RVA Tots

Location: 11860 Chester Village Dr, Chester, VA

What we like: Very affordable compared to other options, especially since you can play for as long as you’d like! The big open space (with soft flooring) makes it easy to go play with both baby and toddler.

What to know: There are 2 separate rooms, so you’d need to keep multiple kids together. Least busy after 1pm on weekdays. Quite a bit of a drive if you’re coming from north of Richmond

Location: 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian, VA

What we like: Smaller space and very easy to supervise and see the entire space while you sit. It’s one of your most affordable options, and you can play as long as you’d like as long as they’re open. Bonus that you can grab a drink and/or bite to eat too! 

What to know: Since it’s a small space, it can get too busy for a little one or new crawler. It’s also often closed on weekends for birthday parties, so make sure to check the schedule.

Click here for more information.

Location: 9200 Stony Point Pkwy, Richmond, VA

What we like: Soft rubber flooring all over makes it a great option for crawlers. They also limit the number of kids to 15 at a time, making it a less chaotic and less crowded option. When not busy, babies would love the ball pit!

What to know: You need to register ahead of time. The baby area is separate, so supervising siblings can be tricky. Kids under 1 pay full price if playing, so this would be an expensive option if you are only taking a baby.

Location: 6629 Lake Harbour Drive, Chesterfield, VA

What we like: Extremely manageable with multiple kids based on how it’s laid out. Multiple areas closed off with a “wall” for new crawlers. You pay for your own admission but kids under 1 are free, and there’s no time limit on how long you can stay. 

What to know: Much smaller than the downtown location, but still a lot to do!

For more on the Children’s Museum of Chesterfield, click here.

Location: 25 Hill Carter Pkwy, Ashland, VA

What we like: Children 12 months and under are free with a paid sibling. Even if you’re only bringing your baby, this is the most affordable indoor play option out there 

What to know: The baby space is small and I don’t feel like babies could utilize other spaces with older kiddos around. This is a fantastic option if you have other kids too though! You can easily sit with baby in the small area while your other kiddo plays in the other space.

Click here for my review on Busy Bee Play City

Location: 11541 Busy St, Richmond, VA (Midlothian), 9677 W Broad St, Glen Allen, VA (West End)

What I like: What I love: Lots of space to crawl, inclduing fun tunnels to crawl through and areas to “cruise”. Also a great option if you’re bringing a toddler/other young kiddo along.

What to know: There’s no separate space for babies, and it can get very wild when busy. I’d recommend going later afternoon on a week day.

Location: 2500 W Broad St, Richmond, VA

What I like: The Light Place is a giant closed-in room making it easy to play with baby in the baby area while having eyes on another kiddo playing in the other area

What to know: If you only have a baby, and won’t be going to other parts of the museum, this would be an expensive option. Kids 2 & under are free, but you pay to enter and admission is pricey if you don’t have a membership. Strollers are not allowed inside the LightPlace. There’s a semi-private nursing room in this space!

Click here for my review of the Science Museum of Virginia

Location: 626 W Broad St, Richmond, VA

What I like: A big space for babies and a separate space with lots of sensory play in a separate small space. It’s closed in so easy to have multiple kiddos in this space. You pay for your own admission but kids under 1 are free, and there’s no time limit on how long you can stay.

What to know: While the little kiddo section is easy with multiple kids, the rest of the museum would be difficult with a baby and toddler (unless baby is in carrier or stroller) because it’s so big.