Maymont Visitors Center & Nature conservatory was very interesting! Learned the history of The James river and all the types of fish and wildlife that can be found within & around the river. The staff is friendly and a source of abundant information. As newbies to the Richmond area we found this to be a pleasant and informative place to visit. They also have a Farm Animal and petting zoo. Plan to take the grandbaby to check tgat out on our next visit! read more

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They just redid the children's farm and it's awesome. Great place for families to come and spend the day. Big lawns to hang out on, plenty of paths to walk, and then animals for the kids. Great spot! read more

I've been to the beautiful grounds several times but only recently took the guided tour of the historic mansion on the property. It was so interesting and so informative -- don't miss out on this! Our tour guide was Meika, and she unrolled the story of the house and its inhabitants beautifully. read more

I have been visiting here since I was little, and it is one of my favorite places to take my kids in Richmond. There is a barn filled with pot bellied pigs, rabbits, a donkey, chickens, and and goats you can feed. They also have cool random animals like bears, eagles, and a fox for the kiddies to check out. My kids have had so many adventures walking through the bamboo forest, feeding scraps of their lunch to the giant fish in the coy pond, leaping across rocks to get near the waterfall, and climbing the huge beautiful old trees that grow throughout the park. There is also a Roman inspired garden and a zen Japanese garden that features stepping stones across the coy pond (One of my kids favorite parts. Not a cool feature if you are pushing a stroller...I remember I took my daughter's enormous stroller when she was little and I wanted to chuck it in the pond by the time I finally got it across.) Bring a camera because your day will be filled with amazing photo ops and fun filled moments you'll want to capture. If you're looking for a fun place to wear out your kids, this would be the place. The park is huge, so bring lots of snacks and drinks or pack a lunch for an outdoor picnic! Wear out your kids and make great memories at the same time. BAM. Every mom's goal for an outing=early bedtime. read more

Such a beautiful park. We go almost anytime we can over the spring and summer months. I'm the park is incredibly impressive. I'm so happy that it is a free park, but they allow you to donate at the entrances if you would like; I always do. I wish people would donate more! Just wear comfy shoes and enjoy your time there!!! I love it! read more

You could get lost here for an afternoon. I say that because that literally happened to me. Bring a book, some good eats, and a blanket and kick back. And once it's all said and done, go feed some farm animals. This park is a gem and Richmond is lucky to have it! read more

I feel like I have grown up at this park. One of my favorite spots in RVA and I cannot rave about it enough. Between the class trips with friends or family outings, this park proves it is here to stay over and over again. It makes a great date location (my cousin proposed to his now wife here - they went on their first date to maymont) and even great to take this kids out for a saturday picnic. One of my favorite things to do is bring nearly old bread and feeding it to the koi in the japanese garden pond. Photographers can get some great shots here as well and it is one of RVA's voted best parks in the area. Visit, bring some quarters for the petting zoo feeders and have a great day at Maymont! read more

You are surrounded by beautiful gardens, beautiful mansion and various animals. It's a beautiful place to visit. However, come prepared for a lot of walking. Including steep inclines, ragged stones and a lot of steps. If you have any walking handicaps you may want to consider a wheelchair or electric cart. read more

What a beautiful place. So relaxing and great place to take a walk! I would recommend this to anyone looking for a little escape from city life! read more

Always a great place to visit and support. Take my nephew here often to see the animals. It's a great source of outdoor exercise. Spring and fall are always beautiful. Go early though because they close semi early in the summer. read more

The koi fish are by far the coolest thing about Maymont, there's also a beautiful waterfall, many different gardens, & if your lucky you can see animals! (: read more

A wonderful place to take a young child is to Maymont Park where they can feed the many barnyard animals (they have 25c grain vending machines) and walk through the barn. Then you can visit the many species of river fish (all live) and the very playful otters. Entry is FREE but donations are suggested at the entry to the fish exhibit. I am a homeschooler so this was a great budget place to go to teach my little girl about the wildlife up close. We also rested for a picnic on there beautiful grounds. On the upper part of the park (we didn't go there yet) they have a mansion and gardens, and a carriage house to see. Only problem was explaining to my daughter why we couldn't take the pig HOME !!!! read more

People watching, old rich white people nature, beautiful built landscapes and parents battling strollers on overly arched Asian garden bridge. This is a fun destination year round. Farmers markets in the spring to buy new plants, concerts, camping(one time event I think) and coy ponds. You can even your the house and see how people lived in Richmond mNy years ago. There is a swan bed which you can't make photographs of in the house. read more

This was my first time ever coming to Maymont and I know that it won't be my last. This was such a wonderful experience. There are flowers everywhere!! They even have different species of trees throughout the property. They even have a caged area with a bear inside! This property is huge and is a great place to walk around, especially after a large lunch. I would recommend going here for a picnic :] Just beware of goose crap... It's EVERYWHERE! read more

Love Maymont. Animals for kids to feed and pet, lots of walking trails, beautiful Japanese gardens, other animals to see but not pet (foxes, hawks, eagles, owls, bears)....great place for kids and families and to take a picnic. Sometimes they even have a little ice cream cart guy selling cones in the summers. Also a nice old house. When I go here I like to pretend I live there and these are my "grounds." read more

Go for the views and free parking! What a lovely place to relax and enjoy nature! Have a ball and bring some snacks:) Just make sure you take your trash with you! read more

Maymont is a Richmond institution. Its the place to go on a beautiful Saturday when you can't make it to the beach. Almost like a small-scale Biltmore Estates without the winery and added a little something for the kids in the form of the petting zoo. Since I was a teenager this has always been a favorite place to go by myself just for a walk, for a family outing or a place to take friends/family that are visiting Richmond for the first time. read more

This is one of my favorite places to go to it is clean and very well organized I love that the eagles can come and go as they want and the giant hill is the best to roll down and the petting zoo is amazing and the coy fish are so pretty if I was going on a vacation I would come here. read more

What a nice place to go for the day. Even though we came on a pretty chilly day it was still nice to walk around see the animals enjoy the fresh air and take a walk around the museum on the property. This is a lovely place to run or ride bikes, and definitely an ideal and picturesque picnic location. They have some farm animals and even a bison on the property, you can also visit their bobcat. The Maymount mansion is definitely a must see, they hold tours I think every half hour, and it's five dollars a person to see the whole house. The basement is available to check out by yourself for free and still has a lot to offer. Each room is set up to replicate what it would've looked like in its original era with props and anecdotes on the wall explaining how the areas and how the mansion functioned when it was used as a house. read more

This would probably be my go-to-hangout wid friends and family especially with the smiling and friendly guides around u , to talk about Victorian era... The socialism, both dining and other etiquettes, their wardrobe( especially use of corsets by women) , medieval architecture,the employees like foot men and maids -all come alive once you step into the mansion Last but not the least: there's an act/ short sequel of two amazing actresses which captivates visitors of all ages... read more

Richmond is a small city, but, like all metropolitan areas, the dark gray of the streets and the trash that lurks in every alley wear one down gradually. It's a sort of numbness, a familiarity that sets in, where you stop looking at the trees that line the roads and don't notice the blooming sunflowers beside the coffee shop you go to every day. It's during these phases that I go to Maymont. Overwhelming beauty fills your vision: gentle hills, an abundance of foliage, a surprising amount of wildlife, families and couples strolling through the sunlight. You reconnect with the child that you used to be, awestruck by the grace of nature and the simple joy of feeling grass beneath your feet. You remember how, as a child, you would roll down the hill, even though you knew the grass would cut you and you wouldn't stop sneezing all night. You remember the one night when you accidentally squashed a lightning bug and cried because the night sky would be a little darker. You remember your mother dancing, sparklers in hands, as your older brother played guitar beneath the oak tree. Throughout my time in Richmond, I've taken my old friends who visit to Maymont. I watch their faces as they see just how large it, as they become sort of mystified at this Eden's existence right next to the concrete blocks of the city. I'm not sure they realize how much I've missed all of them. I think of all of my distant friends and the times we used to spend together, sitting on the grass and just talking about nothing. I take them to Maymont because those memories are alive there. Nothing is dead or lost, and we become the friends we used to be. My self, the other me, the one who existed before I changed, feels at home at Maymont. It is warm, and it is sunny. I can keep walking down the paths of Maymont, and I can keep walking down the paths of my mind. read more

Maymont is full of surprises. One half of the park seems to be rolling hills, with little streams and bridges, then BAM there are bears, and eagles, and a rocking nature center. Then you go to the other side, and BAM, ornately landscaped beautiful gardens featuring waterfalls and grand staircases, pond and koi. My son loves exploring Maymont and it's a great place to spend an afternoon. We have also explored the house itself, and it's pretty cool! read more

Maymont is awesome! I'm a Richmond transplant and originally didn't know much about the area. Maymont is one of the first places I visited and I've been back often over the years. It's suitable for families, dates, solo strolls, exercise, etc! The barn is beautiful and the animals are all so well cared for. The entire park is gorgeous and there are so many exhibits and features that bring me back. Be sure to check out the river otters- hands down the cutest! read more

Maymont is beautiful and a great place to explore, exercise, or relax while enjoying the outdoors.

One of Richmond's greatest treasures, Maymont is a perfect place to spend an afternoon with or without children. It has a little bit of everything from waterfalls and gardens to animals and even a historic mansion. Maymont is free but does depend on donations to operate. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera and picnic lunch to enjoy while you're there. read more

Maymont is beautiful to walk around & see all the animals. It's a great place to go wht kids or even on a date. It is free, but donation is suggested. I've been here many times & loved it each time no fail. I recommend to go! read more

Maymont is one of the best parts of Richmond! Every season here is magical and breathtaking! It is so unexpected in the middle of the city, but what a treasure. My entire family loves coming to Maymont. So much to see and do, you can easily spend an entire day here. There is something new to see each visit, there is so much to take in, I find myself noticing new things each visit. The memories made here are priceless! read more

What can I say about this place. ....GORGEOUS! PICTURESQUE! PARADISE! This is my first Yelp review and words don't quite cut it. I can't wait to return here. Me and my family enjoyed every minute. Pack a light lunch, put on some comfortable shoes and just go. Gods paintbrush is evident here. read more

You can never ever get tired of Maymont. It never gets old. If the kids is plucking your nerves, and you need some damn excercise, you should go here. In the Spring time it looks really nice, because the flowers make the scenary look really nice. You can see the animals, hike the trails, or go look at the aquarium.By the time you are ready to leave I promise you the kids will be tired. They will go to sleep in the car. You can never see everything at Maymont in one day, so you gonna have to come back. Maymont Park is just one of the many things Virginia has to offer. I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Usually a great park for my granny and I to walk around in, except the last time I went there it reaked of poop. Hopefully when I come back the strong stench of poop will be gone. Also there was a 5 year old autistic boy swimming in the koi pond, which I found disturbing. But I am just going to assume that it was the parents fault and not maymonts. But besides that maymont has been a great park for me and my granny to enjoy. read more

How did I miss seeing Dooley Mansion before? Lived here 25 years, trips to Maymont and somehow never had the house tour. Perfect for a girls afternoon trip, we got in our healthy walk all over the park on a hot day and ended with the Dooley Mansion tour, not just for the air conditioning but oh that felt nice too. The mansion is simply beautiful, incredibly well cared for and much of the furnishings are original, or like the curtains that are restored from the original. Our guide had a standard tour but readily answered any questions, knew the house and furnishings inside and out and was a spry nonagenarian to boot. The woodwork and the stained glass transoms caught everyone's eye. The lighting fixtures (combo gas+electric) and the old main electric switch (so hazardous!) in the lady of the house's bedroom were especially fascinating, but hey I'm an engineer and like the geeky parts. The tour includes the main and upper floor; the basement is a self-guided tour of the servants working areas, very informative. There is a $5 recommended donation, well worth it! read more

An amazing park and grounds with so many things to see. I love the gardens, the petting zoo and the many trails. Just checking out the trees and flowers can occupy an entire day. All of the activities they host with the Dooley Mansion as well, it's quite a place and somewhere we visit often. read more

Beautiful beautiful park. This is my favorite park. The Japanese gardens are unreal. I love going there to walk the whole park and go over to the petting zoo. I always seem to find a new trail everytime I go. A must see while in Richmond! read more

We went to the 2013 Maymont Jazz Festival. If that wasn't cool enough, we were able to get up close and personal with the Maymont Mansion and Gardens, as well. When we arrived it was a hot,humid Saturday. We set up our chairs and proceeded to jam, but began to see ominous blobs of red on the radar. We began to think about whether we wanted to shelter in place or find some kind of cover,any cover. My DH and I walked a bit, rounded the gravel drive of the house and walked up the stone steps of Maymont. A sign directed us to the basement entrance in the rear of the house. We went down and we were greeted by a VERY friendly docent, as well as a blast of air conditioning! Whew! The docent (who was AWESOME,btw) said there wen't many people, so he took us on a tour, just the two of us. So as all HELL was breaking loose outside, we were safely ensconced in the " Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous: American Gothic Style." I cannot describe in words how amazing this house is. The interiors have been so well preserved, with such care and integrity. You actually FEEL like you are on the set of "Downton Abbey". I totally expected Mr. Carson to pop his head into the library and tell me that tea was served. No,seriously. It is gorgeous. And speaking of "feelings", my sister (who also has the "gift" or "sight" for these things) asked me if I "felt" any presence of the former owners? The answer is yes, yes I did! Colonel and Mrs. James Dooley are still very present in their home. Say what you will, but they were both very unique individuals and they continue leave their mark on Maymont. Especially Mrs. Dooley, whose unusual bedroom is like a Ghost Hunter's dream. I'm not sure why this house has never been used for interior scenes for movies. The contents value today would run into the tens of millions. The Tiffany's! The Limoges and Sevres porcelains! Wow. The basement museum is open for tours, as well. If you geek out over early 20thc. mechanics and gas systems, you will love this. I loved it for the stories it told of servants that faithfully served the Dooleys for decades. It is so rare and wonderful to hear these histories, it is a can't miss. It's also self-guided, so there is time to explore. The gardens were ours to enjoy for the day, so after the storm passed, we said goodbye to our docent and strolled around the gardens and the colonnade, watching butterflies,bees and hummingbirds at their work. I wish I knew the name of our docent, he was so patient and kind and answered every one of our questions. Needless to say, whether there was an event at Maymont or not, I would visit again without hesitation. The house has two floors to explore and well worth the pittance of a donation for entry. Wear comfortable shoes and come to learn and explore. The gardens,the stable and the farm,too. Just more more note: I love the houses surrounding Maymont Park! They look like little dollhouses! Love the yards and architecture. Enjoy this gem of Richmond. read more

Have been wanting to come to this place and have put it off for too long. It is an absolute treasure in Richmond Virginia. entry to the mansion is a suggested four dollar donation. Well worth the price and more. The guides are super friendly and informative and the tour itself is amazing. You do not want to miss this gem. The gardens were beautiful. I can't wait to go back with friends and friendly. read more

Maymont Park is also the location of an excellent, free tai chi class, taught by Wilson Pitts. He has offered this class every spring for over 35 years, and has used each session as a workshop to improve his teaching methods. After so many years, his class is truly exceptional. The location could not be more beautiful. Practicing the gentle movement of tai chi, surrounded by the beauty and the quiet of this special park is one of the best experiences Richmond has to offer. This year's series of classes begins at 9:00 am on Saturday, April 26, 2014. Park at the Hampton Street entrance, walk through the gate, turn right, and walk down the hill. Cross the small road lined with magnolia trees and you'll see the class. It's such a special way to enjoy Maymont. read more

It looked beautiful, but they didn't allow dogs : ( We didn't end up going for this reason. We may try to go another time, but I have to say that it seems kind of lame that a park won't allow dogs. read more

Maymont is AWESOME. It's one of those Richmond fixtures that has always stayed the same. My absolute favorite thing about Maymont is the trees. They have beautiful, old, wise trees from all over the world. It's a great place to pack a lunch, bring your hula hoops, relax, and stare at the sky. However, the weekends can get a little crazy and busy. It's free, but they do ask for a donation. I suggest that if you want peace and quiet, go in the morning. The last time I went, I decided to try out the nature center, which now costs $3. I didn't understand the placement of some of the fish - large fish were in relatively small tanks and small fish in large tanks. Didn't make much sense. All in all though, this is a special place that everyone, young and old, should visit at least once! read more

We relocated to the Richmond area recently from Philadelphia. We are always looking for new things to do, food to eat and places of interest to explore. I cannot tell how happy I am that we stumbled upon this gem! The grounds are absolutely beautiful. There is so much to see and do on the property that we couldn't do it all in one day! It is also free!! FREE!! We will definitely be back... frequently! They also have a website that lists several planned events such as camp outs and festivals if you'd like to plan a trip during one of those. Loved it!!! read more

It's so peaceful I love it it was like so relaxed a lot of history I love history there are animals fish I love walking my child too I love this maymont read more