Bryan Park
Indiana's first certified Arboretum and a vibrant community hub with adventure playgrounds and a lively Saturday market.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively farmers market atmosphere
Bryan Park
Best Time
Lively farmers market atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Indiana's first certified Arboretum and a vibrant community hub with adventure playgrounds and a lively Saturday market.
"A wonderful place to visit and picnic with plenty of shelters and happy people enjoying nature."
🎯 Arrive Early for Market
Beat the crowds at the RVA Big Market on Saturdays for the freshest produce and best finds.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
Explore walking trails and workout areas; good footwear is a must for active enjoyment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Certified Arboretum
Explore Indiana's first certified urban forest, showcasing biodiversity and natural beauty. A peaceful escape.
RVA Big Market
Off Hermitage Road
Richmond's largest year-round outdoor market with local farmers, artisans, and food trucks every Saturday.
Adventure Playground
Upper Playground
A challenging 'ninja warrior' style course with accessible paths, climbing, and unique play structures.
Toddler Play Area
Toddler Playground
A safe and engaging space with low slides and equipment perfect for young children and toddlers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arboretum & Community Hub
Weekend Market Buzz
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Market
Beat the crowds at the RVA Big Market on Saturdays for the freshest produce and best finds. 
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
Explore walking trails and workout areas; good footwear is a must for active enjoyment.
💧 Stay Hydrated
A new water fountain with a bottle filling station is available for your convenience. [^Review]
👨👩👧👦 Toddler-Friendly Zones
The fenced upper playground and toddler area are great for little ones with low slides.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Market
Beat the crowds at the RVA Big Market on Saturdays for the freshest produce and best finds.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
Explore walking trails and workout areas; good footwear is a must for active enjoyment.
💧 Stay Hydrated
A new water fountain with a bottle filling station is available for your convenience. [^Review]
👨👩👧👦 Toddler-Friendly Zones
The fenced upper playground and toddler area are great for little ones with low slides.
🌳 Arboretum Exploration
Take time to appreciate the biodiversity of Indiana's first certified urban forest.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bryan Park for its diverse amenities, from the engaging adventure and toddler playgrounds to the serene certified arboretum. The Saturday RVA Big Market is a major draw, offering a lively community experience with local vendors. While parking can be tight and some areas like the swings were noted as muddy, the park is generally seen as a wonderful, well-kept space for families and active individuals.
"This wonderful park! 🌹
I went there with my family, and we enjoyed using playing devices and instruments.
There were different kinds of swings, playing activities, mazes for kids and lots of other things for any age.
Highly recommended"
Pezhman Raeisian
"First and foremost, I want to emphasize that I prioritize the safety of my children above all else. I do, however, have a different perspective on modern equipment. Today's playgrounds are overly padded and fail to provide the necessary opportunities for vestibular development, risk assessment, and the entertainment factor. I don't mean charring your cheeks on a metal slide but more of the tall fire poles which are now a rare find. The new playground is a challenging ninja warrior course. While there is a possibility of injury, I have witnessed my son push himself to achieve here. It features a main path that is accessible with a wheelchair, and it branches off into various subsections that involve hanging, climbing, running, and jumping. The swings aren't quite ready yet and that area is a muddy swamp currently. Additionally, I must mention the new water fountain that has a water bottle filling station. Although, for some reason, my son insists it's a head-cooling station.
The toddler playground is great as always. I'd love to see more fidgets though. Maybe spinners or a xylophone on the gate.
We love the pool and the slides.
We love the walking trails and the workout center on the trail.
I always meet happy people enjoying nature with their families or dogs.
Overall, just a wonderful place to visit and picnic as there are plenty of shelters."
Bobbi M
"My daughter and I have been to this location a few times and each time has been a different experience; sometimes the playgrounds were filled with children and families, other times it was filled with college students who were just wanting to get out, unwind from all the responsibilities of college, and just enjoy the outdoors with friends. For the most part, we have enjoyed each experience here."
Tabitha Artigo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bryan Park is located in Richmond, Virginia, accessible via Hermitage Road. It's also mentioned as being in Bloomington, California, and New York in different contexts, so confirm your specific location.
Yes, there is parking available, though it can get a bit tight during peak times, especially on market days. [^Review]
Information on public transport routes to Bryan Park can vary by city. It's best to check local transit schedules for Richmond, VA, or Bloomington, CA, depending on which Bryan Park you are visiting. +1
The park features a main path that is accessible with a wheelchair, branching off into various activity zones. [^Review]
The Bryan Park that is Indiana's first certified Arboretum is located in Bloomington, Indiana.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Bryan Park is a public park and generally does not require tickets for entry. Enjoying the grounds, playgrounds, and arboretum is free.
Playgrounds and general park access are typically free of charge. Special events or specific facilities might have associated costs. [^Review]
Park hours can vary by location. The RVA Big Market at Bryan Park in Richmond, VA, operates on Saturdays from 8 am to 12 pm.
Entry to the RVA Big Market at Bryan Park is free. You pay for any goods or food you purchase from vendors.
Bryan Park hosts various events, including the RVA Big Market and community celebrations. Check local listings for specific dates and times.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include exploring the certified arboretum, using the adventure and toddler playgrounds, walking trails, an outdoor workout area, and enjoying the RVA Big Market on Saturdays.
Yes, Bryan Park has a dedicated toddler playground and a fenced upper playground with low slides, making it great for young children. [^Review]
The market features local farmers, artisans, food trucks, and unique finds. It's Richmond's largest year-round outdoor market.
Yes, the park offers plenty of picnic shelters, making it a wonderful spot for a family outing or a relaxing picnic. [^Review]
Many visitors enjoy bringing their dogs to Bryan Park, especially for walks along the trails. Always check local park regulations regarding pets. [^Review]
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
During the RVA Big Market on Saturdays, you can find various food trucks and vendors offering diverse culinary options.
Absolutely! Bryan Park is a great place for picnics, with many shelters available for visitors to enjoy their own meals. [^Review]
Depending on which Bryan Park you are visiting, there are likely restaurants nearby. For the Richmond location, areas like Scott's Addition offer dining options.
The RVA Big Market offers a variety of local produce, baked goods, and prepared foods from different vendors.
Yes, there is a new water fountain that includes a water bottle filling station. [^Review]
📸 📸 Photography
The arboretum offers beautiful natural backdrops, while the unique playground structures and market scenes provide dynamic photo opportunities.
Bryan Park in NYC has been associated with holiday events like bumper cars and Christmas tree lighting, making it a festive spot for photos during the season.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks to ensure safety and privacy. It's advisable to check local park regulations before flying a drone. +1
Visitors often capture photos of the arboretum's flora, children enjoying the playgrounds, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Saturday market.
General photography for personal use is usually permitted. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always check park rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1🚶♀️ Active Adults & Fitness Enthusiasts
🛍️ Market Lovers & Foodies
+2 Arrive early to explore the full range of vendors and enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere. It's the perfect spot to discover unique local flavors and handcrafted items. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bryan Park Arboretum: A Green Oasis
This designation highlights the park's commitment to preserving and showcasing a diverse collection of trees and plant life. Visitors can wander through its urban forest, appreciating the biodiversity and the tranquil atmosphere it provides. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers, bird watchers, or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat within the city. The arboretum offers a chance to connect with nature and learn about local flora. RVA Big Market: A Saturday Tradition
+1 This is Richmond's largest year-round outdoor market, drawing in a crowd eager for fresh, local goods. You'll find a wide array of vendors, including farmers offering seasonal produce, artisans selling handmade crafts, and food trucks serving up delicious treats. It's an ideal place to stock up on groceries, find unique gifts, or simply enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere. Arriving early is recommended to snag the best selections before they sell out. +1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit