I’m bringing you all my favorite free & low-cost Activities for Toddlers in and around Hanover.
As someone who grew up in Hanover County, I’ve always been pretty immersed in the community here, having previously been a teacher and a county employee. I have put together a list of hidden gem Hanover activities geared towards toddlers and preschoolers. I promise I’m going to go deeper than library storytimes. Although I am going to include them at the end (plus a special one!), because they are wonderful.
Hanover Parks and Recreation’s Free Activities
Let’s start with my favorite. Hanover County Parks and Recreation has some great ongoing free activities created just for little ones. I actually used to work for Parks and Rec, starting when I was 13 as a volunteer at summer camps, and eventually worked for them year round, and I still take photos for them at events! So needless to say, Hanover Parks and Rec has a special place in my heart.
You’ve gotta check out Preschool Play Cafe. Each month (weather permitting) they meet in different parks and bring extra activities that go with that month’s theme. We’ve done dinosaur play, a sports theme month, and bubble bonanza. It’s always so fun and a great way to meet other parents while the kids get some socialization practice. It’s my favorite Hanover activity for toddlers and preschoolers.
The other Parks and Rec activity you’ve gotta check out is called Lil’ Sprouts. It’s an open gym time at the new, beautiful Montpelier Recreation Center. They have 1-2 time blocks a week and it may vary by month, so check out their monthly calendar. They’ll put out all kinds of fun toys and equipment for the kids to enjoy: slides, tunnels, giant blocks, and of course, lots of balls to throw around.
Nearby Splash Pads
Unfortunately, we do not have any splash pads in Hanover yet, but there are a few great ones close by in Henrico County! Just outside of Hanover near the Cold Harbor area, is the Eastern Henrico Recreation Center’s Splash Pad. We go to this one the most because it’s not far from me, and we actually celebrated my son’s first and second birthdays there with his little kid friends! It’s really great for a variety of ages. They also have a playground and a few picnic tables just on the other side of the restrooms. So convenient!
We’ve also tried out the splash pad at Duncraft/Castle Point Park, which is so fun and completely fenced in. There’s also an abundance of covered picnic tables nearby. Plus a large, fun playground that is great for little ones and is accessible because of its ramp that runs throughout it. This one is located in Glen Allen.
This is the one thing on this list that isn’t free, but it is worth it. If you want to go swimming with your kiddo, but don’t have access to a pool in your neighborhood, or want to pay for an entire pool membership, Carter Park Pool in Ashland is a great option! My favorite part is the zero entry area, which is amazing for little ones to explore! The fee for 2025 was $7 for weekdays and $10 on the weekends, and I believe it was free for kids under a certain age (those details aren’t listed on the website, but I don’t recall paying for my son last year when he was 3). A few things to note. They haven’t released the information for 2026 yet. I’d recommend arriving early for a chair or a table, but this is such a fun, low-cost option in Hanover.
Underrated Playgrounds
There are a few underrated playgrounds that we love throughout the county. These are rarely busy, so if you’re looking to avoid crowds, these are the best. Taylor Park is located off of route 54, not far at all from I-95. It’s tucked a bit back from the parking lot and away from the busy road, and it is one of the few county parks with an actual baby swing. There’s also a big field behind the playground that is great for little ones to just run, as well as a covered pavilion. You can also bring a soccer ball and kick into the goals on the soccer fields. Keep in mind the pavilion might be reserved on the weekends and the soccer fields may have games going on during the weekends too.
Courthouse Park is located off of 301 and rarely has more than 10 kids playing on the playground. This is another one with ramp access, making it so easy for the little ones to enjoy. There’s also a great walking path around the field.
A great place to visit during the weekends are the elementary school playgrounds. They usually have multiple areas to choose from, and even some specifically for preschoolers. Our favorite thing to find and explore at the elementary schools are what we’ve been calling “obstacle course” pieces. They’re these different colorful pieces that link together to create a unique path to walk on.
Great Stroller Walking Paths
I’m always seeing moms ask where the best places in the county are to go for a walk with a stroller. Cold Harbor Park has a paved path through the beautiful trees. Plus it’s very close to the parking lot. You’ll also be able to read about and see a lot of historical areas from the Civil War along the way. Sometimes they even have little trinkets along the path for a bit of an I-Spy game for little ones.
I mentioned Courthouse Park for it’s great playground, but it also has a flat, paved path perfect for strollers, that’s only 0.5 mile. I’ve even seen little kids with their scooters or bikes taking this path too. The path takes you around the multipurpose fields and right by the fishing pond, for a nice, scenic walk.
The Fall Line Trail recently opened up and it is such a nice path! It starts in Ashland, and is set to go 43 miles all the way to Petersburg by the time it’s completed. You can park at Carter Park in Ashland where the trail starts at the beginning and follow it as far as you’d like.
Library Activities
Ok, so now we have finally come to the most obvious part of this list. Libraries. There are a plethora of Library Storytimes to check out through the Pamunkey Library System. Most locations have multiple storytimes based on age that happen throughout the week, and even some on Saturdays. I highly recommend going to a few locations if you can. Some of the storytimes come with different vibes based on the instructor, and some fit my family and my child better than others.
I’m going to throw in a special Library Storytime into the mix, that’s actually in Henrico County. At the Libbie Mill Library, there is a Bilingual Storytime that features stories and songs in both English and Spanish. It is one of my favorites to visit with my son. It can get pretty popular, so try to get there early, if possible. There’s also a cute, fenced in playground at the other side of the parking lot you can visit afterwards.
There’s a special Monthly Play Group held at the Hanover Library near the courthouse. It’s a great open play time with activities for the kids including play-doh, sensory bins, puzzles, and toys. They even provide a small snack. I highly recommend checking this one out for a great free, indoor activity in Hanover.
Don’t forget that many libraries have play areas, toys, and kid computers with games just for them that you can use and visit when it’s not storytime.
Bonus Suggestion
Another great resource is a group called The Mom Walk Collective. They focus on arranging walks at different parks, and they also parter with small local businesses so families can try out new activities. It’s such a great way to get together with other parents and families.
Be sure to check out Hanover Parks and Recreation’s page seasonally to see what other activities they have going on. There are often events, as well as programs for kiddos, that are always great to try out with your little one.
Hidden Gem Activities for Toddlers In and Around Hanover
Hey! I’m Stephanie! Thank you so much for stopping by! I’m a Richmond, Virginia light and bright photographer specializing in Family Newborn Sessions and Birth Photography. I hope you found my local activity guide helpful. If you’re ready to talk with me more about a birth, newborn or family session, reach out here! Not quite ready, but want to keep me on your short list? Feel free to check out more of my portrait work here, and connect with me on Instagram! Either way, I can’t wait to connect with you!
