30+ Things to Do Near Fort Lee in Chester, the Tri-Cities, and Richmond

Looking for something fun to do near Fort Lee on your next day off? You’re in luck! Fort Lee is perfectly located to take advantage of all the great activities and fantastic restaurants throughout the Virginia Tri-Cities region, the city of Richmond, and its suburbs.

If you’re willing to drive a bit further, the Mid-Atlantic is waiting for you - whether you want to drive north to D.C., south to North Carolina, or out to the beautiful Virginia coast.

Whether you decide to stay local for the afternoon or want to plan a weekend getaway, we’ve got you covered with plenty of recommendations.

5 Military-Friendly Activities Near Fort Lee

Kicking things off, we have some recommendations that are military-friendly.

These are activities you can do or places you can go that either honor military service, offer military discounts, or are owned by Veterans. Some of our other recommendations also fit this description, but these five are some of our top recommendations in this category.

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Visit an On-Base Museum

Fort Lee is home to two fantastic museums honoring Soldiers, which you’ll definitely want to visit at least once while you’re stationed there.

The U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum preserves and interprets the history of the Quartermaster Corps, the military’s oldest logistics branch.

Just a short walk away, you’ll also find the U.S. Army Women’s Museum, which honors women's contributions to the Army from 1775 to the present through state-of-the-art exhibits and programs.

Take a Thrill Ride at Kings Dominion

Six Flags’ Kings Dominion is a fantastic theme park with a variety of rides, from roller coasters to kids' rides, and even a waterpark.

Kings Dominion offers great deals for service members on both daily park tickets and annual passes.

Visit the Richmond Zoo

Who doesn’t love the zoo? There’s plenty to enjoy for all ages at the Metro Richmond Zoo, from seeing and interacting with majestic animals to flying through the sky in the Zoo’s Treetop Zoofari ropes course.

Make sure to bring your military ID to purchase tickets in-person, and you’ll receive a 10% discount for you and your guests.

Crack the Code at Escape Adventures

If you love solving puzzles and cracking codes and have never tried an escape room, what are you waiting for? Escape rooms are a great group activity that challenges your brain in a fun way!

The Escape Adventures in Chester, VA, is a Veteran-owned company offering three different, family-friendly escape room experiences for you to enjoy.

Catch a Richmond Flying Squirrels Baseball Game

Did you know Richmond has its very own baseball team? The Richmond Flying Squirrels are a minor league team playing just minutes up the road from Fort Lee.

If you love baseball, you’ll want to check GovX for discounted tickets or keep your eyes peeled for a Military Appreciation Night, when Active Duty and Veterans can get discounted tickets to see a game.

10 Restaurants Near Fort Lee You Won’t Want to Miss

The area around Fort Lee is absolutely teeming with great restaurants. From Prince George (right outside the gates) to the Tri-Cities region, we’ve got you covered, and that’s not even tapping into Richmond’s fantastic restaurant scene!

Start here, then head out and explore. Be sure to let us know in the comments if you find a new favorite we didn’t include!

Kristin's Kitchen - Get your southern comfort-food fix at this homey Chester eatery.

La Reina Fusion - This Mexican-Indian fusion restaurant (that also serves seafood) is a great pick when you’re not sure what you want, but you know you want it to be delicious.

Hokkaido Japanese Steakhouse - This local gem is waiting for you just off base when you’re craving hibachi or a great sushi roll.

The Boathouse at City Point - This is a perfect date night spot when you want something fancy - enjoy delicious seafood, great views, and excellent service. Reservations recommended!

Sibley's BBQ - If you’re looking for food that’ll stick to your ribs in a casual, down-home setting, look no further than Sibley’s for some of the best barbecue around.

Restaurants for the Whole (Furry) Family

Dog lovers stationed at Fort Lee will also find some great restaurant options with outdoor seating where their furry family members can join them for a meal.

Howlett's Restaurant & Tavern - Howlett’s has a little something for everyone - delicious food, good service, and a large pet-friendly patio

Oak & Apple - It’ll be worth the drive into Richmond for delicious BBQ and a special, rotating selection of treats for your furry friend.

Jimmy's Grill & Pizzeria - This Petersburg pizzeria has plenty of pet-friendly, outdoor seating, plus great pizza and Italian staples.

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream - The Chester, VA, Bruster’s location offers pup sundaes complete with treats! Don’t miss out.

Three Leg Run - This craft brewery, winery, AND meadery has something for everyone, plus some great eats, and they’re dog-friendly!

What Are Some Pet Friendly Places Near Fort Lee?

When it’s time to work off all the delicious food with a long walk or some off-leash play time, pet parents will find some great options on or near Fort Lee.

Fort Lee Dog Park

Location: Battle Drive, Bldg. 9024, Fort Lee, Virginia 23801

The Fort Lee Dog Park is a great, fenced dog park located right on base!

Pocahontas State Park

Location: 10301 State Park Rd, Chesterfield, VA, US, 23838

Pocahontas State Park features miles of dog-friendly trails that you can explore with your four-legged friend.

Chester Dog Park

Location: 5300 Ecoff Ave, Chester, VA, US, 23831

The Chester Dog Park at Goyne Park features two separate, fully-fenced areas for large and small dogs.

Petersburg National Battlefield

Location: Siege Rd, Petersburg, VA, US, 23803

Petersburg National Battlefield is a great place to go on a long, leashed walk with your pup while exploring an important national historical site.

Dory Park and Recreation Center

Location: 7399 Dorey Park Dr, Henrico, VA, US, 23231

Dorey Park and Recreation Center features a fenced dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs.

James River Park

Location: 4401 Riverside Dr, Richmond, VA, US, 23225

James River Park features many great walking and hiking trails that adventurous pups will love exploring. Honorable mention goes out to Buttermilk Trail, a 2.5-mile trail along the James River.

5 Great Date Ideas Near Fort Lee (For Couples or BFFs)

Whether you’re looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon with your girls, going for a guys' night out, or planning a romantic date with your special someone, you’ll find plenty of great options within a short drive of Fort Lee.

Explore One of the Richmond Area’s Many Fantastic Museums

Richmond has so many fantastic museums that we couldn’t feature just one. You could spend days or weeks exploring all of them. To get you started, here are a few top recommendations.

For Art Lovers

• Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
• The Valentine

For Hobby Historians

• Virginia Museum of History & Culture
• American Civil War Museum
• Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia

For Citizen Scientists

• Science Museum of Virginia
• Robins Nature Center at Maymont

Niche or Special Interest Museums

• Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum
• Poe Museum

See a Show at the Beacon Theater

If you love live music, you’ll definitely want to attend a concert at Hopewell's Beacon Theater! This beloved historic music venue regularly features a range of touring musicians and tribute bands, so there’s a little something for everyone.

Play a Round of Putt-Putt at Hotel Greene

Don’t be fooled by the name: Hotel Greene isn’t a place to book a room. Instead, it’s an indoor mini golf course designed around the concept of a 1930s European hotel.

This is a unique and immersive experience complete with a bar and a limited food menu. Its owners refer to it as a “faux-hotel, highfalutin’ mini golf course.”

Spend an Afternoon at Ashton Creek Winery

Ashton Creek Winery is a local winery where you can go for a delicious meal complete with local wine pairings. If you want to make it an extra special date, consider booking a guided tasting, attending a seasonal cooking class, or attending one of their other great regular events.

Find Your New Favorite Game at Unplugged Games Cafe

Play a game while you have lunch or dinner at Unplugged Games Cafe. This cafe has over 1,500 tabletop games available for you to play across multiple different categories, from classic favorites to niche picks you’ll love but have probably never heard of.

This is the perfect place to unplug from your devices and connect with friends and loved ones.

5 Places Kids Will Love Near Fort Lee

Parents looking for a fun activity to do with their kids will also find lots of options near Fort Lee. We’ve got both indoor and outdoor options to share since this part of Virginia does

Children’s Museum of Richmond - Chesterfield

The Children's Museum of Virginia's Chesterfield location is full of unique hands-on exhibits and experiences that encourage children to learn through play. You can find even more fun at the museum’s downtown location, but driving that far isn’t necessary for a great afternoon with your littles!

Ages: 9 and under

Military Discount? Yes

Hours: Tuesday- Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Swaders Sports Park

Swaders Sports Park is a massive facility featuring more than 70 arcade games, a bowling alley, a driving range, mini golf, go karts, laser tag, and more. There’s even a designated kids zone with an indoor playground for kids aged 2-12. This is a great place for the whole family, especially if you’ve got a range of ages in your family. From little ones to teens, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Ages: All ages

Military Discount? Yes

Hours:

• Labor Day to Memorial Day (Winter):
  • Monday - Friday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Sunday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Memorial Day to Labor Day (Summer):
  • Monday - Friday, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Sunday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Surge Adventure Park

For even more excitement, check out Surge Adventure Park in Richmond. This massive indoor trampoline park features climbing, a ninja course, a zip line, and arcade, and more. There’s even a designated toddler area for the littles.

Ages: All ages

Military Discount? None advertised

Hours:

• Sunday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Monday - Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Tree Time Adventures

For families seeking adventures in nature, consider Tree Time Adventures. This tree-top adventure park features multiple ropes courses with zip lines, obstacle bridges, and more. There are also nature trails, and a special beginner course for kids age 3 and up (accompanied by an adult, kids aren’t allowed to climb alone).

Ages: 3 and up, must meet height requirements

Military Discount? None advertised

Hours: Adventures by appointment during daylight hours

Henricus Historic Park

Take a walk back in time at Henricus Historic Park, a popular living history destination at the site of the second successful English settlement in North America. Learn about colonial history through live reenactments, costumed interpretation, and educational programs and activities.

Ages: All ages.

Military Discount? None… because it’s free!

Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Don’t Miss These Seasonal Events and Activities Near Fort Lee!

Richmond and the surrounding region also have a variety of great seasonal activities and events you’ll definitely want to put on your calendar to check out while you’re stationed at Fort Lee.

Seasonal Farm Visits

Living in Virginia means having access to multiple U-pick seasons throughout the year, from summer berries to fall sunflowers and pumpkins, and a whole lot more in between.

Here are just a few great local farms near Fort Lee where you can spend an afternoon picking fresh, seasonal produce. Some also offer additional autumn activities (like corn mazes and hay rides) or farmers' markets.

• College Run Farms
• Goose Hill Farm
• The Strawberry Patch at Quail Hill Orchard
• Chesterfield Berry Farm
• Swift Creek Berry Farm

Chesterfield County Fair

The Annual Chesterfield County Fair is held at the end of the summer each year. This fair has all your favorites like rides, fair food, carnival games, and exhibitions.

The County Fair Association also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including horse shows and the annual Miss Chesterfield County Fair Princess Pageant.

Chesterfield Honey Bee Festival and Bumblebee Jamboree

One of the premier local events is the Chesterfield Honey Bee Festival! This annual festival celebrates pollinators and features a variety of local artisans and vendors, live music, and the Bumblebee Jamboree - an educational exhibit about bees designed specifically for kids and families.

Lewis Ginter Gardenfest of Lights

For a truly dazzling experience in the wintertime, visit Lewis Ginter’s Gardenfest of Lights. Lewis Ginter is a beautiful botanical garden in Richmond, VA, that gets absolutely decked out in lights for the holiday.

There are also model train displays, hot chocolate, s’mores, and more!

Check Out These Nearby Day Trips and Weekend Getaways

On your next long weekend or day off, you might want to plan a quick getaway. Hit the road to one of these nearby cities and explore all that the mid-Atlantic has to offer!

Virginia Beach, VA

Drive time: 2 hours

• Spend a day at the beach near Neptune’s Park.
• Explore the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center.
• Support local small businesses at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market, open every day!

Washington, D.C.

Drive time: 2.5 hours

• Visit one of the world-famous Smithsonian Institution museums.
• Explore the iconic monuments and memorials at the National Mall.
• Pay your respects at Arlington National Cemetery and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Raleigh, NC

Drive time: 2.5 hours

• Visit one of Raleigh’s many fantastic museums, like the North Carolina Museum of Art, the North Carolina Museum of Natural History, or the Marbles Kids Museum.
• Go to a concert at one of Raleigh’s great outdoor venues, like the Red Hat Amphitheater or the Koka Booth Amphitheater in Cary.
• Visit Pullen Park, a public park that is home to a playground, arts center, and the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the United States.

Don’t Miss Out on These Fun Things to Do Near Fort Lee

If you’ve just gotten orders to Fort Lee in Prince George County, VA, your first thought might be “Where even is Prince George, anyway?” At first glance, this base’s location might seem underwhelming compared to the other Virginia installations which are clustered near Washington, D.C. and Virginia Beach.

What Fort Lee does have is a quieter, family-friendly community with easy access to Richmond, which is full to the brim with great restaurants and fun attractions, plus even more to do in the smaller nearby cities of Colonial Heights, Petersburg, and Hopewell (AKA Virginia’s Tri-Cities region). Plus, the base’s central location near Interstate 95 makes it the perfect launching point for exploring all that the Mid-Atlantic has to offer.

Enjoy Fort Lee while you can, and when it’s time to PCS again, we’ll be here with even more great recommendations for your next duty station.