7 kid-friendly places to grab a bite (or a drink) in RVA
Richmond favorites that are all BYOB(aby).
Another mom and I got to talking as we pushed our kiddos on the swings one morning at Jefferson Park. She noted how much time she spends outdoors now that she’s a parent. “If I don’t get Juniper out and about, she just wants to empty all the bookshelves in the house,” she told me. I related to this deeply; I, too, was recently promoted to amateur librarian, when my newly-mobile daughter discovered the joy in reorganizing our literary collection (before moving on to her other favorite hobby, chewing on anything).
So, here’s to Juniper’s mom and all you other parents looking for ways to entertain your little ones, keep your home libraries intact, and enjoy something tasty while you’re at it.
— by Kelsey Heintz, Contributing Writer
Brambly Park
The whimsy sprinkled throughout this two-acre urban winery will have you feeling like you’re in a storybook from the get-go. Enjoy a glass of the park’s very own wine (Winter Rosé for me, please!), and join the kiddies for a few rounds of bocci or cornhole. Once you’ve worked up your appetite, grab that menu and get ready to chow down on some mouth-watering Italian fare from the full-service kitchen.
Location: 1708 Belleville St (Scott’s Addition)
Hours: Found here
Ruff Canine Club
You and the fam are in for a (dog) treat here. This social club is part bar, part dog park, and a whole lot of fluffy fun. There are local brews for you, $1 PB&Js for the tykes, and pups running all over the place. If you want to bring your own dog, you’ll have to purchase a membership or daily guest pass, but pet-free folks are welcome to pull up a chair, order something from the kitchen, and enjoy watching club members’ four-legged friends romp around.
Something to note: Expect the attending doggos to approach your party for some sniffs, licks, and pats (as doggos do). If you’re not comfortable with pups getting up close and personal with you or your tiny tots, any of the other options on this list are great alternatives.
Location: 1924 Ellen Rd (Scott’s Addition)
Hours: Found here
Bingo Beer Co
There’s Skee-Ball, there are tater tots, and there are good times to be had at this Broad Street brewery. Your kids will find endless entertainment with their gaming options here, from vintage arcade video games to ping pong to air hockey. Have a cold drink, have a jumbo soft pretzel, have fun, and repeat.
Location: 2900 W Broad St (Scott’s Addition)
Hours: Found here
Main Line Brewery
This wide-open watering hole is tucked along the Richmond Railway and offers plenty of toddling space for your littles. If it’s warm, cool off with the crisp-and-clean Zeitgeist; if it’s cold, summon some campfire vibes with Fresh Fluff — a s’mores-y stout with flavors of vanilla, marshmallow, and graham cracker. The relaxed brewhouse has live music, lawn games, fire pits, and food trucks to boot. Your Saturday afternoon is calling.
Location: 1603 Ownby Ln (The Diamond District)
Hours: Found here
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The VMFA Garden is my nice-day go-to when my family is due for some fresh air. Enjoy a little stroll to give the kids a good look at the outdoor sculptures and fountains, then claim a patch of grass and lay down your blanket for some good old-fashioned people watching. You can enjoy some food from the museum’s restaurants (its Best Café sells alcohol, among other tasty treats), or you can bring your own nosh and picnic that way. A personal favorite, Belmont Pizzeria, is under a half-mile away, and their garlic knots and Quattro Formaggi pie would travel well. Just saying.
Location: 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd (Museum District)
Hours: Found here
Hardywood West Creek
Located just 20 minutes from downtown Richmond, Hardywood West Creek boasts an expansive campus and beautiful view of the Tuckahoe Creek, offering plenty of sights for your babies or roaming room for your toddlers. Their food truck plaza has been known to host kid favorites, like Return of the Mac and River City Wood Fire Pizza, and their taproom stage frequently buzzes with live music. Bring your own chair or blanket to relax on the lawn, or grab a table on the patio or inside.
Location: 820 Sanctuary Trail Dr (Tuckahoe Village West)
Hours: Found here
Tang & Biscuit
It’s child- and inner-child-friendly when Tang and biscuits are on the menu. The neon-orange drink is featured throughout an entire selection of beverages (see: Tangtails), a couple appetizers, and even a dessert at this popular Scott’s Addition play place, and the garlicky, cheddary goodness of the namesake snack will be on your mind for days following your outing. Grab “The Lightbulb” for yourself (it’s a cocktail served in a lightbulb, people), some “Tangy Twinkies” for the youngsters, and a little time with the other “tang and biscuits” on one of the venue’s five regulation-size shuffleboard courts. And when you’re all shuffled out, get in a few rounds of Giant Jenga or whatever board game you find in the club’s substantial collection.
Location: 3406 W Moore St (Scott’s Addition)
Hours: Found here
For more family-friendly fun:
Thank you to Bookclubz for sponsoring this City Guide!