Short Pump, Virginia: 10 Fun Things To Do Nearby

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Short Pump, Virginia (That Locals Actually Love)

If you’re planning a trip to Short Pump, Virginia in Henrico County, you might be wondering: “Is there really that much to do here?” The short answer: yes. Whether you’re visiting Richmond, passing through on I‑64, or staying in the Short Pump area for shopping or sports tournaments, you’ll find plenty of food, fun, history, and nature within a short drive. Below are 10 things to do in and around Short Pump that are great for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.

1. Shop, Dine, and Stroll at Short Pump Town Center

If you’re in Short Pump, you’re probably already near its main attraction: Short Pump Town Center, an open-air shopping mall that feels more like a small downtown than a regular mall. You’ll find:
  • Big-name stores like Nordstrom, Dillard’s, and Pottery Barn
  • Specialty shops and local boutiques
  • Restaurants ranging from quick bites to date‑night spots
  • Seasonal events and live music on weekends
It’s easy to spend a lazy afternoon here:
  • Grab a latte
  • Walk the open-air corridors
  • Let the kids enjoy the play areas or fountains (seasonal)
  • End the night with dinner and a drink on a patio
If you like people-watching, this is one of the best places in Henrico County to do it.

2. Have Old‑School Fun at Uptown Alley

Just a short drive from Short Pump, Uptown Alley in nearby Chesterfield is a great spot if you’re looking for a laid‑back night of fun. Inside you’ll find:
  • Modern bowling lanes with huge screens
  • An arcade packed with video and redemption games
  • Pool tables and lounge areas
  • A full-service restaurant and bar
It’s a perfect rainy-day backup plan or evening activity, especially if you’re traveling with teens or a group of friends. Tip: Check ahead for daily specials—they often have deals on bowling, arcade cards, or food bundles.

3. Get Outside at Deep Run Park & Recreation Center

Need a break from shopping and traffic? Head about 10–15 minutes south to Deep Run Park, one of Henrico County’s most popular green spaces. Here you can:
  • Walk or jog miles of paved trails
  • Explore wooded paths and open fields
  • Relax by the pond and watch the ducks
  • Let the kids loose on the playgrounds
  • Use the open fields for soccer, frisbee, or a picnic
This is a great place to stretch your legs if you’re driving through the Richmond area on a road trip. The park is big but not overwhelming, and there’s plenty of parking. If you enjoy early mornings, try a sunrise walk around the water—the reflections can be beautiful, even on cloudy days.

4. Taste Your Way Through Local Craft Beer

The Richmond region is famous for its craft beer scene, and Short Pump puts you close to some standout spots in Henrico County. Within a short drive, you can check out breweries such as:
  • Intermission Beer Company – Cozy atmosphere, often with food trucks.
  • Final Gravity Brewing Co. (Henrico location) – Great for IPA and beer lovers.
  • Breweries along the nearby “beer trails” heading toward Richmond.
Many are family-friendly in the afternoon, with outdoor seating, games, and casual vibes. Not into beer? Many spots also offer:
  • Hard seltzers
  • Non-alcoholic options
  • Food trucks and pop-up kitchens
It’s easy to make an afternoon of “brewery hopping,” stopping at two or three places and grabbing snacks along the way.

5. Visit the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (About 20 Minutes Away)

If you don’t mind a short drive toward Richmond, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful places in central Virginia—and well worth the trip from Short Pump. Highlights include:
  • A large glass conservatory with tropical plants
  • Seasonal blooms—spring tulips, summer roses, fall color
  • A children’s garden with a splash area in warm weather
  • Quiet benches and shaded paths for relaxing
During the holidays, the garden puts on a huge light display that draws visitors from all over the state. If you enjoy photography, this is a dream spot—there’s something to shoot in every season, from bright flowers to peaceful water features.

6. Dive Into History at Meadow Farm Museum & Crump Park

Virginia is full of history, and you don’t have to go far from Short Pump to find it. About 20–25 minutes away, you’ll come across Meadow Farm Museum and Crump Park in Glen Allen. Here you can:
  • Walk around a preserved 19th‑century farm site
  • See historic buildings, including a farmhouse and outbuildings
  • Learn about life in rural Virginia in the 1800s
  • Visit farm animals when they’re on display
  • Enjoy playgrounds and open park space
This spot is especially good if you’re visiting with kids or you’re a history buff who likes quieter, less touristy places. It feels a bit like stepping back in time, but without a huge crowd.

7. Catch a Game or Event at Short Pump Park and Local Sports Venues

If you’re in town for a youth tournament or sports event, you’ll likely spend time at Short Pump Park or one of the nearby athletic complexes. Short Pump Park itself offers:
  • Open green space and walking paths
  • Playgrounds for younger kids
  • A popular dog park
  • Picnic shelters and rest areas
Around Henrico County, you’ll also find multiple:
  • Baseball and soccer fields
  • Recreation centers
  • Community events and festivals, especially in spring and fall
Even if you’re not part of a tournament, it’s fun to wander by a local game, grab a snack from a concession stand, and soak in the small‑town‑meets-suburb energy.

8. Eat Your Way Around Short Pump’s Food Scene

One of the best things to do near Short Pump is surprisingly simple: eat. Because of its location and growth, Short Pump has a huge variety of restaurants, from chains you know to local gems you’ll remember. You can find:
  • Southern comfort food and barbecue
  • Sushi, Thai, and other Asian spots
  • Pizza and family-friendly Italian
  • Trendy spots with craft cocktails
  • Brunch places with big portions and strong coffee
If you like trying new things, pick a different style of food each night. One night you might grab tacos, the next a huge plate of fried chicken and mac and cheese. Tip: Ask locals or hotel staff where they like to eat; you’ll often be pointed toward smaller, less touristy favorites that don’t always show up at the top of search results.

9. Explore Downtown Richmond (About 20–25 Minutes Away)

One of the big perks of staying in Short Pump is that you’re close to downtown Richmond without having to stay in the middle of the city. Within about a 20–25 minute drive (traffic depending), you can:
  • Walk along the James River and the Canal Walk
  • Check out the murals and street art in neighborhoods like Scott’s Addition
  • Tour museums, including the Virginia Museum of History & Culture and nearby Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  • Explore Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom for cobblestone streets and historic vibes
It’s easy to plan a day where you:
  • Start with coffee and breakfast in Richmond
  • Walk the riverfront or a historic area
  • Visit a museum or two
  • Head back to Short Pump in the evening for a relaxed dinner and shopping
So if you’re staying in Short Pump and wondering if it’s worth heading into the city—the answer is absolutely.

10. Take a Scenic Drive Through the Countryside

Short Pump sits on the western side of Henrico County, close to rolling countryside and back roads that feel far from the busy mall area. If you enjoy slow drives and scenic views, try:
  • Heading west on smaller roads toward Goochland County
  • Exploring rural churches, farms, and old homes
  • Stopping at local markets or roadside stands when they’re open
On a clear fall day, with leaves changing color, this can be one of the most peaceful things to do near Short Pump. Bring:
  • A camera or just your phone for pictures
  • A light jacket (evenings can get cool)
  • Snacks and drinks from a local coffee shop or bakery before you head out
It’s a simple activity, but it gives you a very different side of Henrico County than the busy shopping areas.

Final Thoughts: Is Short Pump Worth a Stop?

Short Pump, Virginia may be known for its shopping, but there’s much more to do here than just hit the mall. Within about a 20–25 minute radius, you can:
  • Shop and dine in a modern open-air center
  • Relax in parks and gardens
  • Sample local craft beer
  • Step into Virginia history
  • Explore downtown Richmond and the James River
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, visiting friends and family, or just passing through on a road trip, Short Pump makes a great base for exploring Henrico County and the Richmond area.

What Would You Add to This Short Pump List?

Have you spent time in Short Pump or elsewhere in Henrico County?
  • What’s your favorite restaurant or brewery near Short Pump?
  • Is there a park, trail, or hidden gem I should check out next time?
I’d love to hear your suggestions and stories. Drop a comment below with your favorite things to do near Short Pump, Virginia, and feel free to share this post with friends or family planning a trip to the Richmond area.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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