RVA Tots

Quill Hill Orchard. A smaller strawberry patch, but a great close-by option for those in Glen Allen and Hanover! There is also a little slide, tire sand pit, and a few toys to play with.
See my review here.

Mt. Olympus Berry Farm. Located in Ruther Glen, these were some of the sweetest strawberries I’ve ever eaten! Typically open around the first week of May. My review can be found here.

Chesterfield Berry Farm. The largest option of the 3. Opening the last week of April or first week of May.

There are 3 great fossil and shark tooth hunting spots, all at Virginia State Parks less than 1.5 hours from RVA:

Fossil Beach at Westmoreland State Park. This one is a bit of a trail hike to get to (0.6 or so miles), but the clay cliffs are beautiful and make it worth it.

Chippokes State Park. This park also has great views of the James River. You can find a short trail behind the visitor center that leads to the beach. ⁣

Fossil Beach at York River State Park. Less visited than Westmoreland and more secluded. It’s a living shorelines and you’ll see lots of blue crabs! ⁣Here’s my review.

Grab a flashlight and go on the most unique hike at the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail THROUGH a mountain! This hike is so cool, it’s an absolute must-do for all Virginians! Afterwards, drive just 8 minutes to Blue Mountain Brewery, a restaurant with beautiful views, delicious food, and plenty of space for kids to run around.

For more info on the Coolest Hike, click here

This free event has so many fun activities for the whole family. Climb into a hot air balloon, pet farm animals, climb into a firetruck, and more. The coolest part? 1,500 plush cows will be dropped from the sky via helicopter!

There’s also face painting, airplane rides, bounce houses/inflatable zones, raffles, food, and more at an extra cost.

2025 Information: Saturday, May 3, 10am-3pm. (last year the cow drop took place around 1/1:30pm

Click here for more information on Operation Cow Drop!

This is the best way to explore the James River! Waterfront RVA provides paddle boards that are 3 feet wide and super stable. They place a seat on them for the adults to sit and paddle and kiddos can sit, stand, or lay anywhere on the board⁣
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I’d recommend this for even younger kiddos, as long as they can follow directions to stay on the board⁣. My youngest was only 2.5 years old when he first went and was entertained for the entire hour
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Click here for my full review

Play 60 Obstacle Course. Located near Scott’s Addition, this obstacle course is part of the Bon Secours Washington Commanders Training Center! There’s ninja steps, floating boards, climbing ropes, musical instruments m a traverse wall, and more!⁣

Try out one of these completely FREE groups that gather together and explore different parts of RVA. This is a great way to explore RVA while meeting new friends!

Trail Kids RVA. A nonprofit organization that offers free community led hikes and programs at different parks and playgrounds around town. They often have storytimes and unique hikes. Hikes are versatile and they have options for kids of multiple ages. Find them on Instagram here.

The Mom Walk Collective. A group that gathers throughout RVA to go on walks and socialize. This option is better for younger kiddos still in strollers. Find them on Instagram here.

R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks, is located on the Appomattox River andis such a hidden gem! The highlight of this park is the giant floating boardwalk that goes over tidal marsh and has the coolest views!

There is also multiple different play spaces including a bug/insect playground, a playground for older kids, and a “fitness” playground (complete with elliptical and stationary bike!)

Click here for my review.