Enjoy Family Fun at these Richmond Area June Events

by Brookie Crawford

Looking for some fun activities for the whole family this month?  Check out these family friendly June events in the greater Richmond, Virginia area for some summer fun.

Cinderella — Friday, June 8 at 9:30 a.m.
The Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen will present this unique children’s performance of the classic tale of Cinderella.  Mutley, Cinderella’s dog will narrate the story.  The performance will be followed by a workshop at 10:35 a.m.  Performance $5 all ages, Workshop $5 all ages.

Ashland Strawberry Faire — Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit the Randolph-Macon College campus to enjoy fresh picked strawberries, either by the quart or in one of the delicious recipes cooked up by the food vendors such as strawberry shortcake and strawberry brain freezes.  After enjoying the berries, visit one of the many craftsmen offering a variety of arts and crafts ranging from handmade jewelry to custom birdhouses to portraits and watercolors.  The selection is endless and no one leaves empty handed.  Children will enjoy the games and activities area by Hanover County Parks and Recreation Department.  Then relax in front of one of two stages of entertainment.  Free.

Air Fair — Saturday, June 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebrate flight at the Virginia Aviation Museum.   Children of all ages will enjoy a day full of planes of every size and shape.  Scheduled to be on display are a F-16, a UH-60L Black Hawk, a F-14 Tomcat, a C-206 and a C-182.  Don’t miss the air rocket workshops and the segway rides.  Radio-controlled aircraft and model builders will also be on hand.  Free with museum admission.

James River Adventure Games — Saturday, June 16, 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday, June 17, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Come out to downtown Richmond to cheer on your favorite athlete in one of nine sports and stay for all the fun activities.  Children will love the Kids Zone Challenge Stations on Brown’s Island on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  More adventurous children can enter the Kids Scramble Jr. at 10:30 Saturday on Belle Island, the Shimano Youth Series bike race at noon Saturday on Brown’s island or the free Kid’s Sprint at 2 p.m. Saturday on Brown’s Island.  Saturday evening enjoy the Pat McGee Band at 7 p.m. and stay for the fireworks at 9:15 p.m.  Free

Chinese Opera Extravaganza — Friday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m.
The Washington Chua Shan Chinese Opera Institute will perform a traditional Chinese Opera at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen.  The performance will be a combination of portions from several well-known Chinese plays including a famous warrior who uses his magic, fast-changing mask tactic to defeat the enemy on the battlefield and a beautiful goddess who brings her love and peace to the human world in dance.  Silk bamboo violins and ancient Eastern drums will provide music for the presentation.  Admission is $18 adults; $16 senior citizens/students.

Scooper Bowl XV — Saturday, June 23, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visit the Science Museum of Virginia for a day of water fun and all the ice cream you can eat.  Then stay to explore the Savage Ancient Seas display.  Bring your swimsuit and towel.  Admission is $12, $4 for museum members.  Rain or Shine.

The Animal Playground Concert — Saturday, June 23 at Noon
The Children’s Museum of Richmond hosts Putumayo Kids for the last stop on Animal Playground Tour.  The concert, featuring Trinidad children’s artist Asheba, will be held in The Backyard, CMOR’s newest exhibit.  Free with museum admission.

11th Annual Civil War Weekend — June 23-24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit Pamplin Historical Park in Petersburg to watch a reenactment of the final meeting between Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox.  Children will love watching camp life and a Civil War-era magician.  Don’t miss the artillery demonstration or performances by the 97th Regimental String Band the Federal City Brass Band.  Admission is $13.50 for adults, $7.50 for children 6-11, free for under six.

Family Weekend at Colonial Downs — Saturday June 30 and Sunday July 1
The first 1,000 children 12 and under each day will get a free Horseplay Allowed t-shirt.  In addition to watching horse racing from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., children will enjoy a bounce house, climbing wall, pony rides and magician/juggler Jonathan Austin.  After the races, children can line up at the starting gate for a 100-yard dash on the track.  General admission is $2 for adults, free for children 12 and under.

What events will your family be checking out this month?