This year I’m making it my mission to have a fun Spring Break with my kiddos! We won’t be jet setting off anywhere tropical so I wanted to find some local staycation things we could do. I’m hoping we can explore so new places, check out some hidden gems and make some fun memories! So I decided to put together this guide on Fun & Unique Spring Break Activities Near Charlottesville.

Table of Contents
Best Outdoor Adventures for Spring Break in Charlottesville
After months of being cooped up indoors, getting out in the fresh air and soaking up the sunshine feels like a reset for all of us. It’s a chance to ditch the screens—both theirs and mine—and actually be present without emails or notifications pulling me away.
Whether we’re hiking a trail, having a picnic, or just running around at the park, these are the moments that stick with me—the ones where we’re laughing, exploring, and just enjoying each other’s company. No distractions, just quality time, sunshine, and memories in the making.
Shenandoah National Park & Skyline Drive – Pack a picnic and explore kid-friendly hiking trails like Blackrock Summit or Humpback Rocks. This is something we keep talking about doing but haven’t actually done yet. If the weather is good I think this one will finally make the list!
- Address: 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA 22835
- Website: Shenandoah National Park
Ivy Creek Natural Area – This 215-acre preserve features over seven miles of trails winding through fields, forests, and along the South Fork Rivanna River. It’s a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife observation, with well-marked trails suitable for all skill levels. A great spot for a scenic nature walk with little ones.
- Address: 1780 Earlysville Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Website: Ivy Creek Foundation
Carter Mountain Orchard – Spring is the perfect time to enjoy fresh cider donuts, scenic views, and some early-season fruit picking. We’ve lived in Cville for almost 2 years this summer and still have not been to Carter Mountain and I think that is a travesty that we need to correct!
- Address: 1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22902
- Website: Carter Mountain Orchard
Paddling on the Rivanna River – The Rivanna River is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. With gentle currents and scenic surroundings, it’s suitable for all experience levels. Local outfitters, like the Rivanna River Company, offer rentals and guided trips.
- Address: 1518 East High Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
- Website: Rivanna River Company
Kings Dominion – This one is a little bit of a drive but tons of fun for the kids. I have so many childhood memories spent riding roller coasters at Kings Dominion. It is a staple of my childhood and also for my kiddos. We like to pack a lunch to save a little bit and also take a break from the park mid day.
- Address: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
- Website: King’s Dominion

Indoor Fun for a Rainy Spring Break Day
As much as I love being outside during Spring Break, I always like to have a few rainy day backup plans—because let’s be honest, the weather doesn’t always cooperate. Instead of letting the kids zone out in front of a screen all day, we make it an opportunity for hands-on fun.
Whether it’s exploring a local children’s museum, catching a family-friendly movie, or getting creative at an art studio, there are so many ways to keep the week exciting without feeling stuck inside. And honestly, sometimes a cozy day indoors, snuggled up with popcorn and a good movie, is just as special as an outdoor adventure!
Unlocked History Escape Rooms – Challenge your problem-solving skills with themed escape rooms that blend historical narratives with interactive puzzles. We love a good escape room as a family and this one is based on history which I think is super fun and nerdy! David and I did one here for a date night and knew it would be a great place to bring the kids back to.
- Website: Unlocked History Escape Rooms
- Address: 1717 Allied Ln, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Decades Arcade – Step back in time and enjoy a wide range of classic arcade games and pinball machines. It’s a nostalgic experience for adults and a new adventure for kids. We hosted our son’s 10th birthday party here and the kids AND adults had a blast. It’s been on my list to go back to for a rainy day activity. $12 to play all day per person!
- Website: Decades Arcade
- Address: 221 Carlton Rd Suite 10, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Roller Skating Rinks – As a child of the 80’s and 90’s some of my favorite memories were from days spinning around the rink with my friends. There aren’t any typical rinks in Cville (Carver Rec has skating at certain times) but there are a few that you can drive to and make an afternoon of it.
We hosted our eldest’s 12th birthday at Chester Skateland and LOVED it!! We will definitely be going back there soon.
- Carver Rec Center – 233 4th St NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Chester Skateland – 2300 Southland Dr, Chester, VA 23831
- Ashland Skateland – 516 N Washington Hwy, Ashland, VA 23005
Get Air Trampoline Park – For active fun indoors, this trampoline park offers wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball, and ninja obstacles, suitable for all ages.
- Address: 1005 Gardens Blvd, Charlottesville, VA 22901
- Website: Get Air Charlottesville
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Catch a family-friendly movie in a fun theater where you can order food right to your seat! We’ve gone here a few times for movies and I love having food delivered. We just need to find out how to get reclining seats!
- Address: 375 Merchant Walk Square, Charlottesville, VA 22902
- Website: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Virginia Discovery Museum – A hands-on, interactive museum perfect for young kids to learn and play.
- Address: 524 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
- Website: Virginia Discovery Museum
Bounce Play-N-Create – A favorite for little ones to burn off energy on bounce houses, slides, and climbing structures.
- Address: 127 Seminole Court, Charlottesville, VA 22901
- Website: Bounce Play-n-Create
IX Art Park & The Looking Glass – Charlottesville’s immersive art experience is a magical way to spark creativity and wonder.
- Address: 522 2nd Street SE #D, Charlottesville, VA 22902
- Website: IX Art Park & The Looking Glass

Staycation-Worthy Spots in Charlottesville
Sometimes, the best Spring Break plans don’t require leaving town at all! A staycation is the perfect way to make the week feel special without the hassle of travel. Whether it’s booking a night at a local resort, visiting a spa, or simply exploring new parts of Charlottesville we don’t always make time for, there are plenty of ways to mix things up.
The best part? No airports, no packing stress—just fun and relaxation right at home. And honestly, while I love planning family-friendly staycations, I’m also taking mental notes for a future mommy getaway—because a solo spa day or a quiet weekend at a gorgeous resort? Sounds pretty perfect to me!
Boar’s Head Resort – Enjoy a relaxing staycation with spa treatments for parents and fun outdoor activities for the kids.
- Address: 200 Ednam Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Website : Boar’s Head Resort
Keswick Hall – A luxurious getaway spot with stunning views and top-tier dining.
- Address: 701 Club Dr, Keswick, VA 22947
- Website: Keswick Hall
Downtown Charlottesville Stroll – Spend the day exploring local shops, grabbing ice cream at Chaps, and letting the kids run at the downtown pavilion.
- Address: E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
- Website: Downtown Mall
Massanutten Resort (Short Drive Away) – If you’re up for a quick getaway, Massanutten offers an indoor water park, mini golf, and mountain adventures.
- Address: 1822 Resort Dr, Massanutten, VA 22840
- Website: Massanutten Resort

Best Spring Break Activities Around Charlottesville for Families
Spring Break doesn’t have to mean expensive trips or complicated travel plans—there are so many amazing ways to make memories right here in Charlottesville! Whether you’re exploring the outdoors, checking out a fun indoor spot on a rainy day, or treating yourself to a mini staycation, the key is spending time together and enjoying the break from the usual routine.
No matter how you choose to spend the week, I hope this list gives you some fun ideas to make the most of it! Which activity are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments!
If you like this post I think you’ll love:
5 Kid-Approved Cville Restaurants for Low-Stress Family Meals
Charlottesville Fall Activities & Family Events
5 Tips for Easy Photo Sessions with Kids
5 Reasons to Book an In Home Charlottesville Lifestyle Newborn Session
Melissa Arlena is an award winning lifestyle newborn photographer in Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia who has earned her Master Photographer Certification from NAPCP in maternity, newborn and family photography. Her natural and simple work has been featured in magazines and online blogs worldwide. She has been named Best Maternity and Newborn Photographer in Richmond and Charlottesville, VA in 2024.