Spring Break Staycation Itinerary

Charlottesville and Albemarle County families - and beyond! It’s spring break and if you’re choosing a staycation this time around, we know you’ll be looking for things to do with the kids. Fear not! Downtown Charlottesville has plenty of activities and ways for you to play hometown tourist for a few hours or all week long. Check out our itinerary suggestions to get the creative planning process underway.

Suggested age key: P=Preschool / E=Elementary / M=Middle / T=Teens

Free Weekend Events

Here are some great free events to bookend your break!

Saturday, March 29^th
11am – tour the Paramount Theater
Go behind the scenes to learn the story of this iconic establishment. Free, registration required. M/T

Saturday, March 29^th & Saturday, April 5^th
Saturday Storytime at Central Library - Drop in for stories, songs, and more! Free, no registration required. P / early Elementary

Saturday, April 5^th
10am-1pm – The Downtown Express Returns
Fun for all ages, but beloved by the littles, our Downtown Mall train is ready to spread choo-choo cheer all spring long. Rides start next to the fountain at Central Place, weather permitting. P/E

Saturday, April 5th
10am-12pm- McIntire Park Eggstravaganza
Egg hunts for kids age 1-12 including a sensory-friendly egg hunt for all ages, inflatables, food trucks, pictures with the Easter Bunny and so much more. P/E/M/T

Day 1

Monday, March 31^st

Morning
Take a stroll up and down the mall, be sure to stop at the Community Chalkboard and Podium to share a note or a doodle. Pro-tip: bring chalk! P / E / M / T

Afternoon
Lunch at Timberlake’s. Sit at the counter to order a classic meal, and don’t forget the milkshake. P / E / M / T

Evening
More fun awaits at Decades Arcade. From Pinball to Pac Man, Decades is the stuff of gaming dreams. As fun for adults as it is for kids, the nostalgia is off the chart. Decades Arcade hosts public hours from 4-9pm. A great way to enjoy an evening out with the family. E / M / T

Day 2

Tuesday, April 1st

Morning
Make your way to Crafty Creators at Virginia Discovery Museum (10:30-11:30am). Included with admission and geared toward preschool – early elementary kids to explore art mediums. P / E

Afternoon
Take your lunch break at York Place. Start with dumplings at Marco & Luca then stop by Vivi’s Cakes and Candy for a sweet treat! P / E / M / T

Take a stroll to Hello Comics to see what book, graphic novel or comic book strikes your fancy. Dancers in the family? Stop by My Dance Shoppe to see what’s new! P / E / M / T

Evening
Head to Dairy Market – a dining hall on Preston Ave. with lots of options so everyone can pick their own meal. From pizza to poke, they’ve got you covered!

Day 3

Wednesday, April 2^nd

Dive into history with a Charlottesville-Albemarle Historical Society Walking Tour. Take a look at their website to schedule the tour that most interests you! E/M/T

In need of a pick-me-up before or after your tour, stop by Corner Juice or one of several coffee joints – Lone Light, Mudhouse, or GRIT. P/E/M/T

Afternoon / Evening
Shop til you drop! There are so many great places to shop on the Downtown Mall. Whether you’re looking for clothes, books, jewelry, antiques, vintage, toys, or anything else for that matter. Keep the theme of walking around and enjoy shopping local! Don’t forget to find a great spot for dinner when you’re through. How about Christian’s Pizza for an easy family-friendly bite? P/E/M/T

Celebrate Lunar New Year at Central Library from 5-6pm. Special guests, Laughing Dragon Kung Fu perform a Lion Dance. Listen to a Lunar New Year story, craft a new year treat, and sample some delicious food. Free, registration required. P/E/M/T

Day 4

Thursday, April 3^rd

Morning
Do you have a budding actor in the family? DMR Adventures is hosting Drama Day Camp (April 3^rd & 4^th) at their Carlton Rd. performing arts academy! A great way to get some mid-break me time while the kids hone their skills. E

After you drop the kiddos off, choose your own adventure – shopping, dining, and so much more awaits. Visit our map to explore the possibilities.

Afternoon
It’s free community day at The Looking Glass immersive art experience at Ix Art Park. Head over from 12-5pm. P/E/M/T

After your visit, stop by Brazos Tacos for a bite– kids will love “I wanna ‘normal’ taco” menu selection.

Evening
Finish the fun with ice cream at Chaps. This downtown mall staple opened in 1985 and is still going strong! P/E/M/T

Day 5

Friday, April 4th

Morning/Afternoon
Grab a bite at The Nook! A classic diner founded in 1951, this is a great spot for breakfast or lunch. P/E/M/T

Evening
By now, you’ve had a lot of togetherness. The ultimate test? Charlottesville Escape Room. Choose your challenge and work alongside one another with the reward of space and freedom. We're kidding... sort of. M / T

First Fridays Art Exhibitions – Several Galleries
Visit second street gallery for their First Friday’s exhibition celebrate the opening of two new group exhibitions, Home and Charlottesville Porch Portraits featuring 5 local photographers’ works. Free and open to the public! T

There are so many wonderful things to do and see throughout Downtown Charlottesville, visit our map to plan your own itinerary or explore our sections to browse by category! Have a great Spring Break!