ALL MONTH

Exhibit Boost and IMAX films Flight of the Butterflies,  Hubble and Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk.  Science Museum of Virginia.

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through October 27th
Howl-o-Scream.  6pm-10pm.  Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA.  At 6pm, There are serious scares when Busch Gardens becomes a more menacing place.  Fee.

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through October 27th
Halloween Haunt.  King Dominion.  Each weekend night, Kings Dominion transforms into a horror-filled nightmare. From mazes with terrifying creatures around every corner to thrill rides that’ll haunt your dreams, it’s everything you fear and can’t wait to experience. Not for anyone under 13.  Fee.

Every Saturday and Sunday through October 27th
Planet Spooky.  Noon-5pm.  Kings Dominion.  Little Ghouls and Goblins will absolutely love this street party of frightful fun with Snoopy and the PEANUTS gang in this new daytime event for families – Planet Spooky. There are all sorts of Halloween-themed activities for kids to do that are fun-scary, not scary-scary including a petting zoo, foam pit, pumpkin painting and more!.  Fee.

Every Friday and Saturday Night in October
Petersburg Haunts Tour.  7pm-8pm.   Petersburg Courthouse, Petersburg, VA.  Find out why Petersburg is such a “spirited” city and visit some of the town’s most historic buildings. Hour-long tours are led by costumed, lantern-carrying storytellers. Reservations required: 804-943-8635.  Fee.

Every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday through October 27th
Fall Harness Racing.   Noon-5pm.  Colonial Downs, 10515 Colonial Downs Parkway New Kent, VA.  Pacers and trotters compete on a one turn mile racetrack. Fee.

Today through October 6th

State Fair of Virginia. The Meadow Event Park, Caroline County.  Fee.

Today thru October 13th

Butterflies LIVE!   Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  Visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures – watch them fly, feed and flutter all around you.  Free with Garden Admission.

Monday, September 30th

Garden Art Studio.  1pm-3pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  Drop-in the Garden Art Studio beside the hidden tunnel and unfold your creative energy. Use provided materials to collaborate, explore and reflect on your own Garden experience.  Free with garden admission.

“P” is for Play (Parents/Caregivers of Children Birth to 6 yrs).  9am.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

Tuesday, October 1st

Club Mom, powered by National Geographic Kids.  9am-11am.  Chesterfield Towne Center.  A great opportunity for your child to learn in a fun, interactive setting. Great entertainment, fun giveaways for the adults, and free breakfast for children 12 years or younger. (Breakfast tickets are given out until 10:30 a.m. and are valid until 10:45 a.m. on Club Mom event days).  One time dollar donation that goes to Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) is required.  This month – Mickey’s Magic Show.

Ancient America.  10am-11am.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Preschool Programs.  Fee.

Kids Club Story Time.  11am-Noon.  Barnes and Noble Chesterfield.  Join us as local author Brian Rock reads his favorite stories after the monthly Kids Club event at Chesterfield Towne Center Mall. Chesterfield Towne Center’s beloved Chester the Reading Retriever will stop by for a visit!

Ancient America.  2pm-3pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Preschool Programs.  Fee.

Read 2 Rover.  4:30pm-5:30pm.  Central Library,  Chesterfield, VA.  For children struggling with reading, the comfort and companionship of the therapy dogs helps to turn something stressful into an activity that is fun and soothing. No registration is required. For more information call 804-768-7941.  Other dates and locations available – check the website.  Free.

Wednesday, October 2nd

Animal Tracks.   5:30pm-7:30pm.  Rockwood Park, Chesterfield County.  Fee.

Little Kids, Big Questions: What Every Parent of Toddlers and Preschoolers Wants to Know.  6:15-7:15pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

Banned Book BINGO.  7pm-8pm.  Gayton Library,  Henrico County.  For ages 14 and up.  Free.

Thursday, October 3rd 

Kids World.  10:30am-11am.  Regency Square Mall Fit & Fun Play Area.  Bring the kids out to a fun-filled morning!  The Chick-fil-A Cow will be out in the Fit & Fun Play Area to meet and greet kids!  Moms, you’ll have the chance to enter-to-win portrait packages from JCPenney Portrait Studio.  Free.

Colorful Creations.  11am-Noon.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Preschool Programs.  Fee.

Rainbows, Rainsticks and Puddles.  3pm-4pm.  Three Lakes Nature Center,  Henrico County.  Learn how rain affects the planet, and what customs revolve around rainfall. For Ages 4-5.  Preregistration required 804-501-7275.  Fee.

Mixed-Media & Me.  4:15pm-6pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Kids Programs.  Fee.

Teen Movie.  6pm-7pm.  Tuckahoe Library, Henrico County.  Free.

October 3rd – 13th

Cashore Marionettes.  Virginia Repertory Theatre – Children’s Theatre of Virginia.   This world renowned marionette company will delight audiences of all ages.  Visit the website for show times.  Tickets are just $15.

Friday, October 4th

Game Time.  10am.  Walkerton Tavern, Henrico County.  Spend family time playing with toys and games that do not require electricity. Games include nine pins, snakes and ladders, dominoes, ring toss, and others. Free.

Improv It.  5pm-6:30pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Teen Programs.  Fee.

Special Night for Special Needs.  5:30pm – 7:30pm.  CMoR Central.  An evening especially for children 10 years old and younger who have special needs and their families.  Enjoy museum exploration, adapted materials, special activities, and reduced number of visitors on this special night. Children will have access and learning opportunities, but most importantly they’ll have fun!

Kids Fun Night.   6pm-8pm.    All Fired Up (all locations).  At any area location, kids create a project from wet clay and glaze a ceramic piece plus a pizza dinner is included. Register: 804-744-5506 or 804-355-3412. Fee.

Fearless Friday.  6pm-9pm.  Challenge Discovery, 28 Westhampton Way University of Richmond.   experience a two-level high ropes course that is more than a football field in length. The Odyssey Course is comprised of 8 different team challenges, 4 at the 25 ft. level and 4 at the 40 ft. level. At the end, climbers race down to the ground on dual zip lines. Participants must be at least 12.  Fee.

Movie in the Pumpkin Patch.  7pm.  Tom Leonard’s Farmer’s Market.  A free movie in the outdoor hay bale theatre.  Enjoy warm cider and hot chocolate.

October 4th and 5th

See the Movie ‘Singin’ in the Rain’.  7pm-8pm.  Henrico Theatre.  Only $1 per person.

Girls in Medicine Camp In.  Science Museum of Virginia.  Middle School girls work with women in the medical field to examine significant health topics and explore careers in medicine. Sponsored by HCA Va. $10 per person. For every four girls, one adult chaperone is required. Pre-registration is required. Call 804.864.1400.

October 5th, 12th, and 19th

James River Rambler Train Trip.  SOLD OUT.

Saturday, October 5th

Archaeology Camp.  Henricus Historical Park.   9am-4pm.  Children’s Camp (ages 8 – 14) Adult Camp (ages 15 – Adult).  In honor of Virginia’s Archaeology Month kids can learn the archaeological method to understand how to create a living history museum.  Registration required by calling 804-318-8797 by October 4. Fee.

Celebrate Fire Safety Month with The Home Depot and build a Fire Rescue Plane!  9am-Noon. Local.  Home Depot Stores. FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 – 12 offered at all The Home Depot stores. Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.  Register online.  Free.

Boot Camp for New Dads.  9am-Noon.   First Things First of Greater Richmond.  New dads learn from other “veteran” dads how to care for their children and support their spouse. Register: 804-288-3431. Fee.

Bark in the Park.  10am-1pm.  Deep Run Park.  Henrico Recreation and Parks is teaming up with Henrico Humane Society to offer its annual Bark in the Park.  Bring your best furry friend for a day of fun-filled family activities.  Activities include a 2K walk with your pup, an expo of local vendors providing products and services for your pets, a pet costume contest, live music, children’s activities, and more! There is a $25 registration fee for the 2K Dog Walk.  All proceeds benefit the Henrico Humane Society.  For information on the 2K, please call the Henrico Humane Society at 262-6634 or visit www.henricohumane.org.  Concessions will be available for purchase. Information: 501-5134.  Rain Date: Sun, Oct 6, 10am-1pm.

The Junior League of Richmond’s 8th Annual Touch a Truck.  10am-3pm.  VIP Access 9am-10am.  Richmond International Raceway.  A unique and interactive event that allows children to see, touch, and safely explore their favorite big trucks and heavy machinery. Vehicles on display routinely include construction trucks, emergency responders, tractor trailers, utility trucks, and helicopters. The event also features area mascots, special performances, snack bars, face painting, inflatables, games, and crafts.  Rain or shine.  Fee.

Weird Plant Lore – October Oddities.  10am-2pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.   Learn about a variety of plant concoctions with healing powers. Free with regular garden admission.

American Girl Movie Morning.  10am-Noon.   Ashland Library, Ashland VA.  Celebrate the fun of American Girl books and movies. No doll required! For ages 5-12.  Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Ashland Library. 804.798.4072.  Free.

Family Time.  10am-11am.  Dumbarton Library, Henrico County.  Share a variety of activities to explore rhyming words and make beautiful artwork with fall leaves. Free.

Stories at the Museum.  10am-Noon.   Virginia Historical Society.  Special educator-led readings of history books related to famous Virginians and a craft.  Free.

Watercolor Workshop.  10am-Noon.  Regency Square Mall Garden Room, off the Food Court.  This is a fun and knowledge packed class with The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen! Students are introduced to watercolor techniques, color theory, and the classical layering process. Students will be able to take away many examples of the dynamics of painting with watercolor.  Fee.

Fall Festival at the Pumpkin Patch.  10am-4pm. Gallmeyer Farms.  Lots of free children’s activities like our play area, straw bale maze, romping pile and hay rides!  Coolers, chairs and picnics are welcome.  Plus pony rides, local arts & craft vendors, great food and of course Pumpkin Pickin’!

Teen Studio: Photography. 10:30am – 12:30pm.  Midlothian Library, Midlothian, VA.  Learn how digital cameras work, how they “see”, and how to use the camera’s features to create the image you want. Go on a photo shoot around the library. More information and registration: 804-751-CCPL. Free.

Eppington Heritage Day.   11am-4pm.  Eppington Plantation, 14201 Eppes Falls Road.  Spend the day experiencing Colonial history at Eppington.  Tours of the house, which is rarely open to the public, will be offered.  Activities include children’s games, period music and dancing, storytelling, craft demonstrations, carriage rides and living history.  Discover what life was like in Chesterfield during the 18th century.  Free.

Blacksmith Demonstration.  12:30pm-3:30pm.   Meadow Farm Museum, Henrico County.  Watch and listen as the blacksmith works iron rods into useful tools for the farm. Free.

Star Wars Invasion.  1pm-3pm.  Barnes and Noble Chesterfield.  Star Wars National Reads Day.  1pm – Star Wars themed storytime and coloring.  2pm – Star Wars Invasion.  Join us for this national event as we host Storm Troopers, Bounty Hunters and other Star Wars invaders. We’ll also activities like trivia contests, Storytimes and crafts.

Costume Jewelry & Mask Making.  1pm-4pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Kids Programs.  Fee.

Free Irish Dance Class.  1:30pm-2:30pm.  Heart of Ireland School of Dance, 14257 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA23113.  Try Irish dancing and see what all the FUN is about!  Open to all ages.  Must register in advance.  Register at www.HeartofIrelandSchool.com or call 804.464.8190.

Engineer Expo.  2pm-4pm.  Atlee Library,  Mechanicsville, VA.  Kids can bring their favorite model of LEGO bricks to show off, make new friends, and create new ideas for design. Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Atlee Library. For ages 11-18. (804) 559-0654.  Free.

October 5 & 6th

Second Street Festival.  Jackson Ward.  Live music on four stages, children’s activities, cultural marketplace, and dancing. The hands of time are turned back to when 2nd Street was the heart and soul of Richmond’s African-American community.  Free admission.

Sunday, October 6th

Open Studio Sundays.  Noon – 4pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Family Programs.  Fee.

Tree Climbing.  1pm-3pm.  Pony Pasture, 7200 Riverside Dr.  Ages 8 and up can join the pros of Riverside Outfitters to ascend into the canopies of trees overlooking the river. Also October 19 at 10am.  Register: 804-748-1623. Fee.