10 Ways to Keep Cool in RVA this August

There’s a mess of events, festivals, and always-available treats here in Richmond, and with August as our last vacation month, we figured we’d give y’all a list of what you are probably missing out on

There’s a mess of events, festivals, and always-available treats here in Richmond, and with August as our last vacation month, we figured we’d give y’all a list of what you are probably missing out on. So get out there RVA, you only got one month left!

1. G-Force Karts

Race G-Force karts with family and friends. Richmond G-Force Karts rents junior, adult, two-seater and super karts that each reach speeds of up to 45 mph on the arena’s 325 foot straightaway. The facility also features an indoor paintball arena as well as a lazertag arena.

• 4245 Carolina Ave., Building B, Richmond, VA 23222

• (804) 228-0188

2. Riverside Outfitters

Get the full River-City experience with Riverside Outfitters. The company rents paddleboards, kayaks and mountain bikes at their Brown’s Island outpost. Just show up with your sneakers—the staff will take care of everything else.

• 6834 Old Westham Road, Richmond, VA 23225

• (804) 560-0068

3. Maymont Park

The historic 100 acre expanse of gardens, mansions, petting zoos and more make Maymont a great day trip destination this summer. The park also includes animal and wildlife exhibits, a Children’s Farm and Nature Center. There is a suggested donation for some parts of the park, but nothing is required.

• 2201 Shields Lake Drive, Richmond, VA 23220

• (804) 358-7166

4. Metro Richmond Zoo

The zoo houses more than 2000 animals from around the world. Giraffes will eat right out of your hand or take a guided tour on the Safari Train.

Open year-round, Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m – 5:00 p.m

• 8300 Beaver Bridge Road, Moseley, VA 23120

• (804) 739-5666

5. Treetop Zoofari Zip line and Adventure Park

Experience the latest addition to the Metro Richmond Zoo. Treetop Zoofari has 16 zip lines above the zoo with 2-3 hours of ziplining featuring 42 obstacles.
8300 Beaver Bridge Road, Mosley, VA 23120

• 8047395666

6. The Redskins Training Camp

Get up close and personal to the Redskins at the 2014 training camp at the Bon Secours

Washington Redskins Training Center from July 24 to Aug. 11. Almost 200.000 fans

came out to the camp last year to watch the team practice and have the chance to meet

their favorite players. This year, Fan Appreciation Day is August 2.

7. Kings Dominion

Visit Virginia’s premier adventure park full of thrilling rides, dining, and even a water park. Tickets are $49, but if you buy yours online 3 days or more in advance and you’ll save $15.

10:30 AM – 8:00 PM

10:30 AM – 10:00 PM

8. Richmond Public Pools

• Battery Park Pool (Northside) 2917 Dupont Cir.,

• Bellemeade Pool (Southside/Indoor Pool) 1800 Lynhaven Ave.,

• Blackwell Pool (Southside) 238 East 14th St.,

• Fairmount Pool (Eastend) 2000 U St.,

• Hotchkiss Pool (Northside) 701 East Brookland Park Blvd.,

• Powhatan Pool (Eastend) 5051 Northhampton St.,

• Randolph Pool (Westend) 1401 Grayland Ave.,

• Swansboro Indoor Pool (Southside/Indoor Pool) 3160 Midlothian Tpke.,

• Woodville Pool (Eastend) 2305 Fairfield Ave.,

Hours: Monday – Friday, 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (open swim), 5 p.m. – 7 p.m (family) and 7

p.m. to 8 p.m. (adult only swim).

Saturday, Noon – 5 p.m.

Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Holidays, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

• Outdoor pools are open from mid-June through Labor Day.

9. The Carytown Watermelon Festival

The 2014 Watermelon Festival is Sunday August 10, from 10am – 6pm. The festival features over 3000 watermelons and you, 60 musicians,100 exhibitors, and enormous turn-out of people.

10. South of the James Market

Every Saturday from 8 am – 12 pm come visit the freshest farmer’s market around.

Every weekend from May 3, 2014 – December 6, 2014 local vendors set up shop in

conjunction with GrowRVA to bring you the most natural foods around.

Forest Hill Park

New Kent Rd and West 42nd Street, Richmond VA 23225