Places to Play and Learn
Get Air Trampoline Park:
Get Air is a great spot for children of any age. They have toddler time on Thursdays and Sundays, for children under 46”, providing a safe jumping time. They also recently added an amazing climbing structure that your young ones will love.
Jefferson Madison Regional Library:
The local library system is a wonderful resource for caregivers. They offer activities throughout the week and have locations throughout the greater Charlottesville area. Be sure to check out their website to find the location nearest you.
Ivy House Play Space:
While not directly in Charlottesville, Ivy House is a great place to take your young children. They have great indoor and outdoor spaces and even have a small area for crafts. Another great part of Ivy House is the free coffee and snacks for purchase.
Virginia Discovery Museum:
The Virginia Discovery Museum is a small yet wonderful children’s museum on the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville. They offer a wide variety of activities suitable for various ages, with a primary focus on children under 10. They are open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, and admission is $12 per person, ages 2 and up. Be sure to park in one of the downtown parking garages and get your parking validated at the front desk.
Wildrock:
Wildrock is an incredible nature play and discovery center located just a short drive from Charlottesville in Crozet. It is a fantastic destination for caregivers looking to get children off screens and into open-ended outdoor exploration. The space features a massive play barn, log obstacle courses, stream play, and beautiful walking trails designed specifically for young minds to connect with the elements. Be sure to check their website to reserve a play session ahead of time, as reservations are required to keep the space peaceful and uncrowded. Admission is $20 per reservation, which covers entry and parking for one vehicle with up to six passengers.
My Three Chambered Heart:
While My Three Chambered Heart is a bit of a drive from Charlottesville (about forty minutes from the Downtown Mall), if you have a child who loves lizards and snakes this is the place to go. They have 60+ live animals, as well as displays and exhibits. They are open Thursday to Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and at only $15 a person (under 2 is free) it is a great deal.
The Scrappy Elephant:
The Scrappy Elephant is a fantastic used art supplies store with a creative studio tucked in the back. It is a wonderful spot for caregivers and children to explore their artistic side together. You can reserve a studio table for up to four people and enjoy open-ended access to all of their amazing, reclaimed supplies. it costs $24 for an hour and a half of crafting time, with spots available between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.