The Robins Nature Center at Maymont — Attraction in Richmond

To be clear, this review is just for the Robins Nature Center at Maymont. I LOVE the gardens and the grounds at Maymont, but we were very disappointed with the Robins Nature Center. I am not one to typically write a negative review either. We were visiting from out of town and researched places that were open right now during Covid in the Richmond area. Our real summer vacation trip was canceled as a result of the pandemic. The description on the website really gave the impression of a LARGE FACILITY. I thought it would be a place worth visiting with our teenager as he really enjoys aquariums and other nature centers we've visited in the past.

The entry fee is $8 per person and there's not many exhibits. I am not sure how this was set up pre-covid, and I understand Covid has really changed things, but I felt their Covid system was really flawed. You had a ticketed time slot, and everyone that has that time all get let in at the same time. You are walking single file through the exhibits designed for kids. Kids don't think about social distancing and parents try to keep in line with their kids. Many of the exhibts have interactive touch screens, but who really wants to do that right now? If you don't mind and want to use the technology you feel like you are holding up the line behind you. I just really felt rushed through the short exhibit. Some tanks didn't have any information at all and it left you trying to figure out what was actually in the tank. One tank may have a frog, but what kind of frog was it? Your ticketed time slot allows for you to enjoy the exhibits for 45 min. but you will be through in about 20 mins.

My experience may have been negatively impacted by Covid. I just felt $24 for admission for 2 adults and our teenage son seemed a bit much for the experience we had. The website described it as " A 29,000-square-foot attraction, is the largest facility of its kind in central Virginia and holds close to 30,000 gallons of aquaria showcasing animals of the James River and Chesapeake Bay." I was expecting MUCH MORE from that description. The aquarium at the Bass Pro shop is more impressive than our experience here. Not sure if it is a typo, but the area we went through seemed A LOT SMALLER than even a 2900 square foot home. If it is a 29,000-square-foot attraction that must be including the bathrooms and any administrative parts of the building, not the actual exhibit you're paying to go through.

I understand attempts to open and allow guest in during this difficult time are a challenge for everyone. I think a system of allowing in one family, then waiting anywhere from 10-15 mins ( or even 5-10 mins) and letting in the next family would have provided a better experience and allow the touch screens to be wiped down for the next guest and allow the guest some time to look at the animals and not feel like you're packed in like sardines at a time when we're supposed to be being really careful about being in crowds and...

It was awesome to see everything inside and read about it and learn. Even the kids were learning while going look here or look there or look at this! Not only is it something for all ages but it brings all family together. We donated but it's not required! We feel if we don't then one day it wont be here for our future kids and so on. The only thing that costs money is seeing everything inside the building but it doesn't cost much. But its optional. It's not required although it's so pretty and amazing I would recommend seeing it especially if you have kids. We entered and parked on that side anyways so it was really nice! The kids petting farm and feeding the animals was so funny. The kids would get squirmy and have high laughs when the animals would lick the food out of their hands. The goats were so cute and the kids kept making the same goat sounds later. The hills are something and the shortcuts back to the mansion from waterfall, pond, garden, etc. We all got wet and cooled down. I loved the winding steps and waterfall and the mansion! I just can't say enough of everything we just loved it all so much and can't wait to go back. I just gotta say going in the middle of summer just wait a little until bout fallish. Its cooler on the kids and has that fall...

What a fantastic addition to Richmond! As a parent myself, this nature center has become a staple of childhood in Richmond. When you walk inside this nature center, I believe donations are optional, but encouraged, in the center is some general history about the Mema estate. When you turn to the right, you head into what is the giant animal exhibit, made up of a bunch of smaller exhibits based on different ecosystems around the state of Virginia And beyond! One whole side of the building is a half and closed water tank with different species of local fish, other tanks, have snakes or turtles or owls or bats, and at the end, there is a giant interactive otter display! The exit goes out into the beautiful Mamont estate, nature park, where you can spend the whole day walking if you want to, but honestly, this nature center is a destination all by itself. I have taken my kids on rainy days and we spent the whole day there and had a wonderful time! It’s also so fun and educational for all ages that it’s even fun if it’s sunny outside! Thank you, Maymont, for sharing with Richmond such a monumental, educational, cultural, positive exhibit that teaches us so much while...