There are lots of monthly event updates, giveaways, and other information in our newsletters –  Sign-up here!
To submit and event to our calendar send an email to email@completelykidsrichmond.com.

And don’t miss the report card freebies and free summer reading programs on our home page www.completelykidsrichmond.com.

Today – September 1st

Summer Sounds.  Stony Point Fashion Park.  Enjoy live music while you stroll, shop and dine to all your favorite tunes performed by local musicians every Friday, Saturday and Sunday!  Weather permitting.

Today – Sunday, September 7th

How to Make a Monster.     Science Museum of Virginia.  Uncover the world of monsters and creatures from the movies! Find out how they’re brought to life – from an idea to the final project – and take a look at the behind-the scenes art and technology of animatronics. Included with exhibit admission; free for members.

Today – September 30th

Water Play.  Weekdays 1pm-4:45pm.  Saturdays and Sundays 9am-4:45pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.   During warm spring, summer, and fall days, the Children’s Garden is the coolest place to be! Bring or wear your bathing suit and water shoes to enjoy the gentle water sprays. Don’t forget a towel and remember that swimming diapers are required for those not potty-trained. Water Play is operational when the air temperature is 70 degrees or higher.  April 21 – Sept 30. (weather permitting).  Free with garden admission.

Tuesday, July 1st

Kids Club.  9:30am – 10:30am  Chesterfield Towne Center Food Court.  Plenty of fun and light refreshments.  Free.

Kids Club Storytime With the Story Lady.  10:30am.  Chesterfield Towne  Center, Barnes and Noble.   Don’t miss songs, fun games, stories and prizes for mom and kids! She’ll also be featuring her new book, No More Slooping, Sara Sue!  Free.

Tuesday, July 1st & Wednesday, July 2nd

Epic.  10am.  Movieland at Boulevard Square.  FREE KIDS SUMMER FILM SERIES.  Seating limited to theater capacity; tickets issued on a first come-first served basis. Films and schedules subject to change without notice.   Seating Starts at 9am.  Free Admission.

Arthur Christmas & Despicable Me 2.  10am.  Regal Virginia Center Stadium, Regal Commonwealth Center Stadium, Regal Westchester Commons Stadium, Regal Short Pump Stadium.  Seating on a first come-first served basis.  Admission to these films during the Summer Movie Express is only $1.

Wednesday, July 2nd

Drop in and Dig!  9am-11am.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  Families with children are invited to drop-in and participate in simple, easy to learn gardening tasks under the guidance of Children’s Garden staff and volunteers. These family-oriented gardening experiences can easily be enjoyed at home. Free with Garden admission.

Family Scavenger Hunt.  10am.  Maymont Grounds.  Fee.

Thursday, July 3rd

Family Scavenger Hunt.  10am.  Maymont Grounds.  Fee.

Families After 5.  5pm-9pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.  Enjoy Flowers After 5 with the family and special events for kids in the Children’s Garden.  Listen to story books, garden, participate in walkabouts and have good, green fun. Featured activities will rotate based on the Children’s Garden monthly seasonal themes.  WaterPlay will remain open until 8pm.  Fee, free for members.

Genworth Independence Day Celebration.  Genworth Financial’s World Headquarters, 6620 West   Broad Street. Celebrate freedom with The Heritage of America Band. The concert will begin at 6:30pm,  immediately followed by the fireworks display. Children and adults of all ages are welcome, but please, leave your pets at home. There will be face painting, balloons, giveaways, food vendors and much more. Plenty of free parking and there will transportation between the parking lot and the event site for those who need assistance. This event is free and open to the public.

RVA Fireworks on the James.  Brown’s Island in Downtown Richmond.  Entertainment begins at approximately 7:30 pm.  Fireworks to begin at approximately 9:15pm.  A FREE “Patriotic Family Fun” event that will feature performances by SPARC (School of Performing Arts in the Richmond Community), the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra, The Latin Ballet of Virginia and the Richmond Ballet’s “Minds in Motion.” Food Vendors will be on Brown’s Island and the public is invited to bring a picnic (alcohol and pets not permitted) and a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy music simulcast on WRIR-FM, 97.3 during the evening and see the state’s largest fireworks show.  The Grucci show will be designed for 360-degree views. In addition to Brown’s Island, excellent viewing sites will be available in surrounding areas such as Oregon Hill, Manchester, and Chimborazo Park.  In case of rain, the event will take place on Friday, July 5th, but the entertainment line up may change.

Friday, July 4th

Reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention.  The Patrick Henry Committee invites you to bring your friends and family to a reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention of March 1775. In the presence of Washington, Jefferson, and other notable Virginians, Patrick Henry delivered his passionate call for liberty, uttering the immortal words, “Give me liberty or give me death!” These events are free and open to the public. Doors open at 1 pm for seating on a first-come, first-served basis, Music program begins at 1:30pm, and the reenactment begins at 1:45 pm.  Please call 804-648-5015 for more information.  Free to the public, with a suggested $5 per person donation.

Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration.  1pm-5pm.  Meadow Farm Museum/Crump Park.   A spectacular event in celebration of America’s Independence!  Wear your red, white and blue and enjoy the holiday spending a day at the park. There will be patriotic activities and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. Both the Meadow Farm Museum and Orientation Center will be open for visitation. NEW IN 2014: Sail the high seas and prepare to get wet in the Pirate Play Area. Concessions will be available for purchase. Information: 270-2161.

Chesterfield County Fourth of July Celebration.  Gates Open at 5pm; fireworks at dark.  Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, Fairgrounds (across from L.C. Bird High School), 10300 Courthouse Road.  Celebrate independence with a spectacular fireworks display at dark! Includes an activity area for children and special entertainment. No alcohol, glass bottles, pets or personal fireworks, please. Blankets or lawn chairs are recommended. Limited parking; roads leading to fairgrounds will be closed at 9 p.m. or when parking lots are full. Don’t miss this fun-filled event for all ages.  Rain date July 5th.  Free.

CarMax Free Fourth of July.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.  FREE admission to the garden from 9am-5pm.  Activities in Children’s Garden 1 – 4pm.  Guests are invited to wear red, white and blue and bring wagons and strollers to decorate for a “parade” in the Children’s Garden at 2 p.m. Enjoy music by the Happy Lucky Combo, WaterPlay and fun activities.The free admission includes entrance to the popular Butterflies LIVE! exhibit.

Dogwood Dell Fourth of July Fireworks.  Independence Day Celebration with live music, cannons and fireworks. Featuring Bak N Da Day, a Carillon Bell Concert and music from Richmond Concert Band. Program starts at 5:15 p.m. Fireworks at dark.  Free.

Goochland County Fireworks.  9pm.  Goochland Sports Complex.  Park and watch the fireworks from the Goochland County Administration Building, Goochland Elementary, Middle & High School Complex. Admission is FREE!  No alcohol.  Pack a picnic and bring a blanket.   Rain date July 5th.

Ashland July 4th Celebration  Includes a walking parade, patriotic concert, lawn games, an apple pie contest and the ever-popular patriotic pet contest.

Beaverdam Independence Day Parade and Celebration.   10am-2pm.  18002 Teman Road, Beaverdam, VA 23015.  The parade starts at 10 am.  There will be children’s activities, games, and more.

Flying Squirrels Baseball Game and Independence Day Celebration.  5:05.  The Diamond. Post-game Fireworks Celebration.  Limited General Admission Seating Available – Call Today.  Fee.

Saturday, July 5th

Build a Bug House.  9am-Noon.  Local Home Depot Stores. FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 – 12 offered at all 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.

Stories at the Museum.  11am-Noon.  Virginia Historical Society.  Special educator-led readings of children’s history books and a make-it-and-take-it craft activity related to the text.  Open to all ages.  This month – American Revolution History.  Free.

Flying Squirrels Baseball Game.  6:05pm.  The Diamond.   Post-game Fireworks Celebration.  Post-game Kids Run the Bases for fans 14.  Fee.

Sunday, July 6th

Open Studio Sundays.  Noon-4pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center.  Go by the studios anytime between Noon and 4 pm to enjoy “make-it, take-it” art activities inspired by objects from the VMFA collection. A new art project offered every month, with assistance from VMFA volunteers! (For groups of eight or more children, please email megan.liles@vmfa.museum.)  Free, no registration required.

4th of July Celebration and Storytime.  1:00pm. Chesterfield Towne Center, Barnes and Noble.  Patriotic stories and crafts!  Free.

Reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention and Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!”.  1pm-3pm.  St. John’sChurch.   1:15 pm — Doors open.  Seating is on a first-come, first served basis.  1:30 pm — Music program.  1:45 pm — Reenactment begins.  This event is also FREE, with a suggested donation of $5.00.  Reservations are available for groups of ten or more for fee of $5 per person, up to 100 reserved seats.

July 6th – 10th 

Weird Animals Vacation Bible School.  6:30pm-9:00pm.  House of Prayer, 10500 Newbys Bridge Road, Chesterfield, Virginia 23832.  For kids ages 3yrs-6th grade.  Raffle every night for electronic prizes.  Registration is Free and can be done in advance at www.hop.org

Monday, July 7th

Garden Art Studio.  1pm-3pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  Work alongside staff artist, Katelyn Coyle, in the colorful Garden Art Studio located beside the Hidden Tunnel. Drop-in and unfold your creative energy. Use provided materials to collaborate, explore and reflect on your own Garden experience.  Free with Garden admission.

First Steps for Fathers (New and Expectant Dads only).  6:30pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Free.

July 7th-31st  (Mondays & Thursdays)

Introduction to Drawing.  10:30am-Noon.  Art Factory and Party Place, 4818 Market Square Lane, Midlothian, VA 23112.   For Kids 8+.  8 sessions for $160 all supplies included.  This course is designed for beginner artists who are interested in learning how to draw, sketch or simply to improve their skills.  Learn the fundamentals and create beautiful works of art with pencils. This course offers the tools you’ll need to draw and provide plenty of exercises to practice using different techniques and styles. You will have fun learning how to draw people, places and things while developing an understanding of line, shape and form. We will cover – Values, Shading, Textures and how to create them and so much more!   Space is limited – Email ArtFactoryVA@gmail.com to register.

Tuesday, July 8th

Toddler Time: Summer Fun.  10am.  Maymont Nature Center.  Four-session program: Tuesdays, July 8, 15, 22 & 29.  Fee.

Young @ Art: Primary Power.  10am-11am. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center.   Mix, mash, and splash the primary colors: red, blue, and yellow! Discover how only three hues can make all the colors of the rainbow!  For Ages 2 ½ – 5.  Fee.

Short Pump Pals Meeting.  11am.  Short Pump Mall.  A Kids club for children 6 an under.  This month – An interactive pretzel rolling class with hosts from Auntie Anne’s. Free.

Happy in Two Homes (All ages).  6:30pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

Tuesday, July 8th & Wednesday, 9th

Walking With Dinosaurs.  10am.  Movieland at Boulevard Square.  FREE KIDS SUMMER FILM SERIES.  Seating limited to theater capacity; tickets issued on a first come-first served basis. Films and schedules subject to change without notice.   Seating Starts at 9am.  Free Admission.

Lego & Free Birds.  10am.  Regal Virginia Center Stadium, Regal Commonwealth Center Stadium, Regal Westchester Commons Stadium, Regal Short Pump Stadium.  Seating on a first come-first served basis.  Admission to these films during the Summer Movie Express is only $1.

Wednesday, 9th

Drop in and Dig!  9am-11am.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  Families with children are invited to drop-in and participate in simple, easy to learn gardening tasks under the guidance of Children’s Garden staff and volunteers. These family-oriented gardening experiences can easily be enjoyed at home. Free with Garden admission.

Mommy and Me.  10am-11:30am.  Willow Lawn – Outside on the Plaza.  Join The Shops at Willow Lawn on the second Wednesday of every month as they host a free morning out with live entertainment and activities designed to enhance parents´ interaction with their children.  This month - a performance from Rolie Polie Guacamole. Free.

Young @ Art: Primary Power.  10am-11am. VirginiaMuseum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center.   Mix, mash, and splash the primary colors: red, blue, and yellow! Discover how only three hues can make all the colors of the rainbow!  For Ages 2 ½ – 5.  Fee.

Applause Unlimited Performance.  11am.  Festival of Arts, Ha’Penny Stage, Byrd Park, 6000 S. Blvd., Richmond, VA 23220.  A summer long celebration of the arts featuring art exhibits, concerts, dance and theatre with a children’s series on the Ha’ Penny stage.  Free.

How to Talk with Teens.  6:30pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

Thursday, July 10th

Picnic Party Musical Playdate.  10:00-10:40am.  Melody Magic Music Studio, 3041 Lauderdale Drive.  A playdate all about taking a picnic! Pretend to walk to a park, use our motor skills to play on the “playground, ” have a pretend picnic, and of course play some instruments and do some singing! This is a great music class that kids can really relate to! It encourages their imagination, too! Advance registration required online.  Fee.

Musical Me.  11am-Noon.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center.  Explore music in art! Hear and learn about sounds and rhythm, and then create your own artistic composition inspired by beats. For Ages 16 – 30 months.  Fee.

Families After 5.  5pm-9pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.  Enjoy Flowers After 5 with the family and special events for kids in the Children’s Garden.  Listen to story books, garden, participate in walkabouts and have good, green fun. Featured activities will rotate based on the Children’s Garden monthly seasonal themes.  WaterPlay will remain open until 8pm.  Fee, free for members.

Parenting the High Maintenance Child (Parents of Children Ages 4-11).  6:30pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

Friday, July 11th

Cow Appreciation Day.  Your Local Chick-fil-A Restaurant.  Tons of fun for kids and grown ups!  Go to the restaurant ‘fully dressed’ as a cow and get a free meal, or ‘partially dressed’ as a cow and get a free entree.  For more details follow the link.

Good Green Fun.  11am.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  Families with children of all ages are invited to spend some time in the Children’s Garden listening to story books, gardening, participating in walkabouts and having good green fun. Featured activities will rotate based on the Children’s Garden monthly seasonal themes.  Free with Garden admission.

Miss Vicki’s Gardens Performance.  11am Applause Unlimited Performance.  11am.  Festival of Arts, Ha’Penny Stage, Byrd Park, 6000 S. Blvd., Richmond, VA 23220.  A summer long celebration of the arts featuring art exhibits, concerts, dance and theatre with a children’s series on the Ha’ Penny stage.  Free.

Special Night for Special Needs.  5:30pm – 7:30pm.  CMoR Chesterfield.  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!  Admission is Free.

Candy Bingo.  5:30pm.  Sweet Spot Candy Shop, West Broad Village.  Games are open to all ages and FREE. Call 360-7768 if you’d like a spot at the Bingo table.  Free.

Movies in the Park with “Disney’s Super Buddies”.  8pm-10pm.  Chimborazo Park, 2900 E. Grace Street, Richmond.   Activities begin at 8:00 pm and movies begin at 8:30 pm (or when it gets dark), bring your refreshments, blankets and chairs and enjoy the movie! Refreshments will be available for sale, more information, visit Richmondgov.com/parks or call 804-646-5733.  Free.

July 11th – August 3rd

Go, Dog. Go!  The Children’s Theatre of Virginia.  Performed by Virginia Rep.  Visit the website for show times and fees.

Saturday, July 12th

All Aboard With Thomas & Friends™.   Children’s Museum of Richmond – Central.  Thomas & Friends™ are pulling into the station. Join Thomas on a fun-filled, sing along adventure by helping Thomas find his way from Knapford Station to Brendam Docks using teamwork, friendship and discovery. LIVE shows at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. No advance tickets or advance registration needed.  FREE with museum admission.

Hanover Tomato Festival.  9am-4pm.  Pole Green Park, 8996 Pole Green Park Lane, Mechanicsville, VA 23116.  Celebrate Hanover’s famous fruit at the 36th annual Hanover Tomato Festival. The event is held at beautiful Pole Green Park and is a traditional celebration to promote the Hanover Community and features the famous Hanover Tomato. The Hanover Tomato Festival is a free, family-oriented event with live musical entertainment, rides, games, a petting zoo, over 200 vendors, delicious tomato dishes, the crowning of Little Miss and Tiny Miss Tomato, Hanover Tomatoes and much more.

Boot Camp for New Dads.  9am-Noon.  Locations vary.  Delivered by First Things First of Greater Richmond.  A unique father-to-father community-based workshop prepares and equips expectant dads to become confidently engaged with their infants, support their mates, and navigate their transformation into dads.  Fee.

Build Turbo with a Pullback Motor.  10am.  Local Lowes Stores.  Do your kids have the need for speed? Bring them into Lowe’s to build this cool Turbo with a pullback motor inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s Turbo. Pre=registration required. Free.

FROZEN Musical Playdate.  10am-10:40am.  Melody Magic Music Studio, 3041 Lauderdale Drive.  Kids up to age 7 will love this playdate, based on the music from the popular Disney movie “Frozen!”  They will use magic frozen wands to do a freeze dance (helping our inhibitory control, of course!), drum like we are cutting ice, dance and sing with microphones, and so much more. Advance registration required.  Fee.

Storybook Saturdays.  11am.  Applause Unlimited Performance.  11am.  Festival of Arts, Ha’Penny Stage, Byrd Park, 6000 S. Blvd., Richmond, VA 23220.  A summer long celebration of the arts featuring art exhibits, concerts, dance and theatre with a children’s series on the Ha’ Penny stage.  Free.

Live from Diggityville.  11:30am - 12:30pm.  Uptown Alley, 6101 Brad McNeer Parkway, Midlothian.   A monthly series featuring national kindie artists, this month has live music by Big Bang Boom. Bring the whole family, catch a great concert and stick around for an afternoon of fun.

The Numberly’s Storytime.  1pm.  Chesterfield Towne Center, Barnes and Noble. A storytime with activities and crafts.  Free.

Behind the Scenes.  1pm.  Maymont Nature Center.  Fee.

Romp n’ Roll Mechanicsville Kids Night Out.  6pm-9pm.  6300 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville VA 23111.  Every kid deserves a special night out…and so do you! Parents get an evening to themselves while the children get to run and play with our energetic instructors and enjoy a pizza party dinner at Romp n’ Roll! No need to be a member; register by calling 804-730-2060. (Members: $20 for one child, $35 for two children, $40 for three children. Non-Members: $25 for one child, $40 for two children, $45 for three children; no discounts apply, children must be siblings to qualify for pricing.)

Romp n’ Roll Midlothian Kids Night Out.  6pm-9pm.  11541 Busy Street, Midlothian VA 23236.  Every kid deserves a special night out…and so do you! Parents get an evening to themselves while the children get to run and play with our energetic instructors and enjoy a pizza party dinner at Romp n’ Roll! No need to be a member; register by calling 804-893-3142. (Members: $20 for one child, $35 for two children, $40 for three children. Non-Members: $25 for one child, $40 for two children, $45 for three children; no discounts apply, children must be siblings to qualify for pricing.)

Glow Run RVA.  7pm.  Maymont Grounds.  Non-timed three-mile run/walk for families.  Fee.

Dumbo Movie.  8:30pm. Clarke-Palmore House Museum.  Bring your blanket or chair and come to the park for an evening viewing of your favorite family films. Concessions will be available for purchase. Information: 270-2161.  Free.

Sunday, July 13th

Reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention and Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!”.  1pm-3pm.  St. John’sChurch.   1:15 pm — Doors open.  Seating is on a first-come, first served basis.  1:30 pm — Music program.  1:45 pm — Reenactment begins.  This event is also FREE, with a suggested donation of $5.00.  Reservations are available for groups of ten or more for fee of $5 per person, up to 100 reserved seats.

Monday, July 14th

Garden Art Studio.  1pm-3pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  Work alongside staff artist, Katelyn Coyle, in the colorful Garden Art Studio located beside the Hidden Tunnel. Drop-in and unfold your creative energy. Use provided materials to collaborate, explore and reflect on your own Garden experience.  Free with Garden admission.

Tuesday, July 15th

Young @ Art: Primary Power.  10am-11am. VirginiaMuseum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center.   Mix, mash, and splash the primary colors: red, blue, and yellow! Discover how only three hues can make all the colors of the rainbow!  For Ages 2 ½ – 5.  Fee.

Summer Solutions for Children with Special Needs (All ages).  6:30pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Free.

Tuesday, July 15th & Wednesday, July 16th

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.  10am.  Movieland at Boulevard Square.  FREE KIDS SUMMER FILM SERIES.  Seating limited to theater capacity; tickets issued on a first come-first served basis. Films and schedules subject to change without notice.   Seating Starts at 9am.  Free Admission.

Adventures of Tintin & Rise of the Guardians.  10am.  Regal Virginia Center Stadium, Regal Commonwealth Center Stadium, Regal Westchester Commons Stadium, Regal Short Pump Stadium.  Seating on a first come-first served basis.  Admission to these films during the Summer Movie Express is only $1.

Wednesday, July 16th

Drop in and Dig!  9am-11am.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  Families with children are invited to drop-in and participate in simple, easy to learn gardening tasks under the guidance of Children’s Garden staff and volunteers. These family-oriented gardening experiences can easily be enjoyed at home. Free with Garden admission.

Young @ Art: Primary Power.  10am-11am. VirginiaMuseum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center.   Mix, mash, and splash the primary colors: red, blue, and yellow! Discover how only three hues can make all the colors of the rainbow!  For Ages 2 ½ – 5.  Fee.

Robots and Mudpies Preschool Open House.  10am-2pm.  2517 Grenoble Road, Henrico, VA 23294.  Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics focused preschool.

Diggity Dudes Performance.  11am.  Applause Unlimited Performance.  11am.  Festival of Arts, Ha’Penny Stage, Byrd Park, 6000 S. Blvd., Richmond, VA 23220.  A summer long celebration of the arts featuring art exhibits, concerts, dance and theatre with a children’s series on the Ha’ Penny stage.  Free.

The Nature of Boys (For parents of boys ages 4 – 11 years).  6:30pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

Thursday, July 17th

Samantha’s Tea Party.  9am.  Maymont Mansion and Grounds.  Fee.

Movin’ & Groovin’.  11am-Noon.  Virignia Museum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center. Focus on the importance of tummy time and movement in art. Twist, swish, and groove through the galleries in this interactive infant class.  For Ages 3 – 15 months.  Fee.

Families After 5.  5pm-9pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.  Enjoy Flowers After 5 with the family and special events for kids in the Children’s Garden.  Listen to story books, garden, participate in walkabouts and have good, green fun. Featured activities will rotate based on the Children’s Garden monthly seasonal themes.  WaterPlay will remain open until 8pm.  Fee, free for members.

ADHD: Paths to Success (Parents of School Age Children).  6:30pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

Friday, July 18th

Good Green Fun.  11am.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  Families with children of all ages are invited to spend some time in the Children’s Garden listening to story books, gardening, participating in walkabouts and having good green fun. Featured activities will rotate based on the Children’s Garden monthly seasonal themes.  Free with Garden admission.

Raising A Socially Savvy Child (Parents of children ages 4-11).  Noon-1pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

Target Night.  5pm-7:30pm.    Children’s Museum of Richmond – Central.  Bring the whole family to enjoy what The Children’s Museum has to offer from 5:00-7:30pm on the third Friday of every month for just $1 per person!

Science After Dark: Monster Edition.  5pm-9pm.  Science Museum of Virginia. Experience live science activities including brain dissections and monster CO2 Racers. After the activities, take a seat in The Dome to see Gremlins at 8:30 pm. Visit How to Make a Monster and uncover discoveries that initially fooled astronomers in Science After Dark: Cosmic Masquerade at 6:30 pm. Fifteen minutes after sunset, weather permitting, share telescopes with Richmond Astronomical Society members. Fee.

Concert in the Park.  5:30pm-9:30pm.  Pole Green Park, 8996 Pole Green Park Lane, Mechanicsville, VA 23116.  This free and family friendly series is back for a July performance that will be sure to get you dancing into the night.  Performers include: Elliott Yamin, Prospect 7 and McBeth.  Free.

Mr. Steve Concert.  6:30pm.  Community Idea Station, 23 Sesame St.Richmond, VA  in Studio A– one.    Tickets are only $5 per person. Seating is limited.

Movies in the Park with “Enders Game”.  8pm-10pm.  Abner Clay Park, Leigh St & 200 W. Clay St, Richmond.  Activities begin at 8:00 pm and movies begin at 8:30 pm (or when it gets dark), bring your refreshments, blankets and chairs and enjoy the movie! Refreshments will be available for sale, more information, visit Richmondgov.com/parks or call 804-646-5733.  PG-13.  Free.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 Movie. 8:30pm. Deep Run Park.  Bring your blanket or chair and come to the park for an evening viewing of your favorite family films. Concessions will be available for purchase. Information: 270-2161.  Free.

July 18th-20th

Anthem LemonAid.   Have your kids host a lemonade stand this summer & raise funds for children with cancer at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Set up a stand at Kroger, Walmart or Panera Bread to gain more customers – we’ve already reserved the space for you. Secure your spot (or pick one of your own) at AnthemLemonAid.com.  A great first lesson in philanthropy and it’s absolutely FREE! They provide the supplies and your provide the support.

Saturday, July 19th

RVA Sports Day.  Children’s Museum of Richmond – Central.  Join the Children’s Museum of Richmond as RVA’s sports teams gather together for a day filled with active fun. Featuring your favorite RVA Sports Teams!  Everyone is invited to participate in Redskins Ready at 11am or 1pm. This math, SOL-based program uses football to teach counting and the importance of an active lifestyle.  Email myates@c-mor.org to register your children for Redskins Ready.  FREE with museum admission.

Boot Camp for New Dads.  9am-Noon.  Locations vary.  Delivered by First Things First of Greater Richmond.  A unique father-to-father community-based workshop prepares and equips expectant dads to become confidently engaged with their infants, support their mates, and navigate their transformation into dads.  Fee.

Stories at the Museum.  11am-Noon.  Virginia Historical Society.  Special educator-led readings of children’s history books and a make-it-and-take-it craft activity related to the text.  Open to all ages.  This month – American Revolution History.  Free.

Storybook Saturdays.  11am.  Applause Unlimited Performance.  11am.  Festival of Arts, Ha’Penny Stage, Byrd Park, 6000 S. Blvd., Richmond, VA 23220.  A summer long celebration of the arts featuring art exhibits, concerts, dance and theatre with a children’s series on the Ha’ Penny stage.  Free.

Mr. Steve Concert.  1pm.  Community Idea Station, 23 Sesame St.Richmond, VA  in Studio A– one.    Tickets are only $5 per person. Seating is limited.

Romp n’ Roll West End Kids Night Out.  6pm-9pm.  9677 W Broad Street, Glen Allen VA 23060.  Every kid deserves a special night out…and so do you! Parents get an evening to themselves while the children get to run and play with our energetic instructors and enjoy a pizza party dinner at Romp n’ Roll! No need to be a member; register by calling 804-249-5001. (Members: $20 for one child, $35 for two children, $40 for three children. Non-Members: $25 for one child, $40 for two children, $45 for three children; no discounts apply, children must be siblings to qualify for pricing.)

July 19th-20th

Henricus Adopt-A-Garden Weekend.  10am-5pm.  Henricus Historical Park.  Learn about colonial horticulture and methodologies.  Gardens include the Virginia Indian garden, English officer’s garden, English soldier’s garden, plantation garden and garden at Mt.Malady.  Adopt a garden to care for at Henricus Historical Park.  Fee.

Sunday, July 20th

Reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention and Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!”.  1pm-3pm.  St. John’sChurch.   1:15 pm — Doors open.  Seating is on a first-come, first served basis.  1:30 pm — Music program.  1:45 pm — Reenactment begins.  This event is also FREE, with a suggested donation of $5.00.  Reservations are available for groups of ten or more for fee of $5 per person, up to 100 reserved seats.

Ty-Rone Travis Performance.  4pm.  Applause Unlimited Performance.  11am.  Festival of Arts, Ha’Penny Stage, Byrd Park, 6000 S. Blvd., Richmond, VA 23220.  A summer long celebration of the arts featuring art exhibits, concerts, dance and theatre with a children’s series on the Ha’ Penny stage.  Free.

Monday, July 21st

Garden Art Studio.  1pm-3pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  Work alongside staff artist, Katelyn Coyle, in the colorful Garden Art Studio located beside the Hidden Tunnel. Drop-in and unfold your creative energy. Use provided materials to collaborate, explore and reflect on your own Garden experience.  Free with Garden admission.

Tuesday, July 22nd

Young @ Art: Primary Power.  10am-11am. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center.   Mix, mash, and splash the primary colors: red, blue, and yellow! Discover how only three hues can make all the colors of the rainbow!  For Ages 2 ½ – 5.  Fee.

Robots and Mudpies Preschool Open House.  5pm-8pm.  2517 Grenoble Road, Henrico, VA 23294.  Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics focused preschool.

Tuesday, July 22nd & Wednesday, July 23rd

Ice Age: Continental Drift.  10am.  Movieland at Boulevard Square.  FREE KIDS SUMMER FILM SERIES.  Seating limited to theater capacity; tickets issued on a first come-first served basis. Films and schedules subject to change without notice.   Seating Starts at 9am.  Free Admission.

Kung Fu Panda 2 & Madagascar 3.  10am.  Regal Virginia Center Stadium, Regal Commonwealth Center Stadium, Regal Westchester Commons Stadium, Regal Short Pump Stadium.  Seating on a first come-first served basis.  Admission to these films during the Summer Movie Express is only $1.

Wednesday, July 23rd

Drop in and Dig!  9am-11am.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  Families with children are invited to drop-in and participate in simple, easy to learn gardening tasks under the guidance of Children’s Garden staff and volunteers. These family-oriented gardening experiences can easily be enjoyed at home. Free with Garden admission.

Young @ Art: Primary Power.  10am-11am. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center.   Mix, mash, and splash the primary colors: red, blue, and yellow! Discover how only three hues can make all the colors of the rainbow!  For Ages 2 ½ – 5.  Fee.

Pajama Time Musical Playdate.  5:30-6:10pm.  Melody Magic Music Studio, 3041 Lauderdale Drive.  Put on those PJs and join us for a fun evening class! We will play instruments, do a pajama dance (and parade!), read the story “Pajama Time” by Sandra Boynton, and so much more! Of course, we will end with a calming rocking song sure to get your kids ready for bed. Advance registration required online.  Fee.

Thursday, July 24th

Families After 5.  5pm-9pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.  Enjoy Flowers After 5 with the family and special events for kids in the Children’s Garden.  Listen to story books, garden, participate in walkabouts and have good, green fun. Featured activities will rotate based on the Children’s Garden monthly seasonal themes.  WaterPlay will remain open until 8pm.  Fee, free for members.

An Evening with Emmylou Harris.  5:30pm.  Maymont Carriage House Lawn.  Fee.

Beyond Time Out (For parents of children ages 4 – 11 years).  6:30pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

The Goodnight Story: What New Parents Need to Know About Babies and Sleep.  6:30pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

Friday, July 25th

Good Green Fun.  11am.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  Families with children of all ages are invited to spend some time in the Children’s Garden listening to story books, gardening, participating in walkabouts and having good green fun. Featured activities will rotate based on the Children’s Garden monthly seasonal themes.  Free with Garden admission.

SPARC Performance.  11am.  Applause Unlimited Performance.  11am.  Festival of Arts, Ha’Penny Stage, Byrd Park, 6000 S. Blvd., Richmond, VA 23220.  A summer long celebration of the arts featuring art exhibits, concerts, dance and theatre with a children’s series on the Ha’ Penny stage.  Free.

Evening Bat Search.  7:30pm.  Maymont Nature Center and Grounds.  Fee.

Movies in the Park 2014 with “Thor, The Dark World”. 8pm – 10pm.  Hotchkiss Community Center, 701 E Brookland Park Blvd, Richmond.  Activities begin at 8:00 pm and movies begin at 8:30 pm (or when it gets dark), bring your refreshments, blankets and chairs and enjoy the movie! Refreshments will be available for sale, more information, visit Richmondgov.com/parks or call 804-646-5733.  PG-13.  Free.

Despicable Me 2 Movie.  8:30pm. Eastern Henrico Recreation Center.  Bring your blanket or chair and come to the park for an evening viewing of your favorite family films. Concessions will be available for purchase. Information: 270-2161.  Free.

July 25th- July 27th

Footloose.  The Robins Theatre, Steward School.  Presented by Characterworks.  One of the most explosive movie musicals in recent memory bursts onto the live stage with exhilarating results. Visit the website for show times and fees.

Saturday, July 26th

Boot Camp for New Dads.  9am-Noon.  Locations vary.  Delivered by First Things First of Greater Richmond.  A unique father-to-father community-based workshop prepares and equips expectant dads to become confidently engaged with their infants, support their mates, and navigate their transformation into dads.  Fee.

Storybook Saturdays.  11am.  Applause Unlimited Performance.  11am.  Festival of Arts, Ha’Penny Stage, Byrd Park, 6000 S. Blvd., Richmond, VA 23220.  A summer long celebration of the arts featuring art exhibits, concerts, dance and theatre with a children’s series on the Ha’ Penny stage.  Free.

Saturday, July 26th and Sunday, July 27th

Peach Festival. Carter Mountain Orchard.  Celebrate the peak of peach season!  There will be games, contests, hayrides (weather permitting), food, wine tastings, and more.  Free admission and parking.

Sunday, July 27th

Reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention and Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!”.  1pm-3pm.  St. John’sChurch.   1:15 pm — Doors open.  Seating is on a first-come, first served basis.  1:30 pm — Music program.  1:45 pm — Reenactment begins.  This event is also FREE, with a suggested donation of $5.00.  Reservations are available for groups of ten or more for fee of $5 per person, up to 100 reserved seats.

Deborah Also, The Backpack Storyteller Performance.  4pm.  Applause Unlimited Performance.  11am.  Festival of Arts, Ha’Penny Stage, Byrd Park, 6000 S. Blvd., Richmond, VA 23220.  A summer long celebration of the arts featuring art exhibits, concerts, dance and theatre with a children’s series on the Ha’ Penny stage.  Free.

Monday, July 28th

Henricus Discovery Days Program Series: “Animals of the Farm and Forest”.  10am-1pm.  For ages 3 -10.  An hour of storybook reading and meeting the live animals who live at Henricus, followed by a drop-in art project where you can make your own painted rock animals to take home. The “drop-in project” is a self-paced craft related to the content from the first hour; stay as little or as long as you like!  All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required. Call 804-318-8797 by July 25.  Fee.

Garden Art Studio.  1pm-3pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  Work alongside staff artist, Katelyn Coyle, in the colorful Garden Art Studio located beside the Hidden Tunnel. Drop-in and unfold your creative energy. Use provided materials to collaborate, explore and reflect on your own Garden experience.  Free with Garden admission.

Henrico Concert Band in the Park.  7pm.  Dorey Park.    Bring a blanket or lawn chair and spend a casual evening in the park by the lake listening to your favorite band music! In case of inclement weather, the concerts may be cancelled. There will be no rain dates. Free.

Tuesday, July 29th

Young @ Art: Primary Power.  10am-11am. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center.   Mix, mash, and splash the primary colors: red, blue, and yellow! Discover how only three hues can make all the colors of the rainbow!  For Ages 2 ½ – 5.  Fee.

What Do You Do With an Idea? Storytime.  11am.  Chesterfield Towne Center, Barnes and Noble.   Join us as we read What Do You Do With an Idea?  Free.

For Teen Girls, GYN is Nothing to LOL About.  6pm-7pm.  Virginia Physicians for Women, Innsbrook Location.  Girls wonder, worry, and have questions about many things, not the least of which is their own changing bodies. If you have a teen or preteen girl in your life, help her find the answers she’s looking for. Join VPFW’s Dr. Rebecca Bedingfield (Innsbrook on the 29th) or Dr. Emily Stone (Midlothian on the 31st) for an open discussion about adolescent gynecology, including menstrual cycles and irregularities, breast growth, prevention of STDs, and even when to schedule that first GYN exam. This is a great opportunity for her – and you – to get expert answers to all of her questions. The VPFW Forum is open to the community, and registration is required. Free.

Fighters, Biters, Pushers & Smushers (Parents and Caregivers of Toddlers).  6:30pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

Tuesday, July 29th & Wednesday, July 30th

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.  10am.  Movieland at Boulevard Square.  FREE KIDS SUMMER FILM SERIES.  Seating limited to theater capacity; tickets issued on a first come-first served basis. Films and schedules subject to change without notice.   Seating Starts at 9am.  Free Admission.

The Croods & Epic.  10am.  Regal Virginia Center Stadium, Regal Commonwealth Center Stadium, Regal Westchester Commons Stadium, Regal Short Pump Stadium.  Seating on a first come-first served basis.  Admission to these films during the Summer Movie Express is only $1.

Wednesday, July 30th

Drop in and Dig!  9am-11am.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  Families with children are invited to drop-in and participate in simple, easy to learn gardening tasks under the guidance of Children’s Garden staff and volunteers. These family-oriented gardening experiences can easily be enjoyed at home. Free with Garden admission.

Young @ Art: Primary Power.  10am-11am. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center.   Mix, mash, and splash the primary colors: red, blue, and yellow! Discover how only three hues can make all the colors of the rainbow!  For Ages 2 ½ – 5.  Fee.

July 30th – Aug 2nd

“The Boy Who Cried Wolf”.  10am and 2pm.  Presented by Henrico Teen Theatre Company.  For all ages. In this reimagining of Aesop’s tale, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, a bored boy named Roy tends to his family’s flock while the mischievious Pearl, Roy’s pig-tailed crush, belittles his duty and begs to see his “wolf-crying” skills. Predictably, his family responds to the false alarm while Pearl keeps up with her amusing antics….not knowing where the real wolves are lurking! Great fun for the whole family! Reservations are required.  Free.

Thursday, July 31st

Clowning Around with Shakespeare Performance.  11am.  Applause Unlimited Performance.  11am.  Festival of Arts, Ha’Penny Stage, Byrd Park, 6000 S. Blvd., Richmond, VA 23220.  A summer long celebration of the arts featuring art exhibits, concerts, dance and theatre with a children’s series on the Ha’ Penny stage.  Free.

Families After 5.  5pm-9pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.  Enjoy Flowers After 5 with the family and special events for kids in the Children’s Garden.  Listen to story books, garden, participate in walkabouts and have good, green fun. Featured activities will rotate based on the Children’s Garden monthly seasonal themes.  WaterPlay will remain open until 8pm.  Fee, free for members.

Kids Book Club Meeting.  5:30pm.  Sweet Spot Candy Shop.  The book – The People in Pineapple Place by Anne Lindbergh.  To join in the fun discussion (and sample a few sweet treats) call 360-7768 to register. Free.

For Teen Girls, GYN is Nothing to LOL About.  6pm-7pm.  Virginia Physicians for Women, Innsbrook Location.  Girls wonder, worry, and have questions about many things, not the least of which is their own changing bodies. If you have a teen or preteen girl in your life, help her find the answers she’s looking for. Join VPFW’s Dr. Rebecca Bedingfield (Innsbrook on the 29th) or Dr. Emily Stone (Midlothian on the 31st) for an open discussion about adolescent gynecology, including menstrual cycles and irregularities, breast growth, prevention of STDs, and even when to schedule that first GYN exam. This is a great opportunity for her – and you – to get expert answers to all of her questions. The VPFW Forum is open to the community, and registration is required. Free.

Henrico Community Band in the Park.  7pm.  Deep Run Park.  Bring a blanket or lawn chair and spend a casual evening in the park at the Nature Pavilion listening to your favorite band music! In case of inclement weather, the concerts may be cancelled. There will be no rain dates. Free.