Maymont Children’s Farm closing for improvements, not expected to reopen until fall

Guests can still access the estate through the Nature & Visitor Center and Historical Estate (Hampton Street) entrances.

April 14, 2016; 10:03 AM • by Richard Hayes

The Maymont Children’s Farm which surprisingly doesn’t store, feed, and breed children is the destination for many a family desperate for a new activity. I personally spent countless hours there when my daughter was younger and I’m still slightly freaked out by those goats staring at me with those creepy eyes.

Although you’ll still be able to see the animals the loss of the parking will probably be the bigger issue for visitors coming into Maymont.

Press Release:

The Maymont Children’s Farm, including the adjacent parking lot, will close temporarily for renovation and improvements beginning next week. The re-opening date has not been scheduled, but work is expected to continue until this fall. Guests can still access the estate through the Nature & Visitor Center and Historical Estate (Hampton Street) entrances, and the majority of livestock will remain on-site, visible in the farm pastures during the day and spending nights in a temporary shelter.

The Children’s Farm site has not seen major improvements since its relocation from the current Raptor Valley area in 1983. This construction project, part of Maymont’s multi-year Spirit of Generosity capital and endowment campaign, includes renovation of the existing barn, new classrooms, new restrooms, expanded parking and an eco-friendly rain garden for bio-retention that was partly funded by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Since 1975, Maymont has been maintained and operated by the private nonprofit Maymont Foundation. Eighty-seven percent of Maymont’s funding comes from the generosity of private patrons and guests. For more information about the Spirit of Generosity campaign and projects, visit our website or call 804-358-7166, ext. 321.

Image: Maymont