How to find family-friendly fall activities in central Virginia.

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – We’ve teamed up with the West End MumMegan Ariail, for some insider tips on where to go for the most fun this fall in Central Virginia.

We are going to start with the reunion season! Enjoy the throwback parades.

It’s a low-stress activity on a Friday night. Be sure to check your local school’s website.

“And during these homecoming parades,” Ariail said, “it’s a wonderful way to watch your high school students. They come together with their clubs and organizations and each class, and they decorate a float with a theme. They come down outside the school, wave to the community and throw free candy and other small kid-friendly items.

Many schools, churches and community centers offer trunk-or-treat events.

“If you see a local church announcing a fall festival or a trunk or a treat I would just show up because all of these churches are doing these events for free to the community because everyone is excited to come out and hang out with the community,” Ariail said. . “Bring your kids and take advantage of these free events. Especially now more than ever, when everything costs so much money.

Another activity in the Richmond area is visiting farms.

“You know, we love farms so much because you learn about the environment,” Ariail said. “You get to know the animals and you can actually interact with them in person. And many of these farms, the farmers will be there and they will give you information on how to take care of the animals.

The West End mum says to pay attention to Tom Leonard’s autumn events, including free movie nights in the pumpkin patch on Fridays, as well as free photo ops.

There’s also Garden Glow at Maymont’s Garden Glow, Octoberfest at Hardywood, and a Pumpkin Fest at Scott’s Addition.

Of course, there is apple picking. Fruit Hill Orchard in Palmyra is on a smaller scale, and the Ariail says it’s all really close. It is also accessible to strollers.

Greenlane Market in Somerset could be fun if you’d rather skip the ‘farm’ part of the experience.

Then there is Carter Mountain.

“We love Carter Mountain,” Ariail said. “The views from Carter’s Mountain are magnificent. But if you go on a Saturday or Sunday, it’s crowded. Whereas if you visit a place like Fruit Hill, Orchard or Market at Greenlane you will have space to move around and it is really relaxing. And you can feel that natural restorative feeling it gives you.

Click/tap here for more information on things to do in the Richmond area this fall.

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