April Showers? Enjoy Richmond's Indoor Activities!
Whether it’s the rainy weather or the blanket of yellow pollen driving you indoors these days, this list should be the motivation you need to pry yourself away from your cozy abode. It’s time to enjoy the many indoor activities available in RVA!
Take in a Museum
Richmond is rich in American history, with a multitude of museums for all tastes and passions. This is far from a complete list of the museums offered in the area, but it’ll get you started!
Maggie Walker Museum- entrepreneur Maggie Lena Walker transformed black business practices and gained national prominence as the first woman to own a bank in the United States.
The Valentine- founded in 1898, it was the first museum in Richmond. The Valentine is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting Richmond's history.
Virginia Museum of History and Culture- the museum collects, preserves, and interprets 16,000 years of Virginia History through exhibitions and educational programming.
Virginia State Capitol- designed by Thomas Jefferson, The Virginia State Capitol is a National Historic Landmark, has been nominated for inclusion on the World Heritage List, is on the Virginia Landmarks Register, and the National Register of Historic Places.
Keystone Antique Truck & Tractor Museum- located in the heart of Colonial Heights, this museum offers displays of antique road trucks, classic cars, vintage gas pumps, tractors, and more, as well as a gift shop and restaurant.
Virginia Holocaust Museum- this moving museum is dedicated to depicting the Holocaust through the personal stories of its victims.
Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia- the mission of the (BHMVA) is to promote and advance understanding of the history and culture of Black people and African Americans in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Institute for Contemporary Art- the ICA is a non-collecting institution that showcases an ever-changing slate of exhibitions, performances, films, and special programs that translate our world into every medium.
The Robins Nature Center at Maymont- while not a traditional museum, the Nature Center is the largest facility of its kind in central Virginia and holds close to 30,000 gallons of aquaria showcasing animals of the James River and Chesapeake Bay.
Put the Active in Activity
Rage RVA- let it all out during a destruction session using a bat, sledgehammer, or crowbar to smash bottles, computers, copiers— even a vehicle!
Shield N Sheath Ax Throwing- opened with the objective of teaching all walks of people how to throw, whether it be for competitive reasons or just for fun, guests are sure to have a fun and entertaining axe-perience.
Breakout Games Escape Room- immerse yourself in the game as you explore an island, find the kidnapper, restore ancient relics to their rightful owner… be the hero of the story.
Surge Adventure Park- try your skill as an American Ninja Warrior, play dodgeball with your friends, or practice flips in the trampoline park at this all-ages arena.
Be a Good Sport
K1 Speed- this indoor go-kart racing facility features a video game arcade, pool tables, and air hockey. Worked up an appetite? Make a pit stop at their Paddock Lounge café.
Ashland Skateland- kick it old school on wheels at this roller rink open to skaters of all ages and skating abilities.
Peak Experiences Rock Climbing- this facility features yoga and fitness classes, instructional climbing classes, recreation and club climbing, and even has a large adaptive climbing program.
King Pin Lanes- located in Midlothian Virginia, this recently renovated 32-lane bowling center has an arcade, billiard room, "Water Pong" Tables, and a full-service Restaurant and Lounge on site.
Bangers & Dinks Pickleball- welcome to Richmond's first indoor pickleball center! This open play facility provides pickleball enthusiasts with a space to play rain or shine.
Life’s a Stage
The Firehouse Theatre- this one-time fire station is the stage for a thriving hub of creative activity, an artistic home, and a center for community engagement where new work is produced and performed.
The Basement- as TheatreLAB's dedicated venue, it is Richmond's home for unexpected and evocative performances. The TheatreLAB ensemble cultivates an environment that fosters emerging talent and challenges artistic norms through experimental devices on new and thrilling works.
Richmond Triangle Players- Richmond Triangle Players is a nonprofit, professional theatre company that produces programming rooted in queer experiences and supports the development of queer artistry.
The Broadberry- this concert and special events venue is home to a gigantic bar, a kitchen that is open during all hours of operation, and a spacious stage with a state-of-the-art sound system.
The Byrd Theatre- Richmond's classic movie theater and community-focused nonprofit organization working to preserve the grand moviegoing experience as it was in 1928.
Take a Look, It’s in a Book
Shelf Life Books- Shelf Life Books is the largest independent bookstore in Richmond, VA. This shop has been serving the Richmond community for over two decades.
Fountain Bookstore- this charming, indie shop operating since 1978 sells fiction, nonfiction, quirky greeting cards & more. Opened in 1978, the Fountain Bookstore hosts more author programming than any other entity in the state of Virginia.
A Work of Art
Art Works- Art Works is a full-service art center. You can see and purchase contemporary art from local and international artists. With 82 artist studios and 5 galleries, there’s a huge variety of work to explore.
Crossroads Art Center- this gallery represents more than 225 artists and is a cultural resource and an active participant in Richmond's thriving arts community. showcases both emerging and established mid-Atlantic artists, fostering awareness across a spectrum of art forms.
Iridian Gallery- the Iridian Gallery fosters LGBTQ+ artists and their community by exhibiting their art and work that relates to their experiences.
We challenge you not to find something on this list to compel you to ditch the PJs and don real pants for the afternoon. Of course, you don’t have to wait for a rainy day to enjoy the many wonderful indoor options in the Richmond area. Be brave! Go forth and
