Summer Recommendations from Southside ReLeaf

by the Southside ReLeaf team

Summer in Richmond means long evenings, shady trails, community gatherings, cold treats, and finding little ways to stay grounded through the heat. Every month in The Leaflet, we share a few recommendations from the Southside ReLeaf team — things we’re reading, exploring, enjoying, or returning to for comfort and inspiration. This season, we decided to gather some of our favorite summer recommendations all in one place.

Whether you’re looking for a new park to explore, a free community event, a good book, or a simple way to slow down and recharge, we hope this list helps you make the most of the season.

Lisa’s Recommendations

Welcome sign at Bellemeade Park.

Explore Southside Parks

Richmond’s Southside parks are full of hidden gems for cooling off under tree canopy, exploring nature, and spending time outdoors.

Larus Park became a refuge for Lisa during the pandemic, thanks to its wooded trails, creek crossings, wooden bridges, and peaceful atmosphere. With several entrances and plenty of shade, it’s a great place for both kids and adults to build confidence outdoors and enjoy some cooler summer walks.

Bellemeade Park offers everything from gardens and a bug hotel to a chicken coop, nature playscape, and forested gathering spaces. Visit mid-morning to meet longtime steward Bob Argrabright, or stop by during the week to connect with Groundwork RVA’s community bike shop crew and learn about their youth bike program.

Carter Jones Park is home to the Markiya Dickinson Imagination Zone, a Miyawaki “tiny forest,” native meadow plantings, and the Fonticello Food Forest. It’s a wonderful place to play, volunteer, reflect, and connect with community while learning more about local ecology and food access.

Kami’s Recommendations

The splash pad at Battery Park. Photo by the Children’s Museum of Richmond.

Pony Pasture on the James

“This is my happy place in the summer,” Kami says. Pony Pasture is perfect for sitting on the rocks, dipping your toes in the river, and spotting wildlife like turtles, herons, and birds of prey. Just be sure to check river levels before visiting, especially after heavy rain.

Richmond’s Free Public Pools & Splash Pads

Richmond’s outdoor pools and splash pads are free and open to the public all summer long. Spots like Battery Park and Fairmount are great ways to cool off, and some locations even offer free swim lessons.

Outdoor Yoga at the VMFA

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts hosts community yoga on the Belvedere Deck throughout the summer. It’s beginner-friendly, family-friendly, and pay-what-you-can — an easy way to move your body and spend time outdoors without pressure.

Free Concerts at Dogwood Dell

Pack a blanket and picnic and head to Dogwood Dell for free summer concerts, theater, and dance performances under the stars in Byrd Park.

Brandi’s Recommendations

Will Nelson at RVA Black Farmer’s Market.

Get Fit with Rick (on YouTube)

Too hot to exercise outside? “Get Fit with Rick” on YouTube offers fun, low-impact walking workouts you can do at home or even during a break at work. The workouts are approachable, simple, and great for fitting movement into a busy day.

RVA Black Farmers Market

Support Black farmers and home growers from across Virginia at the RVA Black Farmers Market, held every second and fourth Sunday from June through November. This year’s market takes place at 1311 Westwood Avenue and features fresh produce, local goods, and community connection.

Libby App

If you love reading but don’t love buying books, Libby connects directly to your local library for free access to ebooks and audiobooks — perfect for summer travel or poolside reading.

Syd’s Recommendations

Syd overlooking the James River while on a walk.

Get Outside & Hit a Trail

Summer heat is real, but so is the relief of tree canopy. Richmond’s trail system offers beautiful shaded hikes right in the city, and Shenandoah National Park makes a great day trip for mountain scenery and cooler air. Early mornings are especially rewarding this time of year.

Beat the Heat at a Museum

When the weather becomes overwhelming, museums offer a slower pace and a chance to recharge indoors. The VMFA is free, easy to wander, and full of opportunities to stumble onto something unexpected and inspiring.

Try the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique

Summer can bring packed schedules, disrupted routines, and sensory overload. The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique is a quick mindfulness exercise: notice 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste. It’s a simple way to reset when life feels overwhelming.

Sheri’s Recommendations

Sheri kayaking on the Nottoway River with Virginia’s big tree hunters.

Daily Stretching & Guided Movement

“Moving our bodies intentionally is so important for our health,” says Sheri. She recommends building intentional movement into your day through stretching and guided fitness videos. One favorite resource is Mady Morrison’s stretching playlists on YouTube, which pair gentle mobility work with calming music — no talking.

Try Something New Outdoors

This summer, Sheri is embracing outdoor activities that encourage learning new skills and experiencing nature in new ways. Horseback riding, kayaking, archery, golf, tree climbing, water parks, and — thanks to Lisa! — birding are all on the list.

Kite Making & Flying

Sheri used to run around all the time as a kid and in early adulthood, flying kites she made or found at a hobby store. This summer, she’s setting aside time to nerd out and create new kite designs. Check out the American Kitefliers Association for kite-making tips, festivals, and events in the Richmond region. 

Sarah’s Recommendations

Strawberry Jell-O Poke Cake. Photo by Kristyn Merkley.

The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator by Timothy C. Winegard

For history lovers, The Mosquito offers a fascinating new lens on familiar historical events by exploring the enormous influence mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases have had on human civilization.

Hilda (Netflix)

This animated series follows the adventures of a curious young girl and her deerfox companion, Twig. Full of themes about nature, environmental stewardship, friendship, and wonder, Hilda is both comforting and imaginative for kids and adults alike.

Jell-O Poke Cake

This light, colorful dessert was a summertime staple growing up. It’s inexpensive, easy to make, endlessly customizable with different Jell-O flavors, and perfect for sharing with neighbors or bringing to summer gatherings.