10 Affordable Family Activities to Keep You on Budget This Weekend
Finding family- and budget-friendly activities can be tough, but living in the heart of Central Virginia gives you access to various affordable (sometimes even free!) things to do. With our focus on community, Village Bank understands the importance of keeping your finances in check while enjoying meaningful time with your family.
Whether you’re looking to explore nature, indulge in a bit of history, or find fun local events, here’s a list of family-friendly activities in the area that you can enjoy without worrying about your budget.
1. Explore Maymont Park in Richmond
Maymont Park (1700 Hampton Street) is perfect for outdoor fun. This sprawling 100-acre estate offers beautiful Japanese and Italian gardens, wildlife exhibits, an animal farm, and even a historic mansion you can tour. Best of all? Entrance to Maymont Park is free. Some exhibits may have a small fee, but the experience is worth every penny.
2. Take the Kids to Short Pump Park in Short Pump
Short Pump Park (3329 Pump Road) is great for families who enjoy playing outside in a relaxing atmosphere. The park features a large splash pad, two playgrounds, several picnic shelters, and even an off-leash dog park if you want to bring the family’s “fur children” too. With no entry or parking fees, Short Pump Park is a great place to spend an afternoon without spending any money.
3. Visit Three Lakes Park and Nature Center in Henrico
Three Lakes Park and Nature Center (400 Sausiluta Drive) is a fantastic outing for budget-conscious families. Take a scenic walk around the lakes, enjoy a picnic at the playground, or, once renovations are complete, explore the many interactive exhibits inside the nature center at no cost. Plan to spend a few hours here while your family learns about local wildlife and the area’s varied ecosystems.
4. Have an Adventure at Powhatan State Park in Powhatan
If yours is a family of outdoor adventurers, Powhatan State Park (4616 Powhatan State Park Road) offers miles of hiking trails for all fitness levels and prime river access so you can get out on the water—for just a $5 parking fee. Spend the day hiking, canoeing, kayaking, find one of the park’s scenic spots to picnic — or just sit by the water and enjoy the scenery. If you’ve got the whole weekend to spare, the park’s full-service and primitive campgrounds offer a low-cost way to enjoy nature.
5. Visit the Ashland Museum in Ashland
Take a trip back in time at the Ashland Museum (105 Hanover Avenue), where you can learn about the history of the “Center of the Universe.” The museum illustrates the town’s past through exhibits detailing Ashland’s connection to the first railroads and its unique place in the Civil War. It’s a laid-back, educational stop that will capture the minds of children and adults alike. While donations are always appreciated, museum admission is free.
6. Explore Robious Landing Park in Midlothian
Robious Landing Park (3800 James River Road) is a place where families can enjoy the beauty of nature along the James River. The park has walking trails, fishing spots, a boat launch, and even paddle-boat rentals. Whether spending a day on the river or having a relaxing picnic on its banks, Robious Landing has no admission or parking fees.
7. Go Biking at Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield
Looking for a budget-friendly family adventure? Pocahontas State Park (10301 State Park Road) is one of the most popular parks in Virginia. With family-friendly biking and hiking trails, canoe rentals, picnic areas, camping, and swimming, this state park keeps you active and within your budget—it’s just $10 per car for parking.
8. Experience History at Henricus Historical Park in Chester
Ever wonder what it was like in the 17th century? You can learn about it by visiting Henricus Historical Park (251 Henricus Park Road). Step back into the 1600s at this living history museum that offers educational programs about the early days of the area’s colonial settlements and other hands-on experiences. Step back in time and engage your children with Virginia’s rich history for $9 for adults (age 13 and up) and $7 for children aged 3 to 12 (kids under 3 are free).
9. Discover the Birth of the Nation at the Jamestown Settlement in Williamsburg
Head to the Williamsburg area for a glimpse into the history of the nation’s first English colonial settlements at the historic Jamestown Settlement (2110 Jamestown Road). Parts of the Colonial Parkway remain closed to local and through traffic for renovations, but the Jamestown Settlement and other historical landmarks throughout Williamsburg remain open.
This insight into how our country started will give you and your family a chance to enjoy the natural beauty and history the Colonial Williamsburg area is known for. Virginia residents can purchase annual, budget-friendly combination passes to Jamestown and the American Revolution Museum for $34 (ages 13 and up) and $17 (ages 6 to 12). Children aged five and under are free.
10. Enjoy the Outdoors at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville
Pole Green Park (8996 Pole Green Park Lane) is a local favorite for families who enjoy spending time outside. Enjoying the park’s amenities is free, from soccer fields and a large playground to seemingly endless walking trails. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon soaking up the Virginia sun.
Village Bank is committed to helping families with everything from financial health to family fun. It’s one of the best ways we know to enrich our communities. Whether you’re exploring its parks or learning about its history, you don’t have to spend a lot to have a lot of fun in our beautiful state.
Contact us or come see us at one of our branches to chat about cutting expenses and money management, open a savings account for your child, or just to say hello. We’re pet-friendly, too, so you can bring everyone—even the furry members of your family!
