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.
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 [...]
Virginia Discovery Museum
524 E Main Street, Charlottesville, VA
Learning Fun
Ready for your little one’s big step into preschool? Prepare them with the Virginia Discovery Museum’s six-week preschool readiness program for children ages 2 to 4 and an adult caregiver. [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Alice by Heart explores the poignancy of first love, coming to terms with loss, and finding the courage to move forward. This world premiere musical encourages us all to celebrate [...]
Where Charlottesville comes together for a joy-filled morning of movement, connection, and compassion, all in support of the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA. Featuring a 5K trail run, a community dog walk, and [...]
Join for a fun Mother's Day event where you can sip on wine and create beautiful bouquets together! 🌸 Sip & Bloom: A Mother’s Day Wine + Bouquet Workshop 🌸 [...]
Claudius Crozet Park
1075 Claudius Crozet Pk, Crozet, VA
Arts & Crafts
With over 120 Fine Artists and Contemporary Craft Artisans exhibiting from around the country, the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festivals are Central Virginia's premier juried Arts and Crafts event. The [...]
All proceeds benefit the Benjamin Hair Just Swim for Life Foundation, supporting its mission to provide water safety education and affordable swim instruction in our community. Each bracket will be [...]
Join the Shelter for Help in Emergency at our inaugural pickleball tournament at The Greencroft Club! Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or picking up a paddle for the first time, [...]
Jefferson-Madison Regional Library - Crozet
2020 Library Avenue, Crozet, Virginia
Learning Fun
Ages 12-18. Registration is required. Erin James & Writer House can help get your ideas on the page! Write what you want! Bring a new idea or a work in [...]
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 [...]
Second Street Gallery
115 2nd St. SE, Charlottesville, VA
Arts & Crafts
Everyone is welcome to join for the next Family Studio Day on May 9, 10AM–2PM, as we celebrate the spring season through the art of flowers. Exhibiting artist Priscilla Whitlock [...]
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. [...]
🌼 What You’ll Make During the workshop, you’ll create a custom nourishing goat’s milk soaps, choosing from soft florals, calming lavender, fresh citrus, and botanical-inspired fragrance blends. Personalize your soaps [...]
Celebrating Parenthood and Baby Milestones FREE EVENT The Shenandoah Valley Baby Expo is a celebration of parenthood and your baby’s most precious milestones! Join us for an unforgettable experience filled [...]
Foster Art
1770 Timberwood Blvd, Suite 106, Charlottesville, VA
All Ages
Create, decorate, and celebrate love — one swirl at a time! This Mother’s Day, skip the ordinary and share an unforgettable experience that’s as sweet as Mom herself. Our Cupcake [...]
Jefferson-Madison Regional Library - Central
201 E. Market Street, Charlottesville, Virginia
Arts & Crafts
Teens 11-18 and their moms/important maternal figures are invited to enjoy a relaxed pre-Mother’s Day paint & sip together. Follow along an acrylic painting tutorial (or paint your own masterpiece) [...]
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 eventusing this form.
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!
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.