Are you looking for fun things to do in Charlottesville with kids? We’ve got you covered!
Charlottesville, VA, is a popular destination for family adventures, thanks to the area’s history and natural beauty.
Its proximity to the Shenandoah Valley makes it a perfect addition to a trip to Shenandoah National Park. And its central location in Virginia makes it a great place to stop on a road trip through Virginia.
We enjoyed our visit to Charlottesville, especially seeing Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s estate, and walking around downtown. But there is even more to do in this Virginia town!
The guide below shares some of the best things to do in Charlottesville with kids and some other fun activities nearby. Let’s dive in!
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Things to Do in Charlottesville With Kids
1. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
Monticello is the largest and most famous of the three presidential estates near Charlottesville.
In addition to the mansion, the property has a large visitor center with a museum and movie. The visitor’s center also has a fun children’s area that duplicates much of what they’ll see on the mountain.
On a beautiful day, kids can see for miles. And if they look through a small opening in the trees, they can even see the University of Virginia’s campus.
2. James Monroe’s Highland
Although Monticello is Charlottesville’s most famous presidential residence, history lovers can also visit James Monroe’s Highland.
The 5th President of the United States’ homestead offers different tours depending on the day of the week.
There is also an augmented reality tour, where visitors wear Smart Glasses to see and hear what life was like in 1819.
3. James Madison’s Montpelier
About 40 minutes outside of Charlottesville is James Madison’s Montpelier.
Visitors can learn more about the 4th President of the United States by touring his home and property.
Montpelier offers family-friendly tours at select times throughout the day, allowing kids to experience Madison’s’ life hand-on!
4. Hiking Trails
There are plenty of family-friendly hiking trails near Charlottesville, including some at each of the nearby presidential estates.
The Saunders – Monticello is an easy trail about 2 miles long and partially boardwalk. However, several other courses in the park can connect to make longer and more challenging hikes.
At James Monroe’s Highland, the Highland Rustic Trails are mostly easy, with one more strenuous mountainside trail. The trails intersect to make shorter and longer hikes, depending on what you’re looking for.
There are 8 miles of trails at Montpelier, with the longest being the Montpelier Loop.
Outside of Downtown Charlotte, visitors can enjoy trails through Ragged Mountain Nature Area that vary in length (up to 4 miles). Hikers can also search for statues along the trail.
5. Rivanna River Company
Take a canoe or kayak ride with the Rivanna River Company down the Rivanna River.
They offered self-guided kayak and canoe trips for everyone 6 years and older. Depending on length and difficulty, trip times range from 1 – 6 hours.
Rentals are seasonal. Visit their website for pricing and availability.
6. IX Art Park
The IX Art Park is a FREE mural and sculpture park in downtown Charlottesville. During the day, visitors can come and explore all of the art in a beautiful setting.
Kids will love the Outside Art Room! Every Thursday -Sunday, FREE art kits, including watercolors, chalk, and paint sticks are handed out to encourage creativity.
IX Art Park also runs special events, like The Looking Glass, an immersive art experience. Visit their website for more information.
7. Botanical Garden of the Piedmont
Located on the eastern section of Charlottesville’s McIntire Park, the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont is a fun and FREE garden for kids and their families to explore.
With woodchip and grass trails, it’s easy for families to walk around and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty of the gardens.
8. Downtown Charlottesville
The Downtown Mall in Charlottesville is an outdoor strip on Main Street that is blocked off for pedestrian use only.
There are lots of stores and restaurants, including some delicious ice cream and gelato shops, to visit and patronize.
9. Virginia Discovery Museum
At the east end of Main Street is a a top things to do in Charlottesville with kids. The Virginia Discovery Museum is a small children’s museum that is perfect for kids 8 and under.
The admission price is reasonable, and they offer discounts to military families. If you are a member of an ASTC museum, you get in FREE if you show your membership card.
10. Michie Tavern
One of the best things to do in Charlottesville with kids is to eat in a historic tavern. The Michie Tavern was built in the late 1700s during the American Revolution.
And then, in 1927, a local businesswoman bought the tavern and relocated it 17 miles away by horse and wagon (just up the street from Monticello).
The tavern serves traditional southern fare, like black-eyed peas seasoned with country ham, pulled pork barbeque, and southern fried chicken. Guests can eat indoors or outdoors during the warmer months.
There is even a Tavern Shop and General Store you can patronize before or after your meal!
Other Things to Do Near Charlottesville With Kids
While there are many fun things to do in Charlottesville with kids, there are also several fun attractions in the Shenandoah Valley that are about an hour or less from Charlottesville.
11. Grand Caverns
Grand Caverns is the oldest, continually-operated caverns in the United States! They offer several different tours, but their traditional walking tour is best for young kids.
The park also has hiking trails, fishing, a playground, and miniature golf giving you plenty to do during your visit.
12. Massanutten Resort
There are so many things you can do at Massanutten Resort you could spend a whole week here.
However, if you’re visiting for the day from Charlottesville, you’ll love the indoor and outdoor waterparks or the skiing and snow tubing during the winter months. They even have a ropes course adventure park!
13. Frontier Culture Museum
The Frontier Culture Museum is the largest living history museum in the Shenandoah Valley and it showcases the life and work of people in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries and how they influenced Virginia culture.
The Frontier Culture Museum is open almost every day (closed on some major holidays), with hours varying depending on the season. Their website has more info
Where to Stay in Charlottesville with Kids
We recommend staying close to Downtown Charlotte so you can easily walk to all of the fun restaurants and shops.
On our visit, we stayed at the Home 2 Suites and had a nice stay. The rooms are larger and the hotel offers FREE breakfast.
Other good options are the Residence Inn by Marriott and the Omni Hotel. For larger suites with full kitchens, the English Inn & Suites is a good option, although it’s further away from downtown.
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