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Welcome to CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine!

I’m so glad you’re here and hope you find lots of useful parenting resources! We’re adding new content daily, especially on social media and in the calendar. CharlottesvilleFamily is  committed to supporting parents along every step of their parenting journey. I and my prior partner Robin Bethke founded this award-winning publication in 1998 and we couldn’t be prouder to see how families continue to count on us to help “Make Parenting Easier & Growing Up Fun!”

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Go-To Guide 2024
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FALL FUN & HALLOWEEN TREATS

From apple picking and pumpkin patches to corn mazes and cooking classes, there’s something for every little ghoul and goblin to enjoy. Come explore the best fall festivals, harvest events and Halloween parties happening throughout Charlottesville and Central Virginia, so you can plan lots of family outings that everyone will love. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or just a kid at heart, get ready to embark on a Fall adventure like no other. From corn mazes and spooky crafts to costume contests and hayrides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

CRAFTY
5 Ways to Elevate Your Fall Porch Decor

Give your front porch fall vibes with decor & a DIY wreath

YUMMY
Apple Fritter Donut Recipe

AN EASY FALL APPLE FRITTER RECIPE One of my absolute favorite annual traditions that I [...]

CORNY FUN
Virginia’s Best Corn Mazes

The best corn mazes in Virginia!

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
Teething Tips, Do’s & Don’ts

Simple teething suggestions to keep you and your baby happy

Your Happiness Toolkit

Expert Tips to Build A Happiness Toolkit for Moms

Boost Baby’s Brain Power

Your baby’s brain grows faster from birth to five years old than any other time [...]

Sweet Baby Sounds

NEWBORN CRIES & FLEETING MOMENTS IN TIME A stranger’s passing comment kept pulling me back [...]

Expert Tips on Proper Hydration

For your body to be able to work at peak efficiency, you must keep it [...]

Autism & Communicating

There’s a good chance that you’ll know a child with autism before your own kids [...]

Diaper Bag Checklist

PACKING LISTS FOR BABY, TODDLER & MOM, ALL-IN-ONE The digital age has unburdened us from [...]

You & Your Little Yogi

YOGA POSES FOR EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY There are few absolute truths in life, but [...]

EDUCATION
40 Years of North Branch School

North Branch School celebrates childhood and learning

How to Choose The Right School

Parent-tested tips from an expert on finding the best school for your child.

Mommy & Me Classes in Charlottesville

Classes for babies & tots, plus tips for exercising with baby.

Learn About Charlottesville City Schools

An Interview with Charlottesville City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Gurley, Jr.

Boost Baby’s Brain Power

Your baby’s brain grows faster from birth to five years old than any other time [...]

Learn About Albemarle County Schools

An Interview with Albemarle Country School District Superintendent, Dr. Haas

The Ultimate Private School Guide

Discover over two dozen amazing private schools to help you find the perfect fit for [...]

Reducing First Day of School Jitters

Advice for parents on how to best reduce first day of school nerves this back-to-school [...]

FAMILY FUN
Dog-Friendly and Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Charlottesville

  Town & country living at its best! CharlottesvilleFamily Life & Home is an award-winning magazine dedicated [...]

Giddy Up for Montpelier Hunt Races!

Parent Tested Tips on Taking Kids to the Montpelier Steeplechase

DIY Boo Bags: Fun & Easy Halloween Craft for Kids

Craft an easy Halloween Treat Bag with the kids. Great at home or for a [...]

Charlottesville’s Family-Friendly Wineries

Plan a day our at an award-winning winery with friends and kids to Celebrate Virginia [...]

Halloween Fun & Trick-or-Treating Events

Make the most of Halloween with these local events & tips

Ghost Tours and A Haunted House Guide

Spooky Halloween attractions

A Guide to Foxfield Family Day at the Races

Fall is Family Day at the Foxfield Races

Virginia’s Best Corn Mazes

The best corn mazes in Virginia!

FOOD & HOME
5 Ways to Elevate Your Fall Porch Decor

Give your front porch fall vibes with decor & a DIY wreath

Pippin Pizza 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!

An easy & healthy meal that the kids will love.

Mom & Botanical Artist

Charlottesville's Lara Call Gastinger shares about life as a mom and an artist.

Farmers Markets & Farmstands in Central Virginia

Enjoy lots more family fun in Richmond and Central Virginia with these great day trip [...]

Charlottesville’s Best Ice Cream Shops

When it comes to finding the ideal scoop, Charlottesville has plenty of alternatives. Are you [...]

Strawberry Shortcake with Wild Blueberry Sauce Recipe

Pick Your Own Local Strawberries For a fun outing idea for the family, visit one [...]

THINGS TO DO

LEARNING FUN

ESPECIALLY FOR BABIES

ARTS & CRAFTS

ON STAGE & SCREEN

Prince Michel Winery

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 ae many wonderful children;s museums are within an hours 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 include the Science Museum of Richmond, the many Virginia Zoos and an array of art museums sure to delight everyone in the family.

Dog-Friendly and Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Charlottesville

  Town & country living at its best! CharlottesvilleFamily Life & Home is an award-winning magazine dedicated to Making Parenting Easier & Growing [...]

Giddy Up for Montpelier Hunt Races!

Parent Tested Tips on Taking Kids to the Montpelier Steeplechase

DIY Boo Bags: Fun & Easy Halloween Craft for Kids

Craft an easy Halloween Treat Bag with the kids. Great at home or for a classroom project.

Charlottesville’s Family-Friendly Wineries

Plan a day our at an award-winning winery with friends and kids to Celebrate Virginia Wine Month

Halloween Fun & Trick-or-Treating Events

Make the most of Halloween with these local events & tips

Ghost Tours and A Haunted House Guide

Spooky Halloween attractions

A Guide to Foxfield Family Day at the Races

Fall is Family Day at the Foxfield Races

Virginia’s Best Corn Mazes

The best corn mazes in Virginia!

Giddy Up for Montpelier Hunt Races!

Parent Tested Tips on Taking Kids to the Montpelier Steeplechase

DIY Boo Bags: Fun & Easy Halloween Craft for Kids

Craft an easy Halloween Treat Bag with the kids. Great at home or for a classroom project.

Charlottesville’s Family-Friendly Wineries

Plan a day our at an award-winning winery with friends and kids to Celebrate Virginia Wine Month

Halloween Fun & Trick-or-Treating Events

Make the most of Halloween with these local events & tips

Ghost Tours and A Haunted House Guide

Spooky Halloween attractions

A Guide to Foxfield Family Day at the Races

Fall is Family Day at the Foxfield Races

Virginia’s Best Corn Mazes

The best corn mazes in Virginia!

Schools and learning in charlottesville

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.

40 Years of North Branch School

North Branch School celebrates childhood and learning

How to Choose The Right School

Parent-tested tips from an expert on finding the best school for your child.

Mommy & Me Classes in Charlottesville

Classes for babies & tots, plus tips for exercising with baby.

Learn About Charlottesville City Schools

An Interview with Charlottesville City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Gurley, Jr.

Boost Baby’s Brain Power

Your baby’s brain grows faster from birth to five years old than any other time in their life. Each day [...]

Learn About Albemarle County Schools

An Interview with Albemarle Country School District Superintendent, Dr. Haas

The Ultimate Private School Guide

Discover over two dozen amazing private schools to help you find the perfect fit for your child.

Reducing First Day of School Jitters

Advice for parents on how to best reduce first day of school nerves this back-to-school season.

How to Choose The Right School

Parent-tested tips from an expert on finding the best school for your child.

Mommy & Me Classes in Charlottesville

Classes for babies & tots, plus tips for exercising with baby.

Learn About Charlottesville City Schools

An Interview with Charlottesville City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Gurley, Jr.

Boost Baby’s Brain Power

Your baby’s brain grows faster from birth to five years old than any other time in their life. Each day [...]

Learn About Albemarle County Schools

An Interview with Albemarle Country School District Superintendent, Dr. Haas

The Ultimate Private School Guide

Discover over two dozen amazing private schools to help you find the perfect fit for your child.

Reducing First Day of School Jitters

Advice for parents on how to best reduce first day of school nerves this back-to-school season.

At-Home Science Experiments for Kids

These gooey, explosive science experiments are easy to do at home whenever you are stuck inside with the kids.

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 guide

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