So, you are home this Spring Break and need to bring the fun for your kiddos?  Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spring Break Week Adventures Await at Maymont

Families will spring into action during Spring Break Week at Maymont, April 1-5, 2019. Guests of all ages will enjoy engaging and entertaining programs and activities every day, and Maymont’s indoor exhibits, including the Mansion and Nature Center, will be open all week – even on Monday, when they are usually closed.

Families are encouraged to play, learn and explore during programs where they can:

– Go on a make-believe journey filled with imaginative tales, fun activities and a visit with a special furry animal
– Stop by Jack’s Vegetable Garden to learn how to grow food in small spaces
– Meet Maymont’s animal family, from farm friends like goats and pigs, to rescued wildlife like alligators and snakes
– Crack secret codes for clues, and use maps and riddles to explore the estate
– Find a swan in the bedroom, a rabbit on the cabinet and other wonders within the Maymont Mansion
– Enjoy games from long ago, close encounters with creepy creatures, pinwheel-making, and more
– Climb the backstairs to discover hidden doors and bells, and experience life and work at the estate 100 years ago
– Soar into the world of birds with a few of Maymont’s avian ambassadors
– Search for fairies at Maymont, receive wings and a wand, and find treasures along the way

For Spring Break Week program dates, times, pricing and to register online, visit maymont.org/spring-break or call 804-358-7168 for more information.

The Art of Play at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

You can easily spend an entire day at the Garden exploring the Art of Play, playing in the Children’s Garden and CWDKids Tree House; splashing in Water Play, and enjoying 50 acres of blooms like you’ve never seen.  The Art of Play will support the Garden’s mission to connect people through plants to improve our communities. Free with garden admission.

Look for these family-friendly activities:

Float in a cloud of soap from a Bubble Machine.
Play Giant Scrabble on the lawn.
Paint playful pictures on Plein Air Paint Days.

Science Museum of Virginia

Monkey Around at the Science Museum of Virginia’s Newest Touring Exhibition, Curious George Let’s Get Curious!  The insatiable curiosity of Curious George – the little monkey who captured the imagination and hearts of millions of children and adults for 65 years – comes to life at the Science Museum of Virginia!  Free with museum admission.

Science After Dark: The Final Fur  April 5th  5pm-9pm.  The Rat Basketball Association is preparing for the annual March Ratness tip off! Our whiskered players will represent the final teams of their college compatriots as they go head to head in this unique tournament. Grab pom-poms and watch the action as you learn about the techniques used to train our furry veteran and rookie contenders!  And if basketball-playing rats is not enough, explore three floors of exhibits and get hands-on as you make your own basketball net, build a newspaper basketball tower and build a catapult to sling a ball through a hoop. You can even compete in a basketball shooting showdown!  Then head to The Dome for special all-live Cosmic Expeditions at 6:30 and 7:15 pm; space is limited to the first 250 guests at each show, no ticket required. Stick around for a showing of Space Jam (rated PG) at 8 pm. After the shows, step outside to stargaze through telescopes with the Richmond Astronomical Society, weather permitting.  Science After Dark admission is $10 for the general public and free for Museum members and college students with a valid ID. Admission includes exhibits and event programming. Guests can add the feature film in the Dome for $5; members may use a Dome pass if they wish.

Spring Petting Farm

11am-6pm.  Short Pump Mall.  Come visit baby lambs, bunnies, chicks and more at our annual Spring Petting Farm located on the lower level between Crate & Barrel & Pottery Barn. A suggested $1 donation per person benefits the Maymont Foundation. Through April 7th.

For More Spring Break Outing Ideas  – Visit Our Outings Section

Bowling, Ice Skating & Roller Skating, Indoor Play, Mini-Golf, Driving Ranges, Batting Cages, Go-Karts, Paint Your Own Pottery, Theme and Water Parks and more!