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!”
HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN
The holiday season is here, and there’s something for every family to enjoy. Named one of “Travel & Leisure’s Best 25 Christmas Towns in the United States, ” our sweet ‘Ville is an enviable destination for small-town charm. From dazzling light displays and Christmas markets to winter winery tours and festive parades, Charlottesville transforms into a wonderland that captures the essence of the holidays. Here, our editors have gathered up all the best holiday festivals, musical events, and Santa experiences throughout Charlottesville and Central Virginia along with some great recipes to make your holiday planning easy. We’ve even included some daytrips and getaways further afield for something extra-special to make your holidays bright! Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or just a kid at heart, get ready to embark on a holiday adventure like no other.
Home
5 Tips for Keeping Your Poinsettias Blooming Beautifully Year After Year
Practical Care and Child Safety Tips for Your Poinsettias
yummy
Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe
Get festive in the kitchen with this Christmas Cookie Recipe for kids
Gifts
The Ultimate 2024 Kids Gift Guide
Your go-to source for thoughtful, fun, and learning-oriented gifts
GIVE BACK
Family-Friendly Volunteer Ideas
Great ideas on how to give back including hands-on projects for kids
Out & About
All Aboard! A Family Guide to the 47th Annual Model Railroad Show at the Science Museum of Virginia
The 47th Annual Model Railway Show is the Perfect Reason to Visit the Science Museum
GETAWAYS
Top D.C. Holiday Attractions for a Magical Family Getaway
Plan a DC Getaway at Winter Break with Our Expert Tips
Celebrate
Top Christmas Events in Charlottesville
Holiday events in Charlottesville from shopping to light displays and performances
Holiday magic
Experience the Magic: Boar’s Head Resort Winter Wander Trail of Lights 2024
Your Family Guide to the Boar’s Head Holiday Lights Experience
LIGHTS!
Virginia’s Best Holiday Light Displays
Enjoy magical holiday light displays in Charlottesville and beyond!
SEE SANTA
Where to See Santa in Charlottesville 2024
Ho! Ho! Ho! Here is where to find the jolly old elf around town!
Daytrips
The Best Christmas Daytrips in Virginia
From cookie decorating to ice skating and Christmas lights to historic holiday traditions, happy adventurers [...]
Explore
Your Guide to Charlottesville’s Grand Illumination 2024
Helpful advice for making the most of the Tree Lighting on the Mall
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
Help Tweens and Teens Manage Stress and Anxiety
Expert Advice and Easy Steps for Parents from VCU Professors
CharlottesvilleFamily Doing Good Grant: LilyPads Housing
We provide free, short-term housing in volunteer host homes for families at UVA Children's Hospital.
Preparing for Birth & A Beautiful New Baby
A local mom shares her birth experiences
Teething Tips, Do’s & Don’ts
Simple teething suggestions to keep you and your baby happy
Your Happiness Toolkit: Tips for Parents and Self-Serenity
Expert Tips to Build A Happiness Toolkit for Moms
How To 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 [...]
EDUCATION
How to Teach Kids About Kwanzaa
A Family Guide to Kwanzaa, A Celebration of African Family, Community and Culture
The Ultimate 2024 Kids Gift Guide
Your go-to source for thoughtful, fun, and learning-oriented gifts
CharlottesvilleFamily Doing Good Grant: Wildrock
Wildrock promotes nature play for health and happiness through field trips, camps, outreach and playscape [...]
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.
How To Boost Baby’s Brain Power
Your baby’s brain grows faster from birth to five years old than any other time [...]
FAMILY FUN
CharlottesvilleFamily Doing Good Grant: Bennett’s Village
Get to Know Bennett's Village, an Inclusive Playground
Your Guide to Charlottesville’s Grand Illumination 2024
Helpful advice for making the most of the Tree Lighting on the Mall
All Aboard! A Family Guide to the 47th Annual Model Railroad Show at the Science Museum of Virginia
The 47th Annual Model Railway Show is the Perfect Reason to Visit the Science Museum
Top D.C. Holiday Attractions for a Magical Family Getaway
Plan a DC Getaway at Winter Break with Our Expert Tips
Experience the Magic: Boar’s Head Resort Winter Wander Trail of Lights 2024
Your Family Guide to the Boar’s Head Holiday Lights Experience
Thanksgiving Traditions in Charlottesville: Festivities for the Whole Family
Community traditions - from turkey trots to the blessing of the hounds!
Where to See Santa in Charlottesville 2024
Ho! Ho! Ho! Here is where to find the jolly old elf around town!
Dog-Friendly and Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Charlottesville
Town & country living at its best! CharlottesvilleFamily Life & Home is an award-winning magazine dedicated [...]
FOOD & HOME
5 Tips for Keeping Your Poinsettias Blooming Beautifully Year After Year
Practical Care and Child Safety Tips for Your Poinsettias
Kid-Friendly Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball Recipe for Thanksgiving
A decorative and delicious recipe you can make with the kids
Thanksgiving Table 101: How to Set the Perfect Thanksgiving Table
A step-by-step guide on how to set the perfect Thanksgiving table and style your table [...]
CharlottesvilleFamily Doing Good Grant: Yellow Door Foundation
The Yellow Door Foundation provides free long-term lodging for the families of immunocompromised pediatric patients [...]
Top Family-Friendly Restaurants in Charlottesville
Readers voted and our Editors researched to find you the best family-friendly restaurants!
Sbrocco’s Donuts & Espresso: A Sweet New Addition to Charlottesville
Try Charlottesville's hottest new eatery, Sbrocco's Donuts!
Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe
Get festive in the kitchen with this Christmas Cookie Recipe for kids
5 Ways to Elevate Your Fall Porch Decor
Give your front porch fall vibes with decor & a DIY wreath
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.
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.
CharlottesvilleFamily Doing Good Grant: Bennett’s Village
Get to Know Bennett's Village, an Inclusive Playground
Your Guide to Charlottesville’s Grand Illumination 2024
Helpful advice for making the most of the Tree Lighting on the Mall
All Aboard! A Family Guide to the 47th Annual Model Railroad Show at the Science Museum of Virginia
The 47th Annual Model Railway Show is the Perfect Reason to Visit the Science Museum
Top D.C. Holiday Attractions for a Magical Family Getaway
Plan a DC Getaway at Winter Break with Our Expert Tips
Experience the Magic: Boar’s Head Resort Winter Wander Trail of Lights 2024
Your Family Guide to the Boar’s Head Holiday Lights Experience
Thanksgiving Traditions in Charlottesville: Festivities for the Whole Family
Community traditions - from turkey trots to the blessing of the hounds!
Where to See Santa in Charlottesville 2024
Ho! Ho! Ho! Here is where to find the jolly old elf around town!
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 [...]
Your Guide to Charlottesville’s Grand Illumination 2024
Helpful advice for making the most of the Tree Lighting on the Mall
All Aboard! A Family Guide to the 47th Annual Model Railroad Show at the Science Museum of Virginia
The 47th Annual Model Railway Show is the Perfect Reason to Visit the Science Museum
Top D.C. Holiday Attractions for a Magical Family Getaway
Plan a DC Getaway at Winter Break with Our Expert Tips
Experience the Magic: Boar’s Head Resort Winter Wander Trail of Lights 2024
Your Family Guide to the Boar’s Head Holiday Lights Experience
Thanksgiving Traditions in Charlottesville: Festivities for the Whole Family
Community traditions - from turkey trots to the blessing of the hounds!
Where to See Santa in Charlottesville 2024
Ho! Ho! Ho! Here is where to find the jolly old elf around town!
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
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.
How to Teach Kids About Kwanzaa
A Family Guide to Kwanzaa, A Celebration of African Family, Community and Culture
The Ultimate 2024 Kids Gift Guide
Your go-to source for thoughtful, fun, and learning-oriented gifts
CharlottesvilleFamily Doing Good Grant: Wildrock
Wildrock promotes nature play for health and happiness through field trips, camps, outreach and playscape visits to their 28 acre [...]
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.
How To 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 [...]
The Ultimate 2024 Kids Gift Guide
Your go-to source for thoughtful, fun, and learning-oriented gifts
CharlottesvilleFamily Doing Good Grant: Wildrock
Wildrock promotes nature play for health and happiness through field trips, camps, outreach and playscape visits to their 28 acre [...]
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.
How To 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
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.
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