Richmond, VA

Science Museum of Virginia
DESCRIPTION: Offers 250 hands-on exhibits to have fun with science while kids (and adults) learn at the same time; permanent exhibits cover aerospace, chemistry, crystals, physics, electricity, computers and telecommunications; museum also features high profile traveling exhibits, such as Bones – a look inside the human anatomy; the many summer science programs for children also sparkle; the IMAX Dome Theater features movies that surround you and the Planetarium will keep your head up to the sky

ADMISSION: $8.50 adults, $8 Ages 4-12; IMAX fee is separate, but can be combined with the museum admission for savings

DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Sat 9:30a-5p, Sun 11:30a-5p

ADDRESS: 2500 West Broad Street  MAP

PARKING: ample free parking adjacent to the museum

PHONE: 804-367-6552

WEBSITE: http://www.smv.org

Children's Museum of Richmond
DESCRIPTION: Adjacent to the Science Museum of Virginia, this venue of 42,000 square feet is one of the East Coast's most innovative children's museums; children learn through interactive play -- eagle's wings, explore a cave, wiggle through a digestive tract, tinker in the Inventor's Laboratory, buzz around a live beehive, create you own work of art; exhibits include The Power Of Play, Learning Environments, and CMoR Community Gallery

DAYS & HOURS: Memorial Day – Labor Day Mon–Sat 9:30a-5p, Sun Noon-5p and September – May Tue–Sat 9:30a-5p, Sun Noon-5p

ADMISSION: $8, after 4p cost $4; under age 1 enter free

DAYS & HOURS: Labor Day–Memorial Day Tue–Sat 9:30a-5p, Sun Noon-5p; Memorial Day – Labor Day Mon–Sat 9:30a-5p Sun Noon-5p

ADDRESS: 2626 West Broad Street  MAP

PARKING: free on Terminal Place parking lot

PHONE: 804-474-CMOR

WEBSITE: http://www.c-mor.org

Virginia Aviation Museum
DESCRIPTION: Boasting one of the few SR-71 Blackbird spy planes on display in the nation this fine museum is an extension of the Science Museum of Virginia; vintage flying machines abound, from a mint-condition World War I Spad VII to a classic Ford Tri-motor; exhibits, including the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame
ADMISSION: $6 adults, $5 ages 4-12 and 60+, ages 3 and under Free
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Sat 9:30a-5p, Sun Noon-5p
ADDRESS: 5701 Huntsman Road  MAP
PARKING: on street
PHONE: 804-236-3622
WEBSITE: http://vam.smv.org

State Fair of Virginia
DESCRIPTION: See Horse shows, Amazing Animal Adventures, Livestock shows, circus acts and thrill rides are staples of this family venue; in summer months a Step Show & Competition are also featured where Colleges and High Schools compete for scholarship awards

ADMISSION: Mon-Fri before 5p  $11 and after 5p $8, Sat-Sun $13

DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Thu 10a- 9:30p, Fri-Sat: 10a-10p, Sun 10a-9p

ADDRESS: 600 East Laburnum Ave at Richmond Raceway Complex  MAP

PARKING: free on premises

PHONE: 804-569-3226

WEBSITE: http://www.statefair.com

Moseley, VA

Metro Richmond Zoo
DESCRIPTION: privately-owned and first opened to the public in 1995, the zoo has quickly grown to accomodate over 1,500 animals representing 148 species from around the worldand is ZAA accredited; its noted by families for inexpensive giraffe-feeding opportunities, as well as the photo ops with white Bengal tigers, white rhinoceros and snow leapards; the miniature train ride, Safari Ski-ride and Christmas animals pageant every December 21, 22, and 23 are also favorites
ADMISSION: $12 Age 12-60s, $11 Ages 60+, Ages 2-11 $10, Under Age 2 enter Free
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Sat 9:30a-5p
ADDRESS: 5701 Huntsman Road  MAP
PARKING: Free on premises
PHONE: 804-739-5666
WEBSITE: http://www.metrorichmondzoo.com

Doswell, VA

Kings Dominion
DESCRIPTION: Now owned by the Cedarfair theme parks, King's Dominion has broadened its range of thrill rides, family rides, live shows, waterworks, and dining options; among the thrill rides, few are more exhilarating than Hypersonic XLC blasts you 165-feet into the sky before screaming straight back down at a 90-degree angle. Experience the unique acceleration (0 to 80 in 1.8 seconds), zero gravity airtime and free-fall sensations that make the world's first and only air launch coaster an instant classic; note - all thrill rides have height requirements

ADMISSION: Adult ages 3 -61 AND 48" and taller $55, Junior/Senior Ages 3-61 and under 48”, ages 62+ $32

ADDRESS: 16000 Theme Park Way  MAP

PARKING: $10 per vehicle

PHONE: 804-876-5565

WEBSITE: http://www.kingsdominion.com