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!”
About UsHOLIDAY 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.
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.
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 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.
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