Budget Richmond, VA

[lucigo]

We just moved (kicking and screaming) from Florida to just south of Richmond, VA. I'm in need of cheap family entertainment and budget/fun shopping ideas, and any other "must see" attractions while we are in this area (because in my heart I know I WILL be back in the sunshine state eventually!) but want to make the best of it and see this area of the country while we are here

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

We just spent a long weekend there at the beginning of the summer. There's King's Dominion, of course. Also there are Civil War battle sites all over, there are trails you can follow all over Richmond. There's the Edgar Allen Poe museum (we didn't go because of time) and a children's museum.

We used this website when we were planning our trip: http://www.visitrichmondva.com/things-to-do/attractions/

All we really had time for was Kings Dominion and a day of Civil War Trails. We found it to be a pretty nice area overall, plenty to do.

 

[KateDinVA]

That's where I live! My best budget tip is the Kids Dine Free card. We save a ton when we eat out at places on the list. Cards are $20 per kid per 3 months, but I always get with a coupon/Groupon and have never paid more than $12.

A great park is the Point of Rocks (Dodd Park) near 295/Rt. 10 on Enon Church Road, because they have great little trails that lead down to a marsh boardwalk. (And for a Disney connection, it's part of the John Smith trails info thingie (real technical, right?)).

 

[Swimalie]

To really get the area, don't forget to travel a bit and see Montpilier, Monticello and Mount Vernon. They are all a bit pricey but you can't put a price on the experience. We have been to all 3 and love them. I believe you can buy tickets ahead of time for them on their web sites. Also, Mount Vernon has a wonderful day time fireworks show on July 4th that is over the Potomac and really fun.

 

[lucigo]

We just spent a long weekend there at the beginning of the summer. There's King's Dominion, of course. Also there are Civil War battle sites all over, there are trails you can follow all over Richmond. There's the Edgar Allen Poe museum (we didn't go because of time) and a children's museum.

We used this website when we were planning our trip: http://www.visitrichmondva.com/things-to-do/attractions/

All we really had time for was Kings Dominion and a day of Civil War Trails. We found it to be a pretty nice area overall, plenty to do.

Cool thanks!

That's where I live! My best budget tip is the Kids Dine Free card. We save a ton when we eat out at places on the list. Cards are $20 per kid per 3 months, but I always get with a coupon/Groupon and have never paid more than $12.

A great park is the Point of Rocks (Dodd Park) near 295/Rt. 10 on Enon Church Road, because they have great little trails that lead down to a marsh boardwalk. (And for a Disney connection, it's part of the John Smith trails info thingie (real technical, right?)).

This looks to be pretty close to us, will make a great outing!

To really get the area, don't forget to travel a bit and see Montpilier, Monticello and Mount Vernon. They are all a bit pricey but you can't put a price on the experience. We have been to all 3 and love them. I believe you can buy tickets ahead of time for them on their web sites. Also, Mount Vernon has a wonderful day time fireworks show on July 4th that is over the Potomac and really fun.

Thanks! We aren't ready for "pricey" yet, just gave all of our money to UPack, but hey, we will get there eventually! LOL

 

[Manders77]

Welcome! We did that move in March. From Orlando to the West End of Richmond. Haven't explored too much yet. With my DS2 who is delayed (no walking yet) its hard to do stuff since he wants to crawl and walk along furniture and carrying or putting him in stroller does not work very well for long.

But I want to say great ideas everyone, keep them coming.
Oh yeah Disney on Ice is coming to Richmond weekend of Sept 20. I am hopefully taking DD4.

 

[msaseifert]

Welcome to the neighborhood We have lived in the Richmond area for about 11 years now. There is the Richmond Metro Zoo...perfect for little ones, not too big and busy...they can walk through it on there own There is always the mountains...a nice peaceful drive espeicially in the fall. Pack a lunch and hang out at one of the many parks or roadsides and enjoy the spectacular view. Also....the BEACH!!! VA Beach is about 90 mins away....Sandbridge is a beautiful area to spend the day. Washington DC area is also 2 hours away....lots to see and do there! Just in the Richmond area, there are a lot of parks....check out Belle Isle....its awesome there with bikes trails and swimming in the James...pets are even welcome! I know a lot of my friends head to Pony Pasture which I hear is an awesome place to hang for the day. Hope you enjoy Richmond, I can understand your wanting to go back to Florida though...I would move there in a heartbeat!

 

[HamTown]

Check out Maymont. It is an historic home with lots of gardens and a small nature center (small fee for that part). Beautiful grounds with lots of room to move around.

If you were a member of a children's museum in Florida, the Science Museum or Children's museum probably have reciprocal privileges. The Children's museum also seems to have some reduced pricing available so definitely check into that.

The Byrd theater has 1.99 movie tickets. The schedule is pretty variable but they may have children's movies occasionally. It's an old theater with a real organ inside.

Both Short Pump and Stony Point malls are outdoor facilities. Good for wandering around.

 

[goodfood4ursoul]

We just spent a long weekend there at the beginning of the summer. There's King's Dominion, of course.

Okay, take this with a grain of salt, this is my opinion...

If you love Disney you will probably hate King's Dominion...
There are two theme parks in VA, and King's Dominion is not the better one.
You would probably enjoy Busch Gardens far more...
King's Dominion- no real theming, food is not really good, rides are okay, shows are horrible- like the first episodes of American Idol each season, they have a small water park but the water is hot like a turkish bath which is kinda gross.

Busch Gardens- amazing theming, beautiful park with green spaces, tons of yummy food choices, fantastic rides, great shows, and you can always visit the sister park Water Country USA.

While in Richmond I would also check out the parks and recreation offerings, like Three Lakes Park http://www.co.henrico.va.us/rec/rec...ities/three-lakes-nature-center-aquarium.html

Meadow Farm Park http://www.co.henrico.va.us/rec/recreation-centers-facilities/meadowfarm.html

Both these locations have activities for the whole family.

Don't forget to take advantage of your location to take time to explore the rich history that lies between Richmond and Williamsburg on route 5.
There are many historic plantations, the location of the First Thanksgiving in the United States (in 1619 before the pilgrims even landed) at Berkeley Plantation, Shirley Plantation (1613) which is Virginia's first plantation and is still owned by the family but open for amazing tours, and much more.

http://www.jamesriverplantations.org/

http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/jamesriver/sitelist.htm

And an article that highlights the importance of the history made in this area:
http://courier-herald.com/pages/ful...y-KATHERINE+BANKS &id=5022758-KATHERINE+BANKS

Dogham, the plantation mentioned in the article, still stands today, a private home not visible from route 5 but north of Shirley Plantation.

Don't forget Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement, and Yorktown.

Patrick Henry's home Scotchtown, is close by in Hanover County, but not as fun as his home and burial place, Red Hill, a few hours out where I live.

There's so much to see and do here in Virginia.
I hope you will enjoy your (for now) new home

And right now Colonial Williamsburg is offering a special for Virginia residents- pay for 1 day get the rest of the year FREE:
http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/plan/special-offers/va-resident/?WT.mc_id=2361

 

[Promomx2]

Check out our baseball team, "the flying squirrels" when season is back in spring. Also there are numerous indoor inflatable places to go. Also regarding shopping, now's the season for children's consignment sales. There's one right now, Ring around the rosy, the mother of multiples is also next week. Outlets in Williamsburg, va are pretty good and then there's Potomac Mills, right outside of D.C. Va. Beach has a good aquarium and air/space museum.

 

[bdcp]

I was going to suggest Short Pump for shopping/dining. My sister drives from Yorktown and my parents drive from Spotsylvania county to shop there.

You're also within a 2.5 hour drive of DC. Take advantage of the Smithsonian museums and National zoo-free admission. Day trips to the mountains, Charlottesville and battlefields are all great ideas too. You're also less than a couple of hours from the beach-VA Beach and Norfolk.

 

[RooRach0906]

Welcome to Richmond!

You got so many great responses and I agree with most!

Just wanted to do add Goochland Drive-in theater, its west of Richmond right off 64. They have a website of the movies they show and prices... It is seasonal tho so will be closing soon.

 

[kirstenb1]

Okay, take this with a grain of salt, this is my opinion...

If you love Disney you will probably hate King's Dominion...
There are two theme parks in VA, and King's Dominion is not the better one.
You would probably enjoy Busch Gardens far more...
King's Dominion- no real theming, food is not really good, rides are okay, shows are horrible- like the first episodes of American Idol each season, they have a small water park but the water is hot like a turkish bath which is kinda gross.

Busch Gardens- amazing theming, beautiful park with green spaces, tons of yummy food choices, fantastic rides, great shows, and you can always visit the sister park Water Country USA.

While in Richmond I would also check out the parks and recreation offerings, like Three Lakes Park http://www.co.henrico.va.us/rec/rec...ities/three-lakes-nature-center-aquarium.html

Meadow Farm Park http://www.co.henrico.va.us/rec/recreation-centers-facilities/meadowfarm.html

Both these locations have activities for the whole family.

Don't forget to take advantage of your location to take time to explore the rich history that lies between Richmond and Williamsburg on route 5.
There are many historic plantations, the location of the First Thanksgiving in the United States (in 1619 before the pilgrims even landed) at Berkeley Plantation, Shirley Plantation (1613) which is Virginia's first plantation and is still owned by the family but open for amazing tours, and much more.

http://www.jamesriverplantations.org/

http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/jamesriver/sitelist.htm

And an article that highlights the importance of the history made in this area:
http://courier-herald.com/pages/ful...y-KATHERINE+BANKS &id=5022758-KATHERINE+BANKS

Dogham, the plantation mentioned in the article, still stands today, a private home not visible from route 5 but north of Shirley Plantation.

Don't forget Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement, and Yorktown.

Patrick Henry's home Scotchtown, is close by in Hanover County, but not as fun as his home and burial place, Red Hill, a few hours out where I live.

There's so much to see and do here in Virginia.
I hope you will enjoy your (for now) new home

And right now Colonial Williamsburg is offering a special for Virginia residents- pay for 1 day get the rest of the year FREE:
http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/plan/special-offers/va-resident/?WT.mc_id=2361

fabulous post!! Totally agree about BG vs Kings Dominion. We've had season passes to Busch Gardens and Water Country for 10 yrs, and love both parks. OP, Howl O Scream is opening at Busch Gardens next weekend. Also, joining the YMCA is a great way for everyone in the family to meet people. The monthly fee is income based, so it's very budget friendly.

You said south of Richmond, so I'm guessing Chesterfield, Colonial Heights or Hopewell. It's so easy to get to Virginia Beach by taking 460 east off of95 south. That path will bring you closest to Sandbridge which is a great family friendly beach. Someone mentioned Richmond Metro Zoo. We also have annual passes there. Big city zoo snobs tend to dog on it, but it's a great locally owned zoo. I think the variety of animals there is pretty cool for a little privately owned place.

I can't remember if anyone mentioned Pocahontas STate Park. It's off Beach Rd in Chesterfield. It has a giant swimming pool with cute splash features etc. Plus the park is a nice place to hike through when it's too cold to swim. You're close to Colonial Williamsburg. Also the Prime OUtlets in Williamsburg. There's a flagship Yankee Candle store that "snows" inside every day several times a day.

OP, welcome to Richmond!!! We're west of town out in Goochland, but lived in Chester many years ago, so am glad to help if I can.

 

[lucigo]

Thank you all for your wonderful responses! I really needed this to start getting excited about being here! My husband has a wonderful opportunity at Fort Lee and I need to embrace it and support him rather than mope around because I miss my friends! We found a nice home to rent in Dunlop Farms (Colonial Heights). I have only been here a week and haven't even ventured into Richmond yet.

I will be homeschooling my 9yo, and my 17yo is in Florida Virtual School (we still own our home so it works), so we will definitely be taking advantage of the parks and history of the area.

My oldest graduated from UCF last year and is working in Orlando, so we are excited to try out the train that I hear going by a couple of times a day, but until then there are some great ideas here! Also, my 17yo wants to take a trip to IKEA for new bedroom furniture, which I understand is about 2 hrs away.

 

[UCFALUM]

Fort Lee?
We were there for 9 months and enjoyed the Civil War homes and history. Have been back a couple times and did enjoy Richmond area (shopping!!) and Science Center, some of the historical homes.
Colonial Williamsburg is one of our favorite places ever! Completely doable for the day from Ft. Lee area plus the OUtlets, Busch Gardens etc.
Enjoy your time since you know you want to be back here (NW FL-still in your siggy)

 

[lucigo]

Fort Lee?
We were there for 9 months and enjoyed the Civil War homes and history. Have been back a couple times and did enjoy Richmond area (shopping!!) and Science Center, some of the historical homes.
Colonial Williamsburg is one of our favorite places ever! Completely doable for the day from Ft. Lee area plus the OUtlets, Busch Gardens etc.
Enjoy your time since you know you want to be back here (NW FL-still in your siggy)

I'm looking forward to checking them all out. By the time we do head back to Florida I'll bet I will miss it I know I will really enjoy fall, haven't had one in forever! But I have to admit I love my solar heated warm as a bathtub pool, and so we are renting out our house and one day will go back, even if its not til retirement.

And yes...Fort Lee, he has gone from teaching math/science to middle school kids to now teaching electronics to young men in the army. He is loving it!!

 

[hydrotony]

I lived in Richmond (yes, the city, in the Fan) from 1991 to 1996 and loved all the museums. The Fine Art museum on the Boulevard has the largest collection of Faberge eggs outside of Russia and many great other things. I second Maymount Park as a great place. The gardens, "water fall" and huge koi ponds are amazing. And the Richmond racetrack north of town is the Nascar place to be twice a year. There is a lot to experience. Just watch out for the winter ice storms, no one knows how to drive in bad weather.

 

[Swimalie]

Also, my 17yo wants to take a trip to IKEA for new bedroom furniture, which I understand is about 2 hrs away.

That's the IKEA where I shop. I'm in the same county as that store and yet it takes me an hour. It's not quiet 2 hours from Richmond. I go down to your town each Feb for a swim meet. We love the Short Pump area.

 

[lucigo]

Thank you all so much!! Looking forward to exploring now!

 

[sunnyshari]

Welcome to my area! We are about 15 minutes from Colonial Heights. We love Williamsburg, especially in the fall! There is a huge Yankee Candle store that your 9 year old may like. You can make your own wax hands or make your own jar candles. They also have "snow" that falls every so many minutes. We like to go every so often. They also sell the best caramel popcorn! Busch Gardens is also fun. They have an event called Christmastown that is about $20 per person. It is decorated with tons of lights for Christmas and several rides are open. I have been to Disney at Christmas and think the lights are better even than Disney at Christmas..(if you don't count the Osborne Dancing lights). Colonial Williamsburg is cool. You can walk around DOG street (Duke of Gloucester) for free. They also have ghost tours you can do at night (not free). If you like Mexican food there is a great restaurant called Don Pepe on route 10 in Chester. It is very family friendly and has great food!