Below is our most current list of free or low-cost activities in Richmond, Virginia. It includes museums and parks that are family friendly and host many events.
MUSEUMS FOR ALL
Museums for All is an initiative that offers free or reduced admission for individuals receiving SNAP benefits. The following local museums participate in the Museums for All program.
Agecroft Hall and Gardens is a museum that shows a historical English house that was built in England in the 1300s and transported to Virginia in the early 1900s. The museum details the history of the home and its English origins and is surround by a beautiful garden.
Cost: Free admission for SNAP recipients. For individuals who do not receive SNAP, admission ranges from $8 - $12
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 12 p.m. to 5p.m., the final admission into the home is at 4 p.m.
Location: 4305 Sulgrave Road, Richmond, VA 23221
Contact: (804) 353-4241
The American Civil War Museum explores the history of the Civil War and how it is linked to American society today.
Cost: Free admission for SNAP recipients. For individuals who do not receive SNAP, admission ranges from $9 - $18.
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 480 Tredegar Street, Richmond, VA 23219
Contact: (804) 649-1861 ext. 100
The Children’s Museum of Richmond is a museum that focuses on enhancing the development of children through play. They have a large number of interactive exhibits and events.
Cost: For SNAP recipients, day admission is $2 per person for up to 6 people. SNAP recipients are also eligible for a free annual scholarship membership. For individuals who do not receive SNAP, admission ranges from $8 - $9. Children under 12 months are free for all families.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 2626 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220
Contact: (804) 474-7000
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is the home of 50 acres of multiple beautiful gardens, many different exhibits, a wide range of activities, and a café.
Cost: For SNAP recipients, admission is free for children 17 years old or younger and $1 for adults. For individuals who do not receive SNAP, admission ranges from $8 - $17. Check their website for other free and reduced admission days for all.
Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA 23228
Contact: (804) 262-9887, contactus@lewisginter.org
Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and park that offers various activities. Maymont has gardens, an arboretum, wildlife habitats, petting zoo, a mansion, and the Robins Nature Center. Maymont is also the home of many Richmond area festivals and events.
Cost: Free admission to the general grounds, gardens, petting zoo, and wildlife areas (Donations accepted). For SNAP recipients, admission to the Robins Nature Center and use of the historic audio tours are free for up to 4 people. For individuals who do not receive SNAP, admission to the nature center ranges from $6 - $8.
Hours: The grounds, gardens, and outdoor wildlife areas are open daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Robins Nature Center, The Maymont Mansion, and the Historic Garden are open Friday – Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 1000 Westover Road, Richmond, VA 23220
Contact: (804) 525-9000, info@maymont.org
The Poe Museum explores the life and writing of the famous and mysterious poet Edgar Allen Poe.
Cost: For SNAP recipients, admission is $3. For individuals who do not receive SNAP, admission ranges from $7 - $10. Admission is free for all children under 6 years old.
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 1914 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23223
Contact: (804) 648-5523, info@poemuseum.org
The Science Museum of Virginia is an interactive museum with films, labs, exhibitions and events. The museum explores science in different ways and there are often new exhibits and events.
Cost: For SNAP recipients, admission is free for children 2 years old and younger, $1 for children 3-12 years old and for adults 60 years old or older, and $2 for adults ages 13-59. For individuals who do not receive SNAP, admission ranges from $10 - $17 and is free for children 2 years old or younger.
Hours: Monday – Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 5p.m.
Location: 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220
Contact: (804) 864-1400, info@smv.org
The Valentine Museum collects, preserves, interprets, and explores Richmond’s history. It seeks to tell a broad story about the history of Richmond.
Cost: For SNAP recipients, admission is free for up to 4 individuals. For individuals who do not receive SNAP, admission ranges from $8 - $10. They also offer free admission on Thursdays.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 1015 East Clay Street, Richmond, VA 23219
Contact: (804) 649-0711, info@thevalentine.org
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is an art museum that offers special exhibits and activities throughout the year that are linked to art, music, dance, and more!
Cost: Admission is free! However, special exhibitions are an extra fee that varies. For SNAP recipients, special exhibitions have a $2 admission fee.
Hours: Monday – Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 200 N. Arthur Ashee Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220
Contact: (804) 340-1405, info@vmfa.museum
Virginia Museum of History and Culture
The Virginia Museum of History and Culture offers various exhibitions and events related to the history of the state of Virginia. The museum also houses a reserch library, gallery, store, and café.
Cost: Free admission for SNAP recipients. For individuals who do not receive SNAP, admission ranges from $5 - $10
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 428 N. Aruthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220
Contact: (804) 340-1800
PUBLIC PARKS and PLACES OF HISTORICAL + CULTURAL INTEREST
Belle Isle is a park in Richmond, Virginia that is next to the James River. It is open to activities such as hiking, kayaking, biking, fishing, walking, picnics and climbing. Belle Isle is also the location of many festivals and events in the Richmond area.
Cost: Free daily, but some events may have an admission fee
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Location: 300 Tredegar Street, Richmond, VA 23225
Contact: N/A
Brown’s Island is a public park , concert venue, and home to historical exhibits and public art. At the base of the island, a pedestrian bridge across the James River offers visitors sights of river wildlife as well as panoramic views of downtown Richmond.
Cost: Free daily, but some events may have an admission fee
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Location: Bottom of 12th Street (on the James River)
Contact: N/A
Forest Hill Park houses tennis courts, picnic shelters, a children’s playground, and trails for walking and jogging. The park is also known as a popular sledding spot in the winter. During the summer, Sunday concerts are hosted at the park.
Cost: Free admission
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Location: 4021 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond, VA 23225
Contact: (804) 646-0036 or (804) 646-0761
Libby Hill Park is one of the first three parks in Richmond. It is home to an ornamental fountain, a small park house, and a monument.
Cost: Free admission
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Location: 2801 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23223
Contact: (804) 646-0036
Maggie L. Walker Historical Site
Maggie Lena Walker was a civil rights activist, leader in education and economic empowerment, and the first African American female bank president in the United States. The Maggie L. Walker Historical site incorporates Maggie L. Walker’s home and other surrounding buildings to create an in-depth visitor center and exhibit hall that explores her life and work.
Cost: Free admission for all
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: 600 N. 2nd Street, Richmond, VA 23219
Contact: (804) 226-5041