Family-Friendly Historical Attractions Near Charlottesville

It’s no secret that Virginia’s historical attractions are a top destination for family trips. This summer, consider taking the family on a day trip (or several) to learn about America’s history. These kid-friendly attractions offer tours, hands-on activities, and special events.

Many historic homes and museums host Independence Day events and exhibits, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly to make the most of your patriotic outing.

Top Family-Friendly Historical Attractions in Virginia

Jefferson School African American Heritage Center

Drive from Charlottesville: less than 1 hour

The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center is located in downtown Charlottesville at the historic Jefferson School. The Center brings Charlottesville’s Black history to life with engaging exhibitions, tours, and family-friendly programs. The permanent history exhibits and rotating art gallery share powerful stories that have shaped the Charlottesville region in ways that are accessible to kids and families, and there are public tours available as well.

Events of note: Families return every year for community favorites like the Greens Cook-Off, the citywide Juneteenth celebration, and the Maupintown Film Festival. Keep an eye on the Center’s calendar to find upcoming events.

Learn more: (434) 688-6854

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello (Charlottesville)

Drive from Charlottesville: less than 1 hour

Thomas Jefferson was the author of the Declaration of Independence, the third president of the United States, and the founder of the University of Virginia. Learn about his accomplishments and controversies at Monticello, his home just outside of Charlottesville.

Guests at this family-friendly historical attraction can tour the house, learn about the history of slavery at Monticello, explore the gardens, participate in special events, and more. There is even a kids’ interactive museum at the welcome center. Just down the mountain, you can grab lunch at Michie Tavern. This colonial-era original restaurant features Southern fried chicken, cornbread, drinks in pewter mugs, and costumed staff.

Event of note: Every July 4th, Monticello holds an annual Independence Day & Naturalization Ceremony at which more than 50 people are made new American citizens. The event features a special speaker and is open to the public. Registration is required. Holidays at Monticello are extra special with candlelight tours.

Learn more: (434) 984-9800

James Monroe’s Highland (Charlottesville)

Drive from Charlottesville: less than 1 hour

Also located in Charlottesville is Highland, the home of James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States. Highland is a great history day trip for families with kids. It offers a variety of group programs, including Slavery at Highland, Founding Friendships, Rediscovering Highland, and more. Kids will also enjoy the farm area, where typical farm animals of the period are housed. There, you’ll see sheep, peacocks, and more. And don’t miss the row of crafts studios. You can often find historical interpreters sharing trades like woodworking and candle making. Another great historical attraction kids love for all the farm animals and open places to explore is the Frontier Culture Museum.

Event of note: The annual Independence Day Concert & Celebration features the Heifetz International Music Institute and their classically-inspired ensemble. Guests are encouraged to pack a picnic and make a day of it.

Learn more: (434) 293-8000

James Madison’s Montpelier (Orange)

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (Yorktown)

Drive from Charlottesville: 2-3 hours

This Virginia museum does an excellent job of telling the story of the nation’s founding, from the twilight of the colonial period to the dawn of the Constitution and beyond. Indoor galleries feature period artifacts, immersive environments, and educational films. In the outdoor areas, visit a re-created Continental Army encampment to learn about the life of a soldier. Watch daily demonstrations on camp life, including medical treatment and cooking, and learn how a flintlock musket worked. If your kids like hands-on activities, you can explore a Revolution-era farm to help with chores in the house, kitchen, tobacco barn, and gardens.

Event of note: At the annual Liberty Celebration, visitors can enjoy interpretive programs and artillery demonstrations. You’ll learn about the challenges that faced our nation’s founders, including those who signed the Declaration of Independence, as well as those for whom the new nation’s rights of freedom and liberty did not yet apply.

Learn more: (757) 253-4838

Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg)

Drive from Charlottesville: 2-3 hours

A must-visit destination for all families, Colonial Williamsburg is the definition of a living history museum. There are dozens of kid-friendly activities and experiences. Tour the Governor’s mansion and learn period dances. Watch the fife and drum corps perform. Watch actors perform scenes from the Revolution or explain what life was like for enslaved residents. Or you can simply stroll down historic Duke of Gloucester Street, where you’ll find food, hands-on historic crafts, costumed interpreters, music, carriage rides, and a regular parade.

Event of note: The annual July 4th Celebration is a full weekend of patriotic festivities, including public readings of the Declaration of Independence, musical performances, and a dazzling fireworks display to cap off the special evening.

Learn more: (888) 965-7254

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (Washington, D.C.)

Drive from Charlottesville: 2–3 hours

Learn how America’s history of slavery, freedom, and the struggle for civil rights shaped the growth of the country at this unique Smithsonian museum. Your family will be able to engage with this important part of American history through a variety of exhibits, artworks, music installations, and historic artifacts. New exhibits and activities are featured throughout the year alongside the permanent exhibits, such as the Make Good The Promises exhibit that focuses on the story of Reconstruction. Check the website before visiting to see what will be featured while you are there. For further learning about Black History you might consider these amazing historical landmarks that we’ve written family guides for visiting: Maggie L Walker Site in Richmond, Ivy Creek, and Hardy, Virginia’s Booker T. Washington Farm.

Event of note: The museum offers events and workshops for all ages throughout the year, with special educational events during the summer months.

Learn more: (202) 633-1000

Patrick Henry’s Red Hill (Brookneal)

Drive from Charlottesville: 2 hours

Red Hill is the last home and burial site of Patrick Henry, often known as America’s first patriot. Less crowded than somewhere like Monticello or Colonial Williamsburg, it makes a great day trip to learn more about American history. Since 1944, it has been lovingly restored, maintained, and shared with the public into a kid-friendly destination to celebrate being an American. Tour the house and kitchens to see what day-to-day life was like in early America. Enjoy a walk through the grounds and learn about the role herb gardens played in colonial life. And be sure to visit Quarter Place to learn about the lives of the enslaved community at Red Hill.

Event of note: The Independence Day Celebration features a day of fun for kids, speeches, music, and a nightcap of festive fireworks.

Learn more: (434) 376-2044

George Washington’s Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)

Smithsonian National Museum of American History (Washington, D.C.)

Drive from Charlottesville: 2–3 hours

The name of this popular museum says it all. Visitors to the National Museum of American History can learn all about the history of the country. Learn about the founding of America, the growth and challenges of American Democracy, American presidential history, and more. Check the website to see what exhibits and activities will be available during your visit. You’ll want to plan a full day for your time at this staple U.S. museum as there is so much to see and explore.

Event of note: Throughout the year, you’ll find events featuring speakers, musical performances, and more.

Learn more: (202) 633-1000

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VIRGINIA’S HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS

How many presidents’ houses can families visit near Charlottesville?

There are several U.S. presidents’ houses a short drive from Charlottesville. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and James Monroe’s Highland estates are both located in Charlottesville, and James Madison’s Montpelier is a short drive away in Orange, Virginia. You can also easily drive to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, which is just south of Alexandria, Virginia.

What are good historic sites for families to visit in Charlottesville?

Central Virginia is full of historic sites, and several are found in downtown Charlottesville. Popular spots for families include the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center on 4th Street and the UVA Rotunda and Lawn, located on the UVA grounds.

Are there historic attractions in Virginia that are good to visit for the 4th of July?

Many historic attractions in Virginia host family-friendly events for Independence Day. A popular one is held in historic Yorktown, Virginia, where the Liberty Celebration includes programs with costumed interpreters, demonstrations of Revolutionary-era artillery, and a celebration of the Declaration of Independence. Closer to Charlottesville, Forest, Virginia, is home to Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, which hosts a reading of the Declaration every July 4th, along with family-friendly events like colonial games, pony rides, and more.

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