5 Stroller-Friendly Ways to Get Out & About with Your Little One(s), Pt. 2
Ready to get out of the house again and explore with your little one(s) in tow? I’ve got five more stroller-friendly walks around the city to try with your baby, toddler, or fur baby. And don’t worry, the walk’s just the beginning of the adventure — I’ve also included the closest dining spot or family-friendly attraction to each, so you can make the most of your outing.
— by Megan Ariail, Contributing Writer (and the brains behind The West End Mom. Follow her @thewestendmom!)
Byrd Park
Located in Richmond’s Near West End, this 287 acre park has so much open space, lakes, tennis courts, grassy fields and stroller-friendly paths. Each of the three lakes have sidewalks around them - this makes such a peaceful walk. The proximity to Maymont Park, Carillion Tot Lot and dining options makes this a go-to park for families. Barker Field Dog Park is nearby, so even your fur-baby can enjoy it!
Why we love it: There are so many things to see and watch while you’re on these walking trails – geese swimming, the water features, and people throwing the frisbee. It also has plenty of space for kiddos to run around or for families to enjoy a picnic.
Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk
Shade?: Full sun to partial shade
Stroller-friendly?: Yes
Restrooms?: Yes
Nearby: Maymont Park and Carillion Tot Lot are about 5 minutes away.
Location: 600 S. Arthur Ashe Blvd (Near West End)
Brown’s Island to The Canal Walk
Located on Richmond’s riverfront, this urban hike is about 1.25 miles along the river and the canal. This paved path is a fun place to walk with little explorers, strollers, bikers & history buffs. Throughout the walk, you pass train tracks, bridges, the Tyler Potterfield Bridge & more. It’s also pet-friendly, so everyone in your family can enjoy it!
Why we love it: My kids loved walking by the water, running in the large field at Brown’s Island & watching for trains. It’s also a walk that grows with your family - you can use strollers, scooters and bikes on the paths.
Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk
Shade?: Partial shade to full sun
Stroller-friendly?: Yes
Restrooms?: Portapotties
Nearby: Casa del Barco and Southern Railway Taphouse are located on the canal.
Location: 1512 Canal Walk (Riverfront)
Belle Isle Trail
Located near Tredegar Iron Works, The Belle Isle Trail is one of the best urban hikes in Richmond. It begins with a 1,135 foot pedestrian & cyclist bridge, and it goes to Belle Isle, a 54 acre island. It has gorgeous views, stroller-friendly trails & shaded pathways. The best part of the island for young families is the ~1.5 mile gravel loop that goes around the island. From this loop, you have direct access to the river.
Why we love it: This is the trail we take all of our out-of-town guests to because of the views. The city skyline and river are the main show on this walk! My children love being about to watch the rapids (and I love that it’s in a safe way).
Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk
Shade?: Partial shade
Stroller-friendly?: Yes
Restrooms?: Portapotties
Nearby: Casa del Barco is about 5 minutes away.
Location: 300-316 Tredegar St (Riverfront)
The Capital Trail
The Capital Trail is a 51.7 mile paved trail from Richmond to Williamsburg. One of the most popular portions is from Great Shiplock Park to Rockett's Landing, a 2.4 mile round trip. This riverfront trail has amazing views of the city. This is a fun walk for the whole family, including our furry babies (on a leash).
Why we love it: Kiddos will be entertained your entire walk because there is so much activity on the river - boats, fishermen, other walkers. My kids love watching everything and everyone. Since the entire trail is paved, it works for strollers, scooters and bikes.
Hours: 24 hours
Shade?: No
Stroller-friendly?: Yes
Restrooms?: No
Nearby: Island Shrimp is on this portion of the trail.
Location: 2803 Dock Street (Shockoe Bottom)
More info >>
Carytown
Carytown is one of the cutest shopping districts in RVA, and sidewalks go down W Cary St and through the neighborhood. This is such a great place to walk with your family because of the ample dining options, including coffee shops and ice cream shops.
Why we love it: There are so many ways to walk in Carytown since all the neighborhoods have sidewalks. I love to start at Grayland Tot Lot – the playground has all new equipment! After playing, we stroll down Belmont to West Cary for as long as we want. My children love watching all the busyness in Carytown, and they love eating at Zorch!
Hours: 24 hours
Shade?: Full sun to partial shade
Stroller-friendly?: Yes
Restrooms?: No
Nearby: Carytown has so many family-friendy restaurants. We really like Zorch Pizza and Bev’s Ice Cream - they are very easy to visit with kids. Grayland Tot Lot is about 5 minutes off West Cary.
Location: 3507 W Cary St (Carytown)
For more family-friendly fun:
