Best Things to Do in Charlottesville, VA with Kids This Summer

I’m a self-proclaimed summer lover. Sure, there’s endless bugs and humidity…but there’s also a slower pace and a freedom that summer brings.

If you’re looking for simple, family-friendly things to do in Charlottesville, VA this summer, I’ve rounded up some of our favorite go-to activities—from peach picking and splash pads to easy day trips and outdoor adventures.

Peach Picking & Pick-Your-Own Fruit in Charlottesville

Picking fruit with my girls is always a favorite…and it feels different each year! Some summers we fill buckets with blueberries (ku-plink, ku-plank, ku-plunk!) and other years we focus on peaches. We love visiting Chiles Peach Orchard or The Market at Grelen. Both offer ice cream as a fun treat to cool down and scenic views!

Easy Family Hikes Near Charlottesville

The tree canopy offers a much-needed break from the summer sun, and many local hikes include water…always a win with kids! Sugar Hollow is a popular local favorite along with the Blue Ridge tunnel for a nice break from the weather. Want to tackle a smaller hike with young kids? Head to the trails at The Market at Grelen, the Saunders-Monticello trail or Riverview park for shorter, more flexible outings.

Family-Friendly Wineries & Breweries

Admittedly, this is a favorite of ours. We always love heading to King Family Vineyards because there is so much open space for kids to play and run while parents get to enjoy the breathtaking views and delicious wine. Want a new spot to explore? Potter’s Craft is tucked in the woods for a nice break from the sun and also has space for kids to run.

Pools & Splash Pads in Charlottesville for Kids

We are big fans of the ACAC waterpark, but so many families enjoy pools all over Charlottesville. Fairview, Hollymead, Boar’s Head Resort and Fry’s Spring Beach Club are just a few local favorites. If your kids aren’t quite pool aged and you need something smaller and less intense, the splash pads and spray parks in Charlottesville are plentiful! Greenleaf Park offers a sweet & small splash pad, whereas Forest Hills is a bigger splash pad that seems to be more fun for older kids too. Both have playgrounds too and covered areas to enjoy lunch and snacks! You can find all the spray park info here.

Indoor Arcade in Charlottesville

Decades arcade is my oldest’s favorite, and they’ve adjusted their summer hours to be open more. It’s $12 per person or 2 hours or $17 for all day – I love that there’s no fee per game. Just pay for entry and play your heart out!

Easy Summer Evenings at Home

Most of our favorite summer memories aren’t big outings or grand adventures, they’re the simple evenings at home. Think popsicles on the patio, running through the sprinkler, cooking things up in the mud kitchen and playing on the swings. We also love scooter rides after dinner and letting the kids stay up late sometimes just to catch fireflies.

Simple moments, yet endless impact and endless core memories.

Free Summer Activities for Kids: JMRL Library Programs

My girls have always been big library fans. We are always utilizing our favorite location! One of our favorite things about summer is all the programs that JMRL offers throughout the different locations. From crafts to magic shows to special storytimes, craft times and game events, there’s always something fun to look forward to for all ages and interests!

Easy Summer Day Trips from Charlottesville with Kids

Day trips in the summer are always great ways to break up summer days. A quick day trip to Richmond is always a favorite of ours. We love Maymont, the Science Museum of Virginia and the Children’s Museum of Richmond. Plus, there’s ice skating for an easy cool-down and things to explore at Short pump and Stony Point mall. Lewis Ginter has gorgeous gardens to explore too along with their own spray pad. Want something different? Amazement Square in Lynchburg along with Aquazoo are kid favorites! Sherando Lake is also a new fav of ours for some waterside fun.

All of these outings (big or small!) are the kinds of moments that make summer feel like summer. The messy, joy-filled, sun-soaked days that don’t always feel significant in the moment… but are the ones you’ll want to remember later.

They also happen to be the moments that translate so beautifully into photos, when your kids are just being themselves.

If you’re local to Charlottesville or Richmond and have been thinking about family photos this summer, this season is such a natural time to do it. Whether it’s at home, in your backyard, or somewhere your kids already love, sessions are designed to feel easy and true to your family.

You can learn more about working together here, or reach out anytime. I’d love to help you document this season ( my favorite season!!)