5 Things for Families

If this weekend had a face, I would kiss it. And after you see this list of family-friendly events you’d do the same.

March 18, 2015; 9:00 AM • by Valerie Catrow

1. Kate DiCamillo at CMoR

Oh NBD, just a book talk and signing from the author of such children’s fiction treasures as Because of Winn-Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux. Your upper-elementary-aged probably won’t lose their damn minds at all.

Wednesday, March 18th • 5:30 PM
Children’s Museum of Richmond-Central, 2525 W. Broad Street
To register, you’ll need to pre-order a copy of Ms. DiCamillo’s new book, Flora and Ulysses; visit the website for more details

2. Stories with Ms. Tori

Once upon a time, I had a toddler. And one morning a week that toddler and I would walk (slowly) over to Ginter Park Library and spend a magical hour with Ms. Tori (along with a small mob of other adoring fans) as she read stories, sang songs, and awakened the love of reading in each and every young heart in that room. Ms. Tori left for a spell after having a baby, but now she is back and ready to change your child’s life, too.

Thursday, March 19th • 10:30 AM
Ginter Park Library, 1200 Westbrook Avenue
Free (all ages welcome!)

3. Van Gogh, Manet, and Matisse: The Art of the Flower

While we wait for the flowers to bloom outside, head into the VMFA for this exhibit highlighting the 19th-century floral still-life. Yes, I realize your kids might not be excited by that concept, but some day they will thank you for letting them see works from Van Gogh, Manet, and Matisse up close and personal.

Runs Saturday, March 21st through Sunday, June 21st • 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (open until 9:00 PM on Thursdays and Fridays)
200 N. Boulevard
$15 (free for members and kids 6 and under)

4. Church Hill Irish Festival

Tons of family-friendly entertainment–food, music, face painting, games, Irish crafts, a huge play area–all to benefit causes near and dear to Church Hill’s heart (including ChildSavers, St. John’s Church, St. Peter’s Meals Program, the Church Hill Crime Watch, and more). If you’re the running type, you can also take part in the Hill Topper 5k on Sunday; details here.

Saturday, March 21st • 10:00 AM–7:00 PM and Sunday, March 22nd • 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Broad and 25th Streets
$5 suggested donation

5. Union Bank & Trust Lollipops: The Olympic Games

Explore the “personalities” of the various instruments in the orchestra as they “compete” in a variety of Olympic events. Be sure to come at 10:00 AM and let your kids get their li’l paws on violins, violas, and the like at the Instrument Petting Zoo.