5 Things for Families

Father’s Day is this Sunday, and while parenting issues have the habit of being more mom-centric than dad-o-mated, that doesn’t mean that we can’t make the same fuss over the papas in our lives.

June 12, 2013; 6:51 AM • by Kelly Gerow

1. Summer Reading Kickoff

Summer reading is probably the best kind of reading. My parents carted me and my siblings all over America in a minivan, and I remember those trips mostly by what books I refused to stop reading while they got out to look at landmarks. Get pumped up to spend quality time vacationing with some good stories by visiting select libraries on Saturday for the Summer Reading Kickoff. Register for books and enjoy storytelling, games, shows from Jonathan the Juggler, and even get your bike fixed at the North Avenue branch (courtesy of Books on Wheels). The Richmond Public Schools summer reading list is available here.

• Saturday, June 15th
• Richmond Public Libraries, check website for times and participating locations
• Free!

2. Familypalooza

Families that get fit together have better success keeping up those healthy habits (this is a science fact that I read in a magazine). Get tips, talk with pediatricians, have a free health screening (for adults and kids three and older), watch a cooking demo, and let your kids go nuts watching a helicopter land. Speaking of nuts, Familypalooza also has a dance-off between local mascots, the Flying Squirrel’s Nutzy included, and maybe Marty, a plush cashier from Martin’s who likes to tell all the customers how much he’s looking forward to not working (I made that last one up, but feel free to use it).

• Saturday, June 15th • 10:00 AM — 2:00 PM
• Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street
• Free!

3. City pools open

The City of Richmond isn’t fancy. But we have a lot of free pools, so you can keep your Whole Foods and whatever, Counties!

• Saturday, June 15th • 1:00 PM (regular hours are 1:00 – 4:00 PM for open swim and 5:00 – 8:00 PM for family swim)
• Check website for pool locations
• Free!

4. Father’s Day at Colonial Downs

Some dads are so laid back that you can just present a card at any event and call it a Father’s Day gift (mine would be happy if I took him to Lowe’s). Put some effort into it this year and take in an ostrich or camel race at Colonial Downs. There will be horses, too, but OSTRICHES? New Father’s Day tradition for sure. Pre-register kids aged 6-9 for a Junior Derby, or don’t do anything but look at the photo on the Colonial Downs website of kids running a Junior Derby. Because it’s great. Kids can also run the track after the races are done for the day.

• Sunday, June 16th • 12:55 PM post time (gates open at 11:55 AM)
• Colonial Downs, 10515 Colonial Downs Parkway (New Kent)
• $3 (Family Four Pack for $18 includes four hot dogs, four soft drinks, and two coloring books)

5. Girls of Summer

For the third year local authors Meg Medina and Gigi Amateau will present a list of recommended summer reads featuring strong female leads. In addition to the list unveiling, writers Jeri Watts and Kristen-Paige Madonia will lead a book talk. Interested readers of all ages are invited to join in the discussion. Bring a chair and enjoy refreshments in the library park and be prepared to quickly write down a bunch of book titles.

• Tuesday, June 18th • 7:00 – 9:00 PM
• Richmond Public Main Library, 101 E. Franklin Street
• Free!

Photo by: teachernz

June 12, 2013 6:51 AM 1