for free on the weekends at this awesome indoor pool that includes a kids slide and basketball goal. More info.
    
36. Wee Praise at Second Baptist Church. This 45 min interactive class includes music, movement, and faith-building fun. Wednesdays at 10am & 5pm. Open to infants through preschoolers.
    
37. Historic Pole Green Church. This open air “Ghost Church” in Mechanicsville holds a lot of history. This is a great spot for a picnic here and walking around (it’s stroller friendly!)
    
38. Library Storytimes. Henrico, Chesterfield, Richmond, and Hanover libraries all offer free storytimes throughout the week for infants through preschoolers. We have personally loved the storytimes at Libby Mill Library!
    
39. Belle Isle. Cross over the James River and see an awesome scenic view of downtown RVA. This is stroller-friendly and there’s a super cool dirt bike track once you make it over the bridge.
    
40. Stony Point Fashion Park Outdoor play area. Right outside of Sunshine Play is a little play area for younger kids.

For more adventure ideas around RVA, follow me on Instagram at @RVATots!