Charlottesville is a wonderful place for families, and keeping kids entertained doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re looking for music, art, sports, museums, outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or rainy-day activities, this guide covers the best free and low-cost activities for families in and around Charlottesville.
1. Explore the Virginia Discovery Museum’s Pay-What-You-Can Days
The Virginia Discovery Museum on the Downtown Mall offers a hands-on, interactive learning experience for kids. While general admission is $10, the museum occasionally offers “Pay-What-You-Can” days, making it an affordable option for all families.
Bonus: Check out their rotating STEM exhibits and pretend play areas, perfect for toddlers and young kids.
2. Go on a Mural Hunt in Downtown Charlottesville
Charlottesville is home to vibrant murals and public art, making a fun and free scavenger hunt for kids. Take a stroll through the Downtown Mall and surrounding areas to spot colorful street art and unique installations. This is a great free thing to do with kids and you can always plan a stop for donut or ice cream treat too.
Must-See Murals & Public Art:
- IX Art Park Murals – A collection of ever-changing, interactive, and colorful murals perfect for photo ops. BONUS TIP: Bring chalk to add your own art!
- The Charlottesville LOVE Sign – Located near the Downtown Mall, this iconic sculpture is part of the statewide “Virginia is for Lovers” campaign.
- Community Chalkboard & Free Speech Wall – A giant chalkboard where kids (and adults) can leave their own artistic mark.
Encourage kids to count how many murals they find or bring along a sketchbook to draw their favorites. This is a great way to explore Charlottesville while appreciating its local art scene—without spending a dime!
3. Take a Kid-Friendly Hike near Charlottesville
Hiking is a great free activity that lets kids burn off energy while exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain region. Charlottesville and the surrounding area have plenty of easy, family-friendly trails perfect for all ages. Add a picnic and you’ll have a full day of free fun for the whole family!
Where to Go:
- Rivanna Trail – A scenic in-town option that connects multiple parks.
- Ivy Creek Natural Area – Variety of trails and water
- Saunders-Monticello Trail – A stroller-friendly boardwalk trail with gorgeous views.
- Shenandoah National Park Trails – Free entrance days are offered several times a year.
For a full list of the best kid-friendly hikes, visit CharlottesvilleFamily’s Hiking Guide.
4. Play at McGuffey Park & Visit the McGuffey Art Center
Located just off the Downtown Mall, McGuffey Park is a shady, modern playground perfect for toddlers and big kids alike. Right next door, the McGuffey Art Center showcases local artists’ work, and families are welcome to browse for free. Check for Open Studio Days and First Friday tours.
Why It’s Great:
- Watch artists at work in open studios.
- Explore changing art exhibits featuring local talent.
- Let kids run off energy at the playground’s climbing structures and swings.
5. Walk the Historic UVA Grounds & Find Edgar Allan Poe’s Room
Take a free self-guided family tour of the University of Virginia Rotunda and explore the historic campus, designed by Thomas Jefferson.
Must-See Stops:
- The Lawn and the oldest student rooms still in use.
- The giant serpentine walls and their unique design.
- The Fralin Museum of Art, which offers by-donation entry and kid-friendly exhibits.
- Edgar Allan Poe’s Room (#13 West Range), a preserved dorm room where the famous poet lived as a student in the 1820s. Kids who love mysteries and spooky stories will enjoy this piece of history.
- BONUS TIP! Play Pokemon Go on grounds to keep the kids engaged
6. Visit the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Museum
While many associate UVA with the museum, Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection is actually located in the Pantops area of Charlottesville. It is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to Indigenous Australian art and offers free admission with a suggested donation. Another great free thing to do wth kids in Charlottesville is the UVA Fralin Museum of Art.
Why It’s Great:
- Interactive exhibits introducing kids to Indigenous Australian storytelling and culture.
- Hands-on family programs on select weekends.
- Small enough for young kids to explore without getting overwhelmed.
7. Free Library Storytime, Craft Kits, & Board Game Checkouts
Charlottesville’s Jefferson-Madison Regional Library is more than just books. Kids can check out board games, craft kits, and STEM learning sets for at-home fun, in addition to enjoying free storytimes and hands-on activities.
Programs Include:
- Toddler & Baby Storytime (interactive music and rhymes)
- Bilingual Storytime (Spanish & English)
- LEGO & STEM Days for school-age kids
- Check out board games or craft kits for free at most branches
8. Explore Pen Park & Play at Bennett’s Village Playground
Pen Park is one of the largest parks in Charlottesville, offering wide open spaces, scenic walking trails, and one of the area’s best playgrounds. It’s a great spot for kids of all ages to run, play, and explore.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Bennett’s Village Playground – Charlottesville’s first fully inclusive, all-abilities playground
- Paved walking & biking trail – Perfect for young kids learning to ride a bike or scooter
- Open fields – Great for kite flying, soccer, frisbee, or just running around
- Shaded picnic shelters – Ideal for a free outdoor lunch or snack break
- Tennis & pickleball courts – Bring your own equipment for a free game
If you’re looking for a versatile outdoor space with something for toddlers, big kids, and parents alike, Pen Park is a must-visit for free family fun.
9. Play Disc Golf at Walnut Creek Park, Meadowcreek Gardens or Chris Greene Lake
Charlottesville and Albemarle County have several free disc golf courses that make for a fun, active family outing. Bring your own discs and enjoy the challenge of these scenic courses.
Where to Play:
- Walnut Creek Park – A wooded 18-hole course with varied terrain
- Meadowcreek Gardens Disc Golf Course – A shorter, beginner-friendly course located near Charlottesville High School
- Chris Greene Lake Park – A mix of open and wooded holes near the lake
10. Free Outdoor Concerts & Festivals
Charlottesville hosts tons of free outdoor music events, making for a perfect family-friendly night out.
Free Music Series:
- Fridays After Five at the Ting Pavilion (every weekend spring-summer)
- Sunsets at Carter Mountain (weekly summer concerts)
Another free summer fun activity is to enjoy Polo at King Family Vineyard and all year-long you are sure to find a wonderful family festival!
11. Cheer on the Charlottesville Tom Sox Baseball Team
Catch a budget-friendly summer baseball game with the Charlottesville Tom Sox, the city’s collegiate summer league team. Games are held at Charlottesville High School. While technically not a free thing to do with kids in Charlottesville, admission is just $5 per carload, making it an affordable way to enjoy America’s pastime. Bring all your friends!
Why It’s Great:
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Special theme nights and giveaways
- Kids can run the bases after the game
Charlottesville offers endless free and affordable activities for families, from nature trails and playgrounds to free concerts, art galleries, and baseball games. Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun, educational experiences, or a rainy-day escape, there’s something for every family—without breaking the bank.
