Spirited Art Photo by Jay Paul
Best Nature Experience for Kids Maymont 2201 Shields Lake Court, 358-7166 Maymont's Children's Farm, the Robins Nature Center and wildlife exhibits are hits with kids, but Cathie Rosenberg, director of marketing and public relations, says the 100-acre park offers other opportunities for nature exploration. Maymont's arboretum offers climbable trees (including a national champion Darlington Oak), and you can expect to find swarms of kids in the Japanese Garden, hiding in the bamboo forest. 2. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden 3. James River Park System Local Party Place for Kids Pump It Up 9555 Kings Charter Drive, Suite I, Ashland, 550-7867, or 11531 Hull St., 739-7773 Pint-sized partiers can choose to host a Superhero Training Camp or Pirate Quest in Pump It Up's indoor arena filled with gigantic inflatables. "The kids are fully engulfed in the superhero or pirate character, and every aspect of the party is driven by this," explains general manager Tee Davis. At the end of the superhero party, revelers even receive a superhero mask. 2. Jumpology 3. Romp n' Roll
2013 Best & Worst
Best Shop for Kids Birthday Gifts World of Mirth 3005 W. Cary St., 353-8991 "Nothing makes me sadder than going to a toy store where you feel like you can't touch everything," says Thea Brown, buyer and general manager at World of Mirth, where they are happy to open any toy so you can try it out. It's this level of service, along with an eclectic selection of toys and pop culture paraphernalia, that has defined World of Mirth for the past 20 years. 2. Toys That Teach 3. Target Best Art Class for Kids Spirited Art 4029 Whittall Way, 360-5909 Since opening in 2011, Spirited Art has taught hundreds of kids how to paint their own masterpieces. With their step-by-step instruction method, Spirited Art's instructors guide students to create a work of art. "Though we guide kids by showing them a sample, they can make their own choices to personalize the paintings," says Kristin Donaldson, lead artist and co-manager. 2. VMFA 3. All Fired Up Best Kids Clothes Clover 3024 W. Cary St., 355-3517 Though Clover is a consignment shop, customers often tell partner Lyn Page it doesn't feel like one. Perhaps that's due to Clover's highly edited selection of brand-name kids clothing (think Crewcuts, Mini Boden and Matilda Jane), the stylish interior or the kids' play area. Most items sell for between $10 and $15, and consigners receive 50 percent of the selling price. 2. Buttons and Bows 3. Gymboree Best Place To Take the Kids on a Rainy Day Children's Museum of Richmond 2626 W. Broad St., 6629 Lake Harbour Drive, or 2200 Old Brick Road, 474-7000 With three locations, the Children's Museum of Richmond provides easy escape from a downpour. "We can get upwards of 900 to 1,200 people on a great, busy Saturday," says Meredith Timberlake, director of special events. In addition to the museum's favorite activity areas, such as the dress-up stage and apple tree, look for some exhibit changes at the Short Pump location this fall. 2. Science Museum of Virginia 3. Jumpology Best Tutors for Kids Kumon Visit kumon.com for locations. "This is not tutoring or teaching," explains Susan Verghis, instructor and owner of Swift Creek South Kumon in Midlothian. "Kumon is a supplemental education program." It serves children from age 3 through high school, providing 22 levels of math and reading worksheets that students complete for 20 to 30 minutes daily at their own rate, visiting the center twice a week. 2. College Nannies and Tutors 3. (Tie) Huntington, Mathnasium and Sylvan Best Daycare Program The Goddard School Visit goddardschool.com for locations. The Goddard School's nine independently operated locations in the region all subscribe to the belief that learning should be fun. "We are a play-based program," explains Ellen Eaton, educational director at the Three Chopt Road location, where there's a waiting list to get in. Owner Hebe Vozza says that in 13 years, "the infant room has never been without a child." 2. Weinstein JCC 3. Primrose Schools Best Educational Event/Performance for Kids Children's Theatre of Virginia 1601 Willow Lawn Drive, 783-1688 Children's Theatre of Virginia, formerly Theatre IV, changed not only its name but also its venue when it moved to the Shops at Willow Lawn. "The theater was recently renovated to be more family friendly," and to include coloring tables and a child-friendly comment board, says Susan Davenport, director of communications. 2. Children's Museum 3. Science Museum Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant Without a Rodent Mascot Red Robin 11500 Midlothian Turnpike, 378-0898; 10067 Brook Road, 261-2222; or 11784 W. Broad St., 364-6375 Eating in a family-friendly restaurant means that your fellow guests are too busy wrangling their own munchkins to notice when your kid is acting up. From carnival corn dogs to grilled chicken on a stick, Red Robin's children's menu offers a variety of options priced under $5 for the 10 and under set. 2. Chick-fil-A 3. (Tie) Friendly's and Mexico Restaurant Best Kids' Performer Jonathan Austin 230-4010 It's no surprise that Jonathan Austin received the most votes in this category — he's been performing his juggling, magic and comedy act for the past 30 years and averages 200 to 300 shows per year. Kids love it when he juggles bowling balls, juggles while riding a unicycle or makes a rabbit appear out of thin air. "I love making people laugh and having them be amazed at the same time," he says. "Entertaining never gets old." 2. Diggity Dudes 3. Silly Bus Best Baby Gear Franklin Goose 3401 W. Cary St. 355-0595 Mom-to-be Tammy Johnson was frustrated by the hunt for natural, organic and environmentally friendly baby products. To make it easier for other moms, she and business partner Sheri Doyle opened Franklin Goose in 2010. "We wanted to provide an environment where people knew everything was natural and organic and had the best-quality safety ratings," Doyle says. Best sellers include bamboo swaddling blankets and baby carriers. 2. Babies R Us 3. Weebsworld Best Restaurant That Wows Kids and Parents Red Robin 11500 Midlothian Turnpike, 378-0898; 10067 Brook Road, 261-2222; or 11784 W. Broad St., 364-6375 A step up from a fast-food burger joint, Red Robin is a favorite with families for its laid-back atmosphere and casual menu of burgers, sandwiches and salads. While mom and dad enjoy a gourmet burger, the kids can order off a reasonably priced kids menu and pass the time by completing puzzles and coloring. 2. Dave and Buster's 3. (Tie) Kabuto and Shyndigz Best Playground Mary Munford Elementary School 211 Westmoreland St., 780-6267 Much more than a school playground, Mary Munford is a true neighborhood gathering spot. Its two play areas, including a cool wooden castle-like structure, offer hours of activity for the kids, while both adults and children make heavy use of the soccer fields, tennis courts and wide open spaces. 2. Deep Run Park 3. Huguenot Park
