It’s a hot one out there, people.  Perfect time for….Water Play War!

The Children’s Museum of Richmond and Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens have great Water Play areas for kids and toddlers.  I took my son Henry to visit both wet and wild play areas.  Which one wins the battle of Water Play?

Let the battle begin!

CMoR Water Play

Overview: Indoor and outdoor water play areas.  Indoor water play features two large water tables.  One looks like the James River with a dam area, boats, bridges and a cascading water dome kids love.  The other table features a giant spiral that kids can play with and send objects down.  Both provide hours of entertainment.

Positives: Indoor area is air-conditioned (hallelujuah!).  The outdoor area has plenty of shady spots and comfy wicker seats for parents to sit.  Lots of diverse areas for kids to explore: from river water spouts to music-playing-steps to a giant sandbox and much more.

Negatives: Much of the outdoor area, especially where the water runs, is hard concrete.  It’s painted blue like the river, but we did have one minor spill and scrape before we left. 

Cost: $8. Under age one free. Members free.

Watch the CMoR Water Play video

Lewis Ginter Water Play

Overview: Fun, playful water area perfect for running and playing in the Children’s Garden. There’s a lot of “wow!” factor here with spurting water and steaming jets.  Super soaking opportunities with a Frog’s Mouth water tunnel that kids can run through and a huge cattail that sprays water.

Positives:  Soft, spongy ground great for safety as kids run and play.  Kids will get soaked quick.  Winsome animal-intrigue with the Frog’s Mouth. Plus plenty of other kid-friendly activities nearby with the children’s tree house, the huge sand lot, and climbing mulberry tree.

Negatives: Long, hot walk to and from the Children’s Garden from the Lewis Ginter main entrance.  Some shady spots for parents to sit, but parents with small toddlers will need to stand and monitor the really tiny ones (like mine). 

Cost: Adults $10, kids 3-12 $6, under three free. Members free.

Watch the Lewis Ginter Water Play video

The verdict:

Mom: Both are great.  If I had to pick one, CMoR would be the winner because it doesn’t have the long walk, there’s mucho shade for parents to sit out the Water Play experience and there’s air conditioning close by for a quick cool-off. 

The Kid: Loved both.  Ran, played, met some cool kids.  Huge wins in both cases.  He was equally entertained in both.  Got more wet at Lewis Ginter, but loved running around CMoR and exploring the music facilities. 

Honestly, both are winners in our book and a great way to spend the day.

Stuff to bring:

-Swimsuits

-Little Swimmers for toddlers

-Water shoes

-Sunscreen

-Towel

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