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!”
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
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
Helping Families: Yellow Door Foundation
The Yellow Door Foundation provides free long-term lodging for the families of immunocompromised pediatric patients [...]
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
EDUCATION
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 [...]
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
40 Years of North Branch School
North Branch School celebrates childhood and learning
FAMILY FUN
9 Fun Day Trips for Winter Break: Family Adventures Near Charlottesville
Make your winter break memorable with these 9 exciting day trips. From enchanting underground caverns [...]
Mommy & Me Classes in Charlottesville
Classes for babies & tots, plus tips for exercising with baby.
Best Children’s Museums in Virginia
Learn & Play at More Than 10 Virginia Children’s Museums Here are some of the [...]
Snow Tubing Fun
Town & country living at its best! CharlottesvilleFamily Life & Home is an award-winning magazine dedicated [...]
Home & 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
Meet Mom & Botanical Artist Lara Call Gastinger
Charlottesville's Lara Call Gastinger shares about life as a mom and an artist.
Parenting
Time to Plan for Summer Camp: A Parent’s Guide
CharlottesvilleFamily is your one-stop shop for camps! Find all you need in our guides.
All About “The Anxious Generation”: A Must-Read for Parents
All About "The Anxious Generation": A Must-Read for Parents
How to Teach Kids About Money
This guide with expert advice from the UVA Credit Union offers a step-by-step approach to [...]
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
Pet Love at the SPCA
Find our how to help the SPCA pets - volunteer, hold a birthday & more!
Press Release: Inaugural ‘Doing Good’ Marketing Grant Winner Announced
Town & country living at its best! CharlottesvilleFamily Life & Home is an award-winning magazine dedicated [...]
Kids Rec
How to Choose A Summer Camp
Expert Advice from the American Camping Association
Discover the Wintergreen Ski Patrol for Youth
Helping Out On The Slopes
Ultimate Guide to Summer Camps in Charlottesville VA
Find all your favorite summer camps from horseback riding and sleepaway programs to arts & [...]
Ultimate Guide to Kids Sports & Kids Classes in Charlottesville
Dozens of great choices for fun after-school!
The Top 10 Kids Holiday Movies of All Time
A curated list by Charlottesville's Paramount Theatre creative team!
Know Before You Go: The 2024 Monticello Candlelight Tours
This tour of Thomas Jefferson’s home offers families an intimate and magical way to celebrate [...]
Charlottesville Destinations: Wildrock
Wildrock promotes nature play for health and happiness
Charlottesville Destinations: Bennett’s Village Inclusive Playground
Get to Know Bennett's Village, an Inclusive Playground
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.
How to Choose A Summer Camp
Expert Advice from the American Camping Association
Discover the Wintergreen Ski Patrol for Youth
Helping Out On The Slopes
Ultimate Guide to Summer Camps in Charlottesville VA
Find all your favorite summer camps from horseback riding and sleepaway programs to arts & STEM!
Ultimate Guide to Kids Sports & Kids Classes in Charlottesville
Dozens of great choices for fun after-school!
The Top 10 Kids Holiday Movies of All Time
A curated list by Charlottesville's Paramount Theatre creative team!
Know Before You Go: The 2024 Monticello Candlelight Tours
This tour of Thomas Jefferson’s home offers families an intimate and magical way to celebrate the season
Charlottesville Destinations: Wildrock
Wildrock promotes nature play for health and happiness
Charlottesville Destinations: Bennett’s Village Inclusive Playground
Get to Know Bennett's Village, an Inclusive Playground
Discover the Wintergreen Ski Patrol for Youth
Helping Out On The Slopes
Ultimate Guide to Summer Camps in Charlottesville VA
Find all your favorite summer camps from horseback riding and sleepaway programs to arts & STEM!
Ultimate Guide to Kids Sports & Kids Classes in Charlottesville
Dozens of great choices for fun after-school!
The Top 10 Kids Holiday Movies of All Time
A curated list by Charlottesville's Paramount Theatre creative team!
Know Before You Go: The 2024 Monticello Candlelight Tours
This tour of Thomas Jefferson’s home offers families an intimate and magical way to celebrate the season
Charlottesville Destinations: Wildrock
Wildrock promotes nature play for health and happiness
Charlottesville Destinations: Bennett’s Village Inclusive Playground
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
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.
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
The Ultimate 2024 Kids Gift Guide
Your go-to source for thoughtful, fun, and learning-oriented gifts
40 Years of North Branch School
North Branch School celebrates childhood and learning
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
The Ultimate 2024 Kids Gift Guide
Your go-to source for thoughtful, fun, and learning-oriented gifts
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.
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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