September 28th – October 4th

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

This Month…

Butterflies LIVE! Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Through October 11th.  Free with Garden Admission.  

Pick Your Own Apples

October Oddities.  10am-2pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  October 1st – 31st. Enjoy vignettes designed to provoke a sense of curiosity and wonder using underappreciated oddities of nature and ‘horti-torture.’ Every Saturday in October the Garden presents opportunities to explore “Oddities and Curiosities” in the Children’s Garden.  Refresh your “garden spirit” with displays and activities for all ages.  Free with garden admission.

Monday, September 28th

Itsy Bitsy Artists. 10am. Cartwheels and Coffee, Carytown.  More process than product, your art experience will be loads of fun and sometimes a little messy. Add some color to the world each Monday! FREE with admission.

First Steps for Fathers (Expectant and New Dads only).  6:30 pm – 8pm.  St. Francis Hospital,13710 St. Francis Blvd, Midlothian, VA 23111.  New and Expectant dads learn the basic tools they need to care for an infant during the first 3 months of life. Using the Conscious Fathering Program curriculum, this class walks dads through a baby’s typical cycle of care, from feeding to diapering; sleeping to crying. Dad leaves class feeling more confident and capable in the care and nurturing of infants in harmony with mom from the first moments of baby’s life. Free   This class is sponsored by Bon Secours Richmond Health.  Free.

Monday, September 28th – Sunday, October 4th

BabyPalooza at Romp n’ Roll!   Romp n’ Roll invites all children 3-12 months of age (and their grown-ups) to try a baby class for free during the week of September 28th! The curriculum is specifically designed with the needs of early learners in mind.  You and your child will experience opportunities to enhance your child’s motor development, social skills, and cognitive skills in a clean and safe environment designed exclusively for kids under 6.  Class times vary by location. Reservations are required for classes and availability is limited, based on class size.  Free.

Tuesday, September 29th

Family Fishing. 8am-10am. Reedy Creek Visitors Center, 4301 Riverside Drive, Richmond Virginia 23219. Learn to tie fishing knots, where and how to cast and how to identify what you reel in. This course is focused on introducing new people to fishing and building introductory skills, but we welcome seasoned anglers as well. Rods and reels provided. Participants over age 18 that wish to fish must have a valid VA Freshwater License (available online for $23 at https://dgiflicense.virginiainteractive.org/) Wear a bathing suit and river appropriate footwear. Please register for this event. If you have trouble registering, please come anyway! They can get you set up when you get there. All September events are free.

Time to Sing. 10am. Cartwheels and Coffee, Carytown.  You and your little ones will enjoy singing, dancing, and making music together. Kids will use simple instruments and movements to learn new songs as well as sing along with their favorites. FREE with admission.

Geology Hike. 11am-1pm. Tredegar Parking Area, 300 Tredegar St., Richmond VA 23219. Enjoy a leisurely hike around Belle Isle as we discuss the geologic history of our state and point out several interesting rock formations along the way. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn the basics of geology in a hands on context and better understand the significance of the fall line in our city. Please bring water, a snack and hiking shoes. Please register for this event. If you have trouble registering, please come anyway! They can get you set up when you get there. All September events are free.

Tree ID. 11am-1pm. Tredegar Parking Area, 300 Tredegar St., Richmond VA 23219. Hike with a guide familiar with the park’s flora to gain familiarity with the incredible biodiversity of the plants of the park system. Participants will learn key concepts associated with plant identification and learn to use a dichotomous key to identify any unknown plants. Please bring hiking shoes, water and a snack. Ages 12 and up. Maximum Group Size: 15. Please register for this event. All September events are free.

Weekly Storytime.  11am.  Pottery Barn Kids, Short Pump Mall.  Kids can enjoy some of their favorite books read aloud.

Young @ Art: I Am an Artist.  11am-Noon.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center.  Ages 2 ½ – 5.  Explore the meaning of artistic expression and create imaginative masterpieces inspired by artwork in the galleries.  Fee.

Frog’s Eye Tour.  2pm-4pm.  Reedy Creek Visitors Center, 4301 Riverside Drive, Richmond Virginia 23219.  snorkel, swim and giggle in the river as we learn about the James River Park from the eye-level level of all our water friends. Please bring water (to drink) and snacks, and dress to be in the water. We will provide snorkel masks, but feel free to bring your own! Sneakers or other close-toed shoes are required.  Please register for this event.  If you have trouble registering, please come anyway! We can get you set up when you get to the park.  All September events are free.

GOOSEBUMPS.  3:30pm.  Dumbarton Library.  Get your scare on and celebrate the Goosebumps books by R. L. Stine. If you love creepy stories, then you will love this program! They will play some games and swap some spooky stories based on this bestselling book series. Space is limited. Ages 5-11.  Free.

Thursday, October 1st

Thoughtful Thursdays.  Children’s Museum of Richmond – All Locations.  Activity times vary by location.  Kids can take part in an activity that focuses on helping others every Thursday!  Free with museum admission.

Fit Tots. 10am.   Cartwheels and Coffee, Carytown.  It’s never too early to instill the importance of leading healthy and active lifestyles! Participants will be lead through various activities that help develop flexibility and hand-eye coordination.  Free with admission.

Creative Construction.  Thursdays, Oct 1, 8, and 15, 4:15pm – 6pm (3 sessions).  VMFA, Art Education Center.  For ages 9 – 12.  Construct a large-scale papier-mâché creature that can be used as a puppet or worn as a mask. Also learn about the history of puppetry and mask making.  Fee.

Goochland Chamber Biz Expo.  5pm-8pm.  Heart of Virginia Scout Camp, 1723 Maidens Road, Maiden, VA 23102.  The Goochland Chamber of Commerce is inviting all residents in Goochland and surrounding counties to come out and enjoy meeting local businesses in a casual and fun setting. There will be tons of activitiesincluding door prizes, food trucks, beer and wine tastings, haircuts for charity, family portraits, and fingerprinting for kids. Plus, fun for children with a bounce house, air brush tattoos, a fire truck and more. It is a chance to learn about the many local businesses and organizations that offer products and services available. The event is free and a portion of proceeds will go towards the Goochland Chamber Scholarship Fund.

Friday, October 2nd

Fit Fridays.  Children’s Museum of Richmond – All Locations.  Activity times vary by location.  Kids can take part in an activity that focuses on getting fit every Friday!  Free with museum admission.

Storytime. 10am. Cartwheels & Coffee, Carytown.  Sponsored by bbgb tales for kids and lead by Miss Hannah, story time will take you to far away lands, introduce you to new friends with all sorts of interesting creatures, and allow you to discover a world of imagination inside your favorite books!   Free with admission.

First Friday Samplers.  5:30pm-9pm.  Visual Arts Center of Richmond.  A fun, creative way to spend your Friday night.  Try your hand at different art samplers.  Budget and kid-friendly, but some  minimum age requirements.  Registration begins at 5:00 pm. Classes run from 6:00-9:00 pm. Class prices range from $5-$20.

Special Night for Special Needs.  5:30pm-7:30pm.  Children’s Museum – Central.  Special Night for Special Needs is an evening especially for the families of children with special needs age 10 and under.  Visitors enjoy all the museum has to offer and benefit from the availability of adapted materials, special activities, a cool-down space and reduced number of visitors.  Free.

Kid’s Fun Night.  6pm-8pm.  All Fired Up, Short Pump & Midlothian.  On the first Friday of each month, All Fired Up is hosting Kids’ Fun Night! Drop the kids (ages 6 to 12) off between 6 to 8pm for a fun-night of pottery painting. Enjoy your time while letting your kids have a fun night out on their own at All Fired Up!   The cost is $25 per child and is for ages 6 and up. Reservations are required and space is limited.  Fee.

Parent’s Night Out.  6:30pm-10:30pm.  Pump It Up, 9555 Kings Charter Drive, Suite I, Ashland , VA.  The kids will be happy with an evening of jumping, games, dinner and a movie! 4-12 years old.  Fee.

Friday Night Movie at the Pumpkin Patch.  7pm movie start time.  Tom Leonard’s Outdoor Haybale Theatre, 4150 Tom Leonard Drive, Glen Allen, VA.  Tonight – ‘It’s a Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown’.  Dress Warm, Hot Chocolate, Warm Cider.  Free.  CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

Friday, October 2nd -Saturday, October 3rd

Children’s Consignment Sale.   King of Glory Lutheran Church, 4897 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188.  The sale is open to all families to consign, volunteer and shop.  Great selection of new and gently used seasonal children’s clothing for expectant parents and growing children (newborn to teen), maternity clothing, costumes, formal wear, nursery and children’s furniture, room accessories, baby equipment, strollers, high chairs, toys, books, videos, puzzles, games, and bikes.
Friday, October 2, 2014  • 11am* – 7pm (*Get in at 10:00am with a Jar of Peanut Butter for FISH)
Saturday, October 3, 2014  •  8am – Noon

Friday, October 2nd – Friday, November 13th

Shakespeare for Kids.  Fridays, October 2nd-November 13th. 10am-11:30am.  Homeschool Resources Group, 2323 Westwood Ave, Richmond, VA 23230.  Play is a form of preparing for life as a mature being.
Plays, especially those by William Shakespeare, can serve the same function for humans, especially when you are PLAYING with it!   Bard Unbound, established in 2013 by Cynde Liffick,, co-founder of the Richmond Shakespeare Festival, offers classes for students across the spectrum and specializes in making Shakespeare accessible to students.  Planet Shakespeare Jr, is geared toward younger (8-11 years of age) homeschool students as a means of introducing them to Shakespeare through it’s most appealing aspects – the STORY and the CHARACTERS!
Students learn a 20 minute version of a Shakespeare play and then perform it for and audience of family and friends on the final day.  For registration or more information, contact Cynde@bardunbound.org.  Fee.

Saturday, October 3rd

RAMOM Everything For Kids Sale. 8am-11am. Chickahominy Middle School in Mechanicsville. A sale by moms of multiples. CASH and Credit (MC and Visa) accepted.

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

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

Touch A Truck.  10am-2pm.  Richmond International Raceway (RIR) Main Gate, 600 East Laburnum Avenue Richmond, Virginia.  The Junior League of Richmond’s 10th Annual Touch a Truck is 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. The types of vehicles include – construction, landscaping emergency, utility, transportation, delivery and some unique ones! The event also features crafts, games and food trucks.  Fee.   RESCHEDULED TO NOVEMBER 7TH

Digging for Dinos.  10am-11am.  Maymont Nature Center.  How big was a T-rex tooth? Did cavemen and dinosaurs exist at the same time? Children ages 4-8 learn the answers as they explore the world of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. Playing the part of a paleontologist, kids will dig through sand to find fossils and learn what these artifacts can tell us of an earlier time. Register online by October 2.  Fee.

RVA MakerFest.  10am – 5pm.  Science Museum of Virginia.  An interactive celebration of creativity and ingenuity featuring local innovators, hobbyists and hands-on demonstrations in science, art, technology, engineering, sustainability, food, music, crafts, fashion and more. RVA MakerFest will also feature workshops and speakers, with select makers offering handmade creations for sale.  Free for all ages.

Henricus Archaeology Day: Archaeology Family Fun Day.  10am – 2pm.  Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Rd, Chester, VA 23836.  Demonstrations, crafts and archaeology activities located at multiple site stations. This event is designed for the whole family. Activities are ongoing and self-paced.  All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by phone.  Fee.   CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

Stories at the Museum.  11am.  Virginia Historical Society.  Special educator-led readings of children’s history books.  Free and open to all ages.

Behind the Scenes.  1pm.  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.)  Fee.

Animation: Crash Course.  1pm – 4pm.  VMFA, Art Education Center.  For ages 13 – 17.  Learn how to bring your drawings to life as you illustrate characters and experiment with stop-motion animation techniques.   Fee.

Drawing in the Galleries.  1pm – 4pm.  VMFA, Art Education Center.  For ages 6 – 9.  Roam through the galleries in search of inspirational art and then practice observing and rendering lines, shapes, and textures—just like the masters.  Fee.

Reptile Roundup.  2:30pm.  Maymont Nature Center.  How do snakes smell their surroundings? Do turtles have backbones? Do alligators live in Virginia? Slither into the secretive world of reptiles and meet several of our cold-blooded critters, including our newest reptile! For ages 4 and up; adult must accompany child. Register online by October 2 or at the Visitor Center desk on the day of the program. Limited space available for walk-ups.  Fee.

University of Richmond Football vs. Maine.  3:30pm.  Robins Stadium at the University of Richmond.  It’s Family Weekend as the University of Richmond Spiders take on Maine at Robins Stadium! Come take part in the pregame festivities, including the Sweet Frog Family Fun Zone and performances by the L.C. Bird High School Band. Gates open at 2:00PM. Tickets can be purchased online at RichmondSpiders.com.  $35 per ticket

Saturday, October 3rd – Sunday, October 4th

2nd Street Festival.  Saturday, 11:30am – 7pm and Sunday,  Noon to 6pm.  Second Street from Broad Street to Jackson Street in Jackson Ward.  The hands of time are turned back to when 2nd Street was the heart and soul of Richmond’s African-American community. Each year thousands of people come to Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward to hear live music on four stages, enjoy children’s activities, taste delicious food, shop in the marketplace, dance in the streets and renew old friendships. Free admission.  CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

Gallmeyer Farms Fall Festival 2015.  10am-5pm.  The Pumpkin Patch, 4506 Millers Lane, Richmond VA 23231.  FREE admission and FREE parking with hayride shuttle, Free haybale maze & kids play zone, Live music, Craft vendors & local businesses, FREE HAYRIDES, Activities for all ages, Food vendors, Coolers, chairs & picnics welcome.

Sunday, October 4th

The 7th Annual Short Pump Mile.  7:45am.  Short Pump Town Center.  NOVA of Virginia Aquatics presents the 2015 C&F Bank/Lite 98 Short Pump Mile & Short Pump Express Fun Run – is Richmond’s largest timed youth road race. The race is held at Short Pump Town Center in front of American Family Fitness, with the first heat starting at 7:45 a.m. All participants will receive a race T-shirt, a medal and plenty of refreshments! Awards will be given to age group and overall winners. The Short Pump Express, a 400 meter Fun Run (non-timed), is offered to children age 5 & younger who aren’t quite up to tackling the mile. Proceeds from the race benefit NOVA’s community outreach programs.  St. Mary’s for Kids, will award the top five schools with the most participants cash totaling $2000 to be used for their physical education programs – get your school to participate in the School Participation Competition!  Fee.   RESCHEDULED TO NOVEMBER 8TH

Party on the Avenues.  Noon-6pm.  Libbie Avenue from Patterson to Guthrie.  Music, craft beer and food trucks, kids’ area with bounce houses, face-painting, jugglers, games.  Free.   RESCHEDULED TO OCTOBER 18TH

Open Studio Sundays.  1pm-4pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center.  Go by the studios anytime between 1pm and 4pm to enjoy “make-it, take-it” art activities inspired by objects from the VMFA collection. A new art project offered every month, with assistance from VMFA volunteers! (For groups of eight or more children, please email youthstudio@vmfa.museum.)  Free, no registration required.

Family Arts Day Celebration.  1pm-4pm.  University of Richmond Museums.  An art-centered family fun day featuring activity tables, art projects, food, and more.  Free.

David Gonzalez, The Frog Bride.  3pm.  Camp Concert Hall, Modlin Center For the Arts, University of Richmond.  When a King sends his three sons to find their brides, two return with fair ladies. The last returns with… A FROG?! The Frog Bride with David Gonzalez is a hip adaptation of a classic Russian tale.  Join us after the show for Modlin Arts After Words, a post-show question-and-answer session with David Gonzalez.  Fee.