Family Fun

9 Fun Day Trips for Winter Break: Family Adventures Near Charlottesville

words by CharlottesvilleFamily Editors
Be A Tourist in Your Hometown with Fun Winter Break Daytrips

Winter break is a wonderful time to get out and explore with the family. Whether you want to stay local or venture a little farther, here are nine fun day trips to make your winter break memorable.From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone!

Visit Shenandoah Valley - Luray Caverns

1. Explore Luray Caverns and the Garden Maze

Head to the enchanting Luray Caverns, where your family can marvel at the underground stalactites and stalagmites. Afterward, challenge each other to solve the Garden Maze—one of the largest hedge mazes in the Mid-Atlantic. Don’t forget to bundle up to enjoy the fresh mountain air!

2. Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton

Gypsy Hill Park is a winter wonderland for families. Stroll along the scenic trails, let the kids enjoy the playgrounds, or pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the pavilions. Their beautiful pond is favorite place to watch ducks and koi! This park is perfect for a relaxed outing in the charming town of Staunton.

3. Edgar Allan Poe Museum and Shockoe Bottom Dining

Take a literary adventure in Richmond at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, which celebrates the life and works of this famed author. After exploring the museum, treat the family to a delicious meal in the historic Shockoe Bottom district, where cozy restaurants offer a variety of cuisines. Best for older kids. Museum takes about an hour.

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4. Get Active in Charlottesville

Stay local and get moving! Visit Charlottesville’s indoor climbing gym, Rocky Top Climbing, 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

Make the short drive to Short Pump for a day of ice skating or a thrilling round of laser tag at SkateNation Plus. It’s a great way to enjoy a mix of wintery fun and high-energy excitement—and maybe sneak in a little shopping at Short Pump Town Center.

6. Make Something Beautiful at a Charlottesville Art Studio

Walk-In Projects – The Glass Palette – Interactive Glass Art Studio

Get creative this winter break by visiting a local art studio. Check out The Glass Palette for unique glass art projects, or head to Wine & Design’s Art Buzz Kids sessions for painting fun. These hands-on experiences let the whole family create lasting memories and keepsakes. Discover more creative activities for kids here.

7. Be a Tourist in Your Hometown

Rediscover Charlottesville by visiting local treasures like Monroe’s Highland or Monticello. At Highland, families can enjoy touring the grounds and saying hello to the resident animals, while Monticello offers rich history and stunning winter views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Learn more about historic sites in Charlottesville.

8. Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton

Step back in time at the Frontier Culture Museum, where you can explore historic farms and learn about early settler life. This interactive museum offers hands-on experiences, perfect for keeping kids engaged while learning about history. Read about more educational outings for kids.

Endangered pygmy hippo born at Virginia zoo - ABC News

9. Richmond Zoo: Meet the Newborn Pygmy Hippo

Animal lovers will adore a trip to the Richmond Zoo, home to an adorable newborn pygmy hippo. The zoo’s diverse collection of wildlife and engaging exhibits make it a great day trip for families looking to connect with nature and animals. Find more animal-themed adventures here.

Plan Your Winter Break Adventures!

With so many exciting day trips to choose from, your winter break is sure to be filled with fun, learning, and memorable family moments. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and start planning your next adventure today!

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.