My little boy turns 8 1/2 today—and of course we’re celebrating. Since Colton’s birthday falls exactly two weeks after Christmas, it’s become an annual tradition to have a family fun day centered around him midyear.
This year, he asked to go fishing. Weather permitting, that’s where we’ll be this afternoon. If showers and storms roll in, I’m fairly certain he’ll be content with an alternative plan of Pokémon card shopping.
If you’re looking for fun things to do with your kiddo (or a child in your life) this summer, there’s no shortage of options across the commonwealth. We’re featuring some of our favorites in today’s lead story because I’m so glad you’re here.
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Not all arcades in Virginia are created equal. (Molly the Cat/Unsplash)
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By Aila Boyd
Here’s what you need to know: Whether you’re looking to relive the golden age of arcade gaming or discover a modern twist on classic entertainment, Virginia has no shortage of exciting arcades.
Our top picks:
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For gamers looking to immerse themselves in a vast collection of video games, the Roanoke Starcade Video Game Museum is a must-visit destination. This interactive museum, located in Center in the Square, offers access to more than 3,000 games spanning arcade classics and modern hits—all set to free play with the price of admission.
- RiverCity Arcade in Danville has a mix of classic and modern arcade gaming in a welcoming environment. With a selection of popular titles like Mario Kart Arcade GP, Star Wars Battle Pod, and MotoGP, the arcade provides entertainment for both casual players and dedicated gaming enthusiasts.
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Flipper McCoys Family Entertainment Center offers nonstop fun with a mix of classic arcade games, modern attractions, and Virginia’s largest interactive laser tag arena. With over 150 arcade games, including retro favorites like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Galaga, as well as pinball, air hockey, and Dance Dance Revolution, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Ready, player one? We’ve got more info on these and other fun spots at the link below.
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Colton Knowles sings “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone at the top of his lungs. (Amie Knowles/Dogwood)
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By Amie Knowles
Since it’s the half-birthday boy’s special day, I asked Colton to share his favorite song with us. At 8 1/2, he has solid musical tastes. Favorite bands often include Fall Out Boy, Phil Wickham, and Sleep Token, but one musical artist takes the cake over and over again—and he made his breakout appearance on American Idol in 2021.
What is your favorite song? “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone.
What do you love about it? My favorite version is the original. It’s good because I can scream very loud and he can scream very loud. I can do that song very, very well.
What’s the #1 reason others should listen to it? It has really deep, emotional lyrics. It represents life and girlfriends and marriage and stuff.
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Kids enjoy canoeing at summer camp. (Cora Bates/Unsplash)
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Sourced by Amie Knowles
Keeping with today’s kid-friendly theme, heading off to summer camp is one of those quintessential adventures for many children across our commonwealth. However, not all families can afford the hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars it often takes to send their kids there. That’s where the American Camp Association’s (ACA) Send a Child to Camp Fund steps in.
Funded solely through donations, the program provides camp scholarships for ACA-accredited day and overnight camps. The ACA partners with the UltraCamp Foundation to distribute the money raised, which oftentimes helps fund the summer experience for children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
There’s also a cherry on top beyond the feel-good nature of helping to sponsor a summer of memories: gifts to the Send a Child to Camp Fund are tax-deductible.
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Have you shared this newsletter with a neighbor?
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes a story from Aila Boyd. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.
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