Deep Run Park Playground 1

Honestly one of the better spots in Richmond if you’ve got kids under five — the shade trees actually do their job here, so you’re not baking while your toddler works up the nerve to try the swings. The lake nearby is a low-key highlight; kids lose their minds over the ducks, and the walking path around it is easy enough for little legs. Grab one of the BBQ spots and you’ve got yourself a solid afternoon without much effort. It’s not flashy, but that’s kind of the point — just a genuinely calm place to let small kids roam without constantly stressing out.