5 Places in RVA that are so much fun your kids won't know they're learning

by Kate Vinnedge

School’s out, the dog days of summer are here, and the pool is calling. Convincing the kids to get up and go to anything that doesn’t scream “summer fun” is a chore - getting them to go anywhere that’s educational is downright impossible.

Luckily, our city has a few tricks up its proverbial sleeves - places and events that are so much fun your kids won’t realize they’re learning.

The Science Museum of Virginia

This is quite possibly already at the top of your list - as it should be. If your kids aren’t as excited about visiting a museum as you are, however, we’ve come up with a plan of attack for you:

First, ask them if they want to see a movie. When they say yes, ask them if they want to see a movie about the biggest explosions in the universe, great white sharks stalking the ocean, or, volcanoes?

Then, they’ll be begging to stay so they can design and 3D print their own toy in The Forge, race an alligator in Speed, and go back in time, all the way to ancient Pompeii and the looming disaster of Mount Vesuvius.

Park365

Near the Laburnum Avenue 195 exit, on Saunders Ave, is Richmond’s Park365. This 2.4 acre, all-inclusive, handicap-accessible public park is open to everyone - no matter your age or ability.

There’s fun for everyone here - and the best part is everything is accessible to everyone. There’s even a wheelchair-accessible treehouse!

Chocolates by Kelly

Located in Short Pump Town Center, Chocolates by Kelly not only offers delicious treats - Kelly also teaches truffle baking classes!

Truffles, made by kids? Fret not; Kelly, who describes herself as a “ridiculously charming 5th generation Master Chocolatier,” has taught others how to make chocolate for over 10 years now, and she’s taught all ages - from six-year-olds to those in their eighties.

No matter what age you are (or how much culinary experience you have), you’ll end up making something delicious, having fun (and getting a little messy), learning some baking, some science, and most importantly, how good of a chocolatier you are!

Richmond Symphony Family Concerts

The Richmond Symphony offers family-oriented concerts that allow children to explore all that music has to offer - three different concert series cater to all tastes and needs - young ones can explore a symphony of sounds through the Union Bank & Trust Lollipops Series, the Genworth Symphony Pops concerts series is fun for everyone, and the Altria Masterworks concert series inspires passion for music!

Most importantly - these concerts hold an instrument petting zoo, giving your kids the chance to touch and inspect actual instruments!

Field Day of the Past

Located in Rockville, in Goochland County, Field day of the Past will transport your whole family back in time - from the 17th century through the early 20th. There’s a lot to do at Field Day of the Past:

Arts and crafts, a magic show, a blacksmith demo, log cabin and heritage exhibits, an antique kitchen and operating print shop, diesel engine building, metal working, a steam-operated sawmill, 4-H livestock shows, a 17th century woodwright and tinsmith, Pork n’ Bean can guitar making, and so much more.

Plan ahead for it now - this event takes place September 20th through the 22nd.