Richmond, Va

[griswalds]

Hey Richmond DISers, we are headed up to Glen Allen,Va next week for a Cal Ripken Tournament and need some help. We need some budget friendly activities for 13yo boys and their younger siblings. We play at least one game everyday so BG and KD are out because those are full day excursions. We will have either free time in the morning or late afternoon after our games. What can you tell me about Cobblestone park or Carytown, those are 2 places I have found. Any other parks/activities that y'all like?

Thanks a bunch.

 

[RooRach0906]

If they are into Science then the Science museum might be cool? I only really know of shops in Carytown and I have never heard of Cobblestone and I have lived here most my life. Frozen yogurt at Sweet Frog would be good... its a local chain that is loved by all. Its one of those you fill yourself and pick all your toppings and the charge by weight. If I think of something else I will let you know and I will ask around.

 

[HamTown]

You can check to see if the Flying Squirrels are in town (minor league baseball).

World of Mirth (toy store) is the only thing I can think of in Carytown that might interest a 13 yo boy.

History buffs would appreciate a drive down Monument Ave. or a walk around Hollywood cemetery. Museum of the Confederacy is a school field trip destination so it wouldn't take up a whole day. Maymont Park is another place you might want to check out online.

 

[Swimalie]

The Science Museum is a lot of fun for all ages. Also, if they like battlefields, there are a lot around the area.

 

[griswalds]

Thanks for all your replies, I'm looking these up right now.

 

[laurafergie]

There is an excellent, though small, aviation museum at the airport. You used to be able to rent paddle boats at the lake in Byrd Park. Belle Isle is awesome for hiking and just hanging out.

 

[kirstenb1]

I've never been to Cobblestone, but it looks like fun. Maymont is a great place to visit. It has a Victorian historic house museum, as well as a large outdoors sort of a zoo. It's very hilly and spread out, so bring your sneakers!! Also, you can bring a picnic in there.

Va Museum of Fine Arts is a great way to beat the heat, as is the Science Museum. The Virginia Historical Society is another museum close by. You'll be close to Short Pump mall (goofy name, but a huge mall).

Carytown is where I go if I'm looking for a unique gift. It might be a little boring for kids though. Lots of women's clothing, boutique type stores.

 

[DisneyMissy318]

There is a Dave & Buster's in Glen Allen - I know we can spend a couple of hours in there having lunch/dinner and playing games.

Of course there are a couple of movie theaters out that way if you need a way to beat the heat.

There is putt putt and go karts - but on the "south side" of town on Midlothian Turnpike. Not really close to Glen Allen.

Good Luck in the tournament!

 

[*pixie*dust*]

I've never been to Cobblestone, but it looks like fun. Maymont is a great place to visit. It has a Victorian historic house museum, as well as a large outdoors sort of a zoo. It's very hilly and spread out, so bring your sneakers!! Also, you can bring a picnic in there.Va Museum of Fine Arts is a great way to beat the heat, as is the Science Museum. The Virginia Historical Society is another museum close by. You'll be close to Short Pump mall (goofy name, but a huge mall).

Carytown is where I go if I'm looking for a unique gift. It might be a little boring for kids though. Lots of women's clothing, boutique type stores.

When I lived in Richmond, we LOVED Maymont! Beautiful grounds, interesting histroy plus animals. Definately check it out.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Check out Brown and Belle Island and the Canal Walk. We go there often. There's always people playing in the water (James River) and some people kayaking or tubing at Belle Island. There's a people bridge that crosses the James River to get over to Belle Island. Lots of good history stuff too (but I didn't care too much about that when I was a kid ). It's a fun and free thing to do right in the middle of Richmond. Sometimes they even have concerts going on at Brown Island.

 

[2BigKIdz]

Mini-golf and other activities very near Glen Allen http://www.bogeyssportspark.com/

Another vote for Maymont Park, it is beautiful there and they have several wild animals to see along with a small nature center and farm petting zoo.

 

[skyfired]

If you're looking for a fun activity for the younger siblings, I would definitely recommend the Children's Museum. They have a location not too far from Carytown on Broad Street and another location out in Short Pump near the mall. There's also one in Chesterfield, but I think that might be too far of a hike for y'all!

 

[Harters2WDW]

Maymont Park is a must as is Sweet Frog! Carytown is a great area to stroll through for shops and restaurants (and there is a Sweet Frog there). Byrd Theatre in Carytown is a great old theatre and shows movies after they have run in the mainstream theatres, so they are discounted. From what friends have told me Cobblestone is OK, not great. I would go to Maymont first, which is free.

Kitchen 64, near the Diamond where the Flying Squirrels play, is a great family restaurants with HUGE portions. There are some great BBQ places as well and some fun restaurants that have been featured on Man vs. Food.

Lots of restaurants, shopping, etc. in Glen Allen area.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is incredible, but not sure how long the boys and siblings would be interested -- it is free!

Hollywood Cemetery is incredible and a lot of history, plus incredible views. Free movies in the parks on various days as well: http://www.richmondbargains.com/2012/06/free-outdoor-movies-in-richmond/

Check out website rvaonthecheap for other great suggestions that are affordable.

Enjoy and good luck!!

 

[Promomx2]

G force go karts is a good one for boys. Also check out Kings Dominion. they used to have a special for after 5p.m. and they do have a waterpark inside.