CharlottesvilleFamily 2025 Family Favorites

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 [...]

  • Pokémon Day

    Jefferson-Madison Regional Library - Greene 222 Main Street, Suite 101, Stanardsville, Virginia
    Elementary School Age

    Stop by the Greene County Library for fun Pokémon themed scavenger hunts, activities, prizes and more!

  • 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 [...]

  • The Art Bar Birthday Celebration

    The Art Bar 1447 Allied St Suite K, Charlottesville
    All Ages

    The Art Bar in turning 3! Join for FREE face painting, caricatures, pizza, cupcakes by KrissyCakes, cookies by Lita, gelato by Splendora and much more!

  • Ballet Ensemble Performance & Class

    Jefferson-Madison Regional Library - Gordon Ave. 1500 Gordon Avenue, Charlottesville, Virginia
    All Ages

    For children ages 5 to 9 and their caregivers. Twirl on in to the library for a special performance by the talented students of the Charlottesville Ballet Academy, and learn a [...]

  • 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. [...]

  • Children’s Flower Crown Workshop

    Fifth Season Gardening Charlottesville, Virginia
    All Ages

    This workshop is suitable for ages 10 and up. Attendees will learn the basics of constructing flower crowns and floral jewelry, and can take home their masterpiece. All supplies included [...]

  • 2026 Village Games

    Kindred Cville Charlottesville
    Especially for Parents

    Join for a fun, lighthearted afternoon celebrating the real-life moments of parenthood. The Village Games turns everyday parenting tasks into friendly challenges—think finding the missing baby sock, setting up a [...]

  • Roller Skating Night

    Roller Skating Night
    Greenwood Community Center Crozet, Virginia
    All Ages

    The Greenwood Community Center offers public roller-skating on Saturday Nights 6pm-8pm. Admission is $3 to rent skates and $2 if you have your own skates. Roller blades are allowed. No [...]

  • Toddler Time

    Toddler Time
    The Art Bar 1447 Allied St Suite K, Charlottesville
    Arts & Crafts

    Toddler Time offers the perfect opportunity for your little ones to embark on a journey of exploration, learning, and growth. Specifically designed for children aged 2 to 4 years old, [...]

  • Beauty and the Beast: The Musical

    Altria Theater 6 North Laurel Street, Richmond, VA, United States
    All Ages

    Be Our Guest at BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Disney’s first North American production of the beloved musical in over 25 years. This enchanting and timeless tale, filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and [...]

  • 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 [...]

  • Labyrinth Walk – Lunar Eclipse

    Botanical Garden of the Piedmont 950 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA, United States
    All Ages

    Experience the quiet power of the full moon with our Labyrinth Walk – Lunar Eclipse at the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont. This special session will encourage you to set [...]

  • 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 Wednesday for an engaging storytime featuring the reading of 2–3 delightful books.   CharlottesvilleFamily connects you with what matters most! From education resources [...]

  • 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 [...]

  • School’s Out Hangout

    Jefferson-Madison Regional Library - Central 201 E. Market Street, Charlottesville, Virginia
    Tweens & Teens

    For teens ages 11-18. Need something to do when school's closed? Drop in all day to the Teen Space to play games, do crafts, and eat snacks!

  • Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival

    The Paramount Theater 215 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902

    The Shenandoah National Park Trust is thrilled to bring the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival back to The Paramount Theater! Get ready for an exhilarating cinematic journey featuring breathtaking stories [...]

  • Pokemon Party

    Jefferson-Madison Regional Library - Central 201 E. Market Street, Charlottesville, Virginia
    Elementary School Age

    Trainers of all ages, prepare for an epic adventure! Craft Pokéballs, make buttons, and design custom Pokémon cards. Build your Pokemon TCG skills. Embark on a scavenger hunt or battle [...]

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.