BirthdaysFEATURED EVENTS:
Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience. Kids and their families should be ready to ROCK, especially those ages 5-10, when they come see Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed from April 12 – May 5 in the Jessie Bogese Theatre. The 60-minute musical begins with a roar, a scream, and a howl, as the live band of naked mole rats takes the stage. The rats are introduced in a child-friendly way during the opening song and dialogue, and the audience learns that they live underground, like to dig, and are naked (without fur). There is even a fun fashion show!
Parents Morning Out. Romp n’ Roll West End & Midlothian. Wednesdays & Thursdays April 10 through June 1. Calling all parents craving a breather! Romp n’ Roll has your back! Introducing our Parent’s Morning Out event – your ticket to blissful ‘me-time’ while your little one dives into an incredible adventure. Picture this: three hours of pure relaxation for you while your kiddo enjoys a whirlwind of activities! From artsy creations to musical marvels, games, sing-alongs, and dance-offs, it’s a boundless world of fun and learning waiting for your child. Kids 2-5 years old. 3-hour drop-off program, no potty training required. Registration required.
Opening May 14th!
Bug Squad-Downtown. 9:30am-5:00pm Tuesday-Sunday. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown. Join us all summer for Bug Squad, a hands-on exhibit exploring the unique abilities of bugs! This touring exhibit features talking animatronic members of the Bug Squad, bugs with their own superhero storyline that describes their super abilities and unique traits. The exhibit is a full sensory experience while providing plenty of active spaces to play. Highlights include the Spider Web Escape area with a slide, the Ant Colony Climber, and an opportunity to experience (virtually) what it’s like to fly like a dragonfly. This exhibit was produced by Omaha Children’s Museum. Free with museum admission.
Today – Sunday, May 5th
Chesterfield Towne Center Carnival. 5-10pm Monday – Thursday, 5-11pm Friday, noon-11pm Saturday, noon-10pm Sunday. Chesterfield Towne Center, 11500 Midlothian Turnpike. Enjoy midway fun for the whole family with rides and games, favorite fair food and Cirque Cyber thrill shows featuring aerial acrobatics, the Wheel of Destiny and more. Free event admission, circus and parking. Unlimited ride wristbands (for riders 36″ & taller) are $37 on site ($35 cash) and discounted online. See website for ride ticket savings, coupons for rides and food, and event updates. No unaccompanied guests under age 21. More info: 866-666-3247 or DreamlandAmusements.com.
Wednesday, May 1st
Parents Morning Out. 9am-Noon. Romp n’ Roll West End & Midlothian. Wednesdays & Thursdays April 10 through June 1. Calling all parents craving a breather! Romp n’ Roll has your back! Introducing our Parent’s Morning Out event – your ticket to blissful ‘me-time’ while your little one dives into an incredible adventure. Picture this: three hours of pure relaxation for you while your kiddo enjoys a whirlwind of activities! From artsy creations to musical marvels, games, sing-alongs, and dance-offs, it’s a boundless world of fun and learning waiting for your child. Kids 2-5 years old. 3-hour drop-off program, no potty training required. Registration required.
Natural Artists. 10:30–11:30am or 4-5pm. VMFA Art Education Center, Classroom. For ages 2 1/2–5, with an adult. Notice nature’s many colors and textures and create art from natural materials. $22 per toddler/adult pair (VMFA members $18). Registration required.
Thursday, May 2nd
Parents Morning Out. 9am-Noon. Romp n’ Roll West End & Midlothian. Wednesdays & Thursdays April 10 through June 1. Calling all parents craving a breather! Romp n’ Roll has your back! Introducing our Parent’s Morning Out event – your ticket to blissful ‘me-time’ while your little one dives into an incredible adventure. Picture this: three hours of pure relaxation for you while your kiddo enjoys a whirlwind of activities! From artsy creations to musical marvels, games, sing-alongs, and dance-offs, it’s a boundless world of fun and learning waiting for your child. Kids 2-5 years old. 3-hour drop-off program, no potty training required. Registration required.
Playhouse Bilingual Storytime French. 10:30am- 11:00am. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown. Join us on Thursday in the Downtown Playhouse for bilingual storytime! We’ll sing, dance, read and learn French. This event is free with Museum admission.
Fast, Slow, Art We Go! 10:30–11:30am. VMFA Art Education Center, Classroom. For ages 15–30 months, with an adult | Play with spatial concepts, notice movement in artwork, and experiment with dimensional materials. $22 per toddler/adult pair (VMFA members $18).
Friday, May 3rd
Storytime in the Garden. 10am. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Storytime is hosted in the Lora M. Robins Library every Friday and Saturday morning at 10 a.m. After reading two of our favorite books about plants, nature, and everything, there will be a craft activity in the Library that everyone can enjoy. Storytime is held outside the Kelly Education Center building (the Library building) under the Cup Oak trees when the weather allows. Feel free to bring a blanket, or use the cushions (limited availability) provided by the Library, as we enjoy the beauty of the Garden during storytime. Included in regular Garden admission; free for members.
CultureFest Fridays. 3:30pm-4:30pm. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown. Join us every first Friday for a monthly cultural celebration for the entire family in partnership with Culture Encounters. Come enjoy a performance, craft, and snack. This event is free with museum admission.
First Fridays. 5pm-8pm. VMHC. On the first Friday of each month, the museum will stay open later for this family-friendly event. Between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm, the museum will offer free admission to the galleries, specials in the Café, access to food trucks, live music, and family-centered activities. Free, no registration required.
Saturday, May 4th
Storytime in the Garden. 10am. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Storytime is hosted in the Lora M. Robins Library every Friday and Saturday morning at 10 a.m. After reading two of our favorite books about plants, nature, and everything, there will be a craft activity in the Library that everyone can enjoy. Storytime is held outside the Kelly Education Center building (the Library building) under the Cup Oak trees when the weather allows. Feel free to bring a blanket, or use the cushions (limited availability) provided by the Library, as we enjoy the beauty of the Garden during storytime. Included in regular Garden admission; free for members.
Sunday, May 5th
Children’s Day at VMFA. 10am-5pm. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. In honor of the Japanese holiday Children’s Day, or Kodomo no hi, VMFA is pleased to offer free admission to children ages 17 and under to the exhibition Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller. Stop by Visitor Services to pick up your complimentary youth tickets or reserve them ahead of time online with the promo code CD2024. Upon arrival to the museum, please stop by Visitor Services for each child in your group to receive a Samurai Armor related art activity to make at home and a free Koinobori, (a cloth streamer in the shape of a carp), which is a traditional symbol of Children’s Day. Free youth admission to Samurai Armor on May 5 is made possible by a grant from the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust. Koinobori streamers are provided by SouthState Bank.
FETCH Fest. 1pm-5pm. Main Line Brewery & Cirrus Vodka. A free family and fido friendly pet wellness event. Fee.
Tuesday, May 7th
$10 Days. 9:30am-5pm. Science Museum of Virginia. On $10 days, admission to the Science Museum is $10 for everyone! The $10 admission includes permanent exhibitions, labs, makerspace and demos. Dome features and admission to the touring exhibition require additional tickets.
Tutus & Ties on Tuesdays. 2pm-2:30pm. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown. Movement and play are good for children’s bodies and brains. In fact, movement can help increase memory, perception, language comprehension, attention, emotional understanding, and decision making! This event is free with museum admission.
Wednesday, May 8th
Parents Morning Out. 9am-Noon. Romp n’ Roll West End & Midlothian. Wednesdays & Thursdays April 10 through June 1. Calling all parents craving a breather! Romp n’ Roll has your back! Introducing our Parent’s Morning Out event – your ticket to blissful ‘me-time’ while your little one dives into an incredible adventure. Picture this: three hours of pure relaxation for you while your kiddo enjoys a whirlwind of activities! From artsy creations to musical marvels, games, sing-alongs, and dance-offs, it’s a boundless world of fun and learning waiting for your child. Kids 2-5 years old. 3-hour drop-off program, no potty training required. Registration required.
Thursday, May 9th
Parents Morning Out. 9am-Noon. Romp n’ Roll West End & Midlothian. Wednesdays & Thursdays April 10 through June 1. Calling all parents craving a breather! Romp n’ Roll has your back! Introducing our Parent’s Morning Out event – your ticket to blissful ‘me-time’ while your little one dives into an incredible adventure. Picture this: three hours of pure relaxation for you while your kiddo enjoys a whirlwind of activities! From artsy creations to musical marvels, games, sing-alongs, and dance-offs, it’s a boundless world of fun and learning waiting for your child. Kids 2-5 years old. 3-hour drop-off program, no potty training required. Registration required.
Modern Train Expo with River City 3 Railers. 2:30pm-4:30pm. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown. Come experience the joy of model trains in action, making their way through a miniature city. Free with museum admission.
Friday, May 10th
Storytime in the Garden. 10am. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Storytime is hosted in the Lora M. Robins Library every Friday and Saturday morning at 10 a.m. After reading two of our favorite books about plants, nature, and everything, there will be a craft activity in the Library that everyone can enjoy. Storytime is held outside the Kelly Education Center building (the Library building) under the Cup Oak trees when the weather allows. Feel free to bring a blanket, or use the cushions (limited availability) provided by the Library, as we enjoy the beauty of the Garden during storytime. Included in regular Garden admission; free for members.
Science After Dark: Prehistoric Party. 5pm-8pm. Science Museum of Virginia. Explore ancient creatures, plants and stars. Your family will dig all the hands-on activities. Fee.
Kid’s Night Out. 6pm-9pm. Romp n’ Roll Glen Allen location. Kid’s night out is the perfect date night for you! Parents get an evening to themselves while the children get to run, play, dance, and have fun with our energetic instructors. We even include a pizza party dinner and our famous bubble dance party. It’s the best way for your kids (and you) to enjoy yourselves! Enjoy your evening, knowing that our team will make sure your little one has fun playing, exploring, and learning! For kids 2-5 years old. Children do not need to be potty-trained. Member $30 / Non Member $35. Sibling Discounts Available.
Saturday, May 11th
Operation Cow Drop. 10am-3pm. Hanover County Airport, 9500 Sliding Hill Road, Ashland, VA. Chick-fil-A Virginia Center Marketplace and The Center of the Universe locations are proud to announce the return of the Hanover County community, family-friendly event, Operation Cow Drop! Join us Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 10 AM – 3 PM at the Hanover County Airport for games, food, airplanes, and so much more! Admission and parking for this event is FREE with tickets available for purchase for games and activities for the whole family! Come see what happens when 1,500 Chick-fil-A cows fill the sky!
Kids ‘N Trucks. 10am-1pm. Deep Run Park. There will be several vehicles in the parking lot kids to explore and see up close. Get pictures and talk with those who drive them. We will have emergency vehicles, work trucks, and tractors. Food trucks will be on-site to purchase lunch. Free.
Storytime in the Garden. 10am. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Storytime is hosted in the Lora M. Robins Library every Friday and Saturday morning at 10 a.m. After reading two of our favorite books about plants, nature, and everything, there will be a craft activity in the Library that everyone can enjoy. Storytime is held outside the Kelly Education Center building (the Library building) under the Cup Oak trees when the weather allows. Feel free to bring a blanket, or use the cushions (limited availability) provided by the Library, as we enjoy the beauty of the Garden during storytime. Included in regular Garden admission; free for members.
Tuesday, May 14th
Baby Artsplay. 3:30 pm-4:30 pm. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown. Baby Artsplay!™ is a FREE program through Greater Richmond Wolf Trap offering children ages 3-36 months, along with their parents and caregivers, the opportunity to learn strategies for incorporating singing, dancing, drama, and other multi-sensory activities into their daily routine to increase engagement and support learning. NO PRE-REGISTRATION NECESSARY BUT THERE IS A 15-CHILD CLASS CAPACITY.
Tutus & Ties on Tuesdays. 2pm-2:30pm. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown. Movement and play are good for children’s bodies and brains. In fact, movement can help increase memory, perception, language comprehension, attention, emotional understanding, and decision making! This event is free with museum admission.
Wednesday, May 15th
Parents Morning Out. 9am-Noon. Romp n’ Roll West End & Midlothian. Wednesdays & Thursdays April 10 through June 1. Calling all parents craving a breather! Romp n’ Roll has your back! Introducing our Parent’s Morning Out event – your ticket to blissful ‘me-time’ while your little one dives into an incredible adventure. Picture this: three hours of pure relaxation for you while your kiddo enjoys a whirlwind of activities! From artsy creations to musical marvels, games, sing-alongs, and dance-offs, it’s a boundless world of fun and learning waiting for your child. Kids 2-5 years old. 3-hour drop-off program, no potty training required. Registration required.
Thursday, May 16th
Parents Morning Out. 9am-Noon. Romp n’ Roll West End & Midlothian. Wednesdays & Thursdays April 10 through June 1. Calling all parents craving a breather! Romp n’ Roll has your back! Introducing our Parent’s Morning Out event – your ticket to blissful ‘me-time’ while your little one dives into an incredible adventure. Picture this: three hours of pure relaxation for you while your kiddo enjoys a whirlwind of activities! From artsy creations to musical marvels, games, sing-alongs, and dance-offs, it’s a boundless world of fun and learning waiting for your child. Kids 2-5 years old. 3-hour drop-off program, no potty training required. Registration required.
Playhouse Bilingual Storytime French. 10:30am- 11:00am. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown. Join us on Thursday in the Downtown Playhouse for bilingual storytime! We’ll sing, dance, read and learn French. This event is free with Museum admission.
Bella Ballerina Pop-Up Dance Class. 3:30 pm-4:30 pm. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Chesterfield. Join us for a free pop-up ballet classes for Chesterfield Museum guests provided by Bella Ballerina. The class is offered from January to June on the third Thursday of each month. No registration is required. Free with museum admission.
FLOWERS AFTER 5. 5pm-8pm. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Music, food and drink in the garden. Admission to this event is included with regular Garden admission.
Friday, May 17th
Storytime in the Garden. 10am. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Storytime is hosted in the Lora M. Robins Library every Friday and Saturday morning at 10 a.m. After reading two of our favorite books about plants, nature, and everything, there will be a craft activity in the Library that everyone can enjoy. Storytime is held outside the Kelly Education Center building (the Library building) under the Cup Oak trees when the weather allows. Feel free to bring a blanket, or use the cushions (limited availability) provided by the Library, as we enjoy the beauty of the Garden during storytime. Included in regular Garden admission; free for members.
Felt like Spring. 5–7 pm. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center. Celebrate spring by crafting cute and fuzzy felt friends! Learn techniques for (safely) needle felting with wool, then make your own tiny flowers, bees, birds, and more. Fee.
Sensory Friendly Nights. 5:00pm-7:00pm. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Chesterfield. The Children’s Museum is excited to host a FREE night for families with children with disabilities. Families can register in advance via the website or can in-person upon arrival. A cool down room will be available and sensory supports provided.
Saturday, May 18th
Storytime in the Garden. 10am. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Storytime is hosted in the Lora M. Robins Library every Friday and Saturday morning at 10 a.m. After reading two of our favorite books about plants, nature, and everything, there will be a craft activity in the Library that everyone can enjoy. Storytime is held outside the Kelly Education Center building (the Library building) under the Cup Oak trees when the weather allows. Feel free to bring a blanket, or use the cushions (limited availability) provided by the Library, as we enjoy the beauty of the Garden during storytime. Included in regular Garden admission; free for members.
Tuesday, May 21st
Tutus & Ties on Tuesdays. 2pm-2:30pm. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown. Movement and play are good for children’s bodies and brains. In fact, movement can help increase memory, perception, language comprehension, attention, emotional understanding, and decision making! This event is free with museum admission.
Wednesday, May 22nd
Parents Morning Out. 9am-Noon. Romp n’ Roll West End & Midlothian. Wednesdays & Thursdays April 10 through June 1. Calling all parents craving a breather! Romp n’ Roll has your back! Introducing our Parent’s Morning Out event – your ticket to blissful ‘me-time’ while your little one dives into an incredible adventure. Picture this: three hours of pure relaxation for you while your kiddo enjoys a whirlwind of activities! From artsy creations to musical marvels, games, sing-alongs, and dance-offs, it’s a boundless world of fun and learning waiting for your child. Kids 2-5 years old. 3-hour drop-off program, no potty training required. Registration required.
Thursday, May 23rd
Parents Morning Out. 9am-Noon. Romp n’ Roll West End & Midlothian. Wednesdays & Thursdays April 10 through June 1. Calling all parents craving a breather! Romp n’ Roll has your back! Introducing our Parent’s Morning Out event – your ticket to blissful ‘me-time’ while your little one dives into an incredible adventure. Picture this: three hours of pure relaxation for you while your kiddo enjoys a whirlwind of activities! From artsy creations to musical marvels, games, sing-alongs, and dance-offs, it’s a boundless world of fun and learning waiting for your child. Kids 2-5 years old. 3-hour drop-off program, no potty training required. Registration required.
FLOWERS AFTER 5. 5pm-8pm. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Music, food and drink in the garden. Admission to this event is included with regular Garden admission.
Friday, May 24th
Storytime in the Garden. 10am. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Storytime is hosted in the Lora M. Robins Library every Friday and Saturday morning at 10 a.m. After reading two of our favorite books about plants, nature, and everything, there will be a craft activity in the Library that everyone can enjoy. Storytime is held outside the Kelly Education Center building (the Library building) under the Cup Oak trees when the weather allows. Feel free to bring a blanket, or use the cushions (limited availability) provided by the Library, as we enjoy the beauty of the Garden during storytime. Included in regular Garden admission; free for members.
Saturday, May 25th
Storytime in the Garden. 10am. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Storytime is hosted in the Lora M. Robins Library every Friday and Saturday morning at 10 a.m. After reading two of our favorite books about plants, nature, and everything, there will be a craft activity in the Library that everyone can enjoy. Storytime is held outside the Kelly Education Center building (the Library building) under the Cup Oak trees when the weather allows. Feel free to bring a blanket, or use the cushions (limited availability) provided by the Library, as we enjoy the beauty of the Garden during storytime. Included in regular Garden admission; free for members.
Monday, May 27th
Sandston Memorial Day Parade. 1pm-4pm. Sandston Memorial Recreation Center 11 J B Finley Road, Sandston, VA. Celebrate Memorial Day with a parade through Sandston and live music, activities, and exhibitor booths after.
Tuesday, May 28th
Tutus & Ties on Tuesdays. 2pm-2:30pm. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown. Movement and play are good for children’s bodies and brains. In fact, movement can help increase memory, perception, language comprehension, attention, emotional understanding, and decision making! This event is free with museum admission.
Friday, May 31st
Spring Homeschool Open House. Homeschoolers are invited to a FREE open house to view our newest exhibition, “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” and explore Virginia’s food history including a Young Chef’s Academy Pasta Making Demonstration (all ages), Crafts & Stories, Scavenger Hunts, Hands-On Activities and more! Fee.
