Play Day RVA

Play Day RVA
September 21, 2017

In June, all 9 of our localities were awarded a Playful Cities designation – making us the first Playful Region in the country! To kickoff this collaboration, we are joining together for the first ever Play Day RVA– a celebration of the great play opportunities that exist in our community.

Wondering how you can get involved? Commit to play on September 21 and then post a pic to social media #PlayDayRVA.

Be sure to also check out the full list of open-to-the-public opportunities, Play Day RVA partners, and reasons why play matters here!

 

Open-to-the-Public Opportunities for Sept. 21, 2017

Children’s Museum of Richmond

The Children’s Museum of Richmond will offer half-price admission for adults at the Central location on Broad Street on September 21, where they will provide special programming on the floor that integrates the National Institute of Play’s Seven Types of Play.

Maymont

Maymont is always a playful place for RVA, and on September 21, guests of all ages are invited to participate in some mid-day play (and competition!) with Maymont staff on the Carriage House Lawn from 11am to 2pm. Lawn games will include corn hole, kick ball and badminton, plus Victorian-era activities like croquet and hoops. Visitors also will be encouraged to enjoy nature play throughout the 100 acres – hopping across the stepping stones, dipping toes in the creek and rolling down hills. And they can watch the farm animals have fun with special enrichment treats. Admission to the Nature Center at Maymont will be “buy one, get one free” for the day so that everyone can watch their favorite aquatic acrobats, Louis and Ella the river otters, at play.

James River Association

Play Day RVA is Thursday, September 21st! Come play on the James River with the James River Association at Richmond’s Great Shiplock Park! Participants will explore Richmond’s riverfront by canoe with James River Association staff members. This FREE interpretive paddle program begins at 5:30 pm and pre-registration is required. Click here to register today!

Project Yoga Richmond

Project Yoga Richmond offers pay-what-you-can classes that support yoga and mindfulness outreach programs across the Greater Richmond Region. Join us on September 21 for two Play Day RVA classes: 5:30-6:45pm True North with Sara Lovelace and 7-8:15pm Yoga for the People with Jonathan Miles.

Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association

The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association is hosting the 2nd Annual Richmond Cornhole for College Tournament at the Capital Ale House in Innsbrook. The event is open to the public, benefits the VRLTA Education Foundation Scholarship Fund, and includes Virginia craft beer and great food. Additional information and signups can be found online at www.vrlta.org.

Agecroft Hall

Come and be a part of Play Day RVA! Play a game of lawn bowling, walk through our turf maze, learn a 17th century card game, and participate in a variety of fun activities throughout the day. Or, join us after work for extended hours through 7:30. Guided tours will be offered on the hour. Picnics on the lawn are welcome during this special event and all activities are included with regular admission.

Learn more here!

RVA Play Day Partners

Why Play Matters

  • RVA is the first playful region in the country!
  • Richmond has over 25 miles of bicycle infrastructure
  • Regular physical activity can reduce risk of depression by up to 30%
  • Only 1 in 4 children has 60 minutes of physical activity every day
  • Children without access to parks or playgrounds are 26% more likely to be obese
  • Play can allow children to develop 21st century skills such as collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, resilience, and empathy
  • Students who are engaged in regular physical activity in school benefit by a 6% increase in standardized test scores
  • Memory tasks improve by 16% when children get regular physical activity in schools
  • Walking during the day can decrease stress and increase creativity in the workplace
  • Poor employee health leads to 45 million avoidable sick days a year

You can also check out this video by KaBOOM! detailing why player matters, or read this fascinating article by NPR Ed on how play can literally change children’s brains!

 

Looking to get involved in Play Day RVA, or to simply stay up to date with all of the upcoming events? Contact us at [email protected] to be added to our mailing list, or with any questions that you may have!