ReadyKids Kidchella Free Community Event Charlottesville Virginia

Top Events in Charlottesville & Central Virginia

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.

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  • Garden Glow at Maymont

    The Robins Nature Center at Maymont 2201 Shields Lake Drive, Richmond, VA
    All Ages

    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 [...]

  • Little Nature Explorers

    Little Nature Explorers
    Botanical Garden of the Piedmont 950 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA, United States
    Preschoolers

    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 [...]

  • Baby Buds

    Baby Buds
    Virginia Discovery Museum 524 E Main Street, Charlottesville, VA
    Arts & Crafts

    Baby Buds is an open-exploration activity time for newborns, infants, and toddlers. It supports their parents and caregivers by encouraging physical growth, social-emotional development, and emerging language skills. Engage in [...]

  • DinoWalk

    Luck Stone Quarry Culpeper
    All Ages

    Since 2015, the Museum of Culpeper History has partnered with the local Luck Stone Quarry to provide a public access day to view Culpeper’s famous dinosaur footprints! More than 215 [...]

  • Cville Cup Pickleball Tournament

    Cville Smash

    A tournament to support Foothill's Children's Advocacy Center and its work to support children impacted by abuse and neglect through forensic interviews, medical exams, and coordinated care for families during [...]

  • Storytime With Hannah

    Storytime With Hannah
    Bluebird & Co. 5792 Three Notch'd Rd, Crozet, VA
    Learning Fun

    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 [...]

  • Goat Walk & Sanctuary Tour

    Sentient Sanctuary 445 Glendower Rd., Scottsville, Virginia
    All Ages

    Join the fab four (Ginsberg, Peppermint, Eva, and Toffy) for a walk through field and forest. We’ll share our story, visit the chickens, donkeys, and llamas, and serve refreshments. Our [...]

  • Riverfest

    Constitution Park Waynesboro, Virginia
    All Ages

    This FREE annual event takes place river-side at Constitution Park in Waynesboro, VA. Activities include Reptile World shows, Stream Safari, presentations by the Wildlife Center of Virginia, Fish and Fun [...]

  • Special Needs Jump Time

    Special Needs Jump Time
    Get Air Charlottesville 1005 Gardens Blvd, Charlottesville, VA
    All Ages

    The First Saturday of Each Month – 8 AM to 10 AMJoin for Special Needs Jump Time, where everyone can enjoy jumping fun! This time is designed to ensure everyone [...]

  • Kidchella

    ReadyKids Charlottesville, Virginia
    All Ages

    🎈Join Saturday, May 2nd at ReadyKids for an afternoon of family fun including bounce houses, raffle prizes, music, live performances, and community partners. CharlottesvilleFamily proudly sponsors this event!   CharlottesvilleFamily [...]

  • Mother’s Day Tea Social

    Mudhouse Crozet
    Elementary School Age

    Celebrate Mom at Mudhouse’s Mother’s Day Tea Party—fine china, lace, 'Bridgerton' chic, and a delightful afternoon of tea and treats. Come join the merriment as Mudhouse Specialty Coffee Roasters hosts [...]

  • Toddler Time

    Toddler Time
    Frontier Culture Museum Staunton, Virginia
    Learning Fun

    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 [...]

  • MSC Truck Touch

    Fairview Swim & Tennis Club 707 Belvedere Blvd, Charlottesville, Virginia
    All Ages

    The Montessori School of Charlottesville is bringing our popular Truck Touch event back to the Charlottesville community. Truck Touch will provide children with the unique sensory rich opportunity to explore [...]

  • Storytime

    Storytime
    New Dominion Bookshop 404 East Main St, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
    All Ages

    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. [...]

  • Free Comic Book Day

    Hello Comics Uptown 398 Hillsdale Dr., Charlottesville, VA
    Elementary School Age

    5 free comics per person +5 BONUS free comics if you bring a donation for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Canned food is good. Cash and checks made out [...]

  • HER Sports Day

    Brooks Family YMCA 151 McIntire Park Drive, Charlottesville, VA
    Festivals & Fairs

    This FREE event for girls and families features youth sports clinics, a financial literacy workshop, a Senior Commitment Celebration, free food + swag! WHO: Girls of all ages, families; sports [...]

  • Spring Gala: The Ugly Duckling

    The Dickinson Fine & Performing Arts Center at PVCC
    Elementary School Age

    Join us for Veronica Piller's original ballet The Ugly Duckling, a playful rendition of the timeless tale about being true to yourself. Follow the tenderhearted duckling on her adventure of self-discovery where [...]

  • Art Spa

    Foster Art 1770 Timberwood Blvd, Suite 106, Charlottesville, VA
    All Ages

    Back by popular demand! Get ready to jazz up your own journals and pens before whisking them away home, and concoct your very own fizzy bath bombs! Snacks and tunes [...]

How to Use the Charlottesville Family Events Calendar

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.

Submit Your Local Charlottesville Events or Cville Kids Activity

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 kidsschools & learninghome & garden and family fun.

Top 15 Year-Round Things To Do with Kids & Families in Charlottesville, VA

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!

  1. Annual Family Events & Festivals in Central Virginia – A roundup of major Charlottesville events families look forward to each season.
  2. Explore Charlottesville’s Children’s Museums – Hands-on learning and play at regional children’s museums.
  3. Visit Pick-Your-Own Berry Farms – A sweet seasonal tradition that makes for a perfect family event.
  4. Top Charlottesville Attractions for Families – A guide to must-see family attractions and local favorites.
  5. Local Art Studios for Kids & Creative Play – Where little artists can express themselves all year.
  6. Charlottesville Pools & Spray Grounds – Cool off with kid-friendly water fun.
  7. Family-Friendly Hikes in Central Virginia – Discover scenic trails perfect for all ages.
  8. Best Flower Farms to Visit Near Charlottesville – A blooming adventure and great photo opportunity.
  9. Lakes & Water Activities for Families – Relax or explore with water-based fun close to home.
  10. Charlottesville’s Best Playgrounds & Parks – Our top picks for outdoor play spaces.
  11. Go Apple Picking in the Fall – Celebrate the season with a favorite fall event in Charlottesville.
  12. Sensory Friendly Play Spaces – A curated guide to accessible and sensory‑aware venues.
  13. Parent Support Groups & Meet-Ups – Connect with other local families throughout the year.
  14. Top Kids’ Party Places in Charlottesville – Venues and ideas for celebrating birthdays and milestones.
  15. Indoor & Active Fun for Rainy Days – Indoor Charlottesville activities for energetic kids when the weather isn’t ideal.

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.