Check out the old lock systems while wandering Great Shiplock Park along the James River.  

This is a great area to park and catch the Virginia Capital Trail, it is often overlooked by crowds and has an adequate parking lot for families.  Shiplock Park would only take a few minutes to check out but it’s cool to be able to see how the old lock systems previously operated, there is an intuitive display.  They do not currently work, once you cross over the footbridge from ship lock it leads you to Chapel Island park and a nice little nature area you can walk down a couple of steps and be right along the James River.  There are a few benches at Shiplock to sit around and relax for a few minutes and find unique and amazing views of downtown Richmond and amenities include benches, shade structures, and bike racks