Richmond Arts & Outdoor Activities

Maymont

Wander the gardens and grounds, then visit the wildlife habitats.

• Walks & Hikes
• Gardens & Views

Belle Isle

Follow wooded paths to James River views and traces of the island’s history.

• Walks & Hikes
• Gardens & Views
• Biking
• On the Water

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Explore themed gardens, lakeside paths, and the conservatory.

• Walks & Hikes
• Gardens & Views

Hollywood Cemetery

Take a self-guided walk among historic monuments, trees, and river overlooks.

• Walks & Hikes
• Gardens & Views

Virginia Capital Trail

Choose a starting point on the interactive map for a paved ride or walk.

• Walks & Hikes
• Biking

Pocahontas State Park

Choose forest trails, mountain biking, kayaking on Swift Creek Lake with kayak rentals, or seasonal swimming pools at the Aquatic Recreation Center.

Kayak rentals include an app-based self-serve kiosk; staffed rentals vary by season and weather. Check current equipment availability, rental details and park notices before visiting. The aquatic center operates seasonally with a swimming fee; check pool access and park fees. Lake swimming is prohibited.

• Walks & Hikes
• Gardens & Views
• Biking
• On the Water

Deep Run Park

Find ponds, paved trails, playgrounds, and a bike pump track.

• Walks & Hikes
• Playgrounds
• Biking

Forest Hill Park

Explore wooded trails, the lake, picnic spots, and a playground.

• Walks & Hikes
• Gardens & Views
• Playgrounds

Agecroft Hall & Gardens

Explore formal gardens, a lawn maze, and a woodland walk at this historic estate.

• Walks & Hikes
• Gardens & Views

Byrd Park

Walk by the lakes, relax on the grass, or visit the playground.

• Walks & Hikes
• Gardens & Views
• Playgrounds

Bryan Park

Explore the azalea gardens and wooded trails, then stop at the playground.

• Walks & Hikes
• Gardens & Views
• Playgrounds

Great Shiplock Park & Chapel Island

See the historic canal locks, follow an island path, or launch a non-motorized boat.

• Walks & Hikes
• Gardens & Views
• Biking
• On the Water

North Bank Trail

Hike or bike a challenging riverside trail with views of the James.

• Walks & Hikes
• Gardens & Views
• Biking

Crump Park & Meadow Farm

Follow the park trails, play outside, and see the farm animals from public areas.

• Walks & Hikes
• Playgrounds

Three Lakes Park & Nature Center

Walk by the lakes, visit wildlife exhibits, and use the playground.

• Walks & Hikes
• Gardens & Views
• Playgrounds

Dorey Park

Circle the pond, explore wooded paths, or head for the playground.

• Walks & Hikes
• Gardens & Views
• Playgrounds

Taylor Farm Park

Try the nature play area or check the all-wheel park for riding.

• Playgrounds
• Biking

Robious Landing Park

Access the James for kayaking or canoeing, enjoy a picnic or visit the playground.

Check current county trail and river-access notices before visiting, and follow posted restrictions. Bring your own paddling equipment.

• Playgrounds
• On the Water

Dutch Gap Conservation Area

Explore the lagoon trail, look for birds, or paddle the quiet water.

• Walks & Hikes
• Gardens & Views
• Biking
• On the Water

Libby Hill Park

Take in the James River and city skyline from this Church Hill overlook.

• Gardens & Views

Pony Pasture

Follow riverside trails, relax by the rapids, or launch a canoe or raft.

• Walks & Hikes
• Gardens & Views
• Biking
• On the Water

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.

Virginia Museum of History & Culture

Explore Virginia’s history through objects, stories and changing exhibitions.

Check current admission and exhibitions before visiting.

Science Museum of Virginia

Try hands-on science exhibits, explore interactive labs or add a Dome show.

Check admission and any separate Dome or special-exhibition tickets.

Children’s Museum — Downtown

Hands-on play, pretend shops and an art studio for young children and their caregivers.

Designed for ages 0–8. Check admission and current exhibit availability.

Children’s Museum — Chesterfield

Explore pretend-play spaces, a transportation station and an art studio with young children.

Designed for ages 0–8. Check admission; this is the Lake Harbour Drive location.

Visual Arts Center of Richmond

Visit the gallery or try a class in clay, painting, printmaking and other creative media.

Classes require registration. Check current gallery exhibitions and visiting details.

Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education

Explore theater, concerts, gallery exhibitions and art classes in Chester.

Check performance tickets, class registration and gallery visiting details.

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.

Virginia Holocaust Museum

Explore Holocaust history through survivor accounts, artifacts and connections to Virginia.

Check admission and visitor guidance; exhibits may be emotionally challenging for younger visitors.

The Poe Museum

Explore Edgar Allan Poe’s life and writing through artifacts, historic buildings and a courtyard garden.

Check admission and accessibility details for the historic buildings and grounds.

PARK365

Play together at an inclusive park with accessible play equipment, sensory areas and gardens.

Check seasonal hours and closures. The park welcomes children and adults with and without disabilities.

• Playgrounds

Henricus Historical Park

Explore a reconstructed colonial settlement and learn about the region’s Indigenous and English history.

Check admission and current programming. Most of the visit is outdoors, with gravel and dirt paths.

• Walks & Hikes

Art Factory & Party Place

Choose a canvas, wooden project or decorative figurine and make something in the drop-in art studio.

Open Studio is self-guided and priced by project. Check current hours; acrylic-painted projects go home the same day. Groups of eight or more should call ahead.

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.

• Walks & Hikes

Hanover Tavern

See a theatre performance, dine at the restaurant or explore the museum and historic rooms at Hanover Tavern.

Check theatre tickets, restaurant reservations and museum-tour availability before visiting. Historic tours have an admission charge; guided tours require advance booking.

Powhatan State Park

Explore multi-use trails, picnic with the family or plan a paddle along the James River.

Parking fees apply. Check trail conditions and boat-launch guidance; cartop launches are for canoes and kayaks. Bring suitable equipment for river conditions.

• Walks & Hikes
• Biking
• Playgrounds
• On the Water

Leakes Mill Park

Walk or bike wooded trails with bridge crossings, then stop at the playground or picnic area.

Check current park information and trail conditions. Trails are shared by walkers and cyclists.

• Walks & Hikes
• Biking
• Playgrounds

Clay Ground

Try a beginner pottery workshop or book an all-level clay session at a studio in Richmond’s East End.

Book an appropriate class in advance. Check materials, firing and collection arrangements; open-studio access has different requirements.

Hand/Thrown Ceramics Studio

Try a single-session pottery class in a community ceramics studio on Brookland Park Boulevard.

Book ahead; there are no public walk-in hours. Wheel classes are for ages 16 and up; children ages 5 and up can join one-day handbuilding with a booked adult. Fired pieces usually need pickup two to four weeks later.

Tucker Park at Maidens Crossing

Follow a riverside walking trail, visit the playground or launch a canoe or kayak on the James River.

Check current park and river conditions. The launch is for nonmotorized boats; bring suitable equipment and plan your river trip before setting out.

• Walks & Hikes
• Playgrounds
• On the Water

Ashland Museum & Red Caboose

Explore Ashland’s history through local exhibits, then step inside a restored railroad caboose next door.

Check museum and caboose opening times before visiting. Groups should make arrangements in advance; tours and special programs may have separate fees.

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.

• Gardens & Views
• On the Water

Varina Area Library

Browse books, enjoy woodland views or explore creative projects at a library with a Digital Media Lab and outdoor walking trail.

Check current hours and Digital Media Lab booking or library-card requirements. Some programs require registration; printing and materials may carry fees.

• Walks & Hikes

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.

Richmond Railroad Museum

Explore railway artifacts and a model railroad inside a historic station, then see locomotives and railcars outside.

Admission is charged. Public opening hours are on weekends; check current hours before visiting. This is a museum visit, not a train ride.

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.

• Walks & Hikes

Short Pump Park

Visit the playground, enjoy a picnic or bring your dog to the fenced dog park. A seasonal sprayground adds warm-weather play.

Check park rules and current sprayground dates before visiting. The sprayground operates seasonally.

• Playgrounds

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.

Rockwood Park & Nature Center

Walk wooded trails, visit the playground or explore nature exhibits at Chesterfield’s Rockwood Park.

The nature center has more limited hours than the park. Check opening days, trail conditions and registration or fees for scheduled programs.

• Walks & Hikes
• Playgrounds

All Fired Up — Short Pump

Choose a pottery piece and paint your own design at a locally founded ceramics studio in West Broad Village.

Projects have a charge. Call the Short Pump studio for reservations, especially on busy days; kiln-fired pieces require later collection.

Fonticello Park

Enjoy neighborhood playtime at the playground or practice at the community skatepark in Southside.

Check current park information and skatepark etiquette. Bring appropriate protective equipment; proposed expansions are separate from existing facilities.

• Playgrounds

Swift Creek Mill Theatre

See professional live theater in a historic gristmill for a distinctive evening out in Chesterfield.

Book tickets for a scheduled performance. Check the show’s audience guidance; pre-show dining is a separate option.

Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown

Take a guided tour of Patrick Henry’s former home and learn about the household, including the enslaved people who lived and worked there.

Tours have an admission charge and seasonal opening days. Check availability before traveling; allow time for the grounds and outbuildings.

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.

• Walks & Hikes

Mojo Glassworks

Try a beginner glassmaking class and shape a handmade piece at a local glass studio in Manchester.

Book a scheduled paid class. Check age requirements, safety guidance and collection arrangements for your finished piece.

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.

Pouncey Tract Park

Play pickleball, explore park paths or bring children to an inclusive playground at this western Henrico park.

Check current court access and park hours. Bring appropriate equipment for pickleball; reserved facilities have separate arrangements.

• Walks & Hikes
• Playgrounds

Cheswick Park

Take a wooded neighborhood walk, try outdoor fitness equipment or stop at the playground in Henrico’s oldest county park.

Check current park hours and access. Bring water and shoes suitable for the paths.

• Walks & Hikes
• Playgrounds

R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks

Follow woodland trails and a floating boardwalk through a tidal marsh, with playgrounds and picnic spots nearby.

Check trail and boardwalk access before traveling, especially after severe weather. This listing is for Dodd Park on Enon Church Road.

• Walks & Hikes
• Gardens & Views
• Playgrounds

Gallery5

Discover art exhibitions, live music and community programs inside a former Jackson Ward firehouse.

Check the current calendar and gallery opening times. Performances may require paid tickets; other visits may need an appointment.

The Valentine

Explore Richmond stories through exhibitions, the historic Wickham House and a downtown garden at one museum campus.

Check admission and tour availability. General admission is currently free on Thursdays; other days have admission charges or specific eligibility discounts.

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.

Chimborazo Playground

Bring the family for an outdoor play stop at a Church Hill city playground one block from Chimborazo Park.

The playground is at 29th and East Grace Street, separate from the main park at 3201 East Broad Street. Check current park access and conditions.

• Playgrounds

Jefferson Park

Take the family to a Church Hill neighborhood park for outdoor play at the city’s playground on Princess Anne Avenue.

Check current park access and playground conditions before visiting. This listing is for Richmond’s Jefferson Park on Princess Anne Avenue.

• Playgrounds

Twin Hickory Park & Recreation Center

Walk park trails, enjoy a picnic or bring children to the playgrounds at a public park on Twin Hickory Road.

Check park hours and rules before visiting. Reserved shelters, recreation-center rentals and scheduled classes have separate arrangements; a class is not guaranteed by this Place listing.

• Walks & Hikes
• Playgrounds

Twin Hickory Area Library

Browse books, read indoors or explore creative projects at a public library with children’s and teen areas and a Digital Media Lab.

Check current hours and Digital Media Lab booking or library-card requirements. Consult the library calendar for programs; some require registration, and printing or materials may carry fees.

Art Corner VA

Explore painting, mosaics and art classes for children and adults at an indoor art studio and café serving specialty coffee and Ukrainian desserts.

Check current projects, class availability and online booking before visiting. This Place listing does not confirm a class date or guarantee drop-in availability.

Echo Lake Park

Walk the half-mile nature trail beside a fishing lake, enjoy a picnic and let children explore the playground.

Check park notices and picnic shelter reservations before visiting. Fishing is subject to current Virginia licensing and park rules.

• Walks & Hikes
• Gardens & Views
• Playgrounds

CSz Richmond Theater

Watch live improv comedy and ComedySportz shows, or take improv classes and workshops at Richmond’s nonprofit comedy theater.

Book through the current show or class listings. ComedySportz shows are family-friendly; other and late-night shows may include mature content. Check the audience guidance for your chosen show.

CREATE Pottery Shop

Paint pottery, hand-build a clay project or try a scheduled glass-fusing session at an independent indoor art studio.

Most visits are walk-in projects; some classes and group visits require reservations. Fired pieces need a later pickup. Pottery-wheel experiences are not offered; check project availability.

Huguenot Park

Walk wooded trails, explore the azalea garden, enjoy a picnic or visit A Playground for Katie and Friends, an inclusive play area renovated in 2025.

Check county park notices, court availability and picnic-shelter reservations before visiting.

• Walks & Hikes
• Gardens & Views
• Playgrounds

Kingfish Boat Rentals

Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the James River from the Osborne Turnpike waterfront site.

Check reservation availability, current rental charges, age and equipment requirements, and river conditions before visiting. Confirm the pickup instructions with the operator.

• On the Water