Things to Do in Charlottesville, VA: Family Fun for Every Season

Cville Outdoor Adventures 

Charlottesville is a playground and it’s easy to find family fun. Lace up and hit one of our kid-friendly hikes near Charlottesville, or keep it easy with a stop at one of the best parks and playgrounds for families. On hot days, cool off at one of our favorite lakes and swimming spots for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Got a kid with energy to burn? Look into youth mountain biking in Charlottesville.

Farms, Orchards & Flower Fields

Few things feel more like a Charlottesville childhood than a day at a local farm. Wander rows of blooms at one of the prettiest flower farms near Charlottesville, pick berries, watch polo at the vineyard, go apple picking at a Central Virginia orchard, or plan a summer visit to the Virginia Sunflower Festival at Chiswell Farm & Winery. For fresh produce, baked goods, and live music, our guide to farmers markets and farmstands in Charlottesville and Central Virginia will point you to the closest one.

Museums & Rainy-Day Fun

A gray sky is no reason to stay home. Spend an afternoon at one of the Virginia’s children’s museums, make a learning day of it with our picks for science museums and day trips for kids, or get creative with a visit to a hands-on craft studio in Cville or run off energy at an active indoor playspace – from bowling to bounces. Live like a tourist for a day and explore Charlottesville’ Top 13 Attractions – from aboriginal art to Pokemon Go on the UVA Lawn. and even the new Botanical Garden of the Piedmont, Monticello with kids and Virginia Discovery Museum.

Festivals & Seasonal Events

Charlottesville’s calendar is packed all year. Welcome warmer weather with our roundup of the top spring festivals for families, Summer Festivals in Central Virginia, popular fall festivals and the best holiday events. You could also make the annual trip to the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival, visit a classic county fair, and celebrate summer at Fourth of July events around Charlottesville, Juneteenth celebrations, and Father’s Day events. For everything happening right now, our family events calendar is updated constantly.

Family Friendly Wineries & Breweries

Charlottesville is famed as a rising star wine region and many local vineyards offer stunning views and welcome kids to come along. Lawn games and snack food make it a fun day for the adults and the kids at these Charlottesville family-friendly vineyards. Breweries are also popular with families and for good reason. Browse our parent-approved brewery recommendations to plan your outing.

Day Trips & Getaways

When you’re ready to roam a little farther, explore Virginia’s history through the Virginia 250 Passport program by region, or plan a longer escape with our Great Smoky Mountains family getaway guide. Closer to home, head over to the Shenandoah Valley to explore caverns and attractions, Washington DC museums or visit the best zoos & aquariums in Virginia. 

Birthday Parties & Celebrations

Planning a party? Skip the stress with our guide to the best kids’ birthday party venues in Charlottesville.

Special Interest Day Trips

Do you have a little one who collects or is fascinated by something special? Some popular themes for kids include trains, planes, and automobiles, and we’ve rounded up the best adventures in and around Charlottesville to delight kids who love vehicles. Fun day trips for kids who love dinosaurs, adventures for history buffs plus lego day trips and activities too.

Dining Out with Kids in Charlottesville

After a day of family fun in Charlottesville, you will need to refuel. From parent-approved family restaurants that have a great kids menu to popular breakfast spots, Cville has many delicious choices. Ice cream shops are a sure-fire kid favorite, too, and we have an abundance of yummy places for frozen treats. 

Plan Your Whole Year of Family Fun

Want your family fun in Charlottesville all in one place? Our Bloom 150 Adventures guide rounds up 150 of the very best things to do with your family around Charlottesville in the warm seasons— the single most complete list we publish. You can also browse our full Go-To Guide directory for trusted local resources, and parents need a night out too: here are free or cheap date night ideas in Charlottesville.

New to the area?

If you’re just settling in, welcome! Our guide to moving to Charlottesville will help your family feel at home in no time.