Welcome to CharlottesvilleFamily!
I’m so glad you’re here and hope you find lots of useful parenting resources! We publish beautiful print magazines, add new content to our website and social media daily, and we’re in the App Store, too.
CharlottesvilleFamily is committed to Cville kids and to supporting parents along every step of their journey. Founded in 1998, we’re so proud of 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 and kids the way CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine does. Our attention is always on local topics important for Cville kids 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
A Pediatrician’s 7-Step Guide to Introducing Solid Foods for Infants
Help your baby stay safe and have fun
The Best Charlottesville Trails for Walking During Pregnancy
Stay active and safe at every stage of pregnancy with Charlottesville's popular walking trails.
A Pediatrician’s 9-Step Guide to Baby Proofing Your Home
Baby proofing your home isn't about perfection. It's about protection.
4 Pediatrician-Approved Ways to Strengthen Your Child’s Immune System
Get ahead of cold and flu season this year.
Charlottesville Doulas & Night Nurses
A Parent’s Guide to Local Postpartum Support
Kids and Sugar, Does It Equal “Bad” Behavior?
Just How Bad Is Sugar, Really?
Outdoor Medicine Expert Shares Tips to Reduce Tick Bite Risk
Tips from Va Tech Expert
Family Fitness Fun
Fun ways to keep your family fit
EDUCATION
College Prep Checklist for Charlottesville Families
Academic, financial, and practical college prep tips
Helping Kids Overcome Math Anxiety
Build long-term math confidence
Best Family Storytimes in Charlottesville
Read, sing, learn & play every week!
Goodbye Phones: Cell Phone-Free Education in Virginia
New "off and away" cell phone policies
Meet Children’s Book Author Hannah Barnaby of Charlottesville
Crozet children’s book author
Charlottesville Catholic School: From Seed to Sanctuary
A school grounded in academic excellence and Catholic faith.
Going Back to School as a Parent: Finding Balance and Support in Central Virginia
Balancing Act for Moms & Dads
Charlottesville City School News: September 2025
August News from Charlottesville City Schools
FAMILY FUN
15+ Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Charlottesville for 2026
Valentine’s Day is almost here, and if you’re looking for a way to celebrate that [...]
The Top 8 Sledding Hills in Charlottesville for Family Fun
Find the favorite local hills for snow day play!
Snow Tubing in Virginia in 2026
Snow tubing spots an easy drive from Charlottesville
Day Trips for Winter Fun 2025: Family Adventures Near Charlottesville
Make winter memorable with these 9 exciting day trips near Charlottesville.
Best Holiday Light Displays in Virginia for 2025
Enjoy magical holiday light displays in Charlottesville and beyond!
Where to See Santa in Charlottesville 2025
Ho! Ho! Ho! Here is where to find the jolly old elf around town!
Veritas Illuminated 2025: Holiday Light Walks Near Charlottesville
A beautiful holiday light walk near Charlottesville
D.C.’s ZooLights: A Winter Day Trip from Charlottesville
A family-favorite day trip to D.C.
Home & Garden
Your Guide to Snow Day Prep for Charlottesville Families
When the forecast calls for snow, you can never be sure what’s going to arrive. [...]
Give Your Christmas Tree a Second Life in 2026
Where and how to recycle your Christmas tree
Central Virginia Christmas Tree Farms
Find the perfect Christmas tree with our helpful guide.
Entertaining Guests in Charlottesville: A Year-Round Guide for Families
Favorite local spots to take guests
MarieBette Café: A Neighborhood Bakery with French Soul
More than A Bakery
Creativity Blooms at the Southern Living Idea House in Keswick
Where creativity blooms
The Prettiest Flower Farms to Visit Near Charlottesville
Best pick-your-own experiences
Charlottesville Relocation Checklist for Families
Everything from Utilities to Making Friends
Parenting
Legal Paperwork Virginia Parents Should Have
Keep your family safe with these important legal documents.
Charlottesville Prenatal Support Classes
Finding Your Baby Village
The Value of Letting Kids Do Hard Things
Why Letting Kids Do Hard Things Matters
Parenting Playbook
Learn about parenting styles with local, Dr. Cara Goodwin
100 Studies on Screen Time
Expert research on screen time translated into easy-to-understand points for busy parents
Dressing Lessons for Preschoolers
Tips & tricks to make getting dressed easier for little ones
Helping Kids Feel Safe When Scary Things Happen: A Parent’s Guide
Helping kids to process scary news
The Hidden Work: Understanding the Invisible Labor of Motherhood
Managing the mental, emotional, and often unseen physical tasks of raising a family.
Recipes
Grandma Helen’s Pecan Balls Recipe: Easy Baking with Kids
A tasty treat that's easy to bake with kids!
Aunt Susie’s Sweet Potato Soufflé Recipe
A delicious side dish for every occasion
Witches are a Brewing! Halloween Treat Recipe
A Bewitching Snack!
Honey Garlic Chicken & Peas Recipe
A Cozy No-Fuss Dinner
Build-Your-Own Burrito Bowls Recipe
Easy, healthy weeknight meal
Grilled Veggie and Fruit Kabobs Recipe
Quick and healthy dinner everyone will love
Berry Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Easy festive dessert with variations
The Best Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancake Recipe
A delicious brunch recipe to spoil your loved ones
Community
CharlottesvilleFamily Moms Lit Society: Books After Bedtime
Make Time for You
Best Local Toy Stores and Bookshops In Charlottesville
Shop local for gifts, books, art supplies, and more.
Family-Friendly Volunteer Ideas
Way to give back, including projects for kids
Family-Friendly Volunteer Ideas
Great ideas on how to give back including hands-on projects for kids
Charlottesville Food Assistance During The Government Shutdown
Local food resource for families.
Cville Junior Mountain Bikers Build Community
Learn about junior racing, plus favorite local mountain biking trails!
Crozet Book Fest Jr. – A New Chapter for Young Readers
Lit for Kids on October 25, 2025
Your 2025 Guide to Central Virginia Turkey Trots and Holiday Runs
Holiday fun run time!
Kids Rec
Easy DIY Valentine Cards and Doily Envelopes Kids Can Make in 10 Minutes
DIY Valentine and Doily Envelope Looking for a quick and beautiful Valentine’s Day craft that [...]
Snow Tubing in Virginia in 2026
Snow tubing spots an easy drive from Charlottesville
The Blue Ridge Tunnel: A Family-Friendly Virginia Hike
A family-friendly, underground adventure!
Fun Things for Teens and Tweens To Do in Charlottesville
Where teens can go for sports, crafts, music, or just to hang out.
6 Rules of Water Safety for Babies and Toddlers
Stay safe and have fun with pool time or bath time
Trick or Treating and Halloween Events in Charlottesville
Make the most of Halloween with these local events & tips
Virginia’s Best Corn Mazes
The best corn mazes in Virginia!
Fun With LEGO in Charlottesville
Activities for Brick-Lovers
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 Cville kids and families. Live locally by supporting our local partners.
CharlottesvilleFamily is excited to launch our new mobile app for Central Virginia parents! Find local guides, school resources, birthday party ideas, and Charlottesville events—all in one place.
Stay connected with exclusive content, real-time updates, and special offers from Charlottesville businesses you know and love. Download the CharlottesvilleFamily app today and make parenting in Central Virginia simpler, more connected, and more fun!
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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 Cville’s 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.
Easy DIY Valentine Cards and Doily Envelopes Kids Can Make in 10 Minutes
DIY Valentine and Doily Envelope Looking for a quick and beautiful Valentine’s Day craft that doesn’t require a ton of [...]
Snow Tubing in Virginia in 2026
Snow tubing spots an easy drive from Charlottesville
The Blue Ridge Tunnel: A Family-Friendly Virginia Hike
A family-friendly, underground adventure!
Fun Things for Teens and Tweens To Do in Charlottesville
Where teens can go for sports, crafts, music, or just to hang out.
6 Rules of Water Safety for Babies and Toddlers
Stay safe and have fun with pool time or bath time
Trick or Treating and Halloween Events in Charlottesville
Make the most of Halloween with these local events & tips
Virginia’s Best Corn Mazes
The best corn mazes in Virginia!
Fun With LEGO in Charlottesville
Activities for Brick-Lovers
Snow Tubing in Virginia in 2026
Snow tubing spots an easy drive from Charlottesville
The Blue Ridge Tunnel: A Family-Friendly Virginia Hike
A family-friendly, underground adventure!
Fun Things for Teens and Tweens To Do in Charlottesville
Where teens can go for sports, crafts, music, or just to hang out.
6 Rules of Water Safety for Babies and Toddlers
Stay safe and have fun with pool time or bath time
Trick or Treating and Halloween Events in Charlottesville
Make the most of Halloween with these local events & tips
Virginia’s Best Corn Mazes
The best corn mazes in Virginia!
Fun With LEGO in Charlottesville
Activities for Brick-Lovers
Visit the Science Museum of Virginia with Kids
Visit Virginia's premier interactive museum for a day of science fun!
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. Cville is a wonderful place to raise children with incredible schools, arts, sports & more.
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