Chester Fitness

The Metro Richmond Zoo lets your kids get up close to the animals. They'll marvel at the towering beauty of the giraffes as they get a chance to actually pet them. They'll giggle uncontrollably when they hear the orangutan whistle or watch the monkeys monkey around with each other. The kids will have plenty to see as the zoo features more than 400 animals in their natural habitat attraction. It'll be a day full of wild fun, so be sure to stop at the zoo's gift shop to pick up a neat souvenir to commemorate your family's very own safari.

The Children's Museum of Richmond has been touted as one of the East Coast's most exciting, innovative museums where the words "hands off" don't apply. The kids are encouraged to touch everything, and that invitation to interact with the attractions and exhibits they see proves to be just the thing to spark their curiosity and creativity. The kids can chase butterflies in Shadow Play, create artwork in the art room and then take their creations home with them, as well as learn the value of community and sharing as they interact with their fellow adventurers.

The State Fair of Virginia seems to encapsulate all that's great about the state. Come and see competitions, horticulture and crop exhibitions, livestock shows, horse shows, as well as an unbelievable selection of arts and crafts and food, too! Plus, the world-famous carousel will be there, so don't even think about leaving before taking a colorful, musical spin. The festival is held in late September into early October.