Outdoor adventure awaits at the beautiful University of Richmond campus, beginning at the Print Shop.

One of the best "secret" places for a family-friendly adventure is any college campus. In our area, we especially love the University of Richmond. If you follow this trail, pack bikes and/or scooters, because it is paved and very smooth. I also recommend packing snacks and water bottles to enjoy at the pavilion on the lake, or one of the benches around the lake.

To begin this walk, park at the Print Shop. From here, you will be able to pass many of the UR buildings, and appreciate the Gothic architecture. If you're curious about the buildings or the history, you may scan any of the QR codes around campus to learn more. We especially enjoyed learning about Cannon Memorial Chapel.

You will then cross a bridge. It does have railings, so no worries if you have little ones with you! Continue along the paved path and you will reach the football field. If you visit when school is out (summer or holiday breaks), you will have the whole field to yourself, so pack a ball to take advantage of this space. Continue straight and you will reach an area with a quatrefoil and a few benches, a perfect stop for a snack break. Just a few more feet is the gorgeous UR lake. There are typically lots of geese and a few ducks here, but feeding the waterfowl is prohibited. There is another bridge across the lake, as well, and again it has railings. A final highlight is the large rock just above the lake. My kids love to climb and jump off it.

The entire walk is about 1.5 miles, so wear comfortable shoes. There is a restroom building by the football field. After your hike, drive a few minutes to Palani Drive, where you can enjoy a healthy and yummy meal or smoothie.