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.
The annual Home for Good® playhouse giveaway event will have playhouses on display at both Libbie Mill Library and Short Pump Town Center starting April 12 through the 28th. The playhouses were designed and built by local businesses, all inspired by beloved children’s stories (Hungary Caterpillar, Goodnight Moon, etc.). The Home for Good® event is held in April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, to unify RVA around the belief that every child deserves a safe home.
Friday, April 5th
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.
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, April 6th
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.
April 5-7th
NWBA Junior Wheelchair Basketball National Championships. Henrico Sports and Events Center, Henrico, VA. The National Wheelchair Basketball Association, Sportable, Richmond Region Tourism, and Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority are proud to host the 2024 Adult and Junior Division Wheelchair Basketball National Tournaments. The top 32 ranked teams for Varsity level and the top 16 ranked teams from Prep level will earn an invitation to participate in the NWBA Junior Wheelchair Basketball National Championships. FIND OUT MORE>> https://sportable.org/nwba-nationals/. GET TICKETS >> https://tickets.richmond.com/events/nwba-adult-junior-wheelchair-basketball-national-championships-4-5-2024.
Sunday, April 7th
Open Studio Sunday. Noon-3pm. VMFA WestRock Art Education Center. Make Open Studio Sundays a part of your family’s monthly routine! Visit the WestRock Art Education Center anytime between noon and 3 pm to participate in an art activity inspired by an object from the VMFA collection. A new art activity, led by VMFA Youth Studio Staff and volunteers, is offered every month. Select months will feature additional activities and events. For all ages; children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Free, no registration required.
Monday, April 8th
Eclipse Viewing Party. 2–4:30 p.m. Science Museum of Virginia’s New Greenspace. Celebrate the partial solar eclipse with space lovers from across Central Virginia. This exciting celestial event takes place on Monday, April 8. At approximately 3:19 p.m., the Moon will cover nearly 85% of the Sun as seen from Richmond! Bring your own glasses or purchase eye-protection verified eclipse viewing glasses in the Science Museum’s gift shop (very limited quantities will be available for sale at the event). The Richmond Astronomical Society will be onsite to share their telescopes—with safe solar filters, of course—so you can fully experience this stellar event!
Wednesday, April 10th
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.
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, April 11th
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.
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, April 12th
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.
Kid’s Night Out. 6pm-9pm. 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, April 13th
$10 and Earth Day. 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. The 13th is also Earth Day from Noon-5pm where going green has never been more fun!
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.
The Joy of Movement. 10:30–11:45am. VMFA| Art Education Center, Classroom. For ages 3–14 months. Spend time in the Sculpture Garden exploring the sights and sounds of this urban green space, then create your own nature-inspired work of art. $24 per child/adult pair (VMFA members $20).
The Smurfs Meet & Greet. 11am-3pm. Short Pump Town Center Main Plaza. Enjoy a special meet and greet filled with smiles, laughs, and family fun with your favorite Smurfs characters during our Community Day, supporting the Henrico CASA Home for Good Fundraiser.
Tuesday April 16th
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)
Child Developmental Screenings. 1:00pm- 5:00pm. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown. Virginia Commonwealth University Occupational Therapy students and faculty will be at the Children’s Museum of Richmond to provide free developmental screenings and information about Kindergarten Readiness. While this is a free event for the community in our Lobby, museum admission is not included.
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, April 17th
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.
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.
Thursday, April 18th
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.
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).
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.
Friday, April 19th
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.
Minds of All Kinds. 4-8pm. Science Museum of Virginia. A sensory-friendly evening developed for guests with disabilities. Admission is free. Registration is required.
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.
Silk Painting. 5pm–7pm. VMFA Art Education Center, Studio 2. Explore the mesmerizing techniques of silk painting as you design a vibrant silk scarf of your own, in addition to other fun fabric painting projects! $30 per child/adult pair (VMFA members $25).
Drawing: RVA Architecture. 5–7pm. VMFA Art Education Center, Studio 1. For ages 13–17. Draw inspiration from your city! Use depth and perspective to realistically depict buildings and architectural structures in Richmond’s Museum District. $20 (VMFA members $15).
Saturday, April 20th
Kindergarten Readiness. 10:00am- 12:00pm. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown. Join us for a fun school readiness experience with community partners and CMoR activities! A yellow school bus will be present from 10am-12pm so kids can practice getting to/from school. This event is free and open to the public in the museum lobby. Admission to the museum is NOT included.
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.
Earth Day. Noon-3pm. Deep Run Park. Live music, activities for all ages, and food truck refreshments available for purchase. Activities include kayaking with RVA Paddle Sports, creating solitary beehives, face painting, and a sensory tent experience. Learn about sustainability initiatives and resources available in Henrico County such as energy efficiency, residential solar, electric vehicles, recycling, preserving green space, air quality, and more. This event is family-friendly and is free and open to the public.
Monday, April 22nd
Movin’ and Groovin’. 10:30–11:30am. VMFA Art Education Center, Classroom. For ages 3–14 months, with an adult. Explore motion and motor development through action-filled paintings, simple parent-and baby yoga poses, and appealing art materials. $22 per baby/adult pair (VMFA members $18).
Tuesday April 23rd
Chemistry in a Cone: The Science of Ice Cream. 8am. Science Museum of Virginia. Get the scoop on making a scientifically delicious sweet treat! Free with museum admission.
Child Developmental Screenings. 1:00pm- 5:00pm. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown. Virginia Commonwealth University Occupational Therapy students and faculty will be at the Children’s Museum of Richmond to provide free developmental screenings and information about Kindergarten Readiness. While this is a free event for the community in our Lobby, museum admission is not included.
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, April 24th
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.
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, April 25th
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.
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).
Live Your Dash Luncheon. 11:30am-2pm. Join us for Full Circle Grief Center’s 10th Annual Live Your Dash Luncheon. Every ticket supports Full Circle’s mission to provide comprehensive, professional grief support services in Central VA. Inspired by the poem “The Dash” by Linda Ellis, Live Your Dash is a celebration of courage, kindness, and gratitude. Together, we will hear compelling stories of those in our community who are “living their dash,” or, living life to the fullest. The program will include: A keynote message from Dona Rodgers of Morgan’s Message, Award presentations for 2024 Live Your Dash Award winners, Testimonials from Full Circle program participants. Price: $80 per ticket, $150 for two tickets.
Horses in Art. 4:30–6pm. VMFA Art Education Center, Studio 1. For ages 9–12. Practice drawing horses from observation in the galleries with a focus on scale and proportion before trotting back to the studio to paint your favorite pony. $30 (VMFA members $25).
Thursday, April 25th – 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.
Friday, April 26th
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.
Dorey Day. 4pm-7pm. Dorey Park, Henrico. Enjoy a bounce house, giant slide, Miss Sheri the Clown, outdoor games, arts and crafts, and fitness demos. Concessions will be available for purchase. Raffle prize drawings will be held throughout the event, must be present to win. Free.
Artrageous – Live Art, Music and More! 7pm. Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen. Imagine an artist creating a masterpiece before your eyes in mere moments! A fun interactive show for the whole family.
Saturday, April 27th
Kindergarten Readiness. 10:00am- 12:00pm. YMCA-Manchester. Join us for a FREE fun school readiness experience with community partners and CMoR activities! A yellow school bus will be present from 10am-12pm so kids can practice getting to/from school.
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.
Farm Field Day. 10am-2pm. Meadow Farm presents the 2nd annual Farm Field Day! Learn about agricultural practices, trades, and crafts of days past. Local craftsmen and businesses will be demonstrating their trades and selling wares. Create crafts, enjoy folk music and food trucks, and learn about farm practices. Free.
Tuesday, April 30th
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).
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 1st
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
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).
Sunday, May 5th
FETCH Fest. 1pm-5pm. Main Line Brewery & Cirrus Vodka. A free family and fido friendly pet wellness event. Fee.
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.
Saturday, 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.
