5 Things for Families

Some indoor/outdoor, mom/non-mom activities for the week.

May 8, 2013; 7:04 AM • by Kelly Gerow

Some indoor/outdoor, mom and non-mom activities for the week.

1. Food Truck Court at Chesterfield Towne Center

I’m from Richmond, and like most people who say they are from Richmond, what I mean is that I lived in Chesterfield County for a huge chunk of my childhood. While I’m happy that Chesterfield gets to share in the Food Truck Court love–and I think it’s good for all those “back home,”–it’s still a little strange that it takes place at the Mall of My Youth. But, looking at the list of current and past trucks, it’s probably worth trying it out even if you might run into someone from high school.

Wednesdays, now through September 22nd, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Chesterfield Towne Center, 11500 Midlothian Turnpike
Cost varies by vendor

2. Cap2Cap Ride

The Cap2Cap Ride bike routes between Richmond and Williamsburg include a century (100 miles) and half century (50 miles), and also more leisurely 25 and 15-mile rides. The 15-mile ride is on the Jamestown section of the Virginia Capital Trail (the other routes are on the road). All but the 15-mile course have reduced rates for riders under 17.

May 11th
Richmond to Williamsburg (see website for routes and start times)
$40 to $85 on Ride Day (reduced rates until May 9th)

3. Strawberry Street Festival

The 34th Annual Strawberry Street Festival benefits William Fox Elementary School and offers a family-friendly fun time with food, an auction, music, games, rides, and as the name suggests, streets. I mean, strawberries.

May 11th from 12:00 – 4:30 PM
2300 Hanover Avenue
Free (but this is a fundraiser, so keep that in mind)

4. Music in the Park

Forest Hill Park’s music series opens the season with a Mother’s Day Square Dancing Blowout featuring the Beer Ticks with special guests Gene and Gayla. Enjoy some old-timey Americana music and maybe dance a bit. If you haven’t been to this event, bring a blanket and some refreshments and meet and/or stare at the good neighbors of Hills and Heights.

May 11th, 6:00 — 8:00 PM
Forest Hill Park, 4021 Forest Hill Avenue (in front of the Stone House)
Free

5. Hang out with your Mom

According to everyone who isn’t your mom, your mom likes the following things: brunch, flowers, gold bracelets on which to hang Pittsburgh Steelers charms, chocolate, and smart phones. But what’s better than the gift of time well spent learning about Richmond (other than this)?

One of the best Richmond outings I have had with my mom was with the Court End Passport. For $10 the passport gives admission (valid for one visit each and good for a year) to the John Marshall House, Valentine Richmond History Center (including the sculpture studio and the Wickham House), and the Black History Museum and Culture Center of Virginia. The places we visited with the pass were informative and entertaining (the house tours were especially charming) and while a lot can be done during one day, it’s a small gift that says “Hey, ma, I’ll do the other museums with you later this year.” Get addresses, times, and more details here.

Or, if you have kids, just get her to babysit while you go out to brunch. She might like that, too.

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