Winter break is one of those rare windows when schedules slow just enough to squeeze in a memory-making adventure. A fun break without committing to a full vacation. Whether you’re looking for a cozy indoor outing, a dose of fresh air on a mild day, or a short drive that feels like a change of scenery, Central Virginia delivers.
These family-friendly winter day trips from Charlottesville are all doable in a day, flexible for different ages, and perfect for filling those in-between holiday days when everyone needs to get out of the house.
1. Explore Luray Caverns and the Garden Maze
Drive time: ~1.5 hours
Best for: Ages 5+
Head to Luray Caverns for a memorable underground adventure, where families can marvel at towering stalactites and stalagmites. This is a setting that feels both awe-inspiring and accessible for kids. After exploring the caverns, step outside to tackle the Garden Maze—one of the largest hedge mazes in the Mid-Atlantic and a fun way to warm up on a crisp day. Bundle up and enjoy the fresh mountain air before heading home. There is a small zoo in Luray too if you have the energy to keep going.
2. Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton
Drive time: ~45 minutes
Gypsy Hill Park feels especially inviting in winter, when the scenic walking paths are quieter and the park takes on a peaceful, storybook quality. Families can stroll around the pond, a favorite spot for watching ducks and koi. Stop at the playgrounds for fresh-air play or enjoy a simple picnic in one of the covered pavilions on a mild day. Set in the heart of Staunton, this park is an easy, low-key outing that pairs beautifully with exploring the town afterward. Keep in mind it can be a bit cooler and breezier in the Valley.
3. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Family Galleries
Drive time: ~1 hour
Best for: Elementary through teens
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is an excellent winter break destination, especially when families are looking for something engaging indoors. The Family and Interactive Galleries invite kids to create, observe, and ask questions, making art feel approachable rather than intimidating. The museum’s spacious layout makes it easy to explore at your own pace, and a visit pairs well with lunch in nearby Carytown for a relaxed, culture-filled day trip.
4. Get Active in Charlottesville
Stay local and get moving! Visit Charlottesville’s indoor climbing gyms, Rock Revolution on Ivy Road or Rocky Top Climbing downtown, for a bouldering session. Head to Bowlero for bowling fun or let the kids burn off energy at Get Air Trampoline Park. Perfect for keeping everyone active and entertained during winter break. Check out more active family fun ideas here.
5. SkateNation Plus in Glenn Allen
Drive time: ~1 hour
Best for: Elementary through teens
Make the easy drive to Short Pump for a day of active winter fun. SkateNation Plus offers ice skating and laser tag—an energetic combination that’s especially appealing during winter break when kids need to move. Afterward, families can round out the day with a meal or a bit of browsing at nearby Short Pump Town Center, making this a flexible outing that balances high-energy play with downtime.
6. Make Something Beautiful at a Charlottesville Art Studio
7. Be a Tourist in Your Hometown
8. Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton
Drive time: ~45 minutes
Best for: Ages 6+
Step back in time at the Frontier Culture Museum, where families can explore historic farms and learn about daily life in early America. The living-history setting offers hands-on experiences and open space to move, helping kids stay engaged while absorbing history in a natural, memorable way. Winter visits tend to be quieter, making it easier to slow down and ask questions along the way. Read about more educational outings for kids.
9. Richmond Zoo
Animal lovers will enjoy a winter visit to the Richmond Zoo, where families can explore a wide range of wildlife and well-spaced exhibits that feel manageable even during busier school break days. Cooler temperatures often mean animals are more active, making winter a surprisingly good time to visit. It’s an easy day trip for families looking to reconnect with nature and enjoy time outdoors without a long drive. Find more animal-themed adventures here.
Plan Your Winter Break Adventures!
Our CharlottesvilleFamily Editors are locals who care deeply about family and community. We are almost all parents who serve alongside our readers in the PTO and band boosters, coaching sports teams, helping with the school fun fair and more. Our insider perspective, combined with great research and expert input from our wonderful CharlottesvilleFamily Advisory Panel helps us to provide you with trustworthy advice as you raise the next generation of brilliant and compassionate kids.