Only 2-hours driving distance from DC, Richmond, VA is a perfect kid-friendly, road trip destination. Here’s our list of accommodations and things-to-do while there. Check back for blog updates.
WHERE TO STAY: THE GRADUATE HOTEL
Moment of transparency, my honest hope was to stay at the Quirk Hotel, a super chic boutique hotel located in downtown Richmond, but man, those prices! We opted for a cheaper option at the time of booking, The Graduate Hotel, a 4-star hotel located on VCU’s campus. The Graduate Hotel is conveniently located downtown at 301 W Franklin St Richmond, VA 23220, about a 7 minute drive from the Children’s Museum of Richmond and the Science Museum of Virginia.
Trip Tip:
Valet parking is $26 per night but there’s FREE street parking on weekends and holidays! There’s plenty of street parking around this hotel. The coffee bar and lounge area are great features of this hotel. The food and alcoholic beverages served in the evenings makes this hotel a winner for the whole family. Other amenities include a full game room, arcade cubes, rooftop pool and bikes to rent located right outside the front entrance. The decor of the Graduate Hotel is very on-theme to be right on VCU’s campus. Think vintage varsity jackets, herringbone prints and cool aviator sunglasses to top it off. Note that this hotel is also pet-friendly. Bring your furry companion for an extra $35/night.
WHERE TO EAT: MAMA J’S RESTAURANT
Mama J’s restaurant is Richmond’s “premiere soul food dining experience” that offers in-dining and take-out. This family-owned restaurant is located in the Jackson Ward neighborhood at 415 N 1st St., Richmond, VA. Couple of tips if you’re planning on heading to this restaurant: Be sure to head there early (opens at 11AM) or at off-peak times. This restaurant is small and fills quickly. Order ahead of time through their website to save time when you get there if ordering take-out. The kids menu is pretty limited but my daughter loved the mac and cheese!
THINGS TO DO: BATTERY PARK PLAYGROUND
Looking for an open space for a picnic or a playground to run around? Battery Park may be a good option! It is located at 2803 Dupont Circle, Richmond, VA. Park hours are from sunrise to sunset.
This park is massive and includes basketball courts, tennis courts, two children’s playgrounds, horseshoe pits, a community center that houses a free computer lab and swimming pool. Restrooms are also on site.
Fun Fact:
Tennis Legend, Arthur Ashe, was born and raised in Richmond, VA. Battery Park is where he learned to play! Make sure to check out the mural dedicated to Arthur Ashe when you visit this park.
THINGS-TO-DO: CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF RICHMOND
The Children’s Museum of Richmond, VA is a definite must-visit, especially for younger kids 7 and under! There are two locations, one in downtown Richmond, and the other in Midlothian, VA.
We visited the downtown Richmond location at 2626 W. Broad St. Richmond, VA, which shares a parking lot with the Science Museum of Virginia. This museum is open Tuesdays – Sundays from 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM. The Parking deck between the Children’s Museum and the Science Museum is free for museum visitors!
Tickets are available seven (7) days in advance and are priced:
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Adults: $9
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Kids: $9
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Seniors: $8
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Under 1: FREE
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Museum memberships available
Indoor carousel tickets are an additional $2 per person per ride or $6 for the entire day!
Other features of this museum include:
Themed rooms and areas including a news studio with live recording, an auto service station, Wegmans grocery store & more with tips for play in both English and Spanish;
Theater called the Playhouse with costumes & dress-up;
Spooky Cave to get lost in; Living Treehouse at the center of the museum with a huge slide; Huge art studio with fun projects; and Plenty of resources for families located throughout the museum.
For more places to visit in RVA, check out our Things to Do in Richmond, VA guide on Instagram @4DMVKids.
