6 Local Experiences That Make Great Gifts for Kids
Looking for a present the kiddos can enjoy all year? Check out these kid-friendly memberships and parent-and-me classes from six of our favorite local businesses. These gifted experiences provide a fun, unique, and safe place to explore — and some even come with extra perks.
— by Megan Ariail, Contributing Writer (and the brains behind The West End Mom. Follow her @thewestendmom!)
Children’s Museum of Richmond
Want a place that provides endless imaginative play options? The Children’s Museum of Richmond is your spot. This museum is geared toward children ages 0 to 8 years old, and there is something for every kid. Littles can drive an Amtrak engine, ride the carousel, shop at the grocery store, play in the splash park (during the summers only, of course), and run around the newly expanded outdoor space that includes a crawler-friendly zone.
A membership starts at $149, and it comes with many perks, including first access to Legendary Santa reservations, free access to Children’s Museum Chesterfield, and discounted admission to 200 other museums that are a part of the ACM Reciprocal Network.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Have a kiddo who loves the outdoors? Check out Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. With over 50 acres of themed gardens, it is one of the most beautiful spaces in RVA. Littles will particularly love the Children’s Garden. It has an ADA-accessible treehouse that sits 13 feet off the ground, an international village with three playhouses, a 100-year-old mulberry tree that’s perfect for climbing, plus sand- and water-play opportunities. The splash park was also just renovated over the summer!
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is also one of my favorite multi-generational locations because the entire property is ADA-accessible. You can even borrow a stroller or wheelchair, free of charge.
A family membership starts at $135, and my favorite perks of this membership are the free members-only preview nights of GardenFest of Lights, free admission to the family-friendly summer concert series, and the splash park that is open throughout the summer.
Science Museum of Virginia
Looking for a museum that multiple ages can enjoy? The Science Museum of Virginia is the best one to visit with a multi-generational group. Located in the historic Broad Street Station, this museum sits on 33 acres and spans four floors.
Some of the highlights for families with young children are the Animal Lab, the Speed exhibit, the Boost exhibit, and the restored train cars outside. Additionally, LightPlace offers an area for interactive learning and play specially designed for children ages fives and younger.
A family membership starts at $160, and I love that a membership allows families to visit the special, rotating exhibits for free. We are particularly excited for the Wild Kratts: Creature Power! exhibit opening in September 2023 and running through January 21, 2024.
The Bunny Hive
Want to try RVA’s newest hot spot for littles? The Bunny Hive is a social club for children ages four and younger and their grownups. They offer a variety of classes — each one is 30 minutes long, and the spot’s schedule changes weekly. This spot opens at 8:30 am, six days a week — perfect for early risers or sneaking in a class before work.
Memberships are available, or you can purchase an individual class instead. The price point for either option makes this idea especially budget-friendly.
Maymont & The Robins Nature Center
Have an animal-loving kiddo? Maymont is the spot for your little. This more-than-100-years-old estate has formal gardens, animals, special holiday events, and an indoor nature center.
The Robins Nature Center showcases the animals and plants of the James River and Chesapeake Bay. Children can learn and explore the ecology of the James River through play, aquariums, and interactive animation.
Family memberships cost $60, and perks of this membership include free admission to the nature center and the mansion, a $25 discount on birthday parties, discounted admission to Toddler Time classes, and a discount on tickets to the annual Garden Glow event.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Shopping for an artsy kiddo? The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has the most wonderful early childhood art program in RVA. Early Childhood Art Classes are offered for children who are at least three months old and their caregivers, and even the grownups will love these classes. Each one is an hour long with free play, story-time, a kid-friendly tour, and a hands-on art activity.
Art classes start at $17 for a child/parent pair, and they fill up quickly. Check here for the upcoming calendar. And if you’re interested in a family membership, that’ll get you free parking; early access to classes; previews of special exhibits; and discounts on classes, camps, and dining.
For more family-friendly fun:
