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Richmond, Virginia is an exciting capitol at the heart of a metropolitan area with more than one million residents. Richmond has gained a name as a top regional tourism destination with its wonderful museums, historic sites, and family activities. There is never a shortage of family fun in Richmond, Virginia. Here are some of the most popular attractions for families in Richmond.

Chilrden's Museum of Richmond

For any family with children, the Children's Museum of Richmond is a must see attraction. Opened in 1981, this museum has been a family favorite in the city for almost 40 years. About 230,000 visitors pass through the hands-on exhibits each year. Exhibits include "The Power of Play," which features educational toys and activities for preschool aged children, "DinoZone," where kids can dig for fossils, and "The Art Studio," where recycled materials and art supplies are turned into crafts and artwork. Kids also love exploring unique environments like the aquarium and caves to learn about the natural world.

The museum is located at 2626 West Broad Street in Richmond's historic center. During the summer, the museum is open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 to 5:00, and on Sundays from 12:00 to 5:00. During the fall and winter, the museum is closed on Mondays. Admission is $8 with a $1 discount for seniors. A $6 per person group rate is available for groups with more than 10 children.

Science Museum of Virginia

Next door to the Children's Museum, the Science Museum of Virginia has a more scientific focus that is appropriate for kids of all ages. Activities include building a bridge that you can try to walk on, journeying through a 5-story strand of DNA exploring the Human Genome Project, testing Newton's laws, and learning about space exploration technologies. Recent additions include exhibits that focus on renewable and sustainable energy to protect the environment. An IMAX Dome theater shows filmsand documentaries on a spectacular domed screen.

The Science Museum of Virginia is just one block from the Children's Museum, at 2500 West Broad Street, inside historic Broad Street Station. The museum is open 9:30 to 5:00 Tuesday-Saturday, and 11:30 to 5:00 on Sundays. Admission for adults is $10 and kids are $9. A ticket that includes both exhibits and a visit to the IMAX theater is $15 for adults and $14 for kids.

Henricus Historical Park

A visit to Henricus Historical Park is like stepping back in time to 1611. The park is a model of the second successful English settlement in North America. This living history museum has a staff of reenactors who demonstrate the daily life, attire, and culture of colonists from the 17th Century. In a small Indian village, you will learn how Native Americans carved canoes. At the forge, a blacksmith creates weapons and farm tools. The largest building in the park is the Mount Malady Hospital, a recreation of the first English medical building in the New World, where visitors learn about crude medical practices and herbal remedies used by colonists.

This unique attraction is located about 15 miles south of downtown Richmond on Henricus Park Road in Chester, Virginia. The park is open on Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00-5:00. Adult admission is $7, kids 3-12 years old are $5, and toddlers or infants under 2 are free. Henricus is well worth the short drive from Richmond to see an example of colonial life in Virginia.

River District Canal Cruises

Richmond Canal Cruises offers a 40-minute narrated boat tour of one of the most historic areas of Richmond, along the redeveloped Canal Walk. Tours leave every hour on the hour and depend on the weather. The season lasts from April to November, and days and times vary depending on the time of year, so check the online schedule to make sure it will be open during your stay. Adults ride for $5, kids under 12 and seniors are $4, and kids under 4 are free. The dock is located near Canal Street and Virginia Street. Inquire about privately chartered dinner cruises if you have a large party.

Kings Dominion

The Kings Dominion theme park is an excellent summer attraction for thrillseeking families. With over 400 acres of rides and attractions, Kings Dominion will keep everyone busy all day. The signature roller coaster is the new Dominator, a 65 mile per hour floorless coaster that will run for the first time in spring 2009. The 300-foot Drop Tower is the tallest ride of its kind in North America. Several wooden roller coasters are popular, including Rebel Yell, in which two trains simultaneously run on side-by-side tracks. Family rides also abound with the giant swings, log flume, and Scooby-Doo Haunted Mansion ride where kids can use lasers to capture ghosts as they travel with Scooby through a haunted house. At Nickelodeon Central, kids can meet all their favorite characters from the Nickelodeon Network. During the hottest days, the family will enjoy WaterWorks, with 20 acres of water slides, wave pools, and raft trips.

Kings Dominion is located 20 miles north of Richmond at 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, Virginia. Check the website for hours and dates. Kings Dominion is closed during the winter and opens selectively during the spring and fall, but operates seven days a week all summer. A variety of season pass and single-day tickets are available online with prices ranging from under $50 up to $160.

From historic village recreations to hair-raising roller coasters, the Richmond metropolitan area has many fun activities for families. As budgets tighten and gas prices rise, Richmond will no doubt find its niche as an affordable and nearby destination for the mid-Atlantic region.

Learn more about this author, Shane Hampton.
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