8 Best Things To Do With Kids In Charlottesville VA

Virginia is a place where history is everywhere, it is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and natural landscapes.

Families visiting Charlottesville find so many attractions and activities catering to all ages, including Things To Do With Kids In Charlottesville VA, which makes it an ideal destination for a memorable family vacation.
Many great places including Williamsburg and Charlottesville have a rich colonial history.
There are many monuments memorials museums, and historic places like Monticello, and Shenandoah National Park.
This article is a comprehensive guide to ten of the best things to do with kids in Charlottesville, so get ready to explore the wonders of Charlottesville with your loved ones.

1. Monticello: Family-friendly tours and activities

Image Credit: National Park Service

Monticello is the home of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, This historical place offers visitors a peek into one of America’s founding fathers. Monticello provides an opportunity for the kids to learn about the rich history and culture.

Tickets information and logistics

• You can purchase a ticket online or at the arrival at the visitor center.
• General admission gives you access to the main house, gardens, and grounds.
• Specialized tours and programs are also offered.
• We recommend you book online, especially during peak seasons.
• Dining options and gift shops are available for visitor’s convenience.

1. Explore the Visitors Center: 
   Your adventure begins at Monticello’s Visitor’s Center, you will find a lot of information and interactive exhibits for all ages. The Griffin Discovery room, where kids can learn about Monticello in a fun and interactive way. 
2. Attend a Presentation:
   Take part in the engaging presentation about the life plantation in Monticello’s family area. They share stories that easily relate to kids and kids can memories them more easily. 
3. Join a Guided Tour:
   They offer a variety of tours based on different interests, Slavery at Monticello and Gardens and Grounds are the famous ones, they dig deep inside Jefferson’s estate. You can choose any of them depending on your kid’s interest.
4. Explore the Main House:
   Explore the main historic house, There are many unique items, that Jefferson collected throughout his life, that reflect his interests and pursuits.
5. Take a Scenic walk:
   Don’t forget to walk around the scenic trails around the visitor’s center. 

If you want to explore more destinations in United States check out Top 12 Underrated Summer Travel Ideas In USA

2. Explore the Virginia Discovery Museum

Image Credit: Smithsonian Magazine

Virginia Discovery Museum Located in Charlottesville, VA, this museum is dedicated to providing interactive learning experiences to the kids.

They feature a variety of exhibitions and activities that are designed to engage children ages 1 to 8 and their families.

They focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, education, the museum offers a dynamic environment for exploration and discovery.

Admission details and hours of operation:

• Check the Museum’s website for current admission fees, which may vary on age and membership status
• Verify the hours of operation, they may vary by season or day of the week.

 Interactive exhibits for children 

• Interactive exhibits: kids explore different exhibits that cover different topics and themes such as nature, health, and transportation, they learn a lot through these exhibits.
• Hands-on activities: They earn through real activities, and experiments.
• Imagination station: kids also learn through imaginative role play and storytelling.
• Programs and workshops: Kids participate in educational programs and workshops covering various topics and themes.
• Special Events:They attend special events and activities that held throughout the year.

3. Picnic at the Carter Mountain Orchard

Carter Mountain Orchard is a beautiful place situated on the top of a scenic hillside. The orchard is surrounded by breathtaking views, you can see the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Charlottesville countryside from the top. It is known for its variety of seasonal fruits, like apples, peaches, and berries.

• Pick-your-own fruit opportunities: The opportunity to handpick the fresh fruit is an amazing experience, that can be picked directly from the trees and the bushes.
• Family-friendly activities and events: Orchard tours: Join the guided tours to learn about fruit cultivation, harvesting, and the history of Carter Mountain Orchard.
• Farm Market: Experience the on-site farm market, you will get a variety of fresh fruits, baked goods, jams, and other local products.
• Live Music: You can also enjoy live music at the Orchard on a select day.

Picnic areas and facilities

• Picnic Areas:The Picnic areas are scattered throughout the Orchard, they all have scenic views, you can pick any of the are to enjoy the natural beauty and fresh air.
• Facilities: Picnic tables, trash cans and restrooms for visitors are conveniently located at different places.

4. Stroll Through the Downtown Mall

Image Credit: visitCharlottesville.com

 The Downtown Mall is a rich pedestrian place known for its historic charm and lively atmosphere.  The downtown mall has shops, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues.

Family-friendly shops and restaurants

• Kids-friendly restaurants: Various restaurants and eateries offer kids-friendly menus and an atmosphere that families with infants and toddlers love. 
• Specialty shops: Don’t forget to browse the toy shops, clothing stores, and gift shops to buy gifts for your friends. Toy shops like Shenanigans, and Alakazaam are the fun stores to visit.
• Ice Cream and Treats: Kids love to eat Ice cream, delicious ice creams, gelatos and other sweet treats available at different dessert shops along the mall.
• Street performers and entertainment: Enjoy the performances of talented musicians, artists, and performers in the live events.
• Interactive Activities: You can also participate in the different activities happening on the streets like street art installations, drawings, or dance performances.
• Magic Shows and Puppetry: Magic shows are one of the favorite things that kids love to watch, enjoy the magic shows on the streets of the downtown mall.
• Charlottesville carousel: Kids can also have fun on the old Charlottesville carousel outside of the Virginia Discovery Museum.

5. Play at the IX Art Park

Image Credit: Google

The Park is spread across several acres, it is an outdoor art space that celebrates creativity and culture. The park has an electric mix of art installations, artworks, and green spaces for the visitors to enjoy.

Interactive art installations

• Engaging Artwork:  Enjoy the interactive art installations, and sculptures, by the local artists.
• Hands-On Activities: Experience hands-on art activities like painting murals, and clay pottery or contributing to other art projects.
• Photo Opportunities: Take a lot of pictures for your Instagram profile with beautiful Instagram-worthy backdrops throughout the park, and make your memories with family and friends.

Events and performances for families

• Family-Friendly Events: You can also attend family-friendly events, concerts, and performances that are held throughout the year at the park, they also have art festivals and community gatherings.
• Children’s workshops: They also organize children’s workshops to engage them in creative artwork, especially for the kids. They allow the kids to express their artistic abilities. 
• Live Entertainment:  Attend live music, theater performances, and storytelling sessions suitable for families of all ages. 

Safari drive-through experience:

• feeding opportunities:Virginia Safari Park gives you a lifetime experience with their iconic drive-through safari.
• Use your Vehicle: You can see the park on your vehicles, encountering the animals roaming freely in their spacious habitats. Kids will love to encounter  Giraffes, Ostriches, Zebras, and many other wild animals throughout your visit.
• Feed the friendly animals: Wander through the walk-through area where you can hand-feed friendly creatures such as goats, llamas, and exotic birds. Don’t miss the chance to interact with baby animals at the nursery or witness educational presentations led by knowledgeable park staff.

6. Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, it has breathtaking views diverse wildlife, and a lot of hiking opportunities. The park features waterfalls, lush forests, scenic overlooks, and the skyline drive. 

• Family-friendly hiking trails: Limber Lost Trail: A 1.3 mil loop trail is a flat paved path that is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, with informative signs about the forest ecosystem. Dark.
• Hollow Falls Trail: This is a 1.4-mile round trip hike that leads to a scenic waterfall, this is ideal for families with older children who enjoy a bit of challenge. 
• Story of the Forest Trail: This is a short trail near Big Meadows Lodge with exhibits that highlight the park’s natural and cultural history, perfect for younger kids.

 Wildlife spotting opportunities

You will see white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and a variety of bird species during your scenic drives and hikes.
If you want to see wildlife then plan your hike for early morning or late afternoon, this is the prime time for wildlife viewing.

Safety tips for hiking with kids

• Wear appropriate dress according to the weather, and sturdy footwear with good grip.
• Get a lot of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized during your hike.
• Apply sunscreen and insect repellent, and check for ticks after your hike, especially during summer.
• Stay on marked trails, obey posted signs, and supervise children closely near cliffs, overlooks, and streams.
• Carry a map of the park and a fully charged cell phone for emergencies, cell service may be limited in remote areas.

7. Looking Glass at IX Art Park

Image Credit: TripAdvisor

Experience the Looking Glass at IX Art Park

• Enter through what appears to be a janitor’s closet and step into an enchanting forest.
• Enjoy plenty of lights, colors, and interactive elements. an opportunity for kids to engage with art in Charlottesville, VA.
• Touching is encouraged, to enhance the immersive experience.

Kid-Friendly Activities Inside

• Swing on hammock chairs amidst the enchanted forest setting.
• Use a laser pointer in the blacklight area to trace mazes and find hidden words in word searches.
• Play in a charming gnome house featuring a kitchen and bed area.
• Touch garden goddesses to create different sounds.
• Explore various rooms with distinct lights, sounds, and textures.

Important Notes

• Some areas inside the Looking Glass are quite dark, so children afraid of the dark may prefer to stick to the forest area near the entrance.
• Children under the age of 3 can enter for free, making it a great outing for families with young children.

Ticketing and Timing

• Purchase tickets for timed hourly slots either in advance or at the door.
• Despite its compact size, the space is filled with engaging activities, encouraging families to spend the entire allocated hour exploring.
• The venue is currently expanding and will double in size by September.

8. Go on a Scavenger Hunt, In Charlottesville, VA

Go on a Mural Scavenger Hunt to Find Murals in Charlottesville

• Explore the vibrant art scene of Charlottesville by searching for its many murals.
• The Charlottesville Mural Project aims to showcase local artists and foster an appreciation for art among people of all ages.
• Discovering these murals adds vibrancy and color to your visit to Charlottesville.
• Utilize the Charlottesville Mural Project Map.
• Using the map makes it simple to locate and visit various murals scattered throughout the city.
• You can use the free trolley service that is available in Charlottesville if the kids get tired.
• The trolley provides a convenient way to explore the city while resting.

Final Thoughts

Charlottesville is a great place to visit with the kids, there are a lot of Things To Do With Kids In Charlottesville VA, and engaging activities for families with kids can easily be explored.

Such as the wonders of Shenandoah National Park, a mural scavenger hunt, outdoor adventures, art experiences, or cultural exploration, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Charlottesville.

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