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!”
HEALTH
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 [...]
Expecting a Baby This Winter?
TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR NEWBORN AGAINST RESPIRATORY ILLNESS Respiratory illnesses like the Flu, COVID-19 [...]
Does Your Child Need Braces?
Top tips on taking care of your kid's mouth.
Sleep Apps for Kids
6 APPS TO HELP WITH BEDTIME ROUTINE & SLEEP With the start of the school [...]
EDUCATION
How to Choose The Right School
Parent-tested tips from an expert on finding the best school for your child.
Learn About Charlottesville City Schools
An Interview with Charlottesville City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Gurley, Jr.
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 [...]
At-Home Science Experiments for Kids
These gooey, explosive science experiments are easy to do at home whenever you are stuck [...]
Educational Apps & Websites for Kids
THE BEST APPS & WEBSITES TO KEEP KIDS LEARNING With technology being such a big [...]
Visit Booker T. Washington National Monument with Kids
Step back in history with a trip to this National Monument in Virginia.
FAMILY FUN
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!
Apple Picking Delight: Discover the Best Orchards to Visit in Virginia
Apple picking & Harvest Festivals
Mommy & Me Classes in Charlottesville
Classes for babies & tots, plus tips for exercising with baby.
King Family Vineyards Polo for Families
Enjoy a Polo Match or Learn to Play Polo
Botanical Garden of the Piedmont
How the Garden is benefiting nature and local families
FOOD & HOME
Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo
An easy & healthy meal that the kids will love.
5 Ways to Elevate Your Fall Porch Decor
Give your front porch fall vibes with decor & a DIY wreath
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 [...]
Quick Pesto Pasta Salad with Proteins
Steps to Make Quick Pesto Pasta Salad Cook the pasta in salted water as per [...]
LIVE. LOVE. BUY LOCAL
We are proud to have the support of the best independently owned businesses throughout the area, from pediatricians and private schools to family restaurants and home builders. 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 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.
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!
Apple Picking Delight: Discover the Best Orchards to Visit in Virginia
Apple picking & Harvest Festivals
Mommy & Me Classes in Charlottesville
Classes for babies & tots, plus tips for exercising with baby.
King Family Vineyards Polo for Families
Enjoy a Polo Match or Learn to Play Polo
Botanical Garden of the Piedmont
How the Garden is benefiting nature and local families
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!
Apple Picking Delight: Discover the Best Orchards to Visit in Virginia
Apple picking & Harvest Festivals
Mommy & Me Classes in Charlottesville
Classes for babies & tots, plus tips for exercising with baby.
King Family Vineyards Polo for Families
Enjoy a Polo Match or Learn to Play Polo
Botanical Garden of the Piedmont
How the Garden is benefiting nature and local families
Swimming Pools & Splashgrounds
Cool off with a fun visit to a splash park, swimming pool, swimming hole or go kayaking.
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.
How to Choose The Right School
Parent-tested tips from an expert on finding the best school for your child.
Learn About Charlottesville City Schools
An Interview with Charlottesville City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Gurley, Jr.
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.
Educational Apps & Websites for Kids
THE BEST APPS & WEBSITES TO KEEP KIDS LEARNING With technology being such a big part of our lives, it’s [...]
Visit Booker T. Washington National Monument with Kids
Step back in history with a trip to this National Monument in Virginia.
Learn About Charlottesville City Schools
An Interview with Charlottesville City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Gurley, Jr.
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.
Educational Apps & Websites for Kids
THE BEST APPS & WEBSITES TO KEEP KIDS LEARNING With technology being such a big part of our lives, it’s [...]
Visit Booker T. Washington National Monument with Kids
Step back in history with a trip to this National Monument in Virginia.
Visit the Science Museum of Virginia with Kids
Visit Virginia's premier interactive museum for a day of science fun
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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