The last five generations of the Chiles family have been born and raised right here in Central Virginia. Throughout the years, we’ve perfected the art of entertaining the whole family! Here are our picks for the best family-friendly activities in Charlottesville. Bonus: most of these businesses are family-owned and operated!
Breakfast and lunch at Bodos Bagels
Dare we say that a trip to Charlottesville wouldn’t be complete without stopping for a New York-style bagel from Bodos Bagels? Locally owned and operated since 1988, Bodos is a Charlottesville institution.
More breakfast and lunch picks:
- Tacos and play time at Brazos Tacos / IX Art Park
- Sandwiches and arcade games at Firefly
- Brunch at Bluegrass Grill & Bakery
Dinner and fun with trains at Chew Chew Town
Chew Chew Town is a train-themed restaurant where the Mexican-style food is delivered to your barstool by a choo choo train (get it?). “Junior Conductors” and adults alike will enjoy the delicious food and family-fun atmosphere.
The same Charlottesville family that owns and operates Chew Chew Town serves up Peruvian-style charcoal-roasted chicken, overflowing cemitas, and flavorful tacos right next door at Al Carbon. Offering family-style dinners, Al Carbon has been named one of the best restaurants in Charlottesville by the Charlottesville 29.
More family-friendly dinner picks:
- Soul food at Mel’s Café
- Outdoor BBQ at Ace Biscuit and Barbeque
- Diner favorites at The Nook
Snacks and Local Products at the Charlottesville City Market
If your family loves fresh veggies, crafts, and a glorious assortment of breakfast and lunch food, the Saturday morning Charlottesville City Market is for you. Kid-friendly favorites include specialty popsicles, colorful flower bouquets, and handmade children’s clothing. The market can get crowded, so plan to get there early for the best selection and stroller-friendly walking.
More specialty shop picks:
- Cheese at Feast!
- Virginia peanuts at The Virginia Shop
- Candy at The Candy Store
Live Music at Fridays After Five
Start the weekend off right with live music, family fun, and a rockin’ atmosphere at Fridays After Five, Charlottesville’s free summer concert series. Music performances from local artists and concessions that benefit non-profits create community fun on Charlottesville’s bustling pedestrian Downtown Mall.
More family-friendly live music picks:
- Thursday Evening Sunset Series at Carter Mountain Orchard
- Orchard Jams at Chiles Peach Orchard
- Starry Nights at Veritas Vineyard & Winery
Explorative learning at Virginia Discovery Museum
Virginia Discovery Museum believes in exploration through play and focuses on child-centered programs and exhibits. From art projects to STEM labs to Discovery Farms, exhibits engage children cognitively, physically, and socially. Kids learn through play and collaborative problem-solving—and have fun!
Hands-on activities at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is a beautiful World Heritage Site where history comes alive through tours and interactive exhibits. Hands-on spaces such as the Griffin Discovery Room and Mountaintop Hands-on Activity Center engage the whole family. View family-friendly activities at Monticello.
If the kids get antsy during the house tour, there are plenty of grounds to explore—or, pop right next door to Carter Mountain!
More children’s hands-on activity picks:
- Cultivating Curiosity at Carter Mountain Orchard
- Bouldering at Rocky Top Climbing
- Clay class at Lazy Daisy Ceramics
- Come Grow with Us at Chiles Peach Orchard
Kayak trip with Rivanna River Company
Rivanna River Company is a family business that offers guided kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or tubing trips along the scenic Rivanna River (ages 6+). They provide the equipment, shuttle, and guide—you just relax and enjoy the water.
Walking the Saunders-Monticello Trail
Surrounded by 370 acres and traveling through forest, ravines, and mountain views, you don’t want to miss the Saunders-Monticello Trail. A maximum trail grade of 5% makes the trail accessible for the whole family, whether navigating by foot, stroller, or walker. The trail system can be easily accessed near the base of Carter Mountain—come relax after your hike with fresh fruit and cider donuts.
More outdoor recreation picks:
- Explore at Rivanna Trails
- Art at the Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center
- Balloon ride at Monticello Country Ballooning
Fruit Picking at Carter Mountain Orchard
We’re a family farm, so of course, our orchards are kid-friendly. We welcome you to bring the whole family to learn about agriculture, pick delicious fresh fruit, and have fun!
There’s nothing like picking your own sun-ripened peaches and crisp apples straight from the orchard. See what’s in season to pick your own or buy pre-picked on our fruit availability calendar.
If a pick-your-own fruit isn’t in season, pick up a game and a baked good at the Country Store. We recommend bringing home a pie for your next family gathering; our apple pie is a holiday favorite.
Country Festivals
From Hop into Spring to July 4th celebrations to the Annual Ol’ Fashioned Peach Festival at our sister orchard, we love a good festival! Orchard festival goers can enjoy games, contests, hayrides, seasonal pickins’ and delicious food.
More festival picks:
- City Carnival at Dogwood Festival in April
- Block Parties at Tom Tom Founders Festival in April and October (Tomtoberfest)
- Farmyard Fun at Albemarle County Fair, on the grounds of James Monroe’s Highland in July
Charlottesville is a destination for all sorts of gatherings—weddings, ladies weekends, reunions, romantic couples getaways, and, of course, family vacations. For whatever brings you to town, gather together at Carter Mountain Orchard.
