Browns Island was named for Elijah Brown who acquired the land from Rhode Island in 1811. This piece of land is strategically located near downtown and is now part of the James River Park. Live concerts are held there on Fridays during the summer, and the land features footpaths and hiking trails that prove to be popular with nature and outdoors enthusiasts from all over the area. Added attractions include the fast water with large and small rapids and a path that leads down to the river behind a pier that all make for a great opportunity to commune with nature.
The Joseph Bryan Park may be an inviting place for families to play and relax in the great outdoors, but, like plenty of places in Richmond, it has an interesting history. Before it became a park, the property was part of the Young family's Westbrook estate in the 1700s. It was also a gathering place for participants in Gabriel's Rebellion in 1800. In addition to a walking path and tennis courts, there's also a great playground and picnic area and a tot lot that features a very popular sandbox.
Maymont began as the 100-acre Victorian estate of Major James H. and Sallie May Dooley. The couple's mansion was complete in 1893 and over the next three decades they created lush garden scenery, picturesque landscapes and beautifully crafted outbuildings. Today, visitors can not only enjoy all of that natural allure, but there are such amenities as the Maymont House Museum, historic gardens, a carriage collection, nature center, wildlife exhibits and a children's farm to enjoy, as well. Still, there are several choice spots to enjoy an outdoor picnic on this inviting piece of historic land.
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 tension may create a sense of suspense when you board the plane, and as the aircraft ascends even higher, you may begin to feel your heart begin to beat even faster. It will seem like the moment you step off the plane is so far away, but when you finally do, your skydiving adventure courtesy of No Limits Skydiving will be one for the books!
The family will love enjoying Richmond's natural amenities when visiting James River Park. The scenery at this riverside park is breathtaking. Some of the park's most popular sites include Belle Isle, Pony Pasture, Huguenot Woods and the main park area; all of these areas offer more than a few opportunities to get up close to Richmond's natural beauty. You can also enjoy tubing, fishing, kayaking and bird watching. Learn about this natural attraction on one of the walking tours or take a leisurely stroll down the newly added Canal Walk.