5 Things for Families

Snow, schmow! Don’t let this blip of winter weather keep you and the family from enjoying what Richmond has to offer over the next few days. Bundle up and head out! Just please drive safely.

January 22, 2014; 6:48 AM • by Valerie Catrow

1. Read 2 Rover

Well, this is adorable. Early (and/or struggling) readers are invited to come practice their skills with therapy dogs, the cuddliest and most patient of audiences. No registration is required, so just come on by!

Wednesday, January 22nd • 6:30 – 7:30 PM and Monday, January 27th • 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Clover Hill Library on the 22nd, 6701 Deer Run Road ; Chester Library on the 27th, 11800 Centre Street
Free!

2. University of Richmond Basketball

You’ve got two chances to see the Richmond Spiders do their thang this week: first against No. 13 UMass tonight, and then against Saint Joseph’s this weekend. If you’re not sure which game is best to bring your kids to, please consider these words of wisdom from my source for all things sports:

“I mean, Saint Joe’s ain’t no slouch, but the UMass game will be a much more intense sports experience.”

So there you go.

UMass on Wednesday, January 22nd • 7:00 PM and Saint Joseph’s on Saturday, January 25th • 4:00 PM
Robins Center, University of Richmond
See website for ticket info

3. Lunar New Year at CMoR

The Children’s Museum of Richmond will host an all-day celebration of the Lunar New Year (which begins on January 31st) with traditional Chinese erhu music by Albert Lee; a Lion Dance performance by the Richmond Chinese School; dumpling-making by the Organization of Chinese Americans; and a whole lot more. That’s getting the Year of the Horse off to a good start, I’d say.

Saturday, January 25th • 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Children’s Museum of Richmond – Central, 2626 W. Broad Street
Free with museum admission ($8; free for members or visitors under 1)

4. Discounted Admission at Lewis Ginter

It’s Winter Special time at Lewis Ginter! Now through February 23rd, you can take a nice, long mosey around the City’s most beautiful spots for half the regular price. Sure it’s a little chilly out, but it looks like the sun will be making an appearance come the weekend–perfect weather to run those kids ragged in the Children’s Garden.

Open daily • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue
$5 for adults, $4 for seniors and kids 3 to 12 (members and kids under 3 are free) – price discount runs through February 23rd

5. Vassar Family Singers

Even if old time/bluegrass gospel isn’t your typical cup of tea, I’m positive you and your family will still fall in love with Antonia Vassar as soon as you hear that magnificent voice come out of her tiny, accordion-wielding body. Yes, accordion. See? You’re already smitten, and you haven’t even gotten to the show yet. Plus, any opportunity to expose the kiddos to something that’s not the soundtrack to Frozen¹ must be seized.