Place to Visit
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Explore art from around the world, from historic collections to contemporary work.
Free general admission; special exhibitions may require tickets.
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Free Things to Do in Richmond, VA
Looking for a Richmond outing without an admission ticket? Start with free places to visit and sources for affordable plans. Check the official site for parking, optional activities and current visitor details.
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Places to Visit
Our picks of worthwhile places to explore around Richmond.
23 places
Place to Visit
Libby Hill Park
Take in the James River and city skyline from this Church Hill overlook.
Place to Visit
Three Lakes Park & Nature Center
Walk by the lakes, visit wildlife exhibits, and use the playground.
Place to Visit
Hollywood Cemetery
Take a self-guided walk among historic monuments, trees, and river overlooks.
Place to Visit
Virginia Capital Trail
Choose a starting point on the interactive map for a paved ride or walk.
Place to Visit
Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU
Explore changing contemporary art exhibitions, installations and creative programs.
Free admission. Some programs require registration; preview exhibitions before visiting with children.
Place to Visit
Byrd Park
Walk by the lakes, relax on the grass, or visit the playground.
Place to Visit
Bryan Park
Explore the azalea gardens and wooded trails, then stop at the playground.
Place to Visit
Great Shiplock Park & Chapel Island
See the historic canal locks, follow an island path, or launch a non-motorized boat.
Place to Visit
North Bank Trail
Hike or bike a challenging riverside trail with views of the James.
Place to Visit
Crump Park & Meadow Farm
Follow the park trails, play outside, and see the farm animals from public areas.
Place to Visit
Dorey Park
Circle the pond, explore wooded paths, or head for the playground.
Place to Visit
Taylor Farm Park
Try the nature play area or check the all-wheel park for riding.
Place to Visit
Dutch Gap Conservation Area
Explore the lagoon trail, look for birds, or paddle the quiet water.
Place to Visit
Pony Pasture
Follow riverside trails, relax by the rapids, or launch a canoe or raft.
Place to Visit
Historic Polegreen Church
Explore an outdoor historic church site and follow a self-guided audio tour about religious freedom.
The grounds are free to visit from sunrise to sunset. Visitor-center hours are more limited; check the official visiting information.
Place to Visit
Deep Bottom Park
Watch birds from the James River shoreline, enjoy a picnic or plan a paddle from the Four Mile Creek launch.
Free day use from dawn to dusk. The river and creek are tidal and can flood; check water conditions and bring suitable equipment before paddling.
Place to Visit
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen
Explore changing gallery exhibitions, catch a performance or book a creative class at Glen Allen’s cultural arts center.
Gallery admission is free; performances and classes may have fees. Check gallery hours, show tickets and class registration.
Place to Visit
Mid-Lothian Mines Park
Explore free public woodland paths and discover stone ruins connected to one of America’s earliest commercial coal-mining sites.
Check park hours and trail conditions. View historic remains from designated paths; this is not an underground mine tour.
Place to Visit
Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
Tour the home of Maggie L. Walker and learn about the Richmond entrepreneur and civil-rights leader’s work in Jackson Ward.
Admission is free. Start at the visitor center at 600 N 2nd Street; check guided-tour availability. Larger groups need advance arrangements.
Place to Visit
Fort Harrison
Follow a short self-guided trail around Civil War earthworks at this Richmond National Battlefield Park site.
Admission is free. Check current access and trail conditions; the visitor center operates seasonally. This listing is for Fort Harrison, not every battlefield unit.
Place to Visit
Artspace
Explore changing exhibitions by local and visiting artists at an artist-run gallery in Stratford Hills.
Gallery admission is free. Check current opening days; the gallery closes between exhibitions for installation.
Place to Visit
Wilton House Museum
Tour an eighteenth-century house overlooking the James River and learn about the people who lived and worked there.
Admission is free. Confirm current tour availability and opening times with the museum before traveling. Access to the house requires stairs.
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Events & Ideas
Our picks of Richmond’s best sources for upcoming events and things to do.
Sources may cover a wider area or other interests. Check their links for current dates, locations and details.
2 sources
Events & Ideas
RVA on the Cheap
Look for free and low-cost events and activities without sorting through expensive options.
Events & Ideas
Free Things to Do in Richmond
A Richmond Region guide to free attractions and outdoor places to explore.
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