5 Things for Families

The ol’ temps are supposed to creep back up into the 40s and 50s this weekend, so get on out and do stuff before Old Man Winter settles in on his icy cold duff and makes us all miserable.

November 19, 2014; 7:18 AM • by Valerie Catrow

1. Stony Point Fashion Park’s Outdoor Skating Rink

Apparently this started up for the season almost two weeks ago, but I somehow missed it. I’m a sorry excuse for a Richmond Family Events Czar,¹ aren’t I? Anyway, enjoy Stony Point’s lovely outdoor skating rink as you take a break from your holiday shopping–and be sure to stick around for the hourly animated light shows at the Community Tree, starting at 5:00 PM.

Open most afternoons/evenings through January 4th • see website for dates and hours
Stony Point Fashion Park, 9200 Stony Point Parkway
$5

2. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens

Visit Santa’s workshop, sneak a peek at some penguins doing their thang(s), maybe take in a live show or two. Yes, I know Busch Gardens is like an hour away, and it feels like it costs about a barfrillion dollars (more on that below)…but ’tis the season, etc. etc. So load the kids up in the car, and get your sweet bippies down to Williamsburg for some fine holiday fun.

Open select days from November 21st through December 31st • see website for hours
Busch Gardens, 1 Busch Gardens Boulevard (in Williamsburg)
$27 for a single day ticket, but they always have some kinda special pricing package going on, so check the website for details

3. InLight

Enjoy 1708 Gallery’s evening of light-based art and performances² right in Monroe Park–a space chosen due to the “energy and attention [that] are currently being directed towards the park as the community contemplates and considers its future role in the city.” They’ll kick things off with the Community Lantern Parade, so if you haven’t made yours yet, 1708 has all kinds of resources up on their website, or you can show up starting at 6:00 PM on Friday to make one on-site.

Friday, November 21st • 7:00 PM — midnight (Parade begins at 7:30 PM)
Monroe Park, 620 W. Main Street
Free

4. LEGO My Library

Two hours to build, chat with other LEGO enthusiasts, and even shoot and edit your own LEGO movie. This activity is open to kids ages 5 and up, and all LEGO bricks are provided. FYI: my son and I have been to this a couple times, and I’m always amazed by how kind and enthusiastic the workshop leaders are. It’s a positively delightful way to spend your morning.

Saturday, November 22nd • 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM
Ginter Park Library, 1200 Westbrook Avenue
Free

5. Family Afternoon at the Opera: HMS Pinafore!

“Kids” and “opera” aren’t two words I typically put together, but what do I know? I’m just a sorry excuse for a Richmond Family Events Czar.³ Introduce your children to the world of musical theatuhhhh with an “Emerging Artist” performance of this Gilbert & Sullivan classic.