5 Things for Families: Swordplay, bluegrass, stars, Pete the Cat, and the Dooleys

Yes, yes, the Big Bike Race™ starts on Saturday. And while we encourage (nay, command!) you to get out and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event, here are a few ways to fill in time between all those time trials and circuits.

September 16, 2015; 8:53 AM • by Valerie Catrow

Photo by: wisze

1. Knights of the Round Table

Well, this sounds adorable. Kids ages 5 to 11 are invited to learn about swordplay from different times in history, make their own swords and shields, and learn some basic fencing moves.

  • Thursday, September 17th • 6:00 – 7:00 PM
  • Dumbarton Library, 6800 Staples Mill Road
  • Free (but please call 804.290.9400 to register)

2. The Bluegrass Bash

Great music, food, and drink from local vendors, and fun stuff for the kids–what a fantastic way to unwind before the Worlds start and we all diiiiiiiiiiieeeeeee. JK JK, we’ll be fine. But this still sounds really fun!

  • Friday, September 18th • 5:00 – 8:00 PM
  • St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 6000 Grove Avenue
  • $10 for adults (ages 13 and up); $7 for children ages 2 to 12; $30 for a family ticket; children under 2 are free

3. Science After Dark

Head into the Dome for a special all-live Cosmic Expeditions, stick around for a screening of E.T., and then head outside for some telescope-assisted stargazing with the Richmond Astronomical Society–if you and your family aren’t still sobbing over that damn alien.

  • Friday, September 18th • 5:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street
  • $5; free for members

4. Pete the Cat Story Time

Stories, crafts, and a chance to hang out with your favorite blue cat. Oh, you didn’t know there was a blue cat named Pete who is your favorite? Soon you will understand, parents. Soon.

  • Saturday, September 19th • 10:30 – 11:15 AM
  • Chester Library, 11800 Centre Street
  • Free (registration required)

5. Visit the Victorians

Pay a call on the Dooleys and their devoted staff with this family-friendly/blast-to-the-past visit to the Maymont Mansion. You’ll also get a chance to play old-fashioned games, go for a carriage ride, and take a look at turn-of-the-century bicycles–and, of course, try to get the actors to break character by wagging your iPhones in their faces.

  • Sunday, September 20th • 12:00 — 5:00 PM
  • Maymont Mansion, 1700 Hampton Street
  • Free admission
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Valerie Catrow

Valerie Catrow is editor of RVAFamily, mother to a mop-topped first grader, and always really excited to go to bed.

September 16, 2015 8:53 AM · in and 0

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