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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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  • Survival of the Slowest

    Science Museum of Virginia 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA
    Elementary School Age

    Does being slow, small or sleepy have advantages? Sometimes, yes! Survival of the Slowest takes its time and proves just that. Featuring a variety of live animals, this touring exhibition [...]

  • Rescue

    Science Museum of Virginia 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA
    All Ages

    From air to sea to land, discover ways first responders help those in distress. Do you have what it takes to be a hero? Dive into a high-intensity experience where [...]

  • 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 [...]

  • Cultivating Curiosity

    Cultivating Curiosity
    Carter Mountain Orchard 1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville, Virginia
    All Ages

    Learn & Play at the Orchard Mondays & Tuesdays @ 10:30 AM June 1–August 25, 2026 Cultivating Curiosity is Carter Mountain Orchard’s weekly children’s program, running every Monday and Tuesday [...]

  • Tiny Tiers

    Tiny Tiers
    Cake Bloom 705 W Main Street, Charlottesville, Virginia
    Arts & Crafts

    Join for an open studio-style cake decorating session with all the tools and materials to make your own mini wedding cake. The perfect midweek treat, our self-guided sessions include piping [...]

  • Toddler Yoga & Movement

    Toddler Yoga & Movement
    Virginia Discovery Museum 524 E Main Street, Charlottesville, VA
    Learning Fun

    Program Type: Drop-In Ages: Ages 2-5, with Adult Access: Included with Admission Toddler Yoga & Movement explores and encourages physical wellness and emotional regulation in early childhood development through mindfulness, [...]

  • Baby Buds

    Baby Buds
    Virginia Discovery Museum 524 E Main Street, Charlottesville, VA
    Learning Fun

    Sensory Exploration for Littles Baby Buds is an open-exploration activity time for newborns, infants, and toddlers and their parents and caregivers that encourages physical growth, social-emotional development, and emerging language [...]

  • STEM Explorers: Makers, Motion and Big Ideas

    Jefferson-Madison Regional Library - Crozet 2020 Library Avenue, Crozet, Virginia
    Elementary School Age

    Ages 5-8. Required registration begins August 3. A Monthly STEM Adventure with NRAO Come create, experiment, and dive into the wonder of making! Join the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) for [...]

  • Ice Cream Social

    Cake Bloom 705 W Main Street, Charlottesville, Virginia
    All Ages

    Join every Friday for freshly-baked cake scraps and fillings paired with a flight of premium ice cream from our friends at Sugar Bear Ice Cream! Our Ice Cream and Cake [...]

  • 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 [...]

  • 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 [...]

  • 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. [...]

  • 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 [...]

  • Butterfly Walk

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

    Join for a free Butterfly Walk led by local naturalist Nancy Weiss. This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore native butterflies and the plants that help them thrive. Whether [...]

  • Summer Show Day With the Snow Queen

    Musicology 2220 Ivy Road, Suite 404, Charlottesville, Virginia
    Preschoolers

    Sing, dance, decorate a snowflake wand, and take photos with Elsa at this Summer Snow Day! Child Ticket: $55 Adults: Free! Save $10 if you purchase before 8/16 at midnight!

  • Free Entrance Day

    Shenandoah National Park
    All Ages

    Enjoy free entry into Shenandoah National Park in recognition of the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service.

  • Moms Lit Society: The Moonlight Healers

    Starr Hill Brewery at Dairy Market
    Especially for Parents

    Moms Lit Society meets quarterly at 6:30pm at Starr Hill Brewery inside Dairy Market—a cozy, welcoming space where you can enjoy a drink, browse books, and join in meaningful conversation. [...]

  • Homeschool Ballet

    BalletSchool of Ivy Ivy, Virginia
    Elementary School Age

    Ages 7-10 For young dancers who love ballet and are ready for more individual attention. Small-group classical ballet training for Charlottesville-area homeschool dancers. FREE Trial Class Limited to 8 dancers [...]

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.