ALL MONTH

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, October 14th

Columbus One Day Fun Camp.  Tuckahoe Sports.  For Ages 6-12.  Baseball, Kickball, Games and More!  Fee.

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

Pizza and Pages.  5pm-6pm.   Sandston Library, Henrico County.  Middle-schoolers can bring their favorite book to introduce to the group while enjoying pizza. Free.

Cookies and Covers.  6pm-7pm.  Twin Hickory Library, Henrico County.   Eat cookies and talk about books, love ’em or hate ’em! Smart and tasty! We don’t talk about a specific book, just whatever we are reading and whatever is new and cool in the library. We usually meet in Planet Teen.  for kids 11 and up.  Free.

Tuesday, October 15th

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

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

Busy Hands.  3:30pm – 4pm.  Twin Hickory Library, Henrico County.  Preschoolers can make bat-o-lanterns. Dress for a mess. Again October 23rd. Free.

Garden Explorations for Families- Trees. 3:30pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Children (all ages) with accompanying adult. Enjoy story time and a fun-filled adventure while exploring different areas of the Garden. Observe your surroundings using a variety of hands-on activities and take-home treasures. Themes change each month and new stories, activities and garden areas are introduced each week. Garden Explorations for Families is an excellent opportunity for homeschoolers! Fee.

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

Percy Jackson Party.  6pm-7:30pm.  Hanover Library, Hanover County.  A party for fans of the series ages 11-18.  Bring a friend! Pizza & drinks provided by the Hanover Branch Library Friends. (804) 365-6210. Free.

Bullying: Decoded (Parents of Children 5-11 yrs.).  6pm-8pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

Dadchat : (Men who Parent Children of Any Age).  6:30-8:30pm.   Facilitated by Commonwealth Parenting.  Free.

Marble Magnet Craft.  6:30pm-8:30pm.  Atlee Library, Mechanicsville, VA.  Learn how to use wrapping paper, magazines, or scrapbook paper to make one-of-a-kind magnets. For ages 11-18. Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Atlee Library. (804) 559-0654.  Free.

Share Your Favorite Books.  6:30pm-8:30pm.  Ashland Library, Ashland, VA.  Share your favorite book with friends. For ages 11-18. Snacks provided by the Friends of the Ashland Library. (804) 798-4072.  Free.

Wednesday, October 16th

Your Youngster and You.  10am-6pm.  All Fired Up –  3 locations.  Get the perfect print from your infant or toddler and turn it into an adorable “My Lil Pumpkin” keepsake plate. Call your nearest location to reserve a half-hour appointment. Fee.

Colors for All.  11am-Noon.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Preschool Programs.  Fee.

Drop in and Dig!  1pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical 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. These family-oriented gardening experiences can easily be enjoyed at home. So join us to learn how much fun gardening with children can be!   Free with Garden Admission.

Teen Hunger Games.  5pm-7pm.  Richmond Main Library, City of Richmond.  Celebrate World Food Day and Teen Read Week by watching Hunger Games, and donate a can food for a needy cause. Snacks will be provided.  Free.

Spirited History.  6pm-7pm.  West End Library, City of Richmond.  Learn about Richmond-area ghosts and things that go bump in the night with a paranormal investigation team. This program is best for ages 13 and up. Register: 804-646-1877. Free.

Watercolor with Paper.  6pm-7pm.  Enon Library, Chesterfield County.  Using layers of tissue paper, create art that looks like you used watercolors – without using water or a brush. Register: 804-751-CCPL.  Free.

Creating Balance in a Competitive World (Parents of Children 0- 10 yrs.).  6:15pm-7:15pm.   Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

Laughter Yoga For Teens.  7pm-8pm.  Tuckahoe Library, Henrico County.  Learn how laughing can help you beat school stress, have better friendships, and improve your health and attitude every day.  Free.

The Realities of Recruiting.  7:30pm-9pm.  Varina High School, Henrico County.  If you are a High School athlete and would like to continue your career in college, you are welcome to join Bob Foley for: “THE REALITIES OF RECRUITING” The seminar is FREE and all athletes (grades 8 – 12) and parents from all sports are encouraged to attend.

Thursday, October 17th

Vessels from Antiquity.  4:15pm-6pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Kids Programs.  Fee.

Cartooning Class.  7pm-8:45pm.  Mechanicsville Library, Mechancsville, VA.  Make your characters come to life with tips and techniques from local cartoonist Jamie Cosley. for ages 11-18. Snacks provided by the Friends of the Mechanicsville Library. (804) 746-9615.  Free.

Film Screenings: To Kill a Mockingbird & Hey Boo (a documentary).  7:15pm.  Byrd Theatre.  Celebrate one of America’s most beloved works of fiction with a double feature of To Kill a Mockingbird and Hey Boo, a documentary that explores Harper Lee’s personal story as told through the experiences of her book’s characters Scout, Atticus, and Jem. Though the event is free, donations will be gratefully accepted to support the ongoing operations and preservation of the Byrd Theatre.  Free.

Thursday, October 17th – Friday, October 18th

Haunted Henricus: Things that Go Bump In the Night.  7:30pm-9:30pm.  Henricus Historical Park.   Experience an evening of spellbinding accounts and legendary tales as storytellers relive old English legends and folklore.  Light refreshments served. Registration required by calling 748-1611.

Friday, October 18th

Lunch and Learn.  Noon.  Children’s Museum of Richmond, Central.  Drawing from her professional work with families and experiences raising her two sons, one of whom is acclaimed actor Matt Damon, Dr. Carlsson-Paige’s groundbreaking book helps parents better understand and navigate the social currents shaping the lives of children today. Her research-based approach offers real help for parents and caregivers looking to create the best environment and experiences for the children in their lives. Learn how to help your kids thrive in a fast-paced, media-saturated, violence-filled world. Tickets are $10. All proceeds benefit Commonwealth Parenting.  Register early.  Fee.

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

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

LiveSky: The LADEE Mission — From Virginia to the Moon.  6:30pm.  Science Museum of Virginia.  Discover NASA’s Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) mission, launched from Wallops Island, Virginia. This robotic mission will gather detailed information about the moon’s atmosphere and surface. At 7:30 pm, join members of the Richmond Astronomical Society as they share their telescopes for a look into the vastness of space, weather permitting. $5, free for members.

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

Friday, October 18th – Saturday, January 4th

Identity: An Exhibition of You.  Science Museum of Virginia.  Challenge your perception of personal identity. Discover the connection between our thoughts and relationships with our genes, brains and all things scientific! Included with exhibit admission, free for members.

Saturday, October 19th

Seek the Unknown: Magic.  8am-5pm.   Goochland Library, Goochland, VA.  Learn magic tricks at the library. Pizza, drinks, & dessert provided by the Friends of the Goochland Library. (804) 556-4774.  Free.

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

St. Christopher’s Fall Festival.  9:30am-3pm.  St. Christopher’s School.  Family-oriented festival with food and games, sale of gently used sports equipment, toys, books, clothing as well as specialty vendors selling unique items and gifts.

Picnic Party Playdate!  9:30am-10:10am or 10:20am-11:00am.  Melody Magic Music Studio — 3041 Lauderdale Drive.  A musical playdate for children ages 0-7 years!  This is a fun class all about taking a picnic! We”ll take a walk to a pretend park, use our imaginations to play, have a fun picnic, and even do some circle dances! And of course, no class is complete without some instruments!! Cost is $10/child, and advance registration is required.  Register online at www.melodymagicmusic.com.

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

Create Your Own Book: A Workshop for Kids.  10am-11:30am.  Richmond author and educator Kathryn Starke will lead a workshop for aspiring authors ages five to ten at Tuckahoe Area Library. Participants will turn their story ideas into an illustrated, bound book. All materials will be provided.  Registration Required.

Come Trunk or Treat with Richmond Mommies! 10am-Noon.  In the parking lot of 301 Concourse Blvd. Pumpkin painting, carnival style games, pizza and cookie decorating. They will have a contest for the best decorated trunk and the best Halloween costume. RSVP on FB or on the calendar.  Not a member?  Not a problem!  Membership is free, the fellowship is awesome  You may join online now, or see a member at the event!

Wildcrafting – October Oddities.  10am-2pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  Discover the art of “wildcrafting” a practice of harvesting plants from the “wild” for food, medicine and plant dyes.  Free with regular garden admission.

Pastel Drawing for Elementary Artists (Grades 1-5).  10:15am-11:45am.    Regency Square Mall Garden Room, off the Food Court.  During this workshop with The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, students will learn the skills to draw using chalk pastels. Students will learn drawing, shading, and blending techniques and how to effectively use color.  Fee.

Author Visit.  10am-11:30am.  Twin Hickory Library, Henrico County.  Former First Lady of Virginia, Susan Allen, will present a reading and signed copies of her colorful and charming new children’s book, The Remarkable Ronald Reagan: Cowboy and Commander in Chief.  Free.

Midlothian Village Day Festival & Craft Fair.  10am-3pm.  Midlothian Middle School.  The Festival is a community day filled with fun activities for the whole family. There will be a parade, crafters, community booths, games, inflatables, entertainment, food vendors, a raffle and more!  Fees.

Historic Tours of Mid-Lothian Mines. 11am-3pm.  Mid-Lothian Mines Park.  Come out to Mid-Lothian Mines and RailRoad Park and learn about the vast mining history that abounded in Midlothian. Activities include living-history demonstrations, period music, children’s games and guided walking tours. View a reproduction of the headstock that was part of the coal mining operations and enjoy musical performances at the new amphitheater. Shuttle bus will transport from Midlothian library to event site. Event is offered in conjunction with Midlothian Village Day.  Free.

Harvest Festival.  Noon-4pm.  Meadow Farm Museum/Crump Park.  Visit historic 19th-century Meadow Farm to celebrate the fall season with traditional harvest-time activities.  The Harvest Festival will feature many hands-on activities and demonstrations depicting typical homemaking and farming tasks of the era.  Play a rousing game of old-fashioned cricket, hand-press apples to make cider, dip string into wax to create your own candle, ride a pony, and meet a sheep at the “Children’s Farm.”  Visit the “Great Pumpkin Patch” where children ages 3-12 can pick out their very own pumpkin to take home!  Local musicians and performers will provide entertainment on two stages.  Concessions will be available for purchase.  Information: 501-5134.  Rain Date: Sun, Oct 20, Noon-4pm.

Painting Without Limits.  1pm-4pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Teen Programs.  Fee.

Apps for Art.  1pm-4pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Teen Programs.  Fee.

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

Author Signing, Presentation and Crafts.  1:30pm – 3:30pm.  Barnes and Noble Chesterfield.  Join us in welcoming local graphic designer, artist and author David Landis as he signs and discusses his paper-crafting book, Desktop Gremlins. Mr. Landis will be presenting his craft and sharing inspiring designs with kids and adults alike.

YA Recyclable Crafts.  1:30pm-3pm.  Richmond Main Library, City of Richmond.  Crafty teens are invited to make items for the 2nd annual craft sale in December.  Free.

Hands on Learning Event – Voyage of the Imagination.  3pm-4pm.  Barnes and Noble Chesterfield.  Children ages 6 to 10 are invited to roll into a Voyage of the Imagination! Using Rory’s Story Cubes: Voyages, and Jungle Animals Make-a-Mask, participants will create and share adventure-themed stories. Space is limited. Ask any bookseller how to sign up.

Teen Read Week Masquerade.  6pm-9pm.  Central Library, Chesterfield, VA.  Tumble down the rabbit hole! Food, games and decorations will all be inspired by your favorite moments in wonderland. Dress as your favorite character. Music, dancing and door prizes, including a Kindle Fire HD. Registration information: 804-751-CCPL.  Free.

A Mad, Mad Science Night. 6:30pm-8:00pm.  Sweet Spot, West Broad Village.  Celebrate the Halloween season with a “gross” test tube soda tasting featuring Avery sodas like Dog Drool and Monster Mucus, followed by the Mad Scientist performing Halloween inspired experiments (show starts at 7pm).  Wear your Halloween costume and enter our costume contest to win prizes!  To reserve a place in our lab, call us at 360-7768. Space is limited. $5 per family.

Saturday, October 19th and Sunday, October 20th

Celtic Festival and Highland Games.  Richmond Raceway Complex.  Historical Demonstrations, Blacksmith Demonstrations, Wee Ones Athletics by Scots for Tots, British Motorcycle and Car Show, Duty Bands, Highland Dance, Bagpipe Competitions, Vendor Village. And so much more!!  Fee.

Sunday, October 20th 

Energy — It’s Everywhere!  Noon-4pm.  Science Museum of Virginia.  Discover the chemistry of energy we use to power our computers, light bulbs and cars! Hands-on activities show you ways chemistry makes modern life possible. Presented by the Virginia Section of the American Chemical Society. Free.

Corn Husk Dolls.  1pm-3pm.  Meadow Farm Museum, Henrico County.  Stores sold dolls in 1860, but with corn plentiful back then, children often made whole families of cornhusk dolls. Ages 5 and up make their own cornhusk doll.  Free.

Dan Zanes and Elizabeth Mitchell, Family Arts Day Celebration.   3pm-5pm.   Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond.  The annual Family Arts Day Celebration, an art-centered family fun day featuring activity tables, art projects, food, and more.  Featuring Dan Zanes and Elizabeth Mitchell who are at the forefront of the current wave of independent children’s music.