Looking for the best things to do in Charlottesville, VA? Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or rediscovering your hometown, there’s no shortage of adventure, charm, and culture waiting in every corner of this beautiful Blue Ridge community. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find a perfect mix of nature, history, local flavor, and kid-approved fun.
At a Glance
- Explore the outdoors with family-friendly local hikes, farm visits, or a day at one of Charlottesville’s many popular vineyards.
- Local landmarks include historic presidential houses Monticello and Highland, as well as the Downtown Mall and UVA’s Lawn and Rotunda.
- Playgrounds, playspaces, art museums, escape rooms, bowling, rock climbing, and sporting events provide entertainment for all ages.
- Local restaurants offer fine dining as well as family-friendly options, much of it made with fresh, seasonal ingredients from local growers.
Explore Charlottesville’s Great Outdoors
1. Hike to a View
Take advantage of Charlottesville’s stunning setting by hiking one of the many nearby trails. Family favorites include Ivy Creek Natural Area, Saunders-Monticello Trail, and the Rivanna Trail for a stroll right in town. For a full list of scenic paths, don’t miss our guide to Hikes & Trails in the Charlottesville Area or take one of our favorite walks with your dog.
2. Farm Fun & Fruit Picking
Charlottesville’s countryside is dotted with family-friendly farms and orchards. In spring and summer, pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries or peaches, then return in fall for apples and pumpkins. Explore our roundup of Central Virginia orchards & farms as well as the popular seasonal pumpkin picking, apple picking, and corn maze guides.
3. Polo & Wine with a View
Catch a match at King Family Vineyards in nearby Crozet on Sunday afternoons from Memorial Day through mid-October. Watching the horses gallop across the green while enjoying a local picnic makes for a memorable afternoon. If polo isn’t your thing, there are many other beautiful wineries within a short drive of Charlottesville. Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards honored The Charlottesville area’s Monticello AVA in 2023 with the designation of Wine Region of the Year.
Discover Local Landmarks
4. Step Into History
Tour two presidential homes in one day: Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s mountaintop estate, and James Monroe’s Highland, nestled just next door. While you’re there, make time for lunch at nearby Michie Tavern, where costumed servers and Southern fare offer a window into 18th-century life. Check out our guide to Virginia’s family-friendly historical attractions.
5. Discover Downtown Mall Charm
One of the country’s longest pedestrian malls, Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall features brick streets lined with shops, bookstores, galleries, and cafés. Families love wandering through the lively atmosphere and catching local street performers.
For fun with little ones, stop into the Virginia Discovery Museum for hands-on learning play and take a spin on the free carousel just outside their door and spend some time with chalk at the Freedom of Speech Wall. Come to the Mall during the warm months for free Fridays After Five concert at Ting Pavilion.
6. Walk the Grounds at UVA
The University of Virginia’s Grounds are breathtaking year-round. Don’t miss the iconic Rotunda and the Academical Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a stroller-friendly walk with plenty of green space for kids to run and explore. Make it a scavenger hunt by discovering Edgar Allen Poe’s room, the whispering wall, or maybe even some Pokemon Go!
Family Playtime Indoors & Out
7. See Local Art
Charlottesville’s creative spirit is on full display at places like the Fralin Museum of Art, McGuffey Art Center, and IX Art Park. The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection offers one of the world’s largest collections of Indigenous Australian art outside Australia. For more ideas, explore the many artsy day trips in and around Charlottesville.
8. Browse Local Boutiques
Shop small and discover delightful finds at Charlottesville’s many independent shops. Families especially love Alakazam Toys, Shenanigans Toy Store, the children’s book and gift selection at Bluebird & Co., and the LEGO-lovers’ dream shop Bricks & Minifigs.
9. Run, Climb & Play
Let the kids burn some energy at Bennett’s Village, an inclusive playground where all abilities can play together. Or plan a visit to Wildrock, a nature discovery center where families can hike, creek stomp, and connect with the outdoors. The Botanical Garden of the Piedmont is a popular urban oasis. You can find all our insider tips in our guide to favorite local playgrounds.
10. Catch a Local Game
Charlottesville’s sports scene offers plenty of family-friendly fun. In summer, cheer on the Tom Sox at Charlottesville High School. Admission is free, and kids can run the bases post-game. Soccer fans will love the high-energy Charlottesville Blues matches in the USL2 league. And don’t miss the excitement of UVA Athletics year-round, from fall football to spring lacrosse. Game days are a great way to enjoy local spirit and quality time outdoors.
Looking for more local adventures? Check out the many seasonal festivals in the Charlottesville area! You’ll find springtime flowers, summer extravaganzas, spooky fall fun, and winter holiday celebrations. Find your favorites and go back every year!
11. Rainy Day Fun & Indoor Adventures
When the weather isn’t cooperating, Charlottesville offers plenty of indoor entertainment. Catch a movie, visit a trampoline park, arcade, or playspace. Test your teamwork at a local escape room, go bowling, or even try indoor rock climbing. Many of these indoor fun spots offer kids’ specials, party packages, or beginner-friendly activities. And there are plenty of local spots to interest teens and tweens.
Charlottesville Is for Foodies
12. Sample the Local Ice Cream
No visit is complete without something sweet! Cool off with a scoop from local favorites like Chaps, Kilwins, Moo Thru, La Flor Michoacana, or Splendora’s. Find the full scoop in our best places for ice cream in Charlottesville.
13. Savor Family-Friendly Dining
Charlottesville’s dining scene offers something for everyone, from casual diners to farm-to-table delights. Breakfast lovers flock to MarieBette, Sbrocco’s and Bodo’s Bagels. Find out who readers voted a favorite in our popular guide to breakfast spots. For lunch or dinner check out our favorite family-friendly restaurants. Or, you can always grab something extra fresh at a local farmer’s market.
14. Treat Yourself to Fresh Fine Dining
Charlottesville isn’t just a foodie town—it’s a destination for discerning palates. The city’s fine dining scene celebrates seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and is home to acclaimed chefs making national headlines. Enjoy elegant farm-to-table meals at The Ivy Inn, refined Appalachian cuisine at The Alley Light, award-winning dishes at Cafe Frank, or creative tasting menus at Broadcloth in the Wool Factory.
For a memorable night out, reserve a table at Tavola or C&O, both local institutions with deep roots and serious flavor. Whether you’re celebrating or just savoring a quiet evening, these restaurants showcase the very best of Central Virginia’s culinary landscape.
Plan Your Perfect Day in Charlottesville
Whether you’re hiking a sun-dappled trail, tasting heirloom apples at a local farm, admiring fine art, or just savoring a scoop of homemade ice cream, Charlottesville is a town that invites you to slow down and truly experience all it has to offer. Make it a weekend, a day trip, or a staycation—there’s always something new to discover.
Favorite fun for littles all around Charlottesville includes music programs, arts & crafts, sensory friendly activities, birthday parties, and indoor active fun for rainy days.
Don’t miss a thing: sign up for our free CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag for weekly event highlights and family fun ideas. And be sure to meet the valued partners who serve local families.
Jennifer Bryerton, MaEd, is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of CharlottesvilleFamily, which she co-founded to provide a trusted, family-centered resource for the Charlottesville community. With a Master’s degree in Education, Jennifer began her career in teaching, where her dedication to experiential learning and community engagement became evident. That background in education and her zeal for marketing and digital engagement infuses her work for parents with a unique perspective. Her vision and leadership have led CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine to win numerous awards for editorial excellence and community involvement.
Beyond her professional role, Jennifer treasures opportunities to share gardening, arts, nature and travel experiences with her husband and their four children and never turns down a board game challenge. Jennifer’s blend of education expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to family and enthusiasm for local community-building continues to shape CharlottesvilleFamily, making it a cherished resource for families in the area since 1998.