5 Things for Families

I’m not one to break out the clichéd expressions about how hot it is and the humidity and whatever, but that’s only because I’m too busy sitting in front of a giant box fan and can’t hear anyone to have small talk about the weather. Check out these mostly indoor, mostly free options for the coming week.

July 10, 2013; 7:27 AM • by Kelly Gerow

1. Arthur Ashe Birthday Celebration

To celebrate the 70th birthday of the late tennis legend Arthur Ashe, the Science Museum of Virginia will open a special exhibit for a two-week run. The exhibit, which is dedicated to the life and legacy of the Richmond native, is free to the public during regular museum hours.

Thursday, July 11th through Wednesday, July 24th
Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street
Free

2. YummyFun Workshop

I scream, you scream, we all scream for food demos! Join Breyers & Clare Crespo, cookbook author and host of the magical cooking show YummyFun Kooking for a demonstration of creative ice cream recipes. After the workshop, stick around to make your own treats. Also, if you have 15 minutes to fill, get sucked into watching cute clips from the show on her website.

Friday, July 11th, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (workshop starts first; ice cream tasting begins at 3:30 PM)
Children’s Museum of Richmond, 2626 W. Broad Street
Free with regular admission ($7-$8)

3. Grand Opening Weekend at Blue Bee Cider

I scream, you scream, we’re all screaming at each other over the crowds at the tasting room options in town!

To celebrate the grand opening of its tasting room, Blue Bee Cider has a weekend full of food and drink. The tasting room is open on Friday until 7:00 PM, but the Saturday and Sunday events have more room for the whole family. On Saturday, Chef Andy Howell from Camden’s Dogtown Market will roast a pig and sell side dishes, and the Farm Table will be on hand for CSA pickup and sale of meat, produce, cheese, and bread. The Mosaic food truck will be at the tasting room on Sunday, as well as live music from Flight of Salt. Two types of alcoholic cider and juice for the kids will be available for tasting and purchase. Bring chairs and games to enjoy the outdoor space.

Saturday, July 13th and Sunday, July 14th, 12:00 – 6:00 PM
212 W. 6th Street
No cover, food and drink for sale

4. Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic featuring Toy Story

I’m not the best at the house part of owning a home (the owning part I’m great at). But If I had the option to build the spaceship from E.T. or Troy’s bucket from the Goonies on a Saturday morning at Lowe’s, it might have made me better at doing home improvement projects around my house. Learn from my mistakes–take your kid to build the Pizza Planet truck from Toy Story this weekend, and you may plant the seed that grows into the tree that fixes your roof when you’re too old to do it yourself.

Saturday, July 13th at 10:00 AM and Sunday, July 14th at 2:00 PM
Richmond-area Lowes (check website for locations and registration)
Free (and includes an apron, goggles, and more)

5. Free swimming lessons at Richmond pools

You know that huge river we have in the middle of the city? It’s beautiful, but it’s strong and dangerous, and it’s best to know how to swim and other basics of water safety before spending time there. Safety first, Instagram posts second.

This summer the City of Richmond is offering free swimming lessons at all nine pools. The lessons, conducted by American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors, are for non-swimmers ages five and older. The first round of morning and evening lessons for the 5-12 set begins on July 22nd, with a second session starting on August 12th. Evening classes for 13 and older start on August 9th. Each class meets four times. Advance registration is required, so add that to your to-do list this weekend.