5 Kid-Friendly Parks & Playgrounds in the City
Whether you’re new to parenting or new to the area, finding a kid-friendly space to play in the city can be stressful. Which parks have bathrooms? Can I bring my stroller? Will my kids have fun? Since my son was born almost five years ago, we’ve been exploring Richmond and finding the answers to all the important questions you need to know when exploring with kids.
The best part? Each one of these parks and playgrounds, in particular, is close to family-friendly restaurants and dessert spots. (We’ve tested them all!) Visit on your own, use them to get out of the house all morning with a sweet treat, or head their way to get the wiggles out before a nice family dinner!
— by Megan Ariail, Contributing Writer (and the brains behind The West End Mom. Follow her @thewestendmom!)
Jefferson Park
Located in Richmond’s Union Hill, this park has complete views of the city, including Main Street Station and the incoming trains! It has a large playground with swings, a water feature, and paved walking trails with exercise equipment along them. Jefferson Park also has plenty of green space for running around after toddlers, family picnics, and watching sunsets.
Why we love it: This is such a unique playground because of the city views and the train-themed play set. This play space is also fun for children of all ages. The train-themed structure is complete with train bells and perfect for imaginative play. The spot also has another giant play structure with an oversized see-saw. My almost-five-year-old loves the very steep slide and multiple climbing areas.
Hours: Every day, dawn to dusk
Shade?: Somewhat; the playground has full sun, but there are trees around the playground that provide some breaks from the rays.
Stroller-friendly?: Yes
Restrooms?: Yes
Nearby: This playground is within walking distance of Alamo BBQ.
Location: E Marshall St (Union Hill)
Libbie Playground
Also known as Westhampton Green Park, this spot is nestled in a neighborhood, so it has a close-knit community feel. It has its own parking lot on Granite Ave, and street parking is available on Libbie Ave. It also has multiple play structures, including a large jungle gym for big kids (ages 5 - 12), a jungle gym for little kids (ages 2 - 5), a climbing wall, see-saws, baby swings and kid swings, and plenty of green space to run.
Why we love it: This park is completely fenced in, making it a park I could handle solo with two children under two years old. I also love that there are two play structures — I could keep my little kids on age-appropriate equipment. Libbie Park’s location is another huge bonus: it’s within walking distance of multiple family-friendly restaurants, and there are sidewalks throughout the community.
Hours: Every day, dawn to dusk
Shade?: No; this park has full sun.
Stroller-friendly?: Yes
Restrooms?: No, bring your stroller with a portable changing station or a travel potty.
Nearby: This park is within walking distance of Cameo Cakery and Cafe, Taste Unlimited, and Gelati Celesti.
Location: 519 Libbie Ave (Westhampton)
Lombardy & Park Avenue Triangle
Located in the Fan, this neighborhood park is smaller than most Richmond city parks, but it’s still worth a visit! It has picnic tables, a sand play area, swings, and a play structure. The play structure is designed for younger kids, with a play area underneath it, a small climbing wall, and two smaller slides. The four swings are completely in the shade.
Why we love it: This neighborhood park is completely fenced in, so it’s one of my go-to spots when I’m solo with my kids. We love the sand play area that is filled with toys (bikes, Cozy Coupes, and more) — all donated by the local community. It’s the perfect spot to visit before having dinner at Kuba Kuba, too!
Hours: Every day, dawn to dusk
Shade?: Partial
Stroller-friendly?: Yes
Restrooms?: No, bring your stroller with a portable changing station or a travel potty.
Nearby: It’s across the street from Kuba Kuba, and it’s within walking distance to Westray’s Cafe.
Location: 347 N Lombardy St (The Fan)
Park 365
Formerly known as ArcPark, Park 365 is a free play area that is open to all ages all abilities. It’s one of the best playgrounds in the Richmond metro area and has ADA flooring, sensory walls, multiple play structures, a tree house, a play house, a multipurpose court, and so much more. You can also reserve it for birthday parties!
Why we love it: This park is completely fenced in, and it has something special for every age and every ability. The ADA flooring is perfect for crawlers and new walkers, and it allows strollers and wheelchairs for easy exploring. The natural play area, play houses, water play, and sensory wall also create the best environment for pretend play. This is also a wonderful spot to make friends — we always meet the nicest people here.
Hours: Monday, 11 am to dusk; Tuesday - Sunday, dawn to dusk
Shade?: The play structures have full sun, but there is a large shaded area, with multiple picnic tables, under a picnic shelter.
Stroller-friendly?: Yes
Restrooms?: Yes (with adult-sized changing stations)
Nearby: It’s less than 10 minutes from Burger Bach and Gelati Celesti.
Location: 3600 Saunders Ave (Scott’s Addition)
Westover Hills Tot Lot
Located in Forest Hill, Westover Hills Methodist Church opens its playground to the community every day after 1 pm. This tot lot is designed for children ages 2 through 10, but even babies would love the sand pit! The large playground, climbing tunnel, and spider web will keep big kids moving, even on hot days. It also has two big-kid swings.
Why we love it: This park is completely fenced in, making it very easy to parent solo with multiple kids. It also rarely has a crowd, so you can have the space to yourself or invite friends for a play date. I also love that the sand play area is in full shade with a kitchen and sand toys — not a lot of playgrounds have this feature! We like to play here before grabbing treats at Tablespoon Bakery or before eating dinner at Little Nickel.
Hours: Monday - Friday, 1 pm to dusk; Saturday and Sunday, dawn to dusk
Shade?: Partial
Stroller-friendly?: Yes
Restrooms?: No, bring your stroller with a portable changing station or a travel potty, or take a treat break at a nearby restaurant.
Nearby: It shares a parking lot with Tablespoon Bakery, and it’s a two-minute drive from Little Nickel.
Location: 4915 New Kent Ave (Forest Hill)
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