Parks
There are so many great parks in the Richmond area – here are the Completely Kids top picks. Email us your favorite park or place to enjoy outdoor activities with your little one!
Please remember the use of these park facilities is at your own risk.
22nd & Riverside Drive, Richmond, VA 23225 Phone: 804.646.8911
The James River Park System is the largest park in Richmond, encompassing 500+ acres along the banks of the James River. This park offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, jogging, swimming, hiking, rock-climbing, fishing, boating, sunning, and bird watching. Two of the most popular areas within the park system are Belle Isle and Pony Pasture. To really enjoy your visit, avoid peak weekend afternoons.
Belle Isle is found downtown (near the financial district) in the middle of the James River. The island is the site of a notorious Civil War prison and the remains of a historic iron foundry are still visible. Belle Isle can be accessed from the northside of the River by a pedestrian bridge suspended directly under the Lee Bridge. Free parking is available in the Belle Isle parking lot just past the Tredegar Iron Works or along 5th Street, a porta potty is located on the island.
Older kids enjoy riding their bikes across the bridge and around the island trail (approx one mile), wading in the shallows of the river, sunbathing, and climbing on the rocks when water levels are low.
Pony Pasture is located on the south bank of the James a mile or so east from the Huguenot Bridge on Riverside Drive. There is ample parking and restrooms. Pony Pasture offers walking and bike trails, bird watching, rock climbing, and fishing.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA 23228 Phone: 804.262.9887
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is a by far the most beautiful garden in all of Richmond. There are so many different varieties and styles of gardens to enjoy including; Asian, Rose, Healing, Perennial, and Water Gardens. There is also a beautiful Conservatory that houses plants from around the globe. The garden is almost entirely stroller and wheelchair accessible. Check Lewis Ginter’s website or call for details on hours and fees.
One of the newest gardens at Lewis Ginter is a Children’s Garden complete with a 13 foot high tree house, giant sandbox, and miniature playhouses designed after villages around the world. Kids also enjoy climbing the 100 year old mulberry tree and splashing around in the water play area in the summertime.
Older kids enjoy Kids Quest, the self directed garden treasure hunt. The theme and treasures change every month or so. Maps are located in the visitor center and each item is noted with a special Kid’s Quest sign to identify it. Upon completion children receive a special button, which changes as the theme changes.
And don’t miss the GardenFest of Lights event that is held each year between Thanksgiving and the new year.
Click here for additional information on membership and special events for families.
Parking: Free Parking is available around the Visitor’s Center.
Restrooms: Are located in the Visitor’s Center, and behind the Children’s Garden.
1700 Hampton Street, Richmond, VA 23220 Phone: 804.358.7166
Maymont is a 100 acre park located in the heart of the city and includes a Nature Center, Japanese and Italian Gardens, the Maymont house, and a Children’s Farm. Check Maymont’s website or call for details on hours and fees. If you visit the park with little ones, be sure to bring a stroller, this park is enormous and has lots of hills.
The Nature Center interprets the natural environment of the James River. A 20-foot waterfall cascades into one of 13 giant, linked aquariums that are home to playful river otters, turtles and indigenous species of fish.
The Italian Garden features exquisite stonework, statuary, gazebos, and fountains, as well as beautiful trees and flowers. It is a popular location for weddings.
The Japanese Garden landscape contrasts strongly with the formality of the Italian Garden. A Japanese Garden Guide and Map (available for purchase at the Visitor Center) provides interpretive information, including Japanese history and symbolism.
The Maymont House Museum is a Victorian-age, 33-room home, once owned by the Dooley family. It is a well-preserved example of Gilded Age design with twelve restored rooms on the first and second floors available for viewing during guided tour hours.
The Children’s Farm and Barn is a kiddie favorite. It is located at the Spottswood Road Entrance. At the Children's Farm youngsters can visit all kinds of animals; pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, peacocks, chickens, cows, horses, foxes, and a bear, just to name a few. For more details about the Children’s Farm, visit ‘Looking for Animals’ on our website.
Directions and Entrances: There are three entrances to Maymont, so make sure to get directions.
Parking: Free Parking is located at each entrance.
Restrooms are located in the Nature & Visitor Center, near the Bear Exhibit, at the Maymont House, and at the Children's Farm.
The Canal Walk is a 1.25 mile walk along James River’s north bank and Kanawha Canal from Tredegar Iron Works on 5th Street to 17th Street. Pedestrian entrances are available at Tredegar Iron Works, 7th, 12th, 14th, 15th and 17th and Virginia streets. Moms beware – the entire 1.25 miles of the Canal Walk is not stroller friendly!
Boat tours are available from the Turning Basin at 14th and Dock Streets. They offer a 35 min historical narrated tour of James River and Kanawha Canal. Call Richmond Canal Cruises at 804.649-2800 for more information.
Local Park System Websites:
General Information: 804.646.5733
General Information: 804.501.7275
General Information: 804.365.4595
General Information: 804.748.1623
Virginia Division of State Parks
General Information: 800.933.PARK
