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!”
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
Pregnancy Care Providers Explained: OB-GYNs, Midwives, Doulas & More!
From midwives to lactation consultants to prenatal chiropractors, learn them all!
Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths on the Rise: What Parents Need to Know
VCU research shows a troubling increase in SUID
Mommy & Me Exercise At Home
Ways to add in exercise to the time you're already spending with your baby or [...]
How to Choose the Perfect Camp for Your Anxious Child
Helping a child with anxiety have a fun-filled summer
Mastering Sleep Training: A Parent’s Guide to Restful Nights
Teaching your baby how to fall asleep and stay asleep
The Science Behind Potty Training
Toilet training (aka “potty training”) can make even the most confident parents question themselves. So, [...]
All About “The Anxious Generation”: A Must-Read for Parents
All About "The Anxious Generation": A Must-Read for Parents
Help Tweens and Teens Manage Stress and Anxiety
Expert Advice and Easy Steps for Parents from VCU Professors
EDUCATION
Is Your Child Ready for Preschool?
How parents can assess preschool readiness with expert advice
Daycare in Charlottesville & Albemarle County
Finding daycare can be challenging but we are here for you with guidance
Virginia Homeschool Groups and How-To Resources
Everything You Need to Know About Homeschooling in Virginia
Middle School Teaches Valuable Life Lessons
Parent-to-parent tips for navigating the tween years
Charlottesville City School News: December 2024
December news from Charlottesville City Schools
UVA’s Active Playful Learning Initiative
The University of Virginia (UVA) is embarking on an innovative journey to transform elementary math [...]
Ultimate Guide to Kids Sports & Kids Classes in Charlottesville
Dozens of great choices for fun after-school!
How to Teach Kids About Money
This guide with expert advice from the UVA Credit Union offers a step-by-step approach to [...]
FAMILY FUN
Virginia LEGO Experiences for Kids
Finding LEGO family activities in Virginia is a breeze with this ultimate guide to LEGO [...]
11 Free Things to Do with Kids in Charlottesville
Free and low-cost fun for families in and around Charlottesville.
Charlottesville Dogwood Parade 2025: A Beloved Spring Tradition
The Charlottesville Dogwood Parade is a cherished community event celebrating the arrival of spring with [...]
Top Spring Festivals in Charlottesville: A Family-Friendly Guide
Popular Charlottesville Festivals to celebrate Spring
Charlottesville’s Best Family Events in 2025
Mark your calendar for the highlights of each season
Shenandoah Valley Family Fun Attractions Totally Worth the Drive
From caverns and mazes to zoos and dinosaurs, fun for everyone!
Parents’ Guide to a Fun Visit to Monticello with Kids
A Charlottesville Mom Shares Tips for Taking Kids to Monticello
The Top 8 Sledding Hills in Charlottesville for Family Fun
Find the favorite local hills for snow day play!
Home & Garden
March Gardening in Zone 7b: Tips for Central Virginia Families
The daffodils are heralding Spring! It is time to garden!
Winter Sowing in Zone 7B: A Beginner’s Guide for Central Virginia Families
Winter sowing is an easy, budget-friendly way to get a head start on your spring [...]
Don’t Toss It! How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree 2025
The 2025 guide to recycling Christmas trees in the county and the city.
5 Tips for Keeping Your Poinsettias Blooming Beautifully Year After Year
Practical Care and Child Safety Tips for Your Poinsettias
O Christmas Tree! Your Ultimate Live Christmas Tree Care Guide
Care tips from local Christmas tree farm experts
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 [...]
Central Virginia Christmas Tree Farms
Find the perfect Christmas tree with our helpful guide.
5 Ways to Elevate Your Fall Porch Decor
Give your front porch fall vibes with decor & a DIY wreath
Parenting
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
The Science Behind Potty Training
Toilet training (aka “potty training”) can make even the most confident parents question themselves. So, [...]
How to Choose A Summer Camp
Expert Advice from the American Camping Association
Recipes
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.
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 [...]
Community
Write for CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine
CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine Writer's Guidelines
Be the Change: Building a Better World for Our Children
Simple things you can do to build community and fight injustice
Community of Local Parents: Welcome to Bloom Collective
Our team of parent explorers sharing the best of events and attractions
Virginia Homeschool Groups and How-To Resources
Everything You Need to Know About Homeschooling in Virginia
Discover the Wintergreen Ski Patrol for Youth
Helping Out On The Slopes
Pet Love at the SPCA
Find our how to help the SPCA pets - volunteer, hold a birthday & more!
Charlottesville City School News: December 2024
December news from Charlottesville City Schools
How to Teach Kids About Kwanzaa
A Family Guide to Kwanzaa, A Celebration of African Family, Community and Culture
Kids Rec
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
Best Summer Camps in Charlottesville for Teens: Academics, Arts, Sports & More
Help your tween or teen find a great summer adventure and make new friends
Best Summer Camps in Charlottesville for Elementary School Kids
Find a camp to explore a new interest or perfect a favorite passion
Best Sports Camps in Charlottesville for Active Kids
Charlottesville’s sports summer camps offer something for every young athlete
Charlottesville Arts Camps: Inspiring Creativity in Kids This Summer
Find the best local arts camps for summer fun and learning
How to Choose the Perfect Camp for Your Anxious Child
Helping a child with anxiety have a fun-filled summer
Valentine DIY: Easy-Peasy Card & Doily Envelope
DIY VALENTINE AND DOILY ENVELOPE I love making “pretty” things, but as a mom and [...]
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!
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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 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
Best Summer Camps in Charlottesville for Teens: Academics, Arts, Sports & More
Help your tween or teen find a great summer adventure and make new friends
Best Summer Camps in Charlottesville for Elementary School Kids
Find a camp to explore a new interest or perfect a favorite passion
Best Sports Camps in Charlottesville for Active Kids
Charlottesville’s sports summer camps offer something for every young athlete
Charlottesville Arts Camps: Inspiring Creativity in Kids This Summer
Find the best local arts camps for summer fun and learning
How to Choose the Perfect Camp for Your Anxious Child
Helping a child with anxiety have a fun-filled summer
Valentine DIY: Easy-Peasy Card & Doily Envelope
DIY VALENTINE AND DOILY ENVELOPE I love making “pretty” things, but as a mom and publisher, I don’t have a [...]
Best Preschool Summer Camps in Charlottesville
Summer fun and learning for the youngest campers
Best Summer Camps in Charlottesville for Teens: Academics, Arts, Sports & More
Help your tween or teen find a great summer adventure and make new friends
Best Summer Camps in Charlottesville for Elementary School Kids
Find a camp to explore a new interest or perfect a favorite passion
Best Sports Camps in Charlottesville for Active Kids
Charlottesville’s sports summer camps offer something for every young athlete
Charlottesville Arts Camps: Inspiring Creativity in Kids This Summer
Find the best local arts camps for summer fun and learning
How to Choose the Perfect Camp for Your Anxious Child
Helping a child with anxiety have a fun-filled summer
Valentine DIY: Easy-Peasy Card & Doily Envelope
DIY VALENTINE AND DOILY ENVELOPE I love making “pretty” things, but as a mom and publisher, I don’t have a [...]
How to Choose A Summer Camp
Expert Advice from the American Camping Association
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.
Is Your Child Ready for Preschool?
How parents can assess preschool readiness with expert advice
Daycare in Charlottesville & Albemarle County
Finding daycare can be challenging but we are here for you with guidance
Virginia Homeschool Groups and How-To Resources
Everything You Need to Know About Homeschooling in Virginia
Middle School Teaches Valuable Life Lessons
Parent-to-parent tips for navigating the tween years
Charlottesville City School News: December 2024
December news from Charlottesville City Schools
UVA’s Active Playful Learning Initiative
The University of Virginia (UVA) is embarking on an innovative journey to transform elementary math education through Active Playful Learning [...]
Ultimate Guide to Kids Sports & Kids Classes in Charlottesville
Dozens of great choices for fun after-school!
How to Teach Kids About Money
This guide with expert advice from the UVA Credit Union offers a step-by-step approach to teaching kids about money, helping [...]
Daycare in Charlottesville & Albemarle County
Finding daycare can be challenging but we are here for you with guidance
Virginia Homeschool Groups and How-To Resources
Everything You Need to Know About Homeschooling in Virginia
Middle School Teaches Valuable Life Lessons
Parent-to-parent tips for navigating the tween years
Charlottesville City School News: December 2024
December news from Charlottesville City Schools
UVA’s Active Playful Learning Initiative
The University of Virginia (UVA) is embarking on an innovative journey to transform elementary math education through Active Playful Learning [...]
Ultimate Guide to Kids Sports & Kids Classes in Charlottesville
Dozens of great choices for fun after-school!
How to Teach Kids About Money
This guide with expert advice from the UVA Credit Union offers a step-by-step approach to teaching kids about money, helping [...]
How to Teach Kids About Kwanzaa
A Family Guide to Kwanzaa, A Celebration of African Family, Community and Culture
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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