5 Things for Families

Because I mentioned the State Fair of Virginia last week, I won’t take up a spot for it this time and will let some proper Richmond events get highlighted.

October 2, 2013; 6:42 AM • by Kelly Gerow

Based on my personal experience of the State Fair last weekend, I will from now on judge all events based on the probability that one could pet a 13-day-old baby pig. I call it the “Best Day Ever Test,” and all of these events fail. Luckily, there are other redeeming factors.

1. First Friday Samplers

The First Friday’s Samplers workshops at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond are a great way to explore different methods to create art, and some workshops are open to kids as young as 12. Registration starts at 5:30 PM, so get there early to get your hands on powder coating, clay handbuilding, and screen printing.

Friday, October 4th • 5:30 – 8:30 PM
Visual Arts Center of Richmond, 1812 W. Main Street
$5- $20 per workshop

2. Movies in the Park: Wreck-It Ralph

The last Movies in the Park of the year is Wreck-It Ralph, which is possibly more fun for adults and our superior knowledge of the last few decades of video games. Bring the kids anyway.

Friday, October 4th • 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Byrd Park, 600 S. Boulevard
Free

3. Habitat Day Backyard Game Competition

Teams of four will compete in bocce ball, volleyball, an egg toss, and other games to support the Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity. Sign up individually or as a team, but non-participants can attend and enjoy food trucks, a kids’ tent, moon bounces, and watching the games.

Saturday, October 5th • 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
American Civil War Center, 500 Tredegar Street
Free to attend; $15 to register for games

4. 8th Annual Touch a Truck

Three years ago, I would have read that something called “Touch a Truck” exists and rolled my eyes at the dumb things that people go to. But now that I have an almost three-year-old I immediately thought “WHAT IS THIS AMAZING EVENT?,” because small children love vehicles and parents and guardians love to keep them happy by taking them to places where they can put their grimy hands all over objects. Among the things that can be touched are trucks and heavy machinery, and some of the people who drive them. The event also includes games, inflatables, and local mascots.

Saturday, October 5th • 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Richmond International Raceway, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue
$5

5. The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror

The Byrd is screening three episodes of “The Simpsons” Treehouse of Horror Halloween specials. The proceeds benefit the Ron “Otto” Matthews Memorial Fund at the Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad, which relies on donations for its operations. A string of Simpsons episodes on the big screen to raise money is also one of the best ideas I’ve ever heard. Possibly as delightful as a baby pig.