Charlottesville Activities for Kids
As we head into the remaining weeks before school starts again, many local families are wondering how to keep their kids occupied for the last few days of summer.
People are already coming back from vacations and heading back to work and are looking for fun ways to keep summer going for as long as possible.
Below are some ideas of great ways to start making the transition back to the school year while maintaining a sense of the hazy days of summer.
Libraries
You only need to look as far away as your local library to find some great activities and events. Each one around town is known for its special unique character.
Many children who attend Venable are familiar with Gordon Avenue Library, which is just up the road from the school. The favorite place to hang out in the library is the amphitheater-style seating in the children’s section.
Each Saturday at 11 am is set aside for Drop-in Stories & More. For the month of August they are hosting a LEGO Extravaganza for all ages – they will display original designs for the entire month. The SPCA is getting in on the action Aug. 10 with a SPCA Paws to Read event at 3 pm.
The newest library in the fold is Northside Library – located next to the Daily Progress. They are featuring a juggler on Aug 4 at 4 pm, a Family Art Drop-in on Aug 5 at 10:30 am and a Family Night at the Movies on Aug 9 at 6:30 pm – “Minions.”
Central Library Downtown also features many events – including a Tech Petting Zoo with Linden Lab on Aug 3 at 2 pm, as well as a Make It @ The Library on Aug. 10 at 2 pm and a Book Buffet on Aug 17 at 9 am. The Crozet Library is also a great place to check out activities.
Museums
For the hotter days when even going to a pool seems like too much effort, the Virginia Discovery Museum and Violet Crown movie theater have teamed up to offer movies on Tuesday and Thursdays in August from 10:30 am-12:30pm.
You can also check out the half day camps on Wednesday afternoons – for August it is Living Lab from 1-4 pm. Call 434-977-1025 for more info.
Pools
Kids know that swimming is the best activity of all and the Charlottesville area has a number of great pools to choose from.
Smith Aquatic & Fitness Center – located next to Buford Middle School, this is an indoor pool with slides and a lazy river.434-970-3072.
Onesty Family Aquatic Center @ Meade Park – popular since it opened a few years ago, the best time to go is after the daily rush, after 5 p.m. 434-295-7532.
Washington Park Pool – a longtime favorite, you can also see a movie while swimming – check the schedule at 434-977-2607.
Summer Camps
Most summer camps are starting to wind down in August but some to try are:
Triple C Camp for up to 10th grade. A popular day camp kids are encouraged to leave their cell hones at home and explore the great outdoors and swim every day. Please call 434.293.2529 or email register@tripleccamp.com to schedule a tour.
Camp ACAC at Four Seasons is also still offering activities until August 26 with a different theme each week for kids up to middle school age. Kids can take tennis, soccer or swim lessons or arts & crafts. Call 434-978-7529 for more info.
Before you know it school will be start again so enjoy the rest of your summer!
