Rainy Day Indoor Activities for Families and Kids in Richmond, New Kent, Mechanicsville & Surrounding Areas

Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, typically 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed Mon–Tue). Check smv.org for current hours and planetarium showtimes.

Fees: Exhibits-only admission: approximately $12 adults, $9 children ages 3–12. Combo tickets with the Dome (planetarium) available. Memberships available for frequent visitors.

Ages: All ages — especially engaging for kids 5–14

Features: Hands-on STEM exhibits covering physics, biology, technology, and more. The Dome is Virginia's largest planetarium screen, showing immersive science and nature films. Rotating special exhibits keep things fresh every season.

Family tips: This is the single best rainy-day destination in the Richmond area. Plan at least 2–3 hours — kids can easily spend a full day here and still not see everything. The planetarium shows are a must-do. Combine your visit with the adjacent Children's Museum if you have younger kids in tow.

Hours: Typically Wednesday–Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Check cmorva.org for the current schedule.

Fees: Approximately $12 per person for ages 1 and up. Free for infants under 12 months.

Ages: Designed for toddlers through age 8

Features: Two Richmond locations (Broad Street and Short Pump) plus a satellite at Fort Gregg-Adams. Interactive exhibits include pretend play areas, water tables, art studios, climbing structures, and storytimes. The Fort Gregg-Adams location is especially helpful for military families new to the area.

Family tips: The W Broad St location is right next door to the Science Museum of Virginia, making a combined visit easy. The Short Pump location in Henrico is convenient for West End families without the drive into the city. Weekday visits are noticeably less crowded than weekends.

Hours: Wednesday–Monday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed Tuesdays). Extended hours on Thursdays until 9 p.m. Check vmfa.museum for special exhibit schedules.

Fees: Free general admission to the permanent collection. Special ticketed exhibits may carry an additional fee.

Ages: All ages — kids enjoy the sculpture garden and interactive family programs

Features: One of the largest art museums in the United States, with over 40,000 works spanning 6,000 years of history. Includes African art, Fabergé eggs, Art Nouveau, Indian and Himalayan art, and a stunning sculpture garden. Family-focused events and workshops throughout the year.

Family tips: Free general admission makes this one of the best rainy-day bargains in Richmond. The sculpture garden is partially covered and beautiful in the rain. For younger kids, focus on the more visually striking galleries — the African art and Fabergé collections tend to hold their attention. VMFA Studio offers creative drop-in art activities that kids love.

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday noon–5 p.m. Check virginiahistory.org for the current schedule.

Fees: Free general admission.

Ages: All ages — especially good for families who want kids to connect with Virginia history

Features: Virginia's state history museum with interactive exhibits covering 400+ years of Virginia history, from Indigenous peoples to the Civil War to the present. The research library is one of the largest in the state.

Family tips: Located adjacent to VMFA on the same boulevard — you can easily visit both on the same rainy-day outing. The museum is less crowded than VMFA and offers a quieter, more contemplative experience. Good for kids who enjoy stories and reading.

Hours: Daily during Maymont hours. See maymont.org for details.

Fees: Suggested donation to enter Maymont ($8 adults, $4 children). Nature center included with entry.

Ages: All ages

Features: Indoor nature center featuring live native Virginia wildlife including freshwater fish, turtles, otters, and other species. Educational exhibits about the James River watershed and local ecosystems. Located within Maymont's 100-acre estate.

Family tips: This is Richmond's closest thing to an indoor aquarium. The otters are always a crowd-pleaser. On a rainy day, the nature center gives you a great indoor escape while still connecting kids with nature. If the rain lightens up, Maymont's Italian garden, Japanese garden, and children's farm are right outside the door.

Richmond has a wealth of museums beyond the ones above. Here are additional family-friendly options:

• The Poe Museum — 1914 E Main St. A quirky, atmospheric museum dedicated to Edgar Allan Poe's life and work in Richmond. Best for older kids and teens.
• American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar — 480 Tredegar St. Immersive exhibitry in a restored ironworks building along the James River. Good for families interested in history.
• Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia — 122 W Leigh St. Powerful, thoughtfully curated exhibits on Black history, art, and culture in Virginia.
• Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU — 601 W Broad St. Free admission. Contemporary art exhibits in a stunning Steven Holl–designed building. Great for teens and art-loving families.

Hours: Typically open daily — check glenallen.kidsempire.com for the current schedule

Fees: Approximately $10–$14 per child (sibling and group discounts available). Adults enter free. Socks required.

Ages: Designed for children 12 and under, with a separate toddler area for ages 3 and under

Features: Multi-level indoor playground with slides, climbing nets, ball pits, and interactive play structures. A dedicated toddler zone keeps the youngest kids safe from bigger, more rambunctious siblings.

Family tips: This is one of the largest indoor play centers in the West End — perfect for kids ages 2–10. Weekday afternoons are the least crowded time to visit. Bring socks for everyone. The facility is clean, well-supervised, and has a parent seating area where you can keep an eye on your kids while they burn off energy.

Hours: Check offthewallparty.com for the current schedule

Fees: Per-person admission; check website for pricing. Socks required.

Ages: All ages, best for kids 4–12

Features: Indoor bounce house and inflatable play center with a variety of structures including obstacle courses, slides, and interactive inflatables. Birthday party packages available.

Family tips: A Southside staple for rainy-day fun. The inflatable variety keeps kids engaged for hours. This is a good pick for families in Richmond, Chesterfield, and the Midlothian area. Party packages make birthday weekends rain-proof.

Hours: Check sunshineplaycafe.com for the current schedule

Fees: Per-child admission; check website for pricing

Ages: Designed for kids 6 and under

Features: A unique combination play space and café where kids can play on age-appropriate indoor structures while parents enjoy coffee and snacks in a relaxed setting. Clean, safe, and toddler-focused.

Family tips: This is the perfect rainy-day spot for families with little ones. The café concept means parents are not just sitting on the sidelines — you can actually relax with a coffee while the kids play. Ideal for new-to-the-area parents looking to meet other families with young children.

Hours: Open daily; check surgefun.com for hours

Fees: Per-person admission (approximately $15–$20 for open jump/play). Socks required. Party and group packages available.

Ages: Best for kids ages 5–14 and teens

Features: Indoor trampoline park with wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball courts, foam pits, basketball slam zones, ninja warrior courses, and climbing walls. One of the best active indoor options for older kids and teens.

Family tips: This is the go-to spot for older kids and tweens who have outgrown bounce houses. Rainy weekday afternoons are less crowded and you will get more trampoline time per child. Sign the online waiver ahead of time to save time at the door. Military families: ask about any military discounts when you arrive.

Hours: Scheduled classes and open gym times — check rompnroll.com/west-end-va

Fees: Per-class or open gym admission; memberships available

Ages: Designed for infants through age 5

Features: Structured fitness, music, and socialization classes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Open gym time lets kids explore climbing, sliding, and imaginative play on age-appropriate equipment.

Family tips: An excellent option for military families with very young children who are still getting settled in the area. The structured classes help kids build social skills, and parents meet other local families. The open gym times are perfect for spontaneous rainy-day visits.

Hours: Open daily; check rivercityroll.com for current hours

Fees: Per-game pricing; shoe rental included. Group and party packages available.

Ages: All ages — bowling with bumpers for younger kids; full lanes for older kids and adults

Features: A locally owned boutique bowling alley with craft beer, elevated bar food, a full restaurant menu, and live music in the attached event space. More than just lanes — this is a full entertainment venue.

Family tips: This is the most unique bowling experience in Richmond — a favorite of locals who want something with more personality than a chain. Families love the laid-back, welcoming atmosphere, and the food is genuinely good (not just typical bowling alley fare). Weekend afternoons can get busy, so plan ahead or go on a weekday.

Three Bowlero locations serve the Richmond metro area, each offering classic bowling with arcade games and party packages:

• Bowlero Richmond — 6540 W Broad St, Richmond (804-282-0537)
• Bowlero Mechanicsville — 7317 Bell Creek Rd, Mechanicsville (804-559-2600)
• Bowlero West End — 8037 Shrader Rd, Richmond (804-747-9620)

Each location features updated lanes, glow bowling, arcades, and private party rooms. Check bowlero.com for pricing and booking.

Family tips: The Mechanicsville location is especially convenient for families in Hanover and the eastern suburbs — no need to drive into Richmond on a rainy afternoon. Ask about family night specials and unlimited bowling deals, which are great value on rainy weekdays. Bumper bowling is available at all locations for young kids.

Hours: Most branches open Monday–Saturday (hours vary by branch)

Fees: Free — library card required for borrowing; walk-in visitors always welcome

Ages: All ages — extensive children's and teen sections at every branch

Features: Weekly storytimes for toddlers and preschoolers, summer reading programs, STEAM workshops, Lego clubs, craft afternoons, and dedicated children's collections. The larger branches (like Short Pump and Glen Allen) also have makerspaces and 3D printers.

Family tips: Henrico libraries are an incredible free resource for families. Check the events calendar at mylibrary.us — most storytimes and kids' programs do not require registration. The Short Pump branch is the newest and largest, but the Glen Allen and Varina branches are also excellent. This is a great rainy-day habit to build early — kids who visit the library regularly tend to become lifelong readers.

Hours: Vary by branch; check rpl.richmondgov.com for the current schedule

Fees: Free

Ages: All ages

Features: Robust children's and teen collections, weekly storytimes, summer reading challenges, homework help, technology workshops, and creative programs. The Main Branch downtown has a large children's room with dedicated play and reading spaces.

Family tips: Richmond Public Library's summer programming is outstanding — free movies, science demonstrations, art classes, and reading challenges with prizes. If you are visiting any of the downtown museums on the same day, the Main Branch is a short walk from the Capitol Square area.

Hours: Most branches open Monday–Saturday; check library.chesterfield.gov for the current schedule

Fees: Free

Ages: All ages

Features: Children's storytimes, STEM programs, reading clubs, teen hangout spaces, and technology access. Chesterfield's library system has invested heavily in children's programming in recent years.

Family tips: The Midlothian and Meadowbrook branches are the most family-oriented in the system, with the largest children's areas and the most robust event calendars. Chesterfield libraries also offer museum passes for discounted or free admission to local museums — ask at the circulation desk.

Hours: Monday–Saturday; check hanoverlibrary.org for hours

Fees: Free

Ages: All ages

Features: Summer reading programs, weekly storytimes, Lego clubs, and family movie events. The Mechanicsville branch is the busiest in the system.

Family tips: For Mechanicsville and Hanover families, the library is a reliable, free rainy-day option that is often overlooked. The Mechanicsville branch also hosts community events and workshops that are great for meeting other local families.

Several major theater chains serve the Richmond metro, with convenient locations in every direction:

• Regal Cinemas — multiple locations including West End (Short Pump/Virginia Center) and Southside (Hull Street and Midlothian areas)
• AMC Theatres — locations in Glen Allen, Midlothian, and Chesterfield
• Bow Tie Cinemas — Movieland at Boulevard Square, Richmond

Family tips: Most chains offer discounted Tuesday and Wednesday matinees. For families on a budget, check for "Family Film" screening specials and sensory-friendly screenings (designed for children on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities). Movie theater gift cards are also easy to pick up on rainy days and keep on hand for future storms.

Hours: Events-based schedule — check thepark.com for upcoming shows

Features: A multi-use entertainment venue featuring bowling, dining, live music, and event hosting. The bowling lanes offer a polished, social atmosphere alongside a full food and drink menu.

Family tips: More of an all-in-one entertainment experience than a traditional bowling alley. Great for families with older kids and teens who want something beyond just a movie or a trampoline park.

Sometimes the best rainy-day plan is no plan at all. Here are some tried-and-true at-home activities that keep kids engaged without leaving the house:

• Build a blanket fort — the classic rainy-day activity. Use couch cushions, blankets, and chairs to create a cozy retreat.
• Bake together — cookies, brownies, or homemade pizza dough are all simple projects that kids can help with at every age.
• Indoor scavenger hunt — create a list of items to find around the house and time the kids. Works for any age.
• Library digital resources — most local libraries offer free access to ebooks, audiobooks, and streaming video through apps like Libby and Hoopla.
• Boredom jars — write activity ideas (draw a picture, do 20 jumping jacks, write a letter to Grandma) on slips of paper and let kids pull one randomly.

Family tips: Keep a "rainy day box" stocked with art supplies, board games, puzzles, and building sets that only come out when the weather turns. The novelty keeps kids much more engaged than the usual toy box.