Welcome to CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine!
I’m so glad you’re here and hope you find lots of useful parenting resources! We publish beautiful print magazines, add new content to our website and social media daily and we’re in the App Store, too.
CharlottesvilleFamily is committed to supporting parents along every step of their parenting journey. Founded in 1998, we’re so proud of how families continue to count on us to help “Make Parenting Easier & Growing Up Fun!”
EDITOR’S PICKS
Charlottesville Swimming Pools and Splashpads
Cool off with a fun visit to a splash park, swimming pool, swimming hole or [...]
Virginia County Fairs to Visit This Summer
Celebrate agricultural heritage and country life at fairs across the Commonwealth, where you can see [...]
4th of July Events in Charlottesville
From parades to fireworks, enjoy these family-friendly Independence Day events in Charlottesville.
Charlottesville Summer Festivals and Events for Families
Plan unforgettable family outings packed with music, fun and local culture
THE BEST OF CHARLOTTESVILLE FOR FAMILIES
CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine is by parents for parents. No other publication in Central Virginia serves local families the way CharlottesvilleFamily does. Our attention is always on local topics and helping to “Make parenting easier & growing up fun“!. Through all the ages and stages from pregnancy and babyhood to the school years and raising teenagers we are there for you 24-7. Our editorial staff and freelance writers and photographers know the area inside and out because we all are raising children in Virginia. And we care about all members of our community.
HEALTH
Charlottesville’s Best Parenting Support Groups: Find Your Community
Building Your Village
New Children’s Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Health Clinic
Pediatric clinic expands mental health care
Flow Lactation: Empowering Charlottesville Families with In-Home Breastfeeding Support
Supporting Parents from Pregnancy to Weaning
Empowered People® Coaching: Helping Families Lead with Calm, Clarity & Connection
Lead with more calm, clarity, confidence, and connection
Mommy & Me Exercise At Home
Add in exercise for you to baby-time
Falling Asleep While Feeding Baby: New UVA Study
A new study from UVA Health has revealed that many new mothers unintentionally fall asleep [...]
100 Studies on Screen Time
Expert research on screen time translated into easy-to-understand points for busy parents
Virginia Measles 2025: Protecting Families
Understanding the Measles Outbreak in Virginia
EDUCATION
Are Montessori Schools Really the Best Option for Children?
What is Montessori?
Albemarle County Public School News May 2025
May News from Albemarle County Schools
Interview with Kari Miller, CEO and Founder of International Neighbors
Making Charlottesville a Welcoming Place for Refugee and Immigrant Families
Charlottesville City School News: May 2025
May News from Charlottesville City Schools
A Parent’s Guide to Charlottesville Preschools
Find A Terrific Local Preschooler
Foster Art: Inspiring Young Creators with Inclusive Art Education in Charlottesville
Where Art, Education, and Community Meet
News: Charlottesville Loses New Preschool Center Due To Federal Flip Flop
U.S. Department of Education Reneges
Charlottesville City School News: April 2025
April news from Charlottesville City Schools
FAMILY FUN
Train Lover’s Guide: Best Destinations for Families in Virginia
Trains to Ride, Train Museums & More!
Step Back in Time: A Family Adventure at the Frontier Culture Museum
Family Adventures in History
Charlottesville Summer Festivals and Events for Families
Plan unforgettable family outings packed with music, fun and local culture
Celebrate in Charlottesville: Father’s Day Events 2025
Kid-Friendly Fun Outings for Father's Day Weekend
Virginia’s Best Theme Parks and Water Parks for Families
Roller Coasters, Shows, Games & More!
Favorite Virginia Science Museums & Day Trips for Kids
Wildlife, aspace station, reptiles & more!
Celebrate in Charlottesville: Mother’s Day Events 2025
Kid-Friendly Fun Outings
Home & Garden
Moving to Charlottesville: Your Ultimate Relocation Guide
A Family-Friendly Guide to Moving to Charlottesville
Safety Tips to Maximize the Benefits of Gardening with Kids
Tips for Gardening with Kids
Virginia’s Most Popular Dog Names: What Pet Owners Are Choosing
From classic to trendy, pup names you'll love!
Spark Your Child’s Imagination with A Fairy Garden
How to Create a Fairy Garden with Kids
Raising Chickens in Virginia: Make Your Coop Predator-Proof (and Weekend-Ready!)
How to make a pretty coop that outwits foxes!
Slice by Slice: How Cake Bloom Brings Joy to Charlottesville Families
A Bakery Built on Love & Community
The Prettiest Flower Farms to Visit Near Charlottesville
Best pick-your-own experiences
Creating a Butterfly Garden with Kids
Creating a habitat that supports every stage of a butterfly’s life
Parenting
Parenting Playbook
Understanding the many different parenting styles and the research behind them
100 Studies on Screen Time
Expert research on screen time translated into easy-to-understand points for busy parents
Dressing Lessons for Preschoolers
Tips & tricks to make getting dressed easier for little ones
Helping Kids Feel Safe When Scary Things Happen: A Parent’s Guide
Helping kids to process scary news
The Hidden Work: Understanding the Invisible Labor of Motherhood
Invisible labor refers to the mental, emotional, and often unseen physical tasks involved in managing [...]
Be the Change: Building a Better World for Our Children
Simple things you can do to build community and fight injustice
A Dad’s Perspective on the Growth Paradox of Parenting
Growth, slow then quick, and what we can do as parents
Middle School Teaches Valuable Life Lessons
Parent-to-parent tips for navigating the tween years
Recipes
The Best Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancake Recipe
A delicious brunch recipe to spoil your loved ones
Farmers Markets & Farmstands in Charlottesville & Central Virginia
Eat Fresh! Eat Local!
How to Make Mouthwatering Stuffed Peppers
A delicious stuffed peppers recipe easy enough for weeknights.
Kid-Friendly Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball Recipe for Thanksgiving
A decorative and delicious recipe you can make with the kids
Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe
Get festive in the kitchen with this Christmas Cookie Recipe for kids
Enjoy Pippin Pizza At Home With This Recipe
Make a delicious homemade pizza with this recipe from Pippin Hill Winery's Chef Victoria Cosner
Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo
An easy & healthy meal that the kids will love.
Healthy Breakfast on the Go: Veggie, Bacon & Egg Muffin Cups
An easy & healthy meal that the kids will love.
Community
Albemarle County Public School News May 2025
May News from Albemarle County Schools
Interview with Kari Miller, CEO and Founder of International Neighbors
Making Charlottesville a Welcoming Place for Refugee and Immigrant Families
Charlottesville City School News: May 2025
May News from Charlottesville City Schools
Foster Art: Inspiring Young Creators with Inclusive Art Education in Charlottesville
Where Art, Education, and Community Meet
Karyn Wolfe, Life & Image Coaching: Empowering Local Girls
Helping girls to thrive
Flow Lactation: Empowering Charlottesville Families with In-Home Breastfeeding Support
Supporting Parents from Pregnancy to Weaning
Slice by Slice: How Cake Bloom Brings Joy to Charlottesville Families
A Bakery Built on Love & Community
Empowered People® Coaching: Helping Families Lead with Calm, Clarity & Connection
Lead with more calm, clarity, confidence, and connection
Kids Rec
Charlottesville Area Dinosaur Daytrips and Activities
Dinosaur Day Trips & Easy Dinosaur Crafts
Favorite Virginia Science Museums & Day Trips for Kids
Wildlife, aspace station, reptiles & more!
Charlottesville Swimming Pools and Splashpads
Cool off with a fun visit to a splash park, swimming pool, swimming hole or [...]
Charlottesville Summer Camps: The Ultimate Guide by Local Experts
Find all your favorite summer camps from horseback riding and sleepaway programs to arts & [...]
Make A Speckled Easter Egg Craft with Kids
A Beautiful Springtime Craft
The Guide to Sleepaway Summer Camps for Virginia Kids
Sleepaway Summer Camp Fun!
Charlottesville Spring Break Camps
Spring break camps are where fun & learning happen!
Best Preschool Summer Camps in Charlottesville
Summer fun and learning for the youngest campers
LIVE. LOVE. BUY LOCAL
CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine is proud to have the support of the best independently owned businesses throughout Central Virginia, from pediatricians and private schools to family restaurants and home builders. These are people who are making a special effort to support families and children. Live locally by supporting our local partners.
CharlottesvilleFamily is excited to introduce our brand-new mobile app, designed to make it easier than ever for parents to access our trusted local guides, expert parenting advice, and community event listings—all in one convenient place. Whether you’re searching for the best family-friendly activities, looking up school resources, or planning your next weekend adventure, our app puts everything you need at your fingertips. Stay connected with exclusive content, real-time updates, and special offers from local businesses. Download the CharlottesvilleFamily app today and make parenting in Central Virginia even easier!
Apple Store:
Google Play:
Virginia Museums and Attractions
Virginia is for museum lovers and there are so many to choose from. If your family enjoys historical sites you might want to visit a Civil War site like Appomattox or a historical home of one of our founding Fathers – there are four presidential homes to tour in Virginia. Museums are fun for kids of all ages. There are many wonderful children ‘s museums within an hour’s drive of Charlottesville, from our very own Virginia Discovery Museum on the historic Downtown Mall to the Children’s Museum of Richmond; Explore More! In Harrisonburg and the creative Amazement Square in Lynchburg. Other tried and true family attractions that top our CharlottesvilleFamily editors’ lists include the Science Museum of Richmond, the many Virginia Zoos, and an array of art museums sure to delight everyone in the family.
Charlottesville Area Dinosaur Daytrips and Activities
Dinosaur Day Trips & Easy Dinosaur Crafts
Favorite Virginia Science Museums & Day Trips for Kids
Wildlife, aspace station, reptiles & more!
Charlottesville Swimming Pools and Splashpads
Cool off with a fun visit to a splash park, swimming pool, swimming hole or go kayaking.
Charlottesville Summer Camps: The Ultimate Guide by Local Experts
Find all your favorite summer camps from horseback riding and sleepaway programs to arts & STEM!
Make A Speckled Easter Egg Craft with Kids
A Beautiful Springtime Craft
The Guide to Sleepaway Summer Camps for Virginia Kids
Sleepaway Summer Camp Fun!
Charlottesville Spring Break Camps
Spring break camps are where fun & learning happen!
Best Preschool Summer Camps in Charlottesville
Summer fun and learning for the youngest campers
Favorite Virginia Science Museums & Day Trips for Kids
Wildlife, aspace station, reptiles & more!
Charlottesville Swimming Pools and Splashpads
Cool off with a fun visit to a splash park, swimming pool, swimming hole or go kayaking.
Charlottesville Summer Camps: The Ultimate Guide by Local Experts
Find all your favorite summer camps from horseback riding and sleepaway programs to arts & STEM!
Make A Speckled Easter Egg Craft with Kids
A Beautiful Springtime Craft
The Guide to Sleepaway Summer Camps for Virginia Kids
Sleepaway Summer Camp Fun!
Charlottesville Spring Break Camps
Spring break camps are where fun & learning happen!
Best Preschool Summer Camps in Charlottesville
Summer fun and learning for the youngest campers
Charlottesville’s Best Sports Camps for Active Kids
Charlottesville’s sports summer camps offer something for every young athlete
CharlottesvilleFamily Guide to Learning
Schools and education in Charlottesville Virginia are exceptionally good. We know all children learn in their own unique ways, and we are thankful to have so many incredible schools and resources in the Charlottesville and Albemarle County area to help each student reach his or her full potential. From toddlers to teenagers, there is a place for everyone to foster a love of learning. The greater Charlottesville area has high-rated public schools and many wonderful private schools too. From daycare to preschool, elementary and middle school to high school and college prep there are a wide array of school choices for Charlottesville and Albemarle families. Daycare and preschool education options include church schools, co-ops, Montessori schools, Waldorf educations and more.
Learning goes beyond the classroom for Charlottesville families. Students often take music lessons, learn sports, study art, learn computer programming, do science and math competitions, learn a foreign language and brush up on skills with specialized tutors and much more. Read on to find local education resources, learning at home ideas, tips for fostering your kid’s learning, book recommendations, tutors and more. Plus, view a list of just some of the excellent schools options in the Charlottesville, Virginia area.
Are Montessori Schools Really the Best Option for Children?
What is Montessori?
Albemarle County Public School News May 2025
May News from Albemarle County Schools
Interview with Kari Miller, CEO and Founder of International Neighbors
Making Charlottesville a Welcoming Place for Refugee and Immigrant Families
Charlottesville City School News: May 2025
May News from Charlottesville City Schools
A Parent’s Guide to Charlottesville Preschools
Find A Terrific Local Preschooler
Foster Art: Inspiring Young Creators with Inclusive Art Education in Charlottesville
Where Art, Education, and Community Meet
News: Charlottesville Loses New Preschool Center Due To Federal Flip Flop
U.S. Department of Education Reneges
Charlottesville City School News: April 2025
April news from Charlottesville City Schools
Albemarle County Public School News May 2025
May News from Albemarle County Schools
Interview with Kari Miller, CEO and Founder of International Neighbors
Making Charlottesville a Welcoming Place for Refugee and Immigrant Families
Charlottesville City School News: May 2025
May News from Charlottesville City Schools
A Parent’s Guide to Charlottesville Preschools
Find A Terrific Local Preschooler
Foster Art: Inspiring Young Creators with Inclusive Art Education in Charlottesville
Where Art, Education, and Community Meet
News: Charlottesville Loses New Preschool Center Due To Federal Flip Flop
U.S. Department of Education Reneges
Charlottesville City School News: April 2025
April news from Charlottesville City Schools
Albemarle County Public School News April 2025
April news from Albemarle County Schools
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU
Welcome to Charlottesville-Albemarle County, Virginia!
Nestled in the foothills of the legendary Blue Ridge Mountains, our community is known for year-round natural beauty and our small city sophistication. It is a wonderful place to raise children with incredible schools, arts, sports & more.
Read the newcomers guideFollow Us on Instagram
