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Don’t Miss…
Today – October 7th. State Fair of Virginia. The Meadow Event Park, 13191 Dawn Blvd, Doswell, VA. Fee.
Today – Sunday, October 14th. M&T Bank Butterflies LIVE! 9am-5pm. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. This indoor exhibit in the Conservatory is geared for all ages. Get up close and personal as hundreds of tropical butterflies feed, flutter and take flight all around you. Explore their origins, preferred habitats and life-cycles. While you are there – don’t miss Origami in the Garden. All included with garden admission.
Saturday, October 27th – November 11th. Garden Glow. 6pm-10pm. Maymont Japanese Garden. Maymont Illuminates the Japanese Garden with Colorful Lighting and Japanese Cultural Activities Will Delight All Ages. Garden Glow tickets may be purchased online in advance at a discount: $12 adults / $7 children ages 4-12 / free for children ages 3 and under. Maymont members receive a discount online or at the door. Parking for Garden Glow at Maymont is free and will be located at the Robins Nature & Visitor Center at 2201 Shields Lake Drive in Richmond, Virginia. Fee.
Monday, October 1st
Homeschool Open House. 10am-5pm. Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Meet and mingle with other homeschoolers from across Virginia! Participate in activities for all ages, including guided workshops and gallery walks, as well as self-guided crafts, games, and scavenger hunts. Participation is free for homeschoolers and chaperones, but registration is required.
Junior Great Books Level I. 4pm. Libbie Mill Library. the fall session meets October 1, 8, 15, and 22. These four Monday afternoon sessions (appropriate for ages 7-9) will inspire close reading and rich discussion of world literature using the Shared Inquiry method. Children will hone their critical thinking and communication skills while exploring fiction, essays, and poetry. Curious readers welcome! For older children ages 9-12, Junior Great Books Level II is held on Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15. Free.
Escape Room: Survival in Deep Space. 7pm. Libbie Mill Library. For grades 6-12. Do you have what it takes to survive in deep space? Race against the clock to hunt for clues, solve puzzles, and repair the habitat’s main computer before time runs out! Registration required. Free.
Tuesday, October 2nd
artoberVA Tuesdays. 10am-11am and 2pm-3pm. Children’s Museum Downtown Art Studio. An exciting and creative workshop that explores various materials perfect for early learners to experiment with. All materials will be provided and you get to take home your final product! Free with museum admission.
Weekly Storytime. 11am. Pottery Barn Kids, Short Pump Mall. Kids can enjoy some of their favorite books read aloud. Free.
Wednesday, October 3rd
Drop In and Dig. 2pm-3pm. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Children’s Garden Farm Garden. 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. Drop in program, no registration needed. Free with garden admission.
St. Andrew’s School Middle School Fair. 5pm. 227 South Cherry Street, Richmond, VA 23220. The Middle School Fair provides an opportunity for families to learn about the transition to middle school. There will be a parent panel and an opportunity to network with private schools in Richmond about the transition to middle school, financial aid, and academic enrichment programs.
Junior Great Books Level II. 6pm. Libbie Mill Library. The fall session meets October 3, 10, 17, and 24. These four Wednesday evening meetings (appropriate for ages 9-12) will inspire close reading and rich discussion of world literature using the Shared Inquiry method. Children will hone their critical thinking and communication skills while exploring fiction, essays, and poetry. Curious readers welcome! For younger children ages 7-9, Junior Great Books Level I meets Monday afternoons from 4-5:15. Free.
Short Pump WOW. 6pm. Short Pump Park. Kickstart your Weekend On Wednesday at W.O.W.! Enjoy an evening at the park with a free concert and local food trucks at Short Pump Park. Band: Rachel Leyco. Concessions: Carytown Burgers & Fries, Grapevine, Gelati Celesti.
Thursday, October 4th
Positive Thinking Day. 6pm. Gayton Branch Library. Every September 13th is Positive Thinking Day, a day meant to focus on the good things! Now that the school year is officially underway, start it off right by reinforcing those good vibes. Go to Gayton to create crafts, gratitude logs and grab a goodie bag to focus on the #positivevibes! #yougotthis Free.
Thursday, October 4th – Sunday, October 7th
Richmond Fall Carnival. Carnival hours are 5-10 pm Thursday, 5-11 pm Friday and 12-11 pm Saturday – Sunday. 6807 Midlothian Turnpike. This family-friendly event features midway rides for all ages, carnival games and favorite fair food. Free parking and admission. Unlimited ride wristbands (for riders 36 inches and taller) are $25 on Thursday and $30 Friday – Sunday. Ride tickets are $1.50 each, $25 for 20 tickets, or $50 for 50 tickets plus 1 free ride. Rides take 2 or more tickets each. Visit DreamlandAmusements.com for coupon savings. For more information, call 866-666-3247.
Friday, October 5th
Special Nights CMoR Chesterfield. 5:30pm – 7:30pm. CMoR Downtown. The Children’s Museum opens its doors for evenings for families with children ages 15 years and younger who have challenges or disabilities. At CMoR’s Special Nights, you will find museum exploration, adapted materials, a cool-down space, and a reduced number of visitors. Special Nights at CMoR is FREE for families of children with behavioral health and developmental challenges- no reservation required.
Friday Night Movie at the Pumpkin Patch. 7pm. Tom Leonard’s Farmer’s Market in the Outdoor Haybale Theatre. Movies every Friday night in October. Free.
Saturday, October 6th
Kids Workshop – Fireboat. 9am-Noon. Local Home Depot stores. Join the hands-on Kids Workshop and you and your child can build a special project. All kids get to keep their project, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin. Registration required – select your local store. Free.
Boot Camp for New Dads. 9am-Noon. Varied locations. Facilitated by the Relationship Foundation of Virginia. This 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. Suggested donation.
The Great Pumpkin Fest. Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA. Saturdays and Sundays through October 28th. This much-anticipated annual event is one of the area’s favorite fall festivals. Families can participate in a collection of scare-free Halloween activities designed just for kids. Your favorite PEANUTS characters will host special events like treat bags, pumpkin decorating and so much more. The festival is included with park admission.
2nd Street Festival. 200 S. 3rd Street, Richmond, Virginia, VA. Celebrate the rich culture of the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood. Don’t miss the kid’s zone. Free.
RVA MakerFest. 10am-5pm. Science Museum of Virginia. Calling all makers! Over 100 makers, tinkerers, hobbyists and entrepreneurs from across the region will showcase their exceptional work integrating science, art, technology, engineering, sustainability, food, music and more! Interact with different innovators – from glassblowers to blacksmiths to puppeteers – who will lead workshops and will have handmade creations available for purchase. Explore the Museum’s exhibitions for free and enjoy a discounted $5 Dome Feature along with delicious offerings from local food trucks on site. Free.
Drop In and Dig. 10am-11am. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Children’s Garden Farm Garden.Free. 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. Drop in program, no registration needed. Free with garden admission.
Farm Animal Walk. 11:30am. Maymont Farm. Some of Maymont’s four-legged friends are ready to accompany you on your walk at the Farm. Join an animal keeper on a morning stroll with a sheep, goat or donkey outside of the pastures. It’s great exercise for the animals and a unique close encounter for you! $25 per person/$20 members. Space is limited. Register online at maymont.org by October 4; for information, call 804-358-7168.
Stories at the Museum. 11am. Virginia Museum of History & Culture, formerly the Virginia Historical Society. Enjoy a group reading of a history-themed book and a craft activity during Stories at the Museum. Included with admission.
Meadow Farm’s Saturday Live. Noon-3pm. Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park. Enjoy an afternoon of interactive living history demonstrations as you explore this mid-19th century farm – blacksmithing, wool dyeing, woodworking, cooking, gardening, and animal and house tours. In addition to regular activities, each Saturday will have a unique theme, and they’ll explore what that particular subject was like in the 1860s – you’ll get to see for yourself how things were similar and how they were different. Free.
Animal Presentations. Times Vary. Maymont Grounds. See and learn more about the different animals at Maymont. Visit the website for times and options. Free.
Behind the Scenes. 1:30. Maymont Nature Center. Walk through the Employees Only door for a special peek at the inner workings of the Maymont Nature Center. Thirteen aquariums and more than 200 animals require more care than meets the eye. Ages 5 and older; adult must accompany child. Register at the Visitor Center desk on the day of the program. (Groups of 5 or more must register in advance). For information, call 804-358-7168. Fee.
5th Annual Fall Festival. 2pm-6pm. Powhatan State Park, 4616 Powhatan State Park Rd, Powhatan, VA. AWARE Wildlife Rehabilitation group will bring animals including owls, reptiles, and more. Decorate pumpkins, take wagon rides, find your way through a field maze, get your face painted, play games, and enjoy a campfire at 5pm. Festival admission is free, but parking fees and some activity fees apply.
Citizen Science: Birding. 10:30am. Twin Hickory Area Library. For ages 4 and up. Learn about birds and the fun hobby of birding. Enjoy a brief introduction to bird watching and some fun bird-related citizen science projects your family can take part in. Then the group will head outside for a short walk through the grounds around the library to look for and count birds. All ages are welcome and there will be a craft for children. Children are required to have adult supervision. Please note, this event takes place in lieu of the regularly scheduled Family Storytime. Free.
Lego Building Challenge. 2:30pm. Varina Area Library. 4th-8th grade builders, come show them what ya got! We will provide the Legos and specific challenges you bring the creativity and skill! Build by yourself or with a friend! Free.
Kids Night Out. 6pm. Romp n’ Roll – West End location. Every kid deserves a special night out—and so do you! Ages 2 through 5, no need to be potty-trained. Children get to run, play, dance, and create their own masterpieces with our energetic instructors. The evening also includes a pizza party dinner and ends with our famous bubble dance party. To reserve your space call 804.364.6363. Fee.
Sunday, October 7th
Animal Presentations. Times Vary. Maymont Grounds. See and learn more about the different animals at Maymont. Visit the website for times and options. Free.
2nd Street Festival. 200 S. 3rd Street, Richmond, Virginia, VA. Celebrate the rich culture of the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood. Don’t miss the kid’s zone. Free.
Family Arts Day Celebration. Join the Modlin Center for the Arts and the University of Richmond Museums for the annual Family Arts Day Celebration, an art-centered family fun day featuring activity tables, art projects, food, and more! Free events begin at 1pm.
The Great Pumpkin Fest. Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA. Saturdays and Sundays through October 28th. This much-anticipated annual event is one of the area’s favorite fall festivals. Families can participate in a collection of scare-free Halloween activities designed just for kids. Your favorite PEANUTS characters will host special events like treat bags, pumpkin decorating and so much more. The festival is included with park admission.
Open Studio Sunday. 1pm – 4pm. VMFA. Visit the Art Education Center anytime between 1 pm and 4 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. For all ages; children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult Note: For groups of eight children or more, please email youthstudio@vmfa.museum.
Garden Art. 2pm-3m. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Children’s Garden. Drop-in and unfold your creative energy through Plein air watercolor painting. They provide the easels, the paper, paint and all the supplies you’ll need. Drop in program, no registration needed. Free with garden admission.
THEATRE HEROES, “CALL OF THE WILD: ILLUSTRATED EDITION”. 3pm. Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond. Free events begin at 1pm. Recommended for ages eight and up. Fee.
Monday, October 8th
Citizen Science: Birding. 9:30am. Libbie Mill Library. For ages 4 and up. Learn about birds and the fun hobby of birding. Enjoy a brief introduction to bird watching and some fun bird-related citizen science projects your family can take part in. Then the group will head outside for a short walk through the grounds around the library to look for and count birds. All ages are welcome and there will be a craft for children. Children are required to have adult supervision. Please note, this event takes place in lieu of the regularly scheduled Family Storytime. Free.
3D Printing & Design Workshop for Grades 5-12. 2:30. Libbie Mill Library. Learn how to design objects and print in 3D with the library’s 3D printers. See a printer in action, and practice designing in 3D using Tinkercad so you can submit a 3D design to be printed at the library. Please bring a thumb-drive so you can save your design. Please be on time and be aware that if you are late 5 minutes or more for class, your seat may be given away. Free.
‘October Sky’ Film Screening. 3pm. Glen Allen Branch Library. Enjoy your day off from school by seeing the inspirational story of a future NASA engineer and his early interest in rocket science. Check out some books about space science after the movie! Snacks will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Glen Allen Branch Library. (1999, PG, 107 min.) Free.
Teen Read Week. 5pm. Tuckahoe Area Library. Drop by Teen Planet for fun activities to celebrate Teen Read Week! Enjoy the library scavenger hunt, make personalized buttons, play the Makey Makey keyboard, and more. Free.
Tuesday, October 9th
artoberVA Tuesdays. 10am-11am and 2pm-3pm. Children’s Museum Downtown Art Studio. An exciting and creative workshop that explores various materials perfect for early learners to experiment with. All materials will be provided and you get to take home your final product! Free with museum admission.
Krafty Kids. 11am. Sandston Branch Library. Craft related to the storytime theme or letter of the day! Craft books and materials related to the theme will be available for checkout to help encourage your child’s natural curiosity. Designed for toddlers and preschoolers with an adult. Space is limited due to room capacity. They are unable to accommodate group visits for this program. Please call the library to arrange something special for your group. Free.
Weekly Storytime. 11am. Pottery Barn Kids, Short Pump Mall. Kids can enjoy some of their favorite books read aloud. Free.
Krafty Kids. 3:30pm. Tuckahoe Area Library. Make yarn monsters. Craft books and materials related to the theme will be available for checkout to help encourage your child’s natural curiosity. Designed for children from preschool to grade 5 with an adult. Space is limited due to room capacity. They are unable to accommodate group visits for this program. Please call the library to arrange something special for your group. Free.
Teen Read Week. 5pm. Tuckahoe Area Library. Drop by Teen Planet for fun activities to celebrate Teen Read Week! Enjoy the library scavenger hunt, make personalized buttons, play the Makey Makey keyboard, and more. Free.
Escape the Upside Down: A Stranger Things Escape Room. 7pm. Varina Area Library. Love 80’s themed activities? Want to explore “”The Upside Down World””? See what it takes to solve puzzles and escape “”The Upside Down World”” for this themed escape room in the Teen Department. Free.
Teen Art Studio. 7pm. Libbie Mill Library. Drop by Teen Art Studio for some fun, hands-on creativity! Discuss different styles of art and do a variety of art, craft and drawing projects. All artistic skill levels are welcome! No registration required. Free.
Wednesday, October 10th
Mommy and Me and Daddy, too. 10am. The Square at Willow Lawn. Join Willow Lawn on the second Wednesday of EVERY month from 10am to 11:30am as they host a free morning out with live entertainment and activities designed to enhance parents´ interaction with their children. This month – Hope Harris and the Cousins Jamboree. Free.
Drop In and Dig. 2pm-3pm. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Children’s Garden Farm Garden. 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. Drop in program, no registration needed. Free with garden admission.
Art and the Cosmic Connection. 3pm. Varina Area Library. Grades 3-5. Using the elements of art — shape, line, color, texture, value — students make sense of images of planets, asteroids, comets and moons, honing observation skills and inspiring questions. Learners create a beautiful piece of art while learning to recognize the geology on planetary surfaces. Free.
K-2 Bookworms. 3:30pm. Tuckahoe Area Library. For grades K-2 only. A book discussion group for readers in Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades! They will read a book together during the program, and do a related activity. Free.
Teen Read Week. 5pm. Tuckahoe Area Library. Drop by Teen Planet for fun activities to celebrate Teen Read Week! Try out the library scavenger hunt, make personalized buttons, play the Makey Makey keyboard, and more. Free.
Short Pump WOW. 6pm. Short Pump Park. Kickstart your Weekend On Wednesday at W.O.W.! Enjoy an evening at the park with a free concert and local food trucks at Short Pump Park. Band: The Dave Tinney Band. Concessions: Carytown Burgers & Fries, Grapevine, Gelati Celesti.
Tween STEM Club. 6:30pm. North Park Branch Library. Grades 4-7. Hands-on learning and experimentation featuring a variety of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math topics for tweens presented in a fun and challenging way. Each month the club will feature a different topic such as coding, edible experiments, paper airplanes, candy science, lava lamps and more! Free.
Teen STEM Club. 7:30pm. North Park Branch Library. Grades 8-12. Hands-on learning and experimentation featuring a variety of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math topics for tweens presented in a fun and challenging way. Each month the club will feature a different topic such as coding, edible experiments, paper airplanes, candy science, lava lamps and more! Free.
Thursday, October 11th
Busy Hands. 11:15am. Tuckahoe Area Library. Create friendly monsters. Craft books and materials related to the theme will be available for checkout to help encourage your child’s natural curiosity. Designed for ages 3-5 with an adult. Space is limited due to room capacity. They are unable to accommodate group visits for this program. Please call the library to arrange something special for your group. Free.
Hogwarts Orientation. 6:30pm. Glen Allen Branch Library. For ages 8-13. You’ve been accepted to Hogwarts School and called to attend an orientation meeting. You are encouraged to wear your Hogwarts uniform, however, the sorting hat will designate your house. You may bring your wand, but there will be opportunities for wand making. Activities will occur in the Great Hall which will be disguised as the library’s meeting room. Free.
Financial Aid 101. 7pm. Fairfield Area Library. Confused about how, where, and when to get financial aid? A representative from non-profit Great Aspirations Scholarship Program (GRASP) will help answer your questions. GRASP specializes in helping students find financial resources to continue education after high school. Free.
Friday, October 12th
CarMax $1 Dollar Night. 5pm-7:30pm. CMoR Downtown, 2626 W Broad St. Museum admission is only $1 per person for the entire family!
The Richmond Folk Festival. Browns Island, S 7th St, Richmond, VA 23219. Visit Richmond’s riverfront to celebrate the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance traditional crafts, storytelling and food. The Richmond Folk Festival has become one of Virginia’s largest and most-loved events of the year and has been voted as the best musical festival in Richmond several years running. Hours of Operation: Friday 6 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday Noon – 9:30 PM, Sunday Noon – 6:00 PM. No Pets. Free Shuttles. Free.
Friday Night Movie at the Pumpkin Patch. 7pm. Tom Leonard’s Farmer’s Market in the Outdoor Haybale Theatre. Movies every Friday night in October. Free.
Saturday, October 13th
Drop In and Dig. 10am-11am. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Children’s Garden Farm Garden. 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. Drop in program, no registration needed. Free with garden admission.
The Great Pumpkin Fest. Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA. Saturdays and Sundays through October 28th. This much-anticipated annual event is one of the area’s favorite fall festivals. Families can participate in a collection of scare-free Halloween activities designed just for kids. Your favorite PEANUTS characters will host special events like treat bags, pumpkin decorating and so much more. The festival is included with park admission.
Citizen Science: Birding. 10:30am. Tuckahoe Area Library. For ages 4 and up. Learn about birds and the fun hobby of birding. Enjoy a brief introduction to bird watching and some fun bird-related citizen science projects your family can take part in. Then the group will head outside for a short walk through the grounds around the library to look for and count birds. All ages are welcome and there will be a craft for children. Children are required to have adult supervision. Please note, this event takes place in lieu of the regularly scheduled Family Storytime. Free.
SLEEPING BEAUTY – Presented by Virginia Rep on Tour. 11am and 1pm. Fun for all ages! This musical adaptation from the original story by Charles Perrault follows the plot of the traditional fairy tale, but adds delightful surprises and comic twists! Tickets $15 online / www.artsglenallen.com or 804.261.ARTS
Paws to R.E.A.D. 11am. Gayton Branch Library. For ages 6+. Read a story aloud to a trained therapy dog. Improve your reading confidence and make a new friend! Register online or call 501-1960. Free.
Science Play Saturday. 11am. Sandston Branch Library.STEM free play with building bricks, snap circuits, and more! Free.
Gourds, Goblets and Ghouls Festival. October 13th & 14th. Hanover Vegetable Farm, 13580 Ashland Rd, Ashland, VA 23005. With live music, wineries, beer garden, 40+ vendors, hay rides, pumpkin picking, corn maze and lots of fun activities for the whole family. Each Day of the festival: Free tote bag given to first 500 women 21 and over! Free beer koozie to the first 500 men 21 and over! Fee.
The Richmond Folk Festival. Browns Island, S 7th St, Richmond, VA 23219. Visit Richmond’s riverfront to celebrate the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance traditional crafts, storytelling and food. The Richmond Folk Festival has become one of Virginia’s largest and most-loved events of the year and has been voted as the best musical festival in Richmond several years running. Hours of Operation: Friday 6 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday Noon – 9:30 PM, Sunday Noon – 6:00 PM. No Pets. Free Shuttles. Free.
Animal Presentations. Times Vary. Maymont Grounds. See and learn more about the different animals at Maymont. Visit the website for times and options. Free.
Tween Anime Club. 2pm. Tuckahoe Area Library. For ages 9+. Love anime and manga? Enjoy a fun craft, some Japanese snacks, a movie, or some anime shorts! Free.
The Maker’s Lab: 3D Printing Costume Creations. 2pm. Varina Area Library. Learn about ways you can use different software to create decorative 3D pieces to add to you costume. Free.
Hocus Pocus Film Screening. 2pm. Twin Hickory Area Library. Get in the Halloween spirit by watching the hilarious and spooky Hocus Pocus! Three witches from the seventeenth century are accidentally resurrected by a teen boy in the town of Salem, Massachusetts. It is up to a group of teens, a tween, and an immortal cat, to put a stop to the witches’ reign of terror! (1993, PG, 1 h 36 min.) Tweens are welcome to join with their parent’s discretion. Free.
12th Annual Showcase of Bands. Gates open at 3 pm. Midlothian High School, 401 Charter Colony Parkway, Midlothian VA 23114. The Midlothian High School Trojan Band and Wegmans Midlothian will host The Showcase of Bands, a Marching Band event held each fall that invites bands from around the Commonwealth of Virginia to perform their field shows in competition. Admission is $8.00.
Kids Night Out. 6pm-9pm. Romp n’ Roll – Midlothian location. Every kid deserves a special night out…and so do the parents! Parent’s get an evening to themselves while the children, ages 2 to 5, get an evening to themselves while the children get to run and play with our energetic instructors and enjoy a pizza party dinner! To reserve your space call 804.364.6363. Fee.
Teen Read Week Masquerade. 6pm-9pm. North Courthouse Road Library, 325 Courthouse Road, North Chesterfield.. The Chesterfield County Public Library will host its 10th annual Teen Read Week Masquerade, the theme of this year’s event is Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Teens can wear formal, semi-formal or costume attire. The event will include dancing, food, games, prizes and free books. Teens can win gift cards, including the grand prize of a $100 Amazon gift card. Teen Read Week is a national literacy initiative. The Young Adult Library Services Association created the program to encourage teens to be regular readers and library users. For more information and to register, visit library.chesterfield.gov. or call (804) 751-CCPL.
Saturday, October 13th – Saturday, October 27th
Fall Train Rides. Experience the relaxation of the bygone days of travelling by train from your seat in either the reclining seat coaches or the open-air sightseeing cars. Departing from the picturesque Dillwyn Station, the vintage diesel powered train winds through the rolling hills, pastoral farmland, and deep forests of an unspoiled landscape in the heart of Central Virginia. The 3.5-hour trip covers 16 miles of the Buckingham Branch Railroad north from Dillwyn and features a breathtaking view of the James River from the bridge at New Canton, Virginia. Tickets are currently on sale for these Fall trips. Fee.
Sunday, October 14th
Animal Presentations. Times Vary. Maymont Grounds. See and learn more about the different animals at Maymont. Visit the website for times and options. Free.
Gourds, Goblets and Ghouls Festival. October 13th & 14th. Hanover Vegetable Farm, 13580 Ashland Rd, Ashland, VA 23005. With live music, wineries, beer garden, 40+ vendors, hay rides, pumpkin picking, corn maze and lots of fun activities for the whole family. Each Day of the festival: Free tote bag given to first 500 women 21 and over! Free beer koozie to the first 500 men 21 and over! Fee.
The Richmond Folk Festival. Browns Island, S 7th St, Richmond, VA 23219. Visit Richmond’s riverfront to celebrate the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance traditional crafts, storytelling and food. The Richmond Folk Festival has become one of Virginia’s largest and most-loved events of the year and has been voted as the best musical festival in Richmond several years running. Hours of Operation: Friday 6 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday Noon – 9:30 PM, Sunday Noon – 6:00 PM. No Pets. Free Shuttles. Free.
Fall Festival. 1pm-4pm. West Broad Village at the Pad. An afternoon of live music, fall beers/ciders, delicious bites from Chuy’s, a pet costume contest, pumpkin painting, face painting by Spirited Art and so much more! Please bring a canned food donation to benefit FeedMore.
The Great Pumpkin Fest. Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA. Saturdays and Sundays through October 28th. This much-anticipated annual event is one of the area’s favorite fall festivals. Families can participate in a collection of scare-free Halloween activities designed just for kids. Your favorite PEANUTS characters will host special events like treat bags, pumpkin decorating and so much more. The festival is included with park admission.
Garden Art. 2pm-3m. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Children’s Garden. Drop-in and unfold your creative energy through Plein air watercolor painting. They provide the easels, the paper, paint and all the supplies you’ll need. Drop in program, no registration needed. Free with garden admission.
Pieces of a Dream. 4pm. Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen. Pieces of a Dream is a kid friendly and oriented play for all ages. Good singing amazing dancers and a life of changing experiences. It’s a must-see musical stage play. Tickets are $22 in advance and $25 at the door.
Monday, October 15th
Busy Hands. 3:20pm. Twin Hickory Area Library. Make Rainbow Monsters. Craft books and materials related to the theme will be available for checkout to help encourage your child’s natural curiosity. Designed for children ages 3-5 with an adult. Space is limited due to room capacity. They are unable to accommodate group visits for this program. Please call the library to arrange something special for your group. Free.
Tuesday, October 16th
Play, Learn, and Grow. 10am. Libbie Mill Library. Enjoy open play time that will encourage young children to make discoveries and build early learning skills that prepare them for kindergarten. This event is best suited for children up to age 36 months. Free.
Dance Party. 10am. Tuckahoe Area Library. For ages 2-5. Young children learn a great deal through music and movement. Get your child moving and shaking! Free.
Play Time. 10:30am. Gayton Branch Library. For birth-24 months. Play is how young children learn! Join the play group to develop early literacy skills, make new friends, and have fun! Free.
artoberVA Tuesdays. 10am-11am and 2pm-3pm. Children’s Museum Downtown Art Studio. An exciting and creative workshop that explores various materials perfect for early learners to experiment with. All materials will be provided and you get to take home your final product! Free with museum admission.
Weekly Storytime. 11am. Pottery Barn Kids, Short Pump Mall. Kids can enjoy some of their favorite books read aloud. Free.
Magnet Madness. 3:30pm. Twin Hickory Area Library. Grades 1-3 will hear a story, then experiment with various types of magnets. Free.
Foster Parent Information Session. 6:30pm-7:30pm. Baptist General Association of Virginia, 2828 Emerywood Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23294. Do you have room in your heart and home for a child in need? Do you want to make a positive difference in the life of a child? Have you considered becoming a foster parent? Please join HopeTree Foster Care on October 16th at 6:30 p.m. in Richmond to learn more about how your family can become a foster family. Call (804) 201-9006 or email ShannonU@HopeTreeFS.org for more information. Free.
Wednesday, October 17th
Busy Hands. 10:30am. Gayton Branch Library. Make an autumn craft. Craft books and materials related to the theme will be available for checkout to help encourage your child’s natural curiosity. Designed for ages 3-5 with an adult.Space is limited due to room capacity. They are unable to accommodate group visits for this program. Please call the library to arrange something special for your group. Free.
Drop In and Dig. 2pm-3pm. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Children’s Garden Farm Garden. 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. Drop in program, no registration needed. Free with garden admission.
Thursday, October 18th
Ready to Read. 10am. Libbie Mill Library. This Family Workshop is for parents/caregivers and their young children. There is a lot you can do every day to help your children get Kindergarten-ready. Join the library staff for a quick overview of important early literacy skills and tons of ideas for engaging your children in these fun pre-reading activities: Talking, Singing, Reading, Writing & Playing. Children are encouraged to join in for stories, songs and interactive fun. Free.
Kids Club. 10am-11:30am. Regency Mall. Itty Bitty Yogis (Yoga inspired games, stories, and poses) will be @ Regency during the Kids Club Event! Free.
Krafty Kids. 4pm. North Park Branch Library. Make a spooky craft. Craft books and materials related to the theme will be available for checkout to encourage your child’s natural curiosity. Designed for ages 3-11 with an adult. Space is limited due to room capacity. They are unable to accommodate group visits at crafts. Please call the library to arrange something special for your group. Free.
Paws to R.E.A.D. 6:30pm. Varina Area Library. For ages 6+. Read a story aloud to a trained therapy dog. Improve your reading confidence and make a new friend! Time slots will be assigned when you arrive. Free.
Game Coding with Scratch. 6:30pm. Varina Area Library. Design a game then build a controller to play it with! Learn how to use Scratch to code a computer game, then use Makey Makey kits and other materials to build a controller to play your game! Free.
Tween Tech. 7pm. Twin Hickory Area Library. Students in Grades 4-6 will enjoy guided activities in the Digital Media Lab. Free.
Friday, October 19th
Science After Dark. 5pm-9pm. Science Museum of Virginia. Make glow-in-the dark art, write with light on our GLOW wall, see fire spinners, and more! At 6:30 pm and 7:15 pm, we’ll explore the universe in our all-live Cosmic Expedition; space is limited to the first 250 guests at each show, no ticket required. Then stick around for a showing of Frankenweenie (rated PG) in the Dome at 8 pm. After the shows, step outside to stargaze through telescopes with the Richmond Astronomical Society (weather permitting). Science After Dark activities and a Dome Feature are $10 for general public; $5 per each additional Dome Feature. Museum members enjoy free exhibit admission and a free Cosmic Expedition, $5 or Dome pass per for the feature film in The Dome.
Taylor’s SpookieFUN Fest. 5pm-8:30pm. Pole Green Park on Friday, October 19th. Poor Farm Park on Saturday, October 20th. Join Taylor, the Hanover Parks and Recreation’s lovable mascot, and some of his famous friends including Elsa, Anna and Belle, just to name a few, for a SpookieFUN time. Come in your best costume and don’t forget to bring your trick or treat bag! DJ Luke in the Monster Mash Dance area with a special performance by the Richmond Urban Dance group, rides and inflatables (designed for ages 3 – 12), get up close with the Mystery Machine, Pumpkin Walk, visit Taylor’s mini-pumpkin patch where you can decorate your pumpkin, SpookieFUN games,The Game Patrol, *Casper’s FUN Hunt & Maze (ages 4 and under), *Flashlight Candy Hunt (ages 5- 12), just to name a few things you will find at Taylor’s SpookieFUN Fest! Trick or treat in the Hanover Treats area and do crafts and activities in Taylor’s Tricks area with participating local businesses and organizations. This event is free to attend, however items require additional fee.
Fall Family Movie Night. 6:30-8:30pm. Short Pump Town Center. Featuring the movie “COCO”! The first 50 families will receive blankets courtesy of Capital One Cafe! The movie starts at 7PM. No outside food or drink. Blankets only, no lawn chairs. Free.
Friday Night Movie at the Pumpkin Patch. 7pm. Tom Leonard’s Farmer’s Market in the Outdoor Haybale Theatre. Movies every Friday night in October. Free.
Saturday, October 20th
Boot Camp for New Dads. 9am-Noon. Varied locations. Facilitated by the Relationship Foundation of Virginia. This 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. Suggested donation.
Drop In and Dig. 10am-11am. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Children’s Garden Farm Garden. 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. Drop in program, no registration needed. Free with garden admission.
The Junior League of Richmond’s 13th Annual Touch a Truck. 10am-3pm. Richmond International Raceway. A unique and interactive event that allows children to see, touch, and safely explore their favorite big trucks and heavy machinery, as well as to meet the personnel who protect, serve, and build the Richmond community. Reserve your tickets online. Fee.
Great Pumpkin Celebration. Times vary. Bass Pro Shops. FREE 4×6 Photo. FREE Crafts, Games & More! Visit the website for details. Event runs. OCTOBER 20 & 21, 26–31, 2018.
The Great Pumpkin Fest. Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA. Saturdays and Sundays through October 28th. This much-anticipated annual event is one of the area’s favorite fall festivals. Families can participate in a collection of scare-free Halloween activities designed just for kids. Your favorite PEANUTS characters will host special events like treat bags, pumpkin decorating and so much more. The festival is included with park admission.
Family Classics At The Byrd – Monster House PG. 10am. Byrd Theatre, Carytown. Bob Gulledge At The Mighty Wurlitzer And Classic Warner Brothers Cartoons before the movie. Tickets are $4 per person.
Citizen Science: Birding with Author Maria Gianferrari. 10:30am. Varina Area Library. For ages 4 and up. Maria Gianferrari, author of 2018-19 Virginia Reader’s Choice Award nominated title Coyote Moon, will talk hawks, urban ecology and to share her new title Hawk Rising! Afterward, enjoy a brief introduction to bird watching and some fun bird-related citizen science projects your family can take part in. Review some tips for spotting and identifying birds in the wild. Then head outside for a short walk around the library to look for and count birds. All ages are welcome and there will be a craft for children. Children are required to have adult supervision. Free.
Krafty Kids. 11am. North Park Branch Library. Make a spooky craft. Craft books and materials related to the theme will be available for checkout to encourage your child’s natural curiosity. Designed for ages 3-11 with an adult. Space is limited due to room capacity. They are unable to accommodate group visits at storytimes. Please call the library to arrange something special for your group. Free.
Stories at the Museum. 11am. Virginia Museum of History & Culture, formerly the Virginia Historical Society. Enjoy a group reading of a history-themed book and a craft activity during Stories at the Museum. Included with admission.
Animal Presentations. Times Vary. Maymont Grounds. See and learn more about the different animals at Maymont. Visit the website for times and options. Free.
Scott’s Addition Pumpkin Festival. Noon-6pm. On The Boulevard-on Leigh Street (by Movieland Theater) to Broad Street. Food, Music, and Costume Contests. It’s free to attend, though food and drink is not. There will be ATM’s on site and some vendors may accept credit cards.
Harvest Festival + Glen Allen Day. Noon-4pm. Come for free entertainment, family activities, community fundraisers, and a vendor fair. Concessions will be available for purchase.
Family Movie. 2pm. North Park Branch Library. Suggested for ages 7 and up. In this Oscar winner for animation and music, join young Miguel as he enters the Land of the Dead, seeking a legendary singer in Coco. (2017, PG, 105 min.) Free.
Family Classics At The Byrd – Monster House PG Sensory Friendly Screening. 2pm. Byrd Theatre, Carytown. Bob Gulledge At The Mighty Wurlitzer And Classic Warner Brothers Cartoons before the movie. Tickets are $4 per person.
Minecraft for Tweens. 3pm. Varina Area Library. Join in with other kids on our dedicated server in the same Minecraft world. Creative or survival? You decide! Online registration is required. Event is best suited for ages 8-12. Registration is not required if you bring a laptop with your own copy of Minecraft. Free.
Taylor’s SpookieFUN Fest. 5pm-8:30pm. Pole Green Park on Friday, October 19. Poor Farm Park on Saturday, October 20. Join Taylor, the Hanover Parks and Recreation’s lovable mascot, and some of his famous friends including Elsa, Anna and Belle, just to name a few, for a SpookieFUN time. Come in your best costume and don’t forget to bring your trick or treat bag! DJ Luke in the Monster Mash Dance area with a special performance by the Richmond Urban Dance group, rides and inflatables (designed for ages 3 – 12), get up close with the Mystery Machine, Pumpkin Walk, visit Taylor’s mini-pumpkin patch where you can decorate your pumpkin, SpookieFUN games,The Game Patrol, *Casper’s FUN Hunt & Maze (ages 4 and under), *Flashlight Candy Hunt (ages 5- 12), just to name a few things you will find at Taylor’s SpookieFUN Fest! Trick or treat in the Hanover Treats area and do crafts and activities in Taylor’s Tricks area with participating local businesses and organizations. This event is free to attend, however items require additional fee.
Park After Dark. 5pm-9pm. Pocahontas State Park, Visitor Center, 10301 State Park Rd, Chesterfield, Virginia 23832. Park after Dark is an annual family-oriented fun event held at night. This year’s activities will include hay rides, face painting, raptor and reptile presentations, trunk-or-treating, a campfire with s’mores, night hikes, and much more. Parking for the event is free and entry into the event is $5 per person and no charge for children under 3. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted. Park after Dark is sponsored by the Friends of Pocahontas State Park, a 501c3 non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to supporting Pocahontas State Park. For more information, please visit http://www.fopsp.org.
Kids Night Out. 6pm. Romp n’ Roll – West End location. Every kid deserves a special night out—and so do you! Ages 2 through 5, no need to be potty-trained. Children get to run, play, dance, and create their own masterpieces with our energetic instructors. The evening also includes a pizza party dinner and ends with our famous bubble dance party. To reserve your space call 804.364.6363. Fee.
Sunday, October 21st
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND’S TRICK OR TREAT STREET. 11am-3pm. Stern Plaza at the University of Richmond. A safe and festive Halloween event for children in the Richmond area! Games, candy, animals, bouncy castles, and more! Donations go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond. Free.
The Great Pumpkin Fest. Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA. Saturdays and Sundays through October 28th. This much-anticipated annual event is one of the area’s favorite fall festivals. Families can participate in a collection of scare-free Halloween activities designed just for kids. Your favorite PEANUTS characters will host special events like treat bags, pumpkin decorating and so much more. The festival is included with park admission.
Great Pumpkin Celebration. Times vary. Bass Pro Shops. FREE 4×6 Photo. FREE Crafts, Games & More! Visit the website for details. Event runs. OCTOBER 20 & 21, 26–31, 2018.
Garden Art. 2pm-3m. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Children’s Garden. Drop-in and unfold your creative energy through Plein air watercolor painting. They provide the easels, the paper, paint and all the supplies you’ll need. Drop in program, no registration needed. Free with garden admission.
Animal Presentations. Times Vary. Maymont Grounds. See and learn more about the different animals at Maymont. Visit the website for times and options. Free.
Monday, October 22nd
Toddler Explorers. 3:30pm. Gayton Branch Library. For ages 24-36 months with an adult. Develop your child’s early literacy and fine motor skills through hands-on art and sensory play. Space is limited due to room capacity. They are unable to accommodate group visits for this program. Please call the library to arrange something special for your group. Free.
Paper Circuit Light Sabers. 7pm. North Park Branch Library. Learn how circuits work and make a light saber card using paper circuits. This STEM project is fun for all ages, but small children will require help from their grownup. Free.
Tuesday, October 23rd
artoberVA Tuesdays. 10am-11am and 2pm-3pm. Children’s Museum Downtown Art Studio. An exciting and creative workshop that explores various materials perfect for early learners to experiment with. All materials will be provided and you get to take home your final product! Free with museum admission.
Weekly Storytime. 11am. Pottery Barn Kids, Short Pump Mall. Kids can enjoy some of their favorite books read aloud. Free.
Busy Hands. 3:30pm. Twin Hickory Area Library. Make Rainbow Monsters. Craft books and materials related to the theme will be available for checkout to help encourage your child’s natural curiosity. Designed for children ages 3-5 with an adult. Space is limited due to room capacity. They are unable to accommodate group visits for this program. Please call the library to arrange something special for your group. Free.
Introduction to Robotics: Ozobots. 3:30pm. Tuckahoe Area Library. For ages 6+. Have fun with Ozobots, robots that move in patterns, play games and dance! By using different color markers to draw, these mini robots can be programmed to follow commands. Please limit registration to one program on either 10/23 or 10/24. Free.
Teen Writers Guild for Grades 6-8. 6pm. Libbie Mill Library. Middle School writers! Play with your words! Do writing challenges, talk about writing techniques and problems, do some more writing and then share if you want. Don’t forget to bring a pen or pencil. Free.
Spook-tacular Magic Show. 7pm. Fairfield Area Library. Celebrate Halloween with a magic show starring Amazing Mr. B. Halloween treats will be shared at the end of the show. Free.
Teen Writers Guild for Grades 9-12. 7:15pm. Libbie Mill Library. Middle School writers! Play with your words! Do writing challenges, talk about writing techniques and problems, do some more writing and then share if you want. Don’t forget to bring a pen or pencil. Free.
Wednesday, October 24th
Drop In and Dig. 2pm-3pm. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Children’s Garden Farm Garden. 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. Drop in program, no registration needed. Free with garden admission.
Elementary Explorers. 3:30pm. Tuckahoe Area Library. For grades 3-5. Explore science topics through fun, hands-on activities, challenges and demonstrations. Free.
Anime Club + Cosplay. 6pm. Varina Area Library. Everyone to dress up as your favorite Anime character this month! Watch Anime, enjoy snacks and take pics! Free.
FallFest 2018. 6pm-9pm. ARCpark, 3600 Saunders Ave, Richmond, VA 23227. Music, delicious food, wine and craft beer available for this after hours event. There will be a $10 entry fee at the door which includes a glass and a drink ticket. Extra drink tickets will be for sale. Kids are free! Your participation will benefit children and adults with disabilities served in programs at ARC. A rain date has been scheduled for November 1st, 2018 from 6-9pm. FallFest is proudly sponsored by SyCom Technologies and BDO USA, LLP.
College Financial Aid Workshops–FAFSA Help. 6pm. North Park Branch Library. Need help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? Great Aspirations Scholarship Program (GRASP) advisors are available to meet one-to-one with students and parents to complete the FAFSA and to answer your questions about financial aid. A library representative will contact you to schedule the exact time of your 90 minute appointment with a GRASP advisor. GRASP financial aid advising services are free.
Introduction to Robotics: Ozobots. 6:30pm. Tuckahoe Area Library. For ages 6+. Have fun with Ozobots, robots that move in patterns, play games and dance! By using different color markers to draw, these mini robots can be programmed to follow commands. Please limit registration to one program on either 10/23 or 10/24. Free.
Anime Club. 7pm. Libbie Mill Library. Watch and talk about Japanese animation. At each meeting, screen a different anime and enjoy everything from classic titles to new favorites. Free.
Thursday, October 25th
Science and Stories. 10:30am. Libbie Mill Library. Bring out your preschooler’s inner scientist with this event that will feature experiments, hands on activities, and discovery stations. Designed for ages 3-5 with an adult. Free.
Introduction to Bookmaking. 2pm. Varina Area Library. Follow the life of a book by creating your own! We will explore a variety of techniques, from a staple-less book to a sewn book. Make a ten page book from a single sheet of paper! Free.
Stories ‘n’ Such. 3:30pm. Twin Hickory Area Library. Create expressionist art inspired by Edvard Munch’s painting “”The Scream.”” Craft books and materials related to the theme will be available for checkout to help encourage your child’s natural curiosity. Designed for grades K-5 with an adult. Space is limited due to room capacity. They are unable to accommodate group visits for this program. Please call the library to arrange something special for your group. Free.
The Maker’s Lab: Optical Illusions. 6:30pm. Sandston Branch Library. Learn about the persistence of vision and optical illusions! Then make your own optical illusion using basic craft materials. Free.
Spooky Science and Stories. 6:30pm. Glen Allen Branch Library. Recommended for children ages 3-7. Enjoy some not-too-scary stories and hands-on science fun in this Halloween program that’s perfect for young children. Costumes are encouraged. Free.
Coding Club. 6:30pm. Tuckahoe Area Library. For grades 3-6. Learn coding using computers and programming games. No experience is required and all levels of learning are welcome! Free.
Friday, October 26th
Great Pumpkin Celebration. Times vary. Bass Pro Shops. FREE 4×6 Photo. FREE Crafts, Games & More! Visit the website for details. Event runs. OCTOBER 20 & 21, 26–31, 2018.
Bubbles For Babies. 10am. Libbie Mill Library. A fun program designed for our youngest friends! Bring your little one and enjoy a morning of music and bubbles. Free.
Face Painting Workshop. 4pm. Twin Hickory Area Library. For grades 4-6. Pplease register online for this fun workshop in preparation of Halloween! Supplies provided unless participant requires allergen-free materials. Registration begins September 26th. Free.
Rompy’s Halloween Bash. Friday, 10/26 4pm – 5:30pm. Saturday 10/27 9am – 10:30am and 11am – 12:30pm. Bring your little pumpkin to the Halloween Bash for a fun and exciting, fall celebration! Enjoy games and activities, a fall craft, snacks and treats. Enrolled Members: $15 per child and Non-Members: $20 per child. This is a parent-inclusive event Parents are Free. Call (804) 249-5001 or sign up online.
Gayton Crossing Pumpkin Festival. 5pm-7pm. Gayton Crossing Pumpkin Festival. Friendly local retail shop owners handing out candy, Local community police and fire with activities kids love, Mascots for photo taking and general hugging, Plenty of free parking. Free.
Trunk or Treat. 6pm-7pm. Join us for games, a costume parade, contests, prizes and trunk or treating fun! The first 50 kids will receive a special treat bag to decorate. All children in attendance will be asked to choose their favorite decorated car and its owner will win a FREE month’s membership! Call or stop by the front desk to register your vehicle for the event.Hosted by Atlee Station Family YMCA and YMCA of Greater Richmond.
A Halloween Movie. 7pm. Henrico Theatre, 305 E. Nine Mile Road, Henrico, VA. A special Halloween weekend featuring the movie Monster’s, Inc. (rated G), will feature dancing zombies in the house! Prior to the movie, Michael Jackson’s famous Thriller Dance will come to life onstage! Information: 652-1460.
Haunted Henricus: Things that Go Bump in the Night. 7pm-8:30pm. Henricus Historical Park. Experience an evening of spellbinding accounts and legendary tales as storytellers relive old English and Virginia Indian legends and folklore. Join us by the fireside and listen to European stories early Colonists told as they recounted tales from their homeland. Capture the essence of what a Colonist felt between 1607-1622 in a strange new land surrounded by danger, darkness and uncertain peril. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis leaving every 10-15 minutes with groups of 15-20 at a time. Light refreshments served. Tours not appropriate for children under 6 (see the afternoon event on the 26th). Book online and save money. Fee.
Friday Night Movie at the Pumpkin Patch. 7pm. Tom Leonard’s Farmer’s Market in the Outdoor Haybale Theatre. Movies every Friday night in October. Free.
Saturday, October 27th
Great Pumpkin Celebration. Times vary. Bass Pro Shops. FREE 4×6 Photo. FREE Crafts, Games & More! Visit the website for details. Event runs. OCTOBER 20 & 21, 26–31, 2018.
Rompy’s Halloween Bash. 9am – 10:30am and 11am – 12:30pm. Bring your little pumpkin to the Halloween Bash for a fun and exciting, fall celebration! Enjoy games and activities, a fall craft, snacks and treats. Enrolled Members: $15 per child and Non-Members: $20 per child. This is a parent-inclusive event Parents are Free. Call (804) 249-5001 or sign up online.
Boot Camp for New Dads. 9am-Noon. Varied locations. Facilitated by the Relationship Foundation of Virginia. This 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. Suggested donation.
Hike For Kids. 9am-5pm. Hike for a good cause and experience some of the best urban hiking in the country along the James River in downtown Richmond! Enjoy a family-friendly 3-mile loop or challenge yourself for the 8- or 14-mile loop while supporting the youth of Blue Sky Fund, which connects urban youth with nature. Fee.
Innsbrook’s Pumpkin Palooza. 10am-4pm. The Innsbrook Foundation is teaming up with the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation to host another fun fall-festival for the entire family. See animals, bands, food trucks, and even local artisans all in attendance at this great community event.
Just Say BOO Musical Playdate! 10:00am-10:40am. Melody Magic Music Studio, 3041 Lauderdale Drive. This is a perfect fit for this time of year! Feel free to come dressed up as a princess, prince, pirate, superhero, animal, or anything you like! We will move and groove to some favorite Halloween tunes (nothing scary!). Your child will love getting dressed up and using their imagination in this awesome class! Cost is $15/child (siblings $10), and advance registration is required online. Fee.
Drop In and Dig. 10am-11am. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Children’s Garden Farm Garden. 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. Drop in program, no registration needed. Free with garden admission.
Hurrah for Halloween. 10:30am. Twin Hickory Area Library. Ghoulish games, treats, and spooky activities. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Free.
Union Bank & Trust Lollipops with the Richmond Symphony. 11am. Carpenter Theatre. Come in your favorite costume and listen to the Richmond Symphony perform an array of musical goodies. Your special ghosts, goblins and princesses may even receive a special pre-concert Trick or Treat bag! Enjoy a free pre-concert festival at 10am in Rhythm Hall, featuring the Instrument Petting Zoo. Enjoy interactive activities for the whole family that will enhance your concert experience. Fee.
OktoberFest. 11am-4pm. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Live music, local food, and beer for purchase; games and prizes. Bring canned goods to benefit FeedMore. Sponsored by Meriwether Godsey. Regular Garden admission.
Animal Presentations. Times Vary. Maymont Grounds. See and learn more about the different animals at Maymont. Visit the website for times and options. Free.
Goochland Fall Festival. Noon-4pm. Goochland Elem School, 3150 River Rd W, Goochland, VA. The event will feature inflatables, live music, carnival games, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, vendors, a Halloween Costume Contest, and more. Admission is free!
Trick or Treat in Scarytown. Noon -2pm. Carytown. Many merchants open their doors for trick-or-treating families. Just look for the Trick or Treat sign in windows from participating merchants. Every year, zombies walk…or crawl…or drag themselves through Carytown. Zombies start walking in Carytown from 2:30pm to 3pm.
Halloween Carnival Festival. 1pm-4pm. Westchester Commons, 288 and Midlothian Turnpike. Costume contest, Carnival Games, Inflatables, Halloween Crafts, and Trick or Treating. The Costume Contest is open to ages 12 & under this year (and free to enter). All $5 All-You-Can-Play Wristband sales go to benefit Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School.
Hack Your Halloween: A LittleBits Challenge. 2pm. Varina Area Library. Use LittleBits to invent a costume, then create a scary movie featuring your masterpiece! Free.
A Halloween Movie. 2pm & 7pm. Henrico Theatre, 305 E. Nine Mile Road, Henrico, VA. A special Halloween weekend featuring the movie Monster’s, Inc. (rated G), will feature dancing zombies in the house! Prior to the movie, Michael Jackson’s famous Thriller Dance will come to life onstage! Information: 652-1460.
Halloween Hoopla. 2pm-6pm. Children’s Museum Downtown, 2626 W Broad St, Richmond. Spooky fun awaits at the 18th Annual Halloween Hoopla. Dress up in your favorite costume (you too, Mom & Dad!) and head down to the Children’s Museum Downtown for an afternoon of trick-or-treating, pumpkin experiments, and MORE! Advanced registration for Halloween Hoopla is suggested. Children are FREE and adults are just $4! Tickets on sale October 1st.
The Great Pumpkin Fest. Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA. Saturdays and Sundays through October 28th. This much-anticipated annual event is one of the area’s favorite fall festivals. Families can participate in a collection of scare-free Halloween activities designed just for kids. Your favorite PEANUTS characters will host special events like treat bags, pumpkin decorating and so much more. The festival is included with park admission.
Haunted Henricus, Jr.: Things That Go Bump in the Afternoon (Ages 3 – 10). Henricus Historical Park. Join the Education Department for stories, a treats tour and a 17th century make-&-take craft. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by October 24 by calling 804-318-8797. Fee.
Family Movie: Frankenweenie. 3pm. Sandston Branch Library. Watch Frankenweenie on the big screen, and enjoy some Halloween treats! (2012, PG, 90 min.). In this spooky, heartwarming, and funny film, Victor, a school boy gives his dog Sparky a new leash on life, but he has to face some unexpected complications caring for an undead house pet. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Free.
Mosby Memorial Baptist Church Annual Harvest Fest. 4pm-8pm. All are welcome to attend. Costumes are allowed but not required. Any individual, family, business or organization is welcome to participate in trunk or treat from 6:30-8:00. Please register via email or call the youth department at (804) 852-4428 so that they can allocate enough space for all participating vehicles.
Richmond’s Eerie Canal Tours. 5pm-9pm. Canal Turning Basin at Dock and 14th Streets. The Eerie Canal Tours feature haunting tales of Richmond’s past as passengers travel down the historic Kanawha Canal, drifting through the spooky sights and sounds of Richmond’s oldest and most historically haunted districts. Little ghouls and ghosts in attendance will receive a special candy treat. This is the Halloween event for the whole family! For more information, call 804-788-6466 or visit www.venturerichmond.com. 3.00 Admission.
Kids Night Out. 6pm-9pm. Romp n’ Roll – Midlothian location. Every kid deserves a special night out…and so do the parents! Parent’s get an evening to themselves while the children, ages 2 to 5, get an evening to themselves while the children get to run and play with our energetic instructors and enjoy a pizza party dinner! To reserve your space call 804.364.6363. Fee.
Haunted Henricus: Things that Go Bump in the Night. 7pm-8:30pm. Henricus Historical Park. Experience an evening of spellbinding accounts and legendary tales as storytellers relive old English and Virginia Indian legends and folklore. Join us by the fireside and listen to European stories early Colonists told as they recounted tales from their homeland. Capture the essence of what a Colonist felt between 1607-1622 in a strange new land surrounded by danger, darkness and uncertain peril. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis leaving every 10-15 minutes with groups of 15-20 at a time. Light refreshments served. Tours not appropriate for children under 6 (see the afternoon event on the 26th). Book online and save money. Fee.
Saturday, October 27th – November 11th
Garden Glow. 6pm-10pm. Maymont Japanese Garden. Maymont Illuminates the Japanese Garden with Colorful Lighting and Japanese Cultural Activities Will Delight All Ages. Garden Glow tickets may be purchased online in advance at a discount: $12 adults / $7 children ages 4-12 / free for children ages 3 and under. Maymont members receive a discount online or at the door. Parking for Garden Glow at Maymont is free and will be located at the Robins Nature & Visitor Center at 2201 Shields Lake Drive in Richmond, Virginia. Fee.
Sunday, October 28th
Great Pumpkin Celebration. Times vary. Bass Pro Shops. FREE 4×6 Photo. FREE Crafts, Games & More! Visit the website for details. Event runs. OCTOBER 20 & 21, 26–31, 2018.
The Great Pumpkin Fest. Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA. Saturdays and Sundays through October 28th. This much-anticipated annual event is one of the area’s favorite fall festivals. Families can participate in a collection of scare-free Halloween activities designed just for kids. Your favorite PEANUTS characters will host special events like treat bags, pumpkin decorating and so much more. The festival is included with park admission.
Goblins & Gourds. 1pm-4pm. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Harvest celebration with live music, pumpkin decorating, good green fun in the Children’s Garden. Regular Garden admission.
Animal Presentations. Times Vary. Maymont Grounds. See and learn more about the different animals at Maymont. Visit the website for times and options. Free.
Courthouse Creek Cider-Harvest Fest. 1pm-5pm. Courthouse Creek- Maidens location. A huge celebration that’s pet and family friendly! Face painting for kids of all ages, our take on “bobbing” for apples, yummy mulled cider and even a costume contest for your furry friends! A small Farmer’s Market featuring our local growers all afternoon including Elk Island Produce. Django Tango will be playing music in the orchard from 3pm-5pm. Also some yummy bites available for purchase to feed those hungry bellies!
Garden Art. 2pm-3m. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Children’s Garden. Drop-in and unfold your creative energy through Plein air watercolor painting. They provide the easels, the paper, paint and all the supplies you’ll need. Drop in program, no registration needed. Free with garden admission.
Monday, October 29th
Great Pumpkin Celebration. Times vary. Bass Pro Shops. FREE 4×6 Photo. FREE Crafts, Games & More! Visit the website for details. Event runs. OCTOBER 20 & 21, 26–31, 2018.
Krafty Kids. 3:30pm. Glen Allen Branch Library. Make a fun Halloween craft. Craft books and materials related to the theme will be available for checkout to help encourage your child’s natural curiosity. Designed for children from preschool to grade 5 with an adult. Space is limited due to room capacity. They are unable to accommodate group visits for this program. Please call the library to arrange something special for your group. Free.
Minds of All Kinds. 4pm-8pm. Science Museum of Virginia. A free sensory friendly evening at the Museum developed for guests with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities. Enjoy a less crowded environment and hands-on activities that will pique the curiosity of the young to young at heart. Watch a giant screen movie in the Dome, challenge your creativity in Challenge Lab, and journey through the Exhibit Galleries at your own pace. There is something for everyone at the Science Museum of Virginia!
Teen Art Studio: Haunted House Home Lithography. 6pm. Varina Area Library. Drop by Teen Art Studio for this Halloween themed event! Learn how to create spooky prints from kitchen supplies from home. All artistic skill levels are welcome! No registration required. Free.
Tuesday, October 30th
Great Pumpkin Celebration. Times vary. Bass Pro Shops. FREE 4×6 Photo. FREE Crafts, Games & More! Visit the website for details. Event runs. OCTOBER 20 & 21, 26–31, 2018.
artoberVA Tuesdays. 10am-11am and 2pm-3pm. Children’s Museum Downtown Art Studio. An exciting and creative workshop that explores various materials perfect for early learners to experiment with. All materials will be provided and you get to take home your final product! Free with museum admission.
Weekly Storytime. 11am. Pottery Barn Kids, Short Pump Mall. Kids can enjoy some of their favorite books read aloud. Free.
Teen Craft Club. 6pm. Twin Hickory Area Library. Drop in and make a spooky craft for this month’s craft club! Supplies (and candy, it is Halloween the next day!) will be provided. Free.
Financial Aid 101. 7pm. Tuckahoe Area Library. Confused about how, where, and when to get financial aid? A representative from non-profit Great Aspirations Scholarship Program (GRASP) will help answer your questions. GRASP specializes in helping students find financial resources to continue education after high school. Free.
Wednesday, October 31st
Great Pumpkin Celebration. Times vary. Bass Pro Shops. FREE 4×6 Photo. FREE Crafts, Games & More! Visit the website for details. Event runs. OCTOBER 20 & 21, 26–31, 2018.
Squirrel-O-Ween. 5pm-8pm. The Diamond. Join the Squirrels for our annual Squirrel-O-Ween! FREE, all ages welcome. Hayrides, trick or treating, games, costume contests and MORE! Free.
Trick or Treating. 5:30pm. Stony Point Fashion Park. Dress the kids up in their favorite costume and trick-or-treating throughout the center. Children 12 and under only. No masks or clown faces.
Anime Club + Cosplay. 6pm. Sandston Branch Library. This month’s Anime Club is just like every other, except everyone can dress up as their favorite Anime character! Watch Anime, enjoy snacks and take pics! Free.
Trunk or Treat by Richmond Public Library. 6pm-7pm. Broad Rock Branch – Richmond Public Library, 4820 Old Warwick Road, Richmond, VA 23224. Staff will give out candy in the parking lot. Please register. Free.
