5 Things for Families

It’s hard to find things to do this time of year that don’t involve people in zombie makeup jumping from behind trash cans and trees to scare you. If that’s not your thing (and if it is, what is wrong with you?) here are some picks to keep you otherwise occupied and entertained.

October 16, 2013; 6:51 AM • by Kelly Gerow

1. HandsOn Day 2013

HandsOn Greater Richmond could not make it any easier to volunteer for their 6th annual service event, with over 50 projects supporting organizations throughout the city. Register online for a morning of volunteer work, and search projects by age if you have children helping out (children need to be registered, too). Registration for events closes at 9:00 AM on Friday the 18th. Celebrate a morning well spent at the after party at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery (2408 Ownby Lane) from 1:30 – 3:30 PM with family activities, music, food trucks, beverages, and more.

Saturday, October 19th • 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Various locations
Free

2. Robot Rumble

Virginia First, a non-profit that supports youth involvement in science and technology, brings the Robot Rumble to Richmond. High school teams are given six weeks to design, build, and modify robots (the students are provided the robot parts, but no plans or instructions), and during the Robot Rumble, the teams test and show off their robots. These robots or the kids will be in charge of us eventually, so prepare yourself by getting to know more about them this weekend.

Saturday, October 19th • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Arthur Ashe Athletic Center, 3001 N. Boulevard
Free

3. Scarecrow Storytime: Caws and Effect

Scarecrow Storytime, for kids ages six through 10, has folk stories about scarecrows and other harvest-themed creatures. While at Agecroft Hall, take a look at the Scarecrow exhibit and competition, and cast a vote for the best scarecrow made by area non-profits and schools (each vote counts as $1 toward the organization that made the scarecrow).

Saturday, October 19th • 10:00 – 11:45 AM
Agecroft Hall and Gardens, 4305 Sulgrave Road
$4

4. Country on Mayo

Hooray for the return of concerts on Mayo Island! Country on Mayo is a day-long musical festival featuring country music acts Ross Coppley, Old Dominion, Angie Johnson, headliner Brett Eldredge, and more. In addition to the music, Country on Mayo will have food, drinks, and a video game truck (a huge van with multiple game consoles and surround sound), which is where you can find your kids after the show.

Saturday, October 19th • 12:30 – 8:30 PM
Mayo Island, 501 S. 14th Street
$15-$25, kids 12 and under are free

5. Family Arts Celebration Day featuring Dan Zanes and Elizabeth Mitchell

Catch Dan Zanes and Elizabeth Mitchell in concert as part of the Family Arts Celebration Day. Both are known for their takes on traditional folk and roots music (and former Ida member Mitchell changed my mind in favor of kid’s music needing to be a thing with her pretty cover of Velvet Underground’s “What Goes On”). The celebration will also have food, art projects, activity tables, and more.