Sunday, September 7, 2026 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
FREE Garden Admission
Looking for a fun—and free—way to enjoy a beautiful late-summer day with the family? Head to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on Sunday, September 7, for Genworth Free Community Day!
Garden admission is FREE all day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving families the opportunity to explore more than 50 acres of gardens, enjoy the flowers and greenery, cool off in the Children’s Garden, and discover art throughout the Garden.
Whether your kids want to splash, climb, explore or simply enjoy some time outdoors, there is plenty to see and do.
🌳 Things to Do with Kids
🛝 Climb & Explore the Klaus Family Tree House
The universally accessible Klaus Family Tree House will be open for children and families to explore. It’s a great spot for kids to climb, play and take in the Garden from a different perspective.
💦 Cool Off at Waterway
Don’t forget swimsuits or clothes that can get wet! The Waterway splash pad in the Children’s Garden will be open, making it a perfect place for kids to cool down on a warm September day.
🦋 Visit Butterflies Bloom
Families can also experience Butterflies Bloom, although admission to the exhibit will be limited based on capacity. If this is high on your family’s must-do list, plan accordingly.
🎨 Discover Art Throughout the Garden
Art lovers—and kids who enjoy finding unusual things outdoors—will want to keep their eyes open as they explore.
The outdoor exhibition Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dreamworld features colorful, imaginative creatures placed throughout both the Garden’s iconic areas and its newly expanded spaces.
Visitors can also explore Homes & Habitats, an outdoor exhibition with installations located throughout the Garden.
Inside the Kelly Education Center and Robins Visitor Center, families can check out several new exhibitions, including Brought to Light, Larger than Life: Moths and Butterflies of the World by Bailey Lonon, No Reliable Data Available by Tim Harper, and Blossoms and Bugs by David Amoroso.
❄️ Take a Break in the A/C
If everyone needs a break from the heat, the air-conditioned Library provides a welcome place to cool down during your visit.
☀️ Plan for a Warm Day
September in Richmond can still feel like summer, so come prepared!
Bring:
- 💧 Water bottles
- 🧴 Sunscreen
- 👟 Comfortable shoes
- 👕 Comfortable clothing
- 🪑 Lawn chairs or blankets if you’d like to relax
Water fountains and bottle-refill stations are available throughout the Garden.
One important note: Outside food is not permitted. Families can purchase food at the Garden Café, and vending machines are available in the Children’s Garden.
Also leave sporting equipment—including Frisbees and bicycles—at home. Lewis Ginter is a smoke- and tobacco-free Garden, including smoking and vaping. The only place guests may smoke, vape or use tobacco is inside their personal vehicles.
🚗 Parking: Plan Ahead
Because admission is free, September 7 is expected to be a busy day at the Garden.
If possible, carpool with your family or friends. Parking is limited, and once the parking lots are full, the Garden may temporarily close its gates until spaces become available.
If you park off-site, please be considerate of nearby residents and do not block driveways.
Extra Garden staff and volunteers will be on hand throughout the day to help visitors, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.
♿ Accessibility
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is committed to making the Garden accessible to everyone. The Klaus Family Tree House is universally accessible, and families can find additional information about accessibility and planning their visit before arriving.
📅 Event Details
Genworth Free Community Day
📍 Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
🌿 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA
📅 Sunday, September 7, 2026
⏰ 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
💰 FREE admission
Admission is walk-up only on Free Community Day. This is a daytime event.
⭐ Our Tip for Families
Because this is a free-admission day, expect larger crowds than on a typical Garden visit. Arrive early if you have your heart set on specific activities, especially Butterflies Bloom, which will have capacity limits. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and comfortable shoes, and plan to take your time exploring the Garden.
It’s a great opportunity to let the kids climb, splash, explore and discover while enjoying one of Richmond’s most beautiful outdoor spaces—without the usual admission fee!
Visit www.CompletelyKidsRichmond.com for more family-friendly events and things to do in Richmond.
