What to Do in Richmond with Toddlers: Best Family Day Out Ideas

Jun, 6 2025

Trying to plan a day out in Richmond with a toddler? You’re in luck—this city is a treasure trove of spots where young kids can run, touch, splash, and giggle without you feeling like you’re just circling the block to tire them out. And it’s not all the same old playgrounds, either.

If you’re chasing shade on a hot day or need a place to relax with coffee while your little one explores, Richmond’s got you covered. The best part? Most of these places don’t require a ton of prep or a huge budget.

Of course, every parent knows that outings with toddlers have their own set of challenges—think sudden snack emergencies, bathroom sprints, and weather that never seems to match the forecast. So, I’ll share real tips, not just a list of places, so you can actually enjoy the day with your kiddo in tow.

• Must-Visit Parks and Playgrounds
• Interactive Museums for Little Hands
• Animal Encounters and Nature Spots
• Helpful Tips for Stress-Free Outings

Must-Visit Parks and Playgrounds

Richmond’s parks really save the day when you need a fun, low-stress outing with a toddler. Honestly, you can spend a whole day just hitting up some of these family hotspots.

Richmond staple Maymont Park is my go-to when the weather is decent. The Children’s Farm has chickens and goats, plus shady benches when you need to regroup. Over at the Nature Center, kids can see turtles and otters up close. The big bonus? Clean bathrooms and a well-kept playground, which any parent will appreciate.

Another winner is Deep Run Park. The main playground here is fenced in (huge relief if you’ve got a runner) and there’s a separate toddler play area that isn’t swamped by bigger kids. You’ll find paved walking loops for strollers and plenty of ducks near the pond to keep everyone entertained. Picnic tables are easy to find, so it’s great for snack breaks.

If your little one is into climbing and water play, check out Short Pump Park. The splash pad opens each summer and it’s free. There are also soft turf play zones that cushion the usual tumbles, and a small dog park, which Oscar and Bella both give a paw of approval to.

• Maymont Park: Free, animal encounters, seasonal events
• Deep Run Park: Fenced toddler playground, paved trails
• Short Pump Park: Splash pad, turf play areas

Wondering about crowds or where you might luck out with parking? Here’s what to expect at a glance:

Park	Best Time to Visit	Parking	Restrooms
Maymont Park	Weekdays, mornings	On-site, fills fast on weekends	Multiple, family-friendly
Deep Run Park	Early afternoon	Lots open, rarely full	Near playground
Short Pump Park	Late morning	Spacious lot	Close to splash pad

If weather’s sketchy, bring extra clothes and keep a towel in your car. Richmond’s playground scene is active year-round, but splash pads tend to run late May through early September—so plan ahead if your toddler is all about water play.

Interactive Museums for Little Hands

Toddlers need places where they can actually touch stuff, not just look from behind a rope. That’s why Richmond’s museums for little kids stand out. Straight up, the two most kid-friendly museums are the Children’s Museum of Richmond and the Science Museum of Virginia.

The Children’s Museum of Richmond (also known as CMoR) is pretty much built for the squirmy, curious toddler crowd. There are giant train tables, a mini grocery store, splashy water play, and pretend medical centers. The staff is used to kids running wild, so you never need to worry about side-eye if your little one is a bit loud or throws a wobbly. Admission is pretty reasonable (as of 2025, it’s $11 for adults and kids over 1, and free under age 1). Pro tip: check their website for free admission days or discount evenings—they pop up every month or so.

If your kid’s more into gears and dinosaurs than tea parties, the Science Museum of Virginia is a solid option. Their “Eco-Lab” and “LightPlace” are especially made with under-fives in mind—no complicated science talk, just glowing tunnels, balls, and fun textures. The domed theater is cool, but I’d only try a full show if your toddler can sit still for 20 minutes—some just want to jump up and dance! Be sure to stop at the little train table area near the main entrance if you arrive early.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what each spot offers for toddlers:

Museum	Main Toddler Attractions	Admission
Children’s Museum of Richmond	Water play, grocery store, art studio, car garage	$11 per person (1+), under 1 free
Science Museum of Virginia	LightPlace, Eco-Lab, train tables	$17.50 adults, $14.50 ages 6-12, under 5 free

Bring a change of clothes—water tables can get messy. There are family restrooms and nursing rooms at both spots. Stroller parking is easy at CMoR, but the Science Museum has plenty of open floor space and elevators, so you’re good either way.

If your toddler is happiest outside, keep an eye out for pop-up museum activities in local parks during summer. Staff from both museums often run free science or craft activities at community events. Check social media before your visit—last year, Oscar and Bella tagged along for some outdoor bubble-making, and honestly, the dog had as much fun as the kids.

Animal Encounters and Nature Spots

Richmond totally delivers on animal fun, even for the youngest family members. The real star here is the Metro Richmond Zoo. Toddlers can see giraffes, feed lettuce to friendly goats, and hop on the classic safari train for a short (but always exciting) spin past zebras and kangaroos. The zoo keeps stroller paths wide and bumpy-trail free—nobody wants to rescue a toppled juice box every five minutes. Try to visit early in the morning, when animals are way more active and shade is easier to come by.

If birds are your kid’s thing, drive out to Maymont. This historic estate is a favorite for families and it’s free to wander the huge grounds. You’ll find farm animals, black bears, and even a bobcat. The Children’s Farm area lets toddlers get close to gentle goats and sheep without any scary chains or fencing. There’s a Nature Center here too, with small aquariums and hands-on displays where kids can touch fur and bones. Be prepared: Maymont is hilly, so grab a sturdy stroller if your little one tires out fast.

Cool fact—Richmond’s Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is way more than pretty flowers. They have a Children’s Garden with a splash pad, tiny dirt-digging tools, and a butterfly exhibit during the summer months. Even the pickiest little explorer usually finds something that’ll hold their attention (Oscar the cat would love the butterfly dome, but they’re way too strict about animals). Plus, there are plenty of benches for adult pit stops.

If you just need a quick, low-key stroll, Three Lakes Park in north Richmond is perfect. It’s got shady walking trails, ducks and turtles, and a small nature center that might save the day if you need an air-conditioned break. Some trails are stroller-friendly, and there are lots of picnic spots. Bring extra wipes; muddy hands are pretty much guaranteed here.

You don’t need a packed schedule to give your toddler real animal encounters in Richmond. Just a bag of snacks and a willingness to roll with some dirt and a little noise will get you a pretty great day out.

Helpful Tips for Stress-Free Outings

Getting a toddler out the door in Richmond sounds easy in theory, but every parent knows there are hurdles. Here are some tried-and-true tips to keep your day smooth and your kiddo happy.

• Always pack extra snacks and water. Even if your toddler ate a full breakfast, you can bet they’ll suddenly be starving in the middle of the Richmond Children's Museum or a park. Granola bars, cut-up fruit, and a spill-proof cup are life-savers.
• Check if your chosen spot has restrooms. Some local parks like Forest Hill Park only have seasonal bathroom access, while Maymont and the Science Museum of Virginia have year-round facilities.
• Bring a change of clothes. Between splash pads (like the one at Short Pump Park) and inevitable messes, a backup outfit prevents drama. Bonus: toss in a small towel for water play or muddy shoes.
• Arrive early to popular spots. The best playgrounds and indoor attractions fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during spring and summer breaks.
• Check weather and crowds online. City of Richmond’s Parks and Rec site gives real-time updates, so you’re not surprised by a sudden closure or special event that’s packed with big crowds.
• Most places allow you to bring your stroller, but strollers can be awkward in tight indoor spaces. A lightweight umbrella stroller or carrier is usually easiest to manage in small exhibit halls.
• Don’t forget sunscreen and hats—even on cloudy days, UV rays sneak through. Especially if you end up at Maymont or the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
• Plan meals ahead or have a go-to spot for toddler-friendly eats. Many museums and attractions let you bring your own food, so a packed lunch saves you from long café lines.

Here’s a quick look at some key stats and features for top Richmond family spots:

Location	Restrooms	Snack Allowed?	Stroller Friendly
Maymont	Yes	Yes	Yes (paved paths)
Children's Museum of Richmond	Yes	Yes (in lobby area)	Yes
Short Pump Park	Seasonal	Yes	Yes (mostly flat)
Science Museum of Virginia	Yes	No (nearby café)	Yes (but tight in some exhibits)

Don’t be afraid to break up busy days with some quiet time. Even the most exciting spots in Richmond can turn into meltdowns if you skip naps or downtime. Sometimes a simple walk or picnic in a quiet park does the trick.