I couldn’t possible choose a favorite season in Richmond; however, spring is the one I look forward to most. With two active children, and being an outdoorsy person myself, I have a hard time being cooped up during the cold months, and knowing sunshine and warmth is around the corner is energizing and invigorating. I’ve compiled several ways for your family to enjoy spring around RVA, from festivals to bike rides.
Picnics
Picnics are an easy way to elevate a family outing without excess spending or planning. A few picnic spots you may not have considered: Agecroft Gardens, where you can bring a blanket and enjoy views of the James River, and beautiful blooms! Another picnic venue I love is E. Claiborne and Lora Sculpture Garden at VMFA. You can pack a picnic blanket, or there are tables available, where you can enjoy lunch surrounded by the sculpture exhibition. Finally, for gorgeous views of our River City, Libby HIll Park has plenty of open space for a relaxing picnic.
Festivals
RVA is home to a variety of festivals throughout the year. Save the date for these family-friendly festivals this spring!
- Kite Day: April 4 at Glover Park. Kites will be provided for free, and participants can decorate and fly them! Additionally, there will be inflatables, a DJ, and food available for purchase.
- Chesterfield Outdoor Fest: April 13. This inaugural event will include: a kid’s zone, touch-a-truck, and the Earth Day 5k and 1-mile in conjunction with Live Red Foundation.
- Ashland Train Day: April 27. This popular and free event boasts kiddie train rides, a scavenger hunt, kid’s zone, model train display, and more!
Bike Rides
I always look forward to pulling our bikes out of the garage after winter. Often, my kids need a little refresher after months of not riding, so I take them to local school bus loops on non-school days. The flat, spacious areas are perfect for new riders and those refreshing their skills. For experienced bike riders, I suggest Virginia Capital Trail, High Bridge Trail in Farmville, and college campuses like Randolph-Macon or University of Richmond. If your kids aren’t ready or interested in biking, try scooters instead. Flat, smooth, paved surfaces like the ones listed above work for scooter-riding as well.
Gardens
Flowers and spring are synonymous, and Richmond has plenty of beautiful gardens for your family to take in the gorgeous blooms. A few of our favorites:
- Maymont Italian Gardens
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
- Bryan Park Azalea Garden
- Bright Hope Butterfly Garden at Pocahontas State Park
Kindergarten Readiness Events
A milestone event every spring is kindergarten registration. Children’s Museum of Richmond hosts Kindergarten Readiness Events, one at Manchester YMCA and another at Downtown CMoR, that offer a chance to ride on a school bus, and participate in other fun activities.
Read more about these free Kindergarten Readiness events on our calendar!
Now that you’ve heard about some of my favorite aspects of spring, it’s your turn! What’s your favorite part of spring? Answer our poll and you might win a family dinner from Marco’s pizza!
However your family delights in the joys of spring, we’d love to see it! Tag us on social @rfmtoday on your family’s springtime outing! And, be sure to sign up for RFM eNews to keep up with family-friendly events, ideas for family fun, giveaways, and more!
