Fun Low-Cost Activities in RVA for Retirees

Richmond, Virginia, is a great city for retirees looking for fun and affordable activities to enjoy. Whether you gravitate toward outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just a chance to socialize with others, the city has plenty to offer. 

From strolling through historic neighborhoods to exploring the city’s many parks and trails, Richmond provides a wealth of opportunities to get outside and stay active. Retirees can also take advantage of the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene, which includes everything from museums and galleries to live music and theater performances.

Richmond is also home to a variety of historic sites and tours, as well as plenty of volunteer opportunities for those seeking to give back to their community. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a newcomer to the area, there’s always something new to discover in this vibrant city.

If you’re a retiree looking for some fun and affordable ways to stay busy and engaged, read on to discover sixteen of the best low-cost activities in RVA.

Arts and Culture

VMFA Jazz Night; every Wednesday 6-8 PM (free)
https://vmfa.museum/calendar/events/jazz-cafe/

Hosted in the Cochrane Atrium of the VMFA, the Richmond Jazz Society presents a variety of the area’s best jazz musicians performing an array of styles each week.

Painting class + drinks at Muse Paintbar ($25-40 per person)
https://www.musepaintbar.com/events/richmond-paint-bar

With a wide array of painting classes, from landscapes to pet portraits, and a fully stocked kitchen and bar, Muse Paintbar is sure to keep your inner artist inspired.

Firehouse Theatre ($15-$45 per person)
https://www.firehousetheatre.org/firehouse-plays

This intimate black box venue hosts dozens of plays and musicals each year, celebrates diverse voices, and welcomes both emerging and established playwrights. 

 

 

History

Historic landmark trolley tour ($38 per person)
https://rvaonwheels.com/trolley/historic-trolley.html

This 2-hour comprehensive tour covers 400 years of history, highlighting Richmond’s landmarks, riverfront, and architecture all on board a classic trolley.

Haunts of Richmond walking tours ($22 per person)
https://www.hauntsofrichmond.com/

Both historically knowledgeable and entertaining, you can explore neighborhoods including Church Hill, Shockoe, Monroe Ward, and Court End with a storytelling guide to learn all about local legend and lore.

Virginia Museum of History and Culture Lecture Series ($10 – $25 per person)
https://virginiahistory.org/events

Presentations by authors, scholars, museum curators, preservationists, and more, provide an engaging and in-depth look at a wide variety of topics related to Virginia history.

 

 

Outdoors

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens ($17 or $14 for adults 65+)
https://www.lewisginter.org/visit/hours-admissions/

With over 50 acres of beautiful gardens, including the Rose Garden, Asian Valley, and Cherry Tree Walk, this is the perfect place to learn about plants and what nature has to offer or just take a relaxing walk.

James River Park Trails (free)
https://jamesriverpark.org/walking-hiking-in-the-james-river-park/

Explore the trail guide to find adventurous routes that include everything from flat gravel to more rugged terrain.

Maymont’s Japanese Garden (free)
https://maymont.org/explore/gardens/japanese-garden/

Created in 1911 (making it the oldest Japanese garden on the East Coast) this traditional landscape is often called a “stroll garden,” making it the perfect place for relaxation and introspection among the subtle beauties of nature.

 

 

 

Shopping and Socializing

RVA Big Market or South of the James Farmers Market; every Saturday (free entry)
https://www.growrva.com/ 

These markets connect local farmers and artists with the Richmond community to promote sustainability and accessibility to healthy food options and handmade goods.

Richmond Maker’s Market; once a month (free entry)
https://www.instagram.com/rvamakersmarket/

This market highlights over 30 local makers and artists; find jewelry, home goods, pet accessories, and everything in between!

Birdhouse Farmers Market; every Tuesday (free entry)
https://birdhousefarmersmarket.org/

With a mission of strengthening the local food system in Richmond, this market offers local produce, meat, eggs, dairy, and baked goods to encourage local health and wellness.

Bizarre Bazaar Spring Market; May 5-7 ($9)
https://www.thebizarrebazaar.com/

The 31st annual Spring Market hosted at the Richmond Raceway Complex spans across several buildings with hundreds of vendors, bringing Spring and gardening to the forefront but offering something for everyone.

 

 

Volunteer Opportunities

FeedMore
https://feedmore.org/get-involved/individuals/volunteer/

FeedMore has a variety of ways to connect with our neighbors in need, from preparing meals in the community kitchen to assisting with the Hunger Hotline.

Children’s Museum of Richmond
http://www.childrensmuseumofrichmond.org/

Celebrate your inner child! The Children’s Museum is always in search of volunteers to help as Exhibit Buddies, Art Studio Assistants, and to help with seasonal festivals and celebrations.

Science Museum of Virginia
http://www.smv.org/get-involved/

From in-person experiential exhibitions to in-depth lab demos, the Science Museum of Virginia welcomes volunteers to help encourage Virginians of all ages to enrich their lives through science.

 

Richmond is a wonderful city for retirees to explore and enjoy without breaking the bank. From strolling through the historic neighborhoods to visiting museums and enjoying outdoor activities, there are plenty of fun and affordable things to do. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, learn something new, or simply relax, the city offers a diverse range of activities that are sure to keep retirees entertained and engaged.