5 Things for Families

Having the mid-July blues because you think that summer is basically over? Don’t pull out the sweaters just yet, there’s still plenty to do.

July 17, 2013; 6:58 AM • by Kelly Gerow

Having the mid-July blues because you think that summer is basically over? Don’t pull out the sweaters just yet. Shake it off and head out to the gardens, take in some local history and summer fruit, or watch Thor fight the Green Goblin. Because that’s how we do summer and summer isn’t over until I say it is.

Note: I agree with most people that summer ends sometime in September.

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1. Flowers after Five

This summer event at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens offers a few extra hours to sit at the water play area and hope that your cold, wet child wants to hug you (an easy way to cool down). Or, even better, stroll over and enjoy food, wine, and music at the Bloemendaal House. This week: South American wine and music by Bruce Ewan. Flowers After Five runs through August 29.

• Thursday, July 18th, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
• Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue
• $7-11 (free for members)

2. The Amazing Spider-Man/Spider-Man and Friends

The love that my child has for Spider-Man baffles me, as she’s never seen the cartoon, the movies, comic books, or the Broadway play. Basically, her devotion to Peter Parker comes from T-shirts she’s seen at day care. Kids love Spider-Man, and all weekend they can show it. The Amazing Spider-Man (PG-13), last summer’s Spidey adventure, plays this Friday as part of the City of Richmond’s Movies in the Park series. Spider-Man and Friends–a live show that features Spider-Man, Thor, the Hulk, and Iron Man versus the Green Goblin–runs at two CMoR locations. Spider-Man and Friends is not appropriate for children three and younger.

Amazing Spider-Man:

• Friday, July 19th, 7:30 – 10:30 PM (movie starts at 8:30 PM)
• Hotchkiss Field, 701 E. Brookland Park Boulevard
• Free

Spider-Man and Friends:

• Saturday, July 20th and Sunday, July 21st at 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM
• Children’s Museum of Richmond, 2626 W. Broad Street (Saturday) and 6629 Lake Harbour Drive (Sunday)
• $7-8 (free for members)

3. Shockoe Tomato Festival

I’m so spoiled by the delicious tomatoes we get during the summer that I refuse to eat them any other time of year. If you’re like me, use this Saturday to eat enough tomatoes to make up for the other nine months of tasteless, mushy offerings. This festival will also feature artisans, vendors, crafters, and other produce in addition to prepared treats like salsa, BLFGT (bacon, lettuce, and fried green tomato sandwiches), and tomato pies.

• Saturday, July 20th, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• 17th St. Farmers’ Market, 100 N. 17th Street
• Free

4. Great Open Jump

Pump It Up, an indoor inflatable playland, is host to the Great Open Jump, a benefit for Autism Speaks. Jump, slide, and play, and enter to win free pizza for a year from Papa John’s and Flying Squirrels’ tickets. And maybe a certain Flying Squirrel will make an appearance? All proceeds go to Autism Speaks. Contact Pump It Up for more information about a Sensory Night that is more geared towards children with autism.

• Wednesday, July 24th, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
• Pump It Up, 11531 Hull Street
• $5

5. River City Segs

A typical Richmond dilemma: you’re too hot to want to walk, but you still want walking-tour style history. OK, this isn’t a problem that anyone has, but it doesn’t mean the solution isn’t solid. Hop on a segway with River City Segs and learn about local history, art, or just how it feels to ride around town on a segway (don’t worry–you’ll be taught how first). The routes for the Hollywood Cemetery and Church Hill tours are shady, and morning tours are available for a cooler experience. Must be at least 14 years old to ride.

• 1805 E. Grace Street
• $39 for one hour, $59 for two hours

Photo by: biberfan

July 17, 2013 6:58 AM 0