Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

1800 Lakeside Avenue
Richmond, VA

I learn about a lot of great pit stops here at Pit Stops for Kids, but sometimes, I’m still blown away! This is one of those times! The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is such a unique and comprehensive place to stop with children that I might plan a trip down I-95 just for the excuse to stop!

Located just off Exit 80, you can easily spend several hours at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, learning about the different varieties of plants and flowers, playing in the Children’s Garden, or just letting the kids expend some much needed energy throughout their 50 acres in a beautiful setting (pedestrians only, no cars allowed!).*

Says reviewer (and botanical garden marketing coordinator) Jonah Holland, “Full disclosure: I work at the botanical garden, but as a mom, and frequent traveler myself I can tell you it is an oasis like no other in terms a great place to stop on a long car ride with children on Interstate 95. In fact, we have a Children’s Garden filled with great things for kids to explore: build-your-own fairy house area, a shady sandbox, Water Play (open seasonally, bring your swim suits), strange and interesting plants the kids can touch, and an accessible-to-all tree house, with wonderful views!

Plus, the garden blooms year-round with beauty and includes more than 40 acres of spectacular gardens as well as shopping and dining (see food services section below). A 63-foot tall Conservatory houses orchids, exotic plants and changing displays. Outdoor areas feature nearly a dozen garden themes including a rose garden, a Healing Garden, a Sunken Garden, and Asian Garden.”

Seasonal Tip!: From November 26, 2010 to January 10, 2011 from 5-10 pm visit during the GardenFest of Lights — a holiday tradition! The show features more than a half million lights arranged in botanical themes throughout the Garden.

Date last visited: ongoing

Distance off the interstate: 5 minutes!

Hours: The Garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Garden is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 24 and Dec. 25. Click here for special extended summer hours.

Admission Prices: Adults: $10, Children: $6, Under 3′s and members: free.

Food Services: Check out the Garden Cafe, with a kid-friendly menu and outdoor seating! For a more upscale dining experience, try the Tea House (membership or admission required) There are also snack and drink machines in the Children’s Garden. (Picnicking is allowed in this area.)

Bathrooms: Located throughout, including in the Children’s Garden.

Website: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Directions: From I-95 North, take Exit 80, the Lakeside Avenue exit. Keep to the right and take the right at the first light onto Lakeside Avenue. (You’ll see the brown Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden sign.) Follow Lakeside Avenue. You will see the Garden entrance just after you cross the intersection at Lakeside Avenue and Hilliard Road.

*Jogging stroller rentals are free in the visitor’s center!

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