Let’s face it – when you have kids, things get more expensive. Dinners out, any type of outing, going to the park – sometimes you get the feeling as though you need to own your own never-ending bank to be able to afford a day out at the amusement park or dinner and a movie for four.
One of the things that I love the most about living in central Virginia is the fact that I’m literally just a couple of hours from anything I could possibly imagine to do with my family. From the beach to the mountains and everything in between, living in Richmond has its perks.
I’ve put together a list of items that you can do with your family that won’t break the bank and still allow you to have fun.
VIRGINIA ZOO is located at 3500 Granby Street in Norfolk, VA, the Virginia Zoo offers you a fun-filled days interacting with the animals, soaking up the beautiful horticulture throughout the zoo, and checking out the adorable baby animals. When you need to take a break and get something to eat there is the African Village Cafe, The Barnyard Beastro, Dippin’ Dots and the Snack Shack. (sorry, no outside food or drink allowed in the park). If you get hot and need to cool off – slip on those bathing suits and have a romp through the fountain at the Water Plaza or just watch your kids squeal with delight.
Admission Fee: Adults (age 12-59) $11 each, Children (ages 2-11) $9 each, Seniors (age 62+) military or AAA members $10 each. Children under 2 are FREE as well as Virginia Zoo Members, Norfolk College Students (with a valid student ID), and individuals with ADA-Recognized disability and one companion all admitted free.
BOWL AMERICA SUMMER BLAST PASS – students from kindergarten to Grade 12 are entitled to not one, but two FREE games of bowling seven days a week – all summer long at any of Bowl America’s 18 locations! You must register online for your Summer Blast Pass. Every Monday beginning June 1, 2015 thru September 7, 2015, you’ll receive an email with your pass good for that week. Print it out, bring it in, and bowl! (students must present their original final 2014-2015 school year report card at time of redemption. No photocopies or duplications accepted and offer is limited to the student whose name is on the report card.)
Parents Can Join In On The Fun Too! – Mom and Dad receive one free game when accompanied by a registered Summer Blast Pass child.
Offers valid for open play only when lanes are available which varies by location. Not good for league, tournament, Cosmic Bowling or organized groups. Rental shoes not included.
Register online here and check the website for participating Bowl America locations.
CAPE HENRY LIGHTHOUSE – located at 583 Atlantic Avenue in Fort Story, VA, is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in the United States. It stands near the First Landing site of the Jamestown settlers, and was authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton and completed in 1792. The construction of the lighthouse was one of the first acts of the newly formed Federal government. The Cape Henry Lighthouse was actively used for nearly a century before being replaced by a new cast iron lighthouse still standing nearby. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
Note to Our Visitors: The Cape Henry Lighthouse is located within Fort Story military base. To visit the lighthouse, you must pass through the security gates of Fort Story at 89th Street and Atlantic Avenue. Please have identification including a picture with you for all visitors aged 16 years or older. This ID should be a student or state or Federal issued ID card. Proof of vehicle insurance and current vehicle registration is also required for admission to Fort Story Military Base.
Admission Fee: Adults 13 and over: $8, Admission for Military, AAA, Seniors: $7, Children 12 and under: $6, Adult Group $5 (call for info), Youth Group: $5 (must be 42 inches tall, call for info). Telephone (757) 422-9421 or email capehenry@preservationvirginia.org.
VIRGINIA SPORTS HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM – Located at 206 High Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia. Since 1972, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum has honored Virginia’s contributions to the world of sports as the Commonwealth’s official hall of fame. A living, breathing example of the competitive spirit with a state-of-the-art facility reflecting, telling, and re-telling the stories that sports legends are made of.
Summer Hours are 10 am to 5 pm Monday – Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm -5pm. Call (757) 393-8031 for more information or email them at vogta@vshfm.com.
Admission Fee: $7 (Members Free) per person; $6 military; $6 seniors 65 and older and free for ages 2 and under. Parking is located behind the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum in the Middle Street Parking Garage. FREE parking is available on weekends and after 6 p.m. on weekdays.
SKATE-A-WAY MIDLOTHIAN – located at 3330 Speeks Drive in Midlothian, VA, Skate-A-Way is family owned and operated roller skating rink in Midlothian that caters to families by providing year-round family fun in a clean, safe environment. They have many times and programs available.
Summer Event Only
Open Skate – Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday from 1PM to 4PM for $5 admission + rentals
12 and Under Open Skate – Tuesday 9AM to 11:30AM for $5 admission + rentals
$3 Night – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30PM to 8:30PM – $3 admission + rentals
Call (804) 674-5070 for more information or visit their Special Skate Times section on the website.
REGAL CINEMA SUMMER $1 MOVIE EXPRESS – what better way to beat the heat then to pop in to your local Regal Cinema and catch a family friendly movie and bond with your kids over some giggles and shenanigans? For just $1 each, you can enjoy one (or all) of this season’s Summer Movie Express lineup every Tuesday and Wednesday beginning at 10AM on the dates listed. A portion of all proceeds go to the Will Rogers Institute. Check your local theaters times and listings.
Week 1
June 16 – Nut Job
June 17 – Annie
Week 2
June 23 – Earth to Echo
June 24 – Boxtrolls
Week 3
June 30 – Paddington
July 1 – Turbo
Week 4
July 7 – Rio 2
July 8 – How To Train Your Dragon 2
Week 5
July 14 – Mr. Peabody
July 15 – Book of Life
Week 6
July 21 – Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
July 22 – Penguins of Madagascar
Week 7
July 28 – Madagascar 3
July 29 – Dolphin Tale 2
Week 8
August 4 – Muppets, Most Wanted
August 5 – Alexander and the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Week 9
August 11 – The Lego Movie
August 12 – The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water
So there you have it! Some of our favorite ways to enjoy summer as a family without breaking the bank! Leave a comment below and tell us what Richmond on the Cheap family fun you’ve found and share with our readers!
Remember tonight begins Week 2 of our Summer Family Fun Linky Party! If you’re a blogger, stop by and link up your posts showcasing how your family does “summer family fun” and if you’re one of our beloved readers – share a blog post you’ve saved on summer family fun, or an article with tips on saving money during the summer, whatever you’d like! Begins at 8PM EST right here! See you then!
I don't find words to express my thanks to you.