Recreation & Parks

Recreation

Henrico County offers parks, programs, and special events for everyone to enjoy! The Division of Recreation and Parks' mission is to enhance the quality of life and to foster a sense of well being and community for the citizens of Henrico County. 

With over 30 county parks and recreational facilities that include numerous playgrounds, tennis courts, athletic fields, and scores of organized sports teams for all ages, there is always plenty to do. Additional program offerings include arts and crafts, dance, fitness, martial arts, music, nature programs, outdoor recreation, theater, and much more. Throughout the year families can also take part in special events such as the Harvest Festival, Old-Fashioned Fourth of July, Kite Festival, and Sheep to Shawl.

Museums & Attractions



Henrico County operates several museums and area attractions including Meadow Farm Museum, The Armour House & Gardens at Meadowview Park, Walkerton Tavern, and Three Lakes Park and Nature Center, recognized as one of the top 5 attractions visited in the Richmond area. For those who love history, Henrico is home to Dabbs House Museum, Clarke-Palmore House Museum and numerous civil war battlefield sites. Additionaly, Henricus, the re-creation of the 1611 English settlement, is just a short drive away. This unique site allows visitors to experience colonial life on America's second oldest English settlement. Residents and visitors can also experience music and theatre at the newly renovated Henrico Theatre in Highland Springs.

Henrico County also has The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, just 12 minutes from the heart of downtown Richmond, and is home to other venues such as the Virginia Aviation Museum, the Barksdale Theatre, and Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.

Sports

For sports enthusiasts -- both players and spectators -- Henrico has a lot to offer. Join an adult or youth league to play sports such as baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, football, and basketball. Watch a league play or catch a tournament at Dorey Park or RF&P Park, some of the best maintained fields around. The Glen Allen Stadium at RF&P Park has attracted many groups, including the 2007 14 years-old Babe Ruth World Series and Dorey is host of the 2010 Girls 16U Babe Ruth World Series. Large soccer tournaments such as the Jefferson Cup are also held on Henrico fields and surrounding metropolitan fields.

Spend some time on one of Henrico's seven golf courses, including, the Belmont Golf Course, a public course that was the host of the 1949 P.G.A. Championship won by the legendary Sam Snead. Go fishing, canoeing, or boating at Osborne Park or Deep Bottom Park, both located on the James River.

Henrico is also the place for NASCAR fans to enjoy a Nationwide Series or a Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway.

Additional Area Attractions

There is no shortage of attractions in the greater Richmond area. Performing arts organizations include the Richmond Ballet, the Richmond Symphony, the Virginia Opera, Theatre IV, and numerous productions at Richmond's Landmark Theater. Local museums number over 30 and prominent museums like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Science Museum of Virginia and the Children's Museum of Richmond are recognized worldwide.

The area also has many outdoor activities for the whole family. With many parks, golf courses, and numerous professional sports teams there are attractions for everyone. Richmond Kickers is our professional soccer team and the newest team to the region is the Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants baseball team. Horse-racing fans can catch the thoroughbreds at nearby Colonial Downs. In addition, the James River provides a great whitewater experience with Class IV rapids that are right in the heart of Richmond. Additionally, King's Dominion, Virginia's premier theme park, is another convenient and exciting attraction, drawing many visitors each year.