Walk on the Wild Side Itinerary

Experience the Region’s thrilling outdoor activities and science and nature exhibits.

• Riverside Outfitters - Experience the nation’s only urban Class IV rapids rafting through downtown Richmond on the James River. Wetsuits are available. Guided trips run seven days a week (reservations required). Allow five hours or one full day.
• Colonial Downs - Colonial Downs hosts thoroughbred racing from June through August and harness racing from September through November. Allow a minimum of 90 minutes.
• Kings Dominion - The 400-acre theme park boasts one of the East Coast’s largest roller-coaster collections. Open March through October, the park also offers more than 200 rides, shows and a 19-acre water park. Allow one day.
• Canal Boats and Kanawha Canal Walk - Embark on a historically narrated boat ride (April-October) or stroll along the 1.25-mile Canal Walk. The walk features interpretive signs and exhibits, including George Washington’s vision for the canal. Allow one hour for each.
• Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trails - A naturalist guides groups along the Henrico and Richmond Loop trails. Hike past ponds and marshes and through acres of forest that are home to everything from red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks to eastern bluebirds and painted turtles. Allow a minimum of one hour.
• Science Museum of Virginia - Ride a Segway or pick up a meteorite at the museum’s newest exhibits, “Newton in Space,” “Light Visions” and “Electriworks.” The adjacent IMAX® DOME Theater offers planetarium shows and wide-angle films. Allow a minimum of two hours.
• Three Lakes Nature Center and Aquarium - This newly renovated attraction features a 50,000-gallon aquarium and plant and wildlife exhibits. The center focuses on plant and animal life found in the Region. Allow 90 minutes.
• Eagle Cruises - Step aboard the 149-passenger Eagle I and cruise down the James River. Eagle I offers private charters and public cruises including plantation, lunch, dinner or moonlight rides. Bald eagles and other wildlife are frequently spotted along the way. Allow two to three hours.
• Metro Richmond Zoo - The zoo is home to more than 600 animals displayed in spacious, naturalistic exhibits. Giraffes, kangaroos, zebras, camels, lions, a nocturnal exhibit and more than 200 monkeys can be found here. A chairlift ride provides an aerial view. Allow two hours.
• Maymont - Maymont’s Robins Nature and Visitor Center highlights native wildlife with 13 giant linked aquariums that are home to playful river otters, snakes, turtles and fish. Self-guided tours or guided behind-the-scenes tours of the inner workings of the aquarium are available. A staff zoologist can lead a tour of the habitats and Children’s Farm. Allow a minimum of one hour for each.
• Ashland Berry Farm and Chesterfield Berry Farm - These farms offer more than spring and summer berry picking. Open seasonally, the farms feature hayrides and pumpkin pickings. From October through December, Ashland’s largest greenhouse is transformed into the area’s biggest Christmas shop. Allow 90 minutes for each.
• NASCAR - Richmond International Raceway hosts two NASCAR double-header weekends (typically in May and September), featuring the Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series, and the open-wheel weekend (typically in June), featuring the IndyCar Series and USAC Series. Watch the NASCAR superstars battle for the checkered flag. Allow one day.