Richmond Virginia Kid Friendly Activites and Information
Downtown Richmond
Bottoms Up Pizza
0563 days
We have been big fans of Bottoms Up Pizza for years but only recently took our kids there for the first time. I’m not sure why we waited so long because it is extremely child-friendly. Don’t most kids like pizza? I have to admit that I was the one who wanted pizza, but there was no reason not to take the kids along for the ride.
We went early and were able to get a great parking spot right outside. We have never really had trouble finding parking in the area, but it’s nice to park close by when we have to carry the boys in and out. We were seated right away on the covered patio. There were only a few other kids when we arrived but more and more families with kids of all ages came in while we were there. Like I said, most kids like pizza. I brought plenty of snacks and toys to keep the boys happy while we waited for our food, although as usual, they were happy to people-watch.
They do have a kid’s menu at Bottoms Up that includes not only pizza, but also things like burgers, chicken fingers and grilled cheese for the kids who don’t like pizza. Instead of ordering from this menu though, I decided to share my Hawaiian pizza with them. They loved it! I love that it saved us some money by not having to order separate meals for them.
While we were eating one of the servers began setting up a large table for a birthday party, complete with presents and balloons. I had never thought of having a birthday party there, probably because our kids are still so young, but why not? The group of kids that came in for the party looked to be somewhere between eight and ten. They all seemed very happy to be there. I will have to remember Bottoms Up as a possible party location in the future. After our dinner we took a short stroll down the canal walk to burn a few calories, which is another reason why I love their downtown location. You can visit their website for the menu and address. http://www.bottomsuppizza.com
Family Fun in the City – Richmond Friday Cheers
0641 days
As a mother of two young boys I am always looking for fun things to do that won’t cost an arm and a leg. We like to spend as much time as we can outdoors, and one of our favorite things to do in the Spring and Summer (even before the kids) is attend Friday Cheers. If you aren’t familiar, Cheers is a weekly concert series that runs from early May through the end of June, and is held downtown on Browns Island.
If you have never been to Cheers, it may not sound like a family-friendly outing, but I assure you that it is. We took our babies for the first time last summer when they were about 6 weeks old. Even though they were too young to remember the outing, it was nice to get out of the house for a few hours, socialize with friends and listen to the music. What better way to spend Friday evening!
I never actually noticed just how many kids came down with their parents until I had my own. It really is a great venue for kids. While standing on the Island you have the city skyline on one side and the river on the other. I love to watch the skyline light up as the sun goes down. You cross over the canal to the island by foot and are sure to see families of geese and ducks splashing below. The train tracks run along the other side and a train passes by at least one time per show. Now that my kids are older and walking, I plan to bring a big blanket and pack a picnic dinner. Otherwise there are a handful of food vendors and frosty beverages available for adults.
For the first time in many years there will be a $2 per person charge this season. Kids under 12 are free. I think the small fee is well worth the time you can spend outdoors with your kids on a beautiful Richmond evening. I know that the combination of fresh air and playtime will guarantee and good night’s sleep for everyone in my house. The season kicks off on May 7th . See you down there!
Quick Friday Cheers Line up:
May 7 2010 Lee Brice with Puddleduck
May 21 2010 Railroad Earth with 6 Day Bender
May 28 2010 Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers with William Walter & Co.
June 4 2010 Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe with DJ Williams Projekt
June 11 2010 Emmitt-Nershi Band with A Good Natured Riot
June 18 2010 Deer Tick with Former Champions
June 25 2010 The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker with Whirlybyrd
