Looking for fun, free, and family-friendly activities in the Richmond Region? These locations offer an ideal mix of adventure, learning, and relaxation, making them perfect for families looking to explore together. Here are some of the top spots to check out for a fun and budget-friendly day fit for the whole family!
James River Park System
Brown’s Island, Pony Pasture, Belle Isle, & More | Free Admission
The James River Park System offers 600 acres of free outdoor adventure, perfect for a family-friendly day in Richmond. Hike scenic trails, bike through urban wilderness, or experience the only Class III and IV rapids in a city setting. Plus, explore history on Belle Isle, splash around at Pony Pasture, or take in stunning river views from Brown’s Island —all at no cost!
Maymont
1700 Hampton Street, Richmond, VA | Free Admission, Donations Welcome
Enjoy a day of free family fun at Maymont, where hands-on animal encounters and expansive gardens await. Visit Maymont Children's Farm to meet goats, sheep, pigs, and more, or run down the giant hill near the bear habitat for a little extra excitement. While the Robins Nature Center requires admission, it offers an interactive experience to learn about the James River’s ecology, complete with climbing rocks, kayak models, and wildlife exhibits.
Pocahontas State Park
10301 State Park Road, Chesterfield, VA | Park Entrance Fee
Enjoy a day of free family fun at Pocahontas State Park, Virginia’s largest state park. With 7,919 acres of outdoor adventure, visitors can hike scenic trails, bike through the woods, or relax with a picnic by the lake. While some activities like camping have fees, exploring the park’s vast natural beauty and family-friendly programs won’t cost a thing!
Park365
4600 Saunders Ave, Richmond, VA | Free Admission
Bring the whole family to Park365, a free, all-abilities playground in Richmond where kids and adults of all abilities can play, learn, and connect. Featuring an accessible treehouse, supportive swings, sensory play areas, fitness stations, and calming gardens, this inclusive park is designed for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're climbing, swinging, or relaxing by the water features, Park365 offers a welcoming space for outdoor fun.
Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park
3400 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, VA | Free Admission
Plan a visit to Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, where you can explore the stories of the Shepperd family, Native Americans, and African Americans who once called this farm home. This living historical site offers tours of the 19th-century house, visits to gardens, and encounters with farm animals, alongside history programs for all ages. Crump Park also features playgrounds, picnic shelters, open fields, and a fishing pond—making it a perfect spot for a family day out.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
200 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, VA | Free Admission (Except Special Exhibits)
Explore the world of art for free at the VMFA, the only museum in the nation open 365 days a year. There's something for everyone, including the Outdoor Sculpture Garden and the Interactive Family Lounge's "Closer Look" exhibit. With free admission and programs for all ages, it’s the perfect spot for a family outing or solo adventure.
Chesterfield County Historic Courthouse Complex
6813 Mimms Loops, Chesterfield, VA | Free Admission, Donations Welcome
Take the whole family on a journey through centuries of history at the Chesterfield County Historic Courthouse Complex. This collection of preserved sites includes the 1892 Jail and Chesterfield County Museum, 1917 Courthouse, and 1822 Magnolia Grange, all maintained by the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia. From colonial history to early 20th-century architecture, this historic hub offers an engaging and educational experience.
Virginia Capitol Building
1000 Banks Street, Richmond, VA | Free Admission
Visit the Virginia Capitol Building in downtown Richmond and see where America's oldest legislative assembly took place. Take a guided tour through the Rotunda, Old House and Senate Chambers, and the Jefferson Room, or explore at your own pace with a self-guided walk. Outside, stroll through Capitol Square to see historic monuments and dedicated memorial trees, all while learning all about the legacy of this iconic building in the commonwealth.
Ashland Museum
105 Hanover Ave, Ashland, VA | Small Admission Fee
Learn all about Ashland’s history by exploring engaging exhibits and history-focused programs for all ages at the Ashland Museum. You can even step inside the restored Red Caboose, which once rode the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad from 1926 to 1974. This small-town gem offers a fascinating glimpse into the past for railroad enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Be sure to visit the nearby Secretariat statue, a tribute to Virginia’s own Triple Crown champion and record-breaking legend, for another dose of local history!
Historic Pole Green Church
6411 Heatherwood Drive, Mechanicsville, VA | Free Admission
Walk through history at Historic Pole Green Church in Hanover at this open-air site and park where Patrick Henry once worshipped. You can view the striking 3D outline of the original church structure while listening to an audio tour that brings its history to life. From its colonial roots to its destruction in the Civil War, this site offers a unique glimpse into Virginia’s past—no admission required!
Looking for even more budget and family friendly activities in the Richmond Region?
