There’s always something exciting happening in Charlottesville, Virginia! From outdoor concerts and food festivals to art walks and kid-friendly celebrations, Central Virginia offers events for every interest and age. Our editors at CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine update this guide daily to help locals and visitors discover the region’s best happenings—whether you’re a parent looking for weekend fun with the kids or simply exploring what’s going on around town. Bookmark this page and check back often for the latest family events, festivals, and community gatherings throughout Charlottesville and Albemarle County.
Does being slow, small or sleepy have advantages? Sometimes, yes! Survival of the Slowest takes its time and proves just that. Featuring a variety of live animals, this touring exhibition explores overlooked species that have used perceived disadvantages that help them not only survive, but thrive in a world full of fast animals at the [...]
Step into a glowing world of color at Garden Glow presented by Kroger — where light and a bit of magic take over Maymont after dark. Wander through mesmerizing light installations by international artists. After a moderately hilly hike through the woods, enjoy a serene stroll through the Japanese Garden, and fun and refreshments in [...]
Little Nature Explorers is a weekly outdoor program created for young children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. This free event takes place every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the beautiful setting of the Garden. It combines early childhood learning with the magic of nature, offering a fresh experience each week. [...]
Learn & Play at the Orchard Mondays & Tuesdays @ 10:30 AM June 1–August 25, 2026 Cultivating Curiosity is Carter Mountain Orchard’s weekly children’s program, running every Monday and Tuesday during the summer. The program is geared towards ages 3-8, and all ages are welcome. Sessions include storytime, a take-home craft, pick-your-own fruit (in season), [...]
Discover the excitement of science through hands-on experiments and creative problem-solving! Join STEM Explorers for an engaging session with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), where kids ages 4+ will explore motion, engineering, and big scientific ideas through fun, interactive activities designed to spark curiosity and learning.
Join fellow readers for a lively discussion of Dactyl Hill Squad! Enjoy snacks, share your thoughts about the book, and connect with other young book lovers. The first 10 registered participants will receive a free paperback copy. Registration is required. Recommended for ages 8–11.
Embark on a prehistoric adventure with Professor Livingpebble! Explore a dinosaur dig site, meet a life-sized velociraptor, and discover fascinating facts about ancient creatures. Part of the Summer Performer Series, this exciting family-friendly program is open to all ages. Free tickets are available beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Get up close with fascinating live reptiles and discover the truth behind common myths and misconceptions! My Three Chambered Heart offers a fun, educational experience for all ages, with plenty of opportunities to learn about these remarkable creatures. Best suited for ages 5 and up. No registration required.
Celebrate International Day of Play outdoors and inside with $10 admission! International Day of Play is an opportunity to have fun learning by experiencing all the Science Museum has to offer. From exciting exhibitions, to hands-on activities, to science demos, we bring the wonders of science to life. No matter your age, come out and [...]
Make unforgettable memories with your little ones at Elmo’s Got the Moves—the all-new Sesame Street Live show coming to your neighborhood! This exciting show will have kids and parents alike out of their seats and moving and dancing along with Elmo and his Sesame Street friends as they dance, stretch, and play along to fan-favorite [...]
Join Hannah Barnaby, local author and bookseller, every Friday for an engaging storytime featuring the reading of 2–3 delightful books. CharlottesvilleFamily connects you with what matters most! From education resources and school guides to family health advice and seasonal activities in and around Cville, we cover it all. Don’t miss a thing—sign up for [...]
Create colorful, one-of-a-kind artwork at this Fun Fridays Water Marbling Workshop! Teens will learn the basics of water marbling, a technique that uses floating paints to create unique swirling patterns. Experiment with colors, design your own marbled creations, and take home handmade art. Registration required. Ages 11–18.
The FREE Summer Concert Series is returning to Crozet Park, featuring an incredible lineup of live music, local food, and community fun all season long! Starting June 5th, bring your blankets, lawn chairs, family, and friends and come enjoy some beautiful evenings in the park. June 5 – Dropping JuliaJune 12 – Boxed LunchJune 26 [...]
Join the Frontier Culture Museum this January, February, and March for Toddler Time! Each Toddler Time at the Frontier Culture Museum will include a story time. Then, there will also be a hands-on historical activity and a craft to keep. January 10, 2026: Our first Toddler Time will be focused on historical music, instruments, and [...]
Join us in the gallery on Saturday, June 13, 10AM-2PM for the final Family Studio until September! The featured project will take cues from the vibrant hues on view in HOT PINK, a group show of 14 Queer artists who express their individuality using color and texture. Come take advantage of this opportunity to play [...]
The Crozet Lavender Festival is blooming again on June 13th for its third year. Join us to celebrate all things lavender. Pick your own fresh bunches, discover our essential oils and new products. Music, food and fun for all ages. The event is FREE.
Join for Storytime! New Dominion’s weekly Storytime, held at 11 AM on Saturdays, features both recent storybooks and the classics kids know and love. Rain or shine. All ages welcome. Bring a friend! Running late? No problem—they’ll be reading from a variety of books during each Storytime hour. Happy Learning! Explore helpful resources in our [...]
The Greenwood Community Center offers public roller-skating on Saturday Nights 6pm-8pm. Admission is $3 to rent skates and $2 if you have your own skates. Roller blades are allowed. No metal wheels! Skating Rink is available for private skating parties! CharlottesvilleFamily connects you with what matters most! From education resources and school guides to [...]
Our handy calendar is a great way to find fun things for Cville kids to do in Charlottesville and Albemarle County all month long. It’s also a great way to plan for seasonal family activities like hikes near Charlottesville, apple picking, Halloween events, berry picking, pumpkin patches, Charlottesville Christmas events, seasonal festivals, fairs, storytimes, art-making events, and more.
Please note that although all posted Charlottesville events are reviewed by our staff for correct content, event details may change after they are posted. Be sure to check any event’s website or social media to confirm locations, times, and costs before traveling.
Hosting a local event or kids’ activity in Charlottesville, VA? We invite you to submit your listing to our CharlottesvilleFamily events calendar — the go-to resource for parents seeking local events, seasonal activities, and free things to do in Charlottesville with kids. From community festivals and holiday celebrations to educational workshops and outdoor adventures, we highlight what makes Central Virginia such a vibrant place for families. Please submit your event using this form.
We hope you will also enjoy our stories on raising healthy kids, schools & learning, home & garden and family fun.
From festive Charlottesville events to everyday fun, these guides help you find engaging things to do in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Keep your busy Cville kids entertained and create fun family memories and traditions year-round!
Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or searching for seasonal events in Charlottesville, VA, this curated list highlights the best local activities, destinations, and experiences for kids and parents alike. These year-round attractions are perfect for families who want to make the most of life in Central Virginia.
To keep up with all the fun events for Cville kids and families, sign up for our free CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag. You’ll receive weekly or monthly (you choose!) family news and events right in your inbox.
And don’t forget to check out the amazing local businesses and partners who help families thrive in our community.
