We were lucky enough to have two quick trips to North Carolina's Outer Banks in the last few months. And I am already trying to plan a weekend trip for the summer! The Outer Banks of North Carolina are such an easy and fun beach getaway for Virginia families, and there are so many fun activities to try with kids in tow. While I've visited North Carolina's coast many times growing up in Virginia, this year was my experience bringing the children along. At just about 3 hours from RVA, this was an easy and quick road trip for us. We enjoyed the North Carolina coast for three days in Duck, and fo ..read more

New to Chesterfield, Virginia? Spending the day in Chester? I have you covered! We've tried everything from Chesterfield playgrounds and nature trails to touring a chocolate factory and playing in the newest indoor play space for kids in RVA. And I have all the tips and tricks for visiting these places in Chester, Virginia with kids! Never been to Chester, Virginia? Here's a little background: Located in Chesterfield County near the Tri-Cities area, Chester is a historic city on the south bank of the James River. You'll find a lot of historical markers and places that includes both the Ameri ..read more

Looking for splash parks around Richmond, Virginia? I have you covered with everything you need to know about visiting Richmond, Virginia's splash pads. I've visited all 8 of RVA's splash parks with my children, and I've rounded up everything I learned and everything I wish I knew before visiting them with kids. These tips and tricks will help you find the Richmond splash park that works best for your family! The Richmond metro area has six, free splash parks and 2 with an admission cost. These splash parks are typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Depending on weather, they will som ..read more

Looking for a special way to celebrate your RVA kid's birthday? Need a venue for your end of school party? Let me help you find the perfect party spot in Richmond, Virginia! I've visited over 50 Richmond area playgrounds, museums and adventure parks with my children who are under 7 years old, and I've found some of the coolest spots to host your kid's next birthday party or special occasion event! This birthday party guide is created specifically for children turning 1 year old through 7 years old. Be on the look out for my guide to kid's birthday parties for big kids! My RVA Kids Party Guid ..read more

Ready for a hike by the James River with kids? Some of the most popular hiking trails in RVA are around The Falls of the James -- this is a 7 mile area of America's best urban whitewater. And, if you are ready to explore outside the city limits, there are even more water hikes around the Richmond metro area. Families can try trails along the Appomattox River, Tuckahoe Creek, through tidal freshwater marsh, and more water ways! The RVA river and waterway trails vary in difficulty from experienced to beginner -- but don't worry! You can find plenty of kid-friendly hikes by waterways in Richmond ..read more

Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a 422-acre amusement park with rides, attractions & events for thrill seekers & families, including concerts & holiday events. This theme park is located about an hour from RVA and an hour from Virginia Beach, so it's easy for a day trip for Virginia families! This guide has all my tips and tricks for visiting Busch Gardens theme park in Williamsburg, VA as a family, and I also included helpful information for when you visit with kiddos under 4 years old. Please note: I did not include Water County on this guide, eve ..read more

Spring is one of the prettiest seasons in Richmond, Virginia. We finally have warmer weather and sunnier days, so it's so much easier to get out of the house with kids in tow. While walking by the James River is one of my go-to walks with kids, I never skip out on visiting RVA's Garden Trail between March and June. RVA's Garden Trail includes 8 Richmond area sites that are less than 10 miles from each other. The gardens included are Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Maymont Park, Agecroft Hall and Gardens, Virginia Center for Architecture, Capitol Square, The Valenti ..read more

Ready to sleep under the stars? I've found the perfect spot in Virginia for both avid campers and those who prefer more luxurious accommodations. Located in Rice, Virginia, Sandy River Outdoor Adventure is glamping at it's finest. Guests can choose to sleep in luxury tipis or log cabins! Plus this outdoor adventure resort offers other activities on property, so guests can unplug, unwind and reconnect with nature. At about an hour from Richmond, this is such an easy getaway for busy families! Follow @thewestendmom on Instagram for things to do with kids in Virginia! Sandy River is not you ..read more

Ready to see the prettiest spring blooms in Virginia? You have to visit Burnside Farms in Nokesville, Virginia. It's about an hour and 45 minute drive to Prince William County from RVA, but there are plenty of pit stops on the way... plus the views are spectacular! Follow @thewestendmom on Instagram for more things to do with kids in Virginia! Location: 11008 Kettle Run Road, Nokesville, Virginia 20181 Known as Holland in Virginia, Burnside Farms blooms with millions of tulips every spring, and you are allow to pick them! They have 150 varieties of tulips, over 30 varieties of daffodils ..read more

The countdown to Spring Break and Summer Vacation is on for kids in Virginia! And if you're looking to stay local, Virginia has so many family-friendly getaways that all ages will enjoy. I have 8 Virginia destinations for you and your family to try this year., These are the best Virginia destinations we've tried with our kiddos, and they are fun in any season. Each one of these Virginia getaways has been approved by my kids. While they have been 6 or younger on each vacation, these are Virginia resorts and hotels are surrounded by fun for all ages. The best part? All of these spots are 3 & ..read more