My Favorite Fall Family Activities in Charlottesville, VA

Fall in Charlottesville, VA is a special time of year. This little city (town?) among the Blue Ridge Mountains community comes alive with festive activities perfect for families. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, here are some of the best fall family-friendly activities to enjoy in Charlottesville.

1. Apple Picking at Carter Mountain Orchard (or Chiles Peach Orchard!)

• If you have lived in central Virginia for any fall season, then you know all about Carter Mountain Orchard. I still remember going as a kid for school field trips! Of course, that was back when there was no apple barn and it was just a tiny little orchard (but that apple cut out for photos was still there!) Carter Mountain offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and this orchard offers a truly quintessential fall experience.
• With that said, Carter Mountain has grown in popularity every year, so I’d avoid it on weekends if you can! Or, hop on over to Crozet and go apple picking at Chiles Peach Orchard. They grow their own apples too and it’s typically less crowded.
• I’ve also heard great things about Fruit Hill Orchard near Palmyra!

2. Explore Monticello Trail

• This trail is a local’s favorite for so many reasons. You can take the gravel path at Monticello Trail all the way up to Monticello, enjoy a slow walk or take some side trails for a true hike. The views are truly gorgeous with the vibrant leaves starting in mid-late October.

3. Enjoy a Fall Festival

• Fall is harvest season, and local farms around Charlottesville celebrate with special events. Check out the events at farms like Liberty Mills, Henley’s Orchard, and Albemarle CiderWorks. These often include hayrides, petting zoos, and tastings of seasonal produce. Perfect for those weekend mornings before naptime!
• We personally enjoy the Bellair Farm Festival and Crozet has its own Fall Arts & Craft Fair that is hosted in October at Claudius Crozet Park.
• I’ve also heard that the Fall Fiber Festival and Montpelier Sheep Dog Trials at Montpelier is fun!

4. Wine Country at its Best

• Charlottesville has no shortage of amazing wineries, breweries and cideries. Some of our favorites include King Family Vineyards and Potter’s Craft Cider. There are plenty of other amazing spots, but these are our favorites since there is space for kids to run and you can easily bring your own picnic while enjoying the views and amazing weather.

5. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

• Funny enough, I didn’t grow up going to pumpkin patches, but it’s been something we’ve enjoyed with our kids! Charlottesville has several great options, like Sarah’s Pumpkin Patch, Chiles Peach Orchard, Liberty Mills Farm and Fruit Hill Orchard. Many pumpkin patches also offer hayrides, corn mazes, and other family-friendly activities.

6. Explore a Farmer’s Market

• xSuch a simple, but lovely fall outing. Grab a pastry and coffee while picking up local produce and maybe some flower stems for your dining table to bring all the colors of fall indoors. The Charlottesville City Market is a classic, and IX Park Farmer’s Market is a great spot since there’s also a sandbox and some open fields to run and play in near Brazo’s (also a great spot for some yummy breakfast tacos!)

7. Visit Wildrock

• If you have littles, this is a must-do. We LOVE Wildrock. It’s in Crozet, VA and it’s an amazing natural playscape with endless adventures for kids to play outdoors. The perfect way to spend a fall morning!

8. Coffee or Bakery Date

• There’s nothing more I love on a slow weekend morning than some amazing coffee and a warm pastry. Everyone in Charlottesville seems to have their favorite pastry shop, but we love Belle, MarieBette and Cou Cou Rachou. For coffee? Lone Light is our absolute favorite and I’ve recently fallen in love with Cumbre – such amazing food & coffee!

8. Exploring Shenandoah

• Piggy-backing on the coffee or bakery date…make a day trip and head up to Happ Coffee for an amazing latte before hiking the Blue Ridge tunnel, or exploring Shenandoah National Park (you could even just take a scenic drive on Skyline Drive!)

9. Visit & Explore The Market at Grelen

• Sitting just outside of Charlottesville, The Market at Grelen is a wonderful spot to take a leisurely hike or pick apples. It’s a working nursery, wedding venue and orchard. Head to their cafe afterwards for some homemade ice cream or lunch. Pick up some mums or fall flowers for your front porch on the way out – a perfect morning out!

10. Make Your Own Fall Fun

• To be honest, some of my favorite memories are hosting friends or family for a big pot of chili followed by s’mores by the fire. Or, pumpkin carving with friends. The most simple activities often make the best memories with your family!

Amy Nicole Photography (Amy Cherry) has been a photographer for over 15 years. Amy is a family & newborn lifestyle photographer serving Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia. She creates timeless, genuine and effortless photos for you and your family to enjoy for years to come. She offers on-location, at-home, studio and outdoor family photo sessions