Plan Your Next Family Adventure in Charlottesville

Charlottesville, Virginia, offers a variety of family-friendly activities for kids of all ages. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, enjoying indoor play spaces, or taking a short drive to nearby attractions, there’s always something fun to do. Here’s a comprehensive guide to kid-approved activities in and around Charlottesville.

Hikes & Outdoor Activities

1. Onesty & Washington Pools: Perfect for a summer day, these kid-friendly pools feature shallow play areas and fun water features kids love. They’re a hit with families looking to cool off while keeping the little ones entertained.

2. Wildrock: Wildrock is a paradise for kids who love to explore and play in nature. It offers an indoor play kitchen, camping setups, wooden blocks, and building toys. Outside, children can discover tunnels, a wooden fishing boat with magnetic fish, fairy gardens, a gardening area with wheelbarrows, and an eagle’s nest with wooden eggs kids can roll down a hill. The barefoot sensory walk leads through soft ground, and a stream, and ends at a mud kitchen with pots, pans, and recipes for creative play. Don’t miss the rock cleaning and polishing station! Reservations are highly recommended as Wildrock often sells out. They also host summer camps and birthday parties.

3. Ragged Mountain Hike: This family-friendly hike is a great way to spend time outdoors. Along the trail, kids will love exploring the various forts built in the woods. It’s an adventure filled with discovery and fun.

4. Local Beaches and Parks: Charlottesville has several parks with "beach" swimming areas and playgrounds for kids. Check out: Mint Springs, Chriss Green Lake Park, and Walnut Creek Park.

5. Greenleaf and Tonsler Parks: Both parks feature splash pads and fantastic playgrounds, making them perfect for a warm day out.

6. Rivanna River Outdoor Activities: Families seeking outdoor adventure will find the Rivanna River an ideal location. Dive into a variety of activities, such as canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, tubing, hiking, biking, and picnicking along the river's banks.

7. Crozet Railroad Tunnel: Take a mile-long walk through this historic tunnel, where the cool, dark passage is an exciting adventure for kids. Bring a flashlight or headlamp, and consider a stroller or bike for younger children. You can enter from either side of the tunnel.

Indoor Activities

1. Virginia Discovery Museum: Interactive Learning: Located on the Downtown Mall, the Virginia Discovery Museum stands as Charlottesville’s sole institution dedicated to interactive and educational experiences for children. With a variety of hands-on exhibits in art, science, history, humanities, and nature.

This museum offers a stimulating environment for kids to learn while having tons of fun. The museum features true-to-life settings, allowing children to explore and engage in different scenarios. Suitable for kids aged 2-6, the Virginia Discovery Museum offers on-site educational programs and special events, including weekly drop-in programs, summer camps, and exciting events like Boo Bash and KidVention.

2. The Glass Palette, Interactive Glass Art Studio: For a creative experience, visit The Glass Palette. In this interactive glass art studio, children and adults can create their glass art pieces. The studio provides materials, tools, and instruction, making it accessible for all ages and skill levels. It’s a fun way to explore art and creativity together.

3. Decades Arcade: Located on the Downtown Mall, this retro-inspired arcade offers games for kids and adults. With a dedicated section for younger kids and options for birthday parties, it’s a great spot for fun and nostalgia.

4. Art Bar: The Art Bar offers creative activities for kids, including a splatter room where they can paint their canvas (protective covers and goggles are provided). There’s also a neon room and opportunities to paint sculptures or choose from other craft options.

5. Lazy Daisy Ceramics: This relaxing paint-your-own pottery studio is perfect for kids to express their creativity. Pick a ceramic piece, choose your colors and paint! The finished pieces are kiln-fired and ready for pickup in about a week.

6. Rose's Inspiration Station: Next to Crozet Creamery, this craft studio offers drop-in sessions, classes, and parties. Kids can choose from a variety of crafts, and Rose provides guidance to help them complete their projects.

7. Alamo Drafthouse: This family-friendly theater offers kids’ movie screenings, a great menu for children, and party options. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a movie with added fun and comfort.

8. Bounce, Play n Create: An indoor play area filled with inflatables, Legos, a train section, an art room, and a dedicated toddler area. It’s a hit for birthday parties or rainy day fun.

9. Get Air Trampoline Park: This large trampoline park includes a foam pit, dodgeball, slamball, and ninja activities. Specific toddler times make it perfect for younger kids.

10. Roller Skating: Both Carver Recreation Center and Greenwood Community Center host roller skating nights. Greenwood can also be booked for private parties.

11. Kids Toy Shops: Charlottesville has unique toy stores like Alakazam, Shenanigans, and Whimsies, offering hands-on fun for kids while shopping for new treasures.

12. The Front Porch: This music-focused venue offers lessons for kids, introducing them to the joys of playing an instrument in a welcoming environment.

Seasonal Events and Festivals for Families

Summer

• Fridays After Five: Held at the Sprint Pavilion on the Downtown Mall, this free concert series is a favorite summer activity for families. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy live music.
• Virginia Renaissance Faire (Lake Anna): Step back in time with knights, queens, and jesters at this interactive fair just a short drive from Charlottesville. Kids will love the performances, crafts, and games.

Fall

• Carter Mountain Orchard Apple Picking: Fall isn’t complete without a trip to Carter Mountain Orchard. Families can pick apples, enjoy fresh cider donuts, and take in panoramic views of Charlottesville.
• Foxfield Family Day Races: The fall steeplechase races feature family-friendly areas, including pony rides, games, and activities for children.
• Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes: Local farms like Chiles Peach Orchard and Liberty Mills Farm offer fun fall activities, from pumpkin picking to navigating corn mazes.

Winter

• Grand Illumination on the Downtown Mall: Kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. The event includes live music, kids’ activities, and festive treats.
• Monticello Holiday Open House: Tour Monticello while it’s decorated for the holidays, and enjoy kid-friendly activities like ornament-making and storytelling.
• Wintergreen Resort Activities: Just a short drive from Charlottesville, Wintergreen Resort offers snow tubing, ice skating, and family-friendly holiday events throughout the winter season.

Activities A Short Drive Away

1. Shenandoah National Park: Located just an hour from Charlottesville, provides families with a breathtaking outdoor experience. The park includes scenic drives, hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and ranger-led programs that educate visitors about the park’s natural and cultural history, biodiversity, and conservation efforts. Old Rag Mountain, a popular destination within the park, offers rock climbing and stunning 360-degree views for the more adventurous families.

2. Maymont Park (Richmond, VA): Located about an hour away in Richmond, Maymont Park offers a blend of history, nature, and kid-friendly activities. Families can explore the Children’s Farm, see the wildlife exhibits, roam beautifully landscaped gardens, and tour the historic Maymont mansion. It’s a full day of fun and learning in a scenic setting.

3. Virginia Safari Park (Natural Bridge, VA): A short drive from Charlottesville, this drive-through wildlife park allows kids to get up close with animals like giraffes, zebras, and bison. You can feed the animals directly from your car and even walk through an on-foot area featuring smaller animals. It’s an unforgettable experience for animal lovers.

4. Crabtree Falls (Nelson County, VA): Just a short trip south of Charlottesville, Crabtree Falls is one of the tallest cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi. The trail is family-friendly, with both easy and moderate sections, and offers breathtaking views of the falls and surrounding mountains.

Are there any kid-friendly dining options in Charlottesville?

Yes! Charlottesville has plenty of kid-friendly restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines in an accommodating atmosphere. Check out our kid-friendly restaurant post!