Top 5 Weekend Events For Families: Legend of the Poinsettia, Arena Racing & More

Now that the holidays are over and life’s getting back to normal, it’s time to fight that January cabin fever and get out of the house. From First Fridays and the Legend of the Poinsettia to arena racing and a doll house tour, you’re sure to find something fun to do around Richmond on these cold winter […]

January 6, 2011; 10:55 PM • by Carissa Garabedian

Our family events contributor Carissa Garabedian has the full rundown of all the great family-friendly activities this weekend.

For an amazing list of dozens more, be sure to check out our family events contributor Carissa Garabedian’s website, Macaroni Kid of Richmond.

1. Legend of the Poinsettia

Friday, January 7 through Sunday, January 9

A story based on the Mexican legend of a pure hearted young girl who discovers the true spirit of giving. This story is as traditional in the Latin American holiday season as the Nutcracker is in the United States. Unable to offer a gift of material value, she picks a handful of weeds that magically transform into brilliant crimson flowers and thus the custom of giving poinsettias during the holidays is born.

Who: All
When: Show times vary
Where: Cultural Arts Center Of Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road
How: Call 379-2555 for tickets
Cost: $15 for kids, $20 for adults

2. Legends of Flight

Saturday, January 8

Experience the thrill of flight with legendary airplanes in some of the most breathtaking sequences ever seen on the giant IMAX screen. Witness the first public flight of the massive, but super efficient Airbus A380 at the 2007 Paris Air Show and the first flight of the smaller, even more efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the first-ever carbon fiber airliner that made its maiden flight in 2009. It will give you an insider’s view of how a modern aircraft is built and make you privy to the manufacturing challenges and incredible financial risks companies assume when they embark on.

Who: All
When: 1:00 PM (ang again at 3:00 and 5:00)
Where: Science Museum of Virginia
How: Purchase tickets at http://www.smv.org
Cost: $5 for members, $8.50 for non-members

3. Arena Racing

Saturday, January 8

Arena Racing is a fast-paced indoor racing series, featuring local drivers competing for cash prizes in unique half-scale stock cars on a one-tenth mile banked track built to fit inside a hockey rink. On a typical racing night, there are approximately 5 individual races totaling 230 laps of exciting racing.

Who: all
When: 7:00 PM
Where: Richmond Coliseum
How: www.arenaracingusa.com
Cost: $8-$13
More info: Buy one adult ticket and get one child ticket FREE (available only at the Box Office)

4. It’s a Small World After All: The Big World of Miniature Houses and Decorative Arts

Saturday, January 8 through Sunday, January 9

Tour a festively decorated Wilton House Museum- Richmond’s ONLY public plantation home- and view a glittering visual history of dollhouses, filled delightful miniature furntiure and dolls! This exhibit features over 30 one-of-a-kind dollhouses from museums and collectors around the Commonwealth.

Who: All
When: 10:00 AM (Sunday at 1:00 p.m.)
Where: Wilton House Museum, 215 South Wilton Road
How: Just go!
Cost: $6 for students, $10 for adults

5. First Fridays Art Walk

Friday, January 7

Experience nearly 40 diverse creative businesses, organizations, and accommodations located in Downtown Richmond through a self-guided walking tour on and off Historic Broad Street between Belvidere and 8th Streets

Who: All
When: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Where: Concentrated in the areas east of Belvidere Street and west of 8th Street, and north and south in Historic Jackson Ward
How: Just go!
Cost: FREE
More info: www.firstfridaysrichmond.com