Getting the kids out of the house and away from the computer can be challenging whether you are at home or on vacation. In Richmond, Virginia, there are many activities for kids that give them the opportunity to learn about the area's history, pet a farm animal or two, or get that skateboard out and practice their leaps and spins. Best of all, these activities are free, and parents are welcome to join the fun.
Kids can watch a blacksmith turn iron into horseshoes, dress in mid-19th-century clothing, take a sewing lesson or learn how to use a spinning wheel to turn sheared sheep’s wool into yarn. All of these activities take place at the Meadow Farm Museum, located in the Glen Allen section of Richmond, Virginia, six miles north of downtown.
The farm dates to 1860 and it has been preserved as a living history museum. The farm site contains the original farmhouse, barn, blacksmith shop and an old-time doctor’s office that was once used by Dr. John Mosby Sheppard, the farm’s original owner.
Volunteers who work at the museum and teach the living history classes dress in 19th-century clothing. There is a petting zoo on the property, as well as a gift shop. Best of all, the museum visits and the living history classes are all free. Depending on the class, children as young as five may participate.
Except for the first two weeks in January, the museum is open year-round.
Laurel Skate Park offers 6,700 square feet of free skating space complete with ramps, a bowl and a half-pipe. It is one place where kids and adults can practice on skateboards, BMX bikes or in-line skates. However, you must wear safety equipment, including a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards. Bike riders must also wear shinguards. Shoes and shirts are required at all times.
This is a supervised facility with staff on hand to ensure everyone’s safety. Park rules prohibit pets, personal music devices or cell phones, unless in an emergency, as well as food, drink or alcohol. Adults are welcome to skate with their kids.
The park is open daily from late March to mid-November, except for holidays.
The Maymont mansion and its accompanying 100 acres once belonged to James and Sallie May Dooley. After Sallie died in 1925, the property was donated to the city of Richmond. It first opened as a public park and museum and then later added a nature center, children’s farm and wildlife exhibits.
Though there is an entrance fee for the nature center and a fee for the hay, tram and carriage rides, entrance to the rest of the property is free. The estate is run by a non-profit group, so donations are encouraged.
Kids can visit the petting zoo or the wildlife exhibits that are scattered throughout the grounds. The exhibits include bison, white-tailed deer, black bears, red and gray foxes, bobcats, elk and birds of prey, such as eagles and red-tailed hawks.
The gardens, grounds and wildlife exhibits are open year-round.
