9 Best Family Memberships in and around Richmond, VA
Whether you are new to the parenting game, a seasoned pro of multiple kids, a grandparent looking for a great gift option or trying to change up your family friendly kid focused outings in and around Richmond, Virginia - this list has the best family memberships in RVA to get you and your family out and about in the best city to raise a family!
9 of the Best Family Memberships in and around Richmond VA
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Lewis Ginter is a year round destination that my family NEVER tires of. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden offers year-round beauty on a historic property with more than 50 acres of spectacular gardens. But the gem for families is the children’s garden.
Lewis Ginter provides single and double strollers available for use as well! A must see exhibition at Lewis Ginter is the Butterflies LIVE, where you can get up close to various types of butterflies, ask questions, and complete children’s activities while in the conservatory.
The Children’s Garden is packed with interactive exhibits like water play splash pad (which is getting a makeover in 2023!), sand play, tree house, farm garden where children can water plants and flowers, International Village which boasts 3 playhouses, an open-air activity center which has books, a doll house, hula hoops, chalk, and blocks, and another playhouse!
The Children’s Garden staff at Lewis Ginter have interactive lessons complete with stories and activities as well!
These are just the main children’s garden highlights there are still many other areas of Lewis Ginter like the rose garden and trails. There are so many wonderful spots to lay out a blanket and sit and take in the beautiful flowers. Lewis Ginter has events year-round - the popular Garden Fest of Lights is a hit for families as well as concerts too!
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Family Membership Cost
The family membership at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is 135$ for the year. With this family membership you can bring 2 adults and up to 6 kids with you to Lewis Ginter daily. You receive discounts on classes, camps, and in the shop. If you are a full-time educator or military, the family membership price drops to $115. If you have a membership to Lewis Ginter, you can visit any of the 300 other botanical gardens in the U.S. while traveling!
2. Romp N Roll - 2 locations Midlothian & West End
Romp N Roll was founded by Richmond based couple and has two locations: Midlothian and West End. Romp N Roll is packed with exciting ways for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers to play and learn.
Romp N Roll has gym, art, and music classes stretch kids' minds by exercising their bodies and imaginations. Depending on the age of your child, there are parent inclusive classes or independent classes. This gives parents the option to go run errands or sit in the lobby and have some quiet! Romp N Roll does a great job of having a jam packed schedule with tons of class time options each day which allows you to really make the most of your membership.
It's the perfect place for kids to have fun, socialize, and burn off energy in a safe environment.
Romp N Roll Family Membership Cost:
Romp N Roll has various options for family memberships depending on how often you and your family would like to come play! Your family can select from 4 classes per month, 8 classes per month, or unlimited classes per month. We loved the unlimited option when our family was at Romp N Roll because of the variety of classes there was something the boys enjoyed doing! For children who do not attend preschool, this is a great way to give structure and routine to their (and your) week! Month to Month gives you flexibility to not lock into a full year but is a tad more expensive. Annual memberships that are paid monthly are 165 per month. If you know you will love Romp N Roll, you can also pay in full and save money.
Be sure to watch Romp N Rolls social media pages as they do offer discounts to new members. Especially around Black Friday, there tend to be great deals on class packages and memberships. Be sure to try a free class before you commit to be sure your family loves Romp N Roll!
3. Art Factory
Located in Midlothian, right off of 288 the Art Factory is perfect for families. While there is not a traditional membership option, Art Factory does offer a punch card which is 65.00 for 10 visits to the Play Space.
The play space is a small contained room with a large wooden play structure for 3-5 year olds, and a smaller wooden play area for 2 and under. The area is carpeted and has mats to be sure its safe and comfortable for little ones.
Parents can enjoy a delicious coffee and meal while children play. You will find parents chatting for play dates or working while their children enjoy the play equipment.
Punch cards are a great way to pay a flat rate ahead of time and use! The play space was a family favorite for us during the winter months especially to meet up with friends when my children were younger.
4. Childrens Museum of Richmond
A long time favorite of Richmond parents, Children’s Museum of Richmond currently has two locations: downtown and Chesterfield. Children’s Museum has high-quality early learning experiences for children and their caregivers. The Museum environment encourages serve and return conversations between caregiver and child, which are integral to the development of early literacy and social-emotional skills.
Art studio, light bright walls, a merry go round at the downtown location, imaginative play, tree house complete with slide, and a service station are just some of the interactive exhibits that your child is going to LOVE! Best of all, your membership gives you access to both locations to change up the scenery! You can see more of the exhibits here.
In addition to the everyday fun at the Children's Museum of Richmond, season activity and longtime Richmond favorite Legendary Santa comes every holiday season.
The Children’s Museum of Richmond has exhibits that are specifically designed for children 0-8 years old. Each location also has open play areas and a great line of sight for parents who may need to sit for a moment but still be able to see their child.
Children’s Museum of Richmond Family Membership Cost:
A Family Membership to Children’s Museum of Richmond is 149$ annually provides unlimited admissions for 2 legal guardians and up to 6 children in the same household. You receive discounts from gift shops and birthday parties as well.
If you have a family membership to the Children’s Museum of Richmond, you can visit 200 other museums in the US and Canada for a discount! 200 museums participate in the network and reciprocate 50% off general admission for up to six (6) people. The card holder must be present for discounted admission. Find the list of these museums here.
5. Science Museum of Virginia
The Science Museum of Virginia features four floors of interactive labs, awesome artifacts, hundreds of hands-on experiences and both permanent exhibitions and touring exhibitions from around the world to amaze and inspire you!
You must visit the Dome at Science Museum of Virginia. It is the largest screen in Virginia and provides guests with the ultimate "you are there" experience. The Art lab is a awesome space for children of all ages create with provided materials. The animal lab is always a hit with snakes, turtles, tarantula and more!
A year of free regular exhibit admission as well as guest passes for friends, dome passes, exclusive preview days for traveling exhibitions, discounts at the gift shop, summer camp and special events and access to STEM digital content too!
The real gem for families at the Science Museum of Virginia is the light place - a interactive play area in the basement for ages 5 and below. If you go during the week to the light place, chances are you may have the Light Place to yourself! Its a huge open space packed with a climbing structure, books, light play, magnets, comfortable seating and puzzles. There is a separate play area for babies as well as comfortable seating for nursing mothers.
When the weather is good, head outside to check out the trains, play life size chess, and run!
Science Museum of Virginia Membership Cost
The membership option for Science Museum of Virginia really depends on your family size. The Pulsar menbership is best for 1 adult and 1 child at 110$ annually. Supernova membership is 160$ annually and best for 2 afults and unlimited children under 18 years of age in the same household.
6. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is open 365 days a year. Maybe you are thinking that taking your children to the VMFA would be a total disaster, but hear me out! Parents can visit the ever-changing exhibitions for a date night, and you can go with you children to access the amazing early childhood classes available.
Friday art night provides families a chance to learn and make art with your child. These are recommended for ages 5-12 and members get a discount.
In the VMFA’s Early Childhood Education programs, infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children discover the world around them through playing, singing, exploring, and creating. Held throughout VMFA’s campus, these programs supports a child’s natural sense of wonder and curiosity, and promote self-expression and social development. There are classes for 3-14 month olds and for 15-30 month olds! Preschoolers have their own class options for 2-5 year olds! These provide a age-appropriate way to experience the exhibits through tours and stories as well as play and art.
Open studio Sunday is available for families as well and recommended for all ages of children. There is a art activity inspired by a object in the VMFA collection.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Family Membership Cost
The family membership option at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is 105$ for the year and includes unlimited visits for two adults and all children in the household under 18, free parking, discounts at the shop and cafe, discounts on classes and programs and access to early previews and members only hours in the museum.
7. Metro Richmond Zoo
Virginia's Largest Zoological Park is nestled right here in Richmond VA and is a must stop destination for families. The Metro Richmond Zoo is home to 2,000 animals representing 190 species from around the world. The zoo is situated on 150 acres of land and located in Moseley, VA.
Purchasing a treat cup and a budgie stick is an absolute must allowing you to interact with the animals and get up close and personal.
The children’s petting area is a great way for your little one to feed and pet goats, sheep, and llamas. Even the youngest of children can feed animals in this area.
The Safari train ride is so educational and also a great way to take a break from all of the walking especially on a hot day. The sky lift is also a fun way to see the zoo from above! The carousel is a Smith family favorite and my children run directly to this upon entering the zoo every time without fail. If it’s been a while since you have visited the Metro Richmond Zoo, be prepared to allow your children to ride the Penguin Falls Drop Tower ride.
The zoo is full of so many opportunities to learn more about the animals through keeper talks too! The zoo can get crowded during summer and school breaks, but I personally love the Metro Richmond Zoo the most during spring and fall!
Metro Richmond Zoo Membership Cost
The Metro Richmond Zoo membership includes unlimited visits for 1 year, unlimited rides for 1 year, discounts on the zoofari zip line experience and courses, discounts on camps (which are rave worthy!!), discount at the gift shop and food!
The Metro Richmond Zoo pays for itself in 3 visits and chances are you will go far more often than that.
8. Maymont
You may be wondering why Maymont is on this list, since it is free to wander the beautiful space for all. Maymont's 100 acres are open daily for you to enjoy. This includes the grounds, gardens, farm and outdoor wildlife habitats. Hours for The Robins Nature Center and Maymont Mansion which was originally owned by the Dooley family.
Roam the Italian garden, Japanese Garden, the arboretum, speciality gardens, spend a ton of time in the children’s farm and playground, and be sure to stop by and see if you can spot the bear! Maymont is home to hundreds of animals including mighty black bears, iconic American bald eagles, playful river otters and friendly goats.
Why Do I need a membership to Maymont? Maymont Membership Cost
Maymont members receive free admission all year at The Robins Nature Center. Members also received free admission to the Maymont Mansion, all events and festivals and discounts on special events, summer camps, and the family favorite toddler time classes. You will also receive free admission to 345 other gardens in the US!
A family membership to Maymont is 60$ for an entire year, so depending on your family size may pay for itself in just one visit to the nature center!
9. Sky Zone Richmond
You may not have thought about a membership to Sky Zone, but especially during the winter months, this could be a game changer! Families with children who are in different developmental stages would benefit most from this family membership. Older children would have just as much fun as younger toddlers at this membership option which is hard to accomplish.
Sky Zone Richmond Membership Cost
There are 3 membership options ranging from 14 dollars a month to 34 dollars a month. Minimum 3 month commitment required for memberships.
The more expensive membership options do come with some perks that are hard to miss - like glow jump and birthday party savings.
Discounts on Family Memberships in Richmond Virginia:
The Children's Museum, Maymont, Science Museum of Virginia, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden & Virginia Museum of Fine Arts all participate in Museums for All. Beginning Monday, July 15, 2019 guests who present their SNAP EBT card, EBT App, or WIC card will receive $2 admission for up to 6 individuals.
Children’s Museum of Richmond - For families with a household income of less than $35,000 per year (or under $40,000 per year for Chesterfield County residents), please click the button below to learn more about our Scholarship Memberships.
A yearlong VMFA Family Membership for a household, comprising one or two adults and children who are all under age 18 will cost $5 for Museums for All participants and will include the same member benefits as those listed under the museum’s General membership levels.
Commonwealth of Virginia Employees and Active-Duty Military are eligible for a special $60 Dual or Family membership. Please visit the Visitor Services desk with a valid ID to receive discount.Teachers and Out of Town Residents (60 miles outside of Richmond) may receive a $10 discount on any membership level except student level (one discount per membership)
Richmond, Virginia, offers a wealth of family-friendly activities, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for all ages. From cultural and artistic explorations to outdoor adventures, the city caters to diverse interests. Families can immerse themselves in the world of art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, where interactive exhibits engage both young and old. With a variety of family memberships available at these venues, Richmond, VA, ensures that families have access to an array of engaging and entertaining activities.
