TOP 10 Best Outdoor play areas in Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville Area Riding Therapy (CART) is a nonprofit organization located at 5924 Fried Farm Road in Crozet, Virginia. We offer therapeutic recreational horseback riding to children and adults with special needs in Charlottesville and the surrounding areas. Our mission is to provide a unique outdoor experience that allows individuals to bond with horses, connect with families, and make a positive impact in their lives. Please note that visits are by appointment only as we are located on a private farm. For more information and directions, please visit our website.

Playful Learners Preschool is a premier preschool and child care center located at 325 Rivanna Plaza Drive in Charlottesville, Virginia. We are dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of learning through our blended curriculum, which combines world-renowned learning philosophies such as Reggio Emilia and Montessori with nature- and play-based learning, the Creative Curriculum®, and STEAM education. At Playful Learners Preschool, your child will have the opportunity to move, groove, and stretch every day in our engaging environment. Our gross motor room is equipped with music for dance parties, large magnetic blocks for building, and a nugget couch for obstacle courses and forts, fostering physical confidence, coordination, and fun.

Greenleaf Park, located at 1598 Rose Hill Drive in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a picturesque 14-acre park and popular tourist attraction. Surrounded by grassy hillsides and an array of hardwood and evergreen trees, Greenleaf Park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Originally part of McIntire Park, Greenleaf Park gained its own identity when Route 250 Bypass was constructed, creating a separate neighborhood park. Visitors to Greenleaf Park can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a playground area with equipment suitable for children aged 2 to 5, a picnic shelter, seasonal restrooms, and a half-basketball court. A wide soft surface trail winds through the park, following a creek near the 250 bypass and connecting to Walker School. Natural trails also lead to Plymouth Road, providing opportunities for exploration and outdoor recreation.

Dogtopia is a premier dog daycare, boarding, and spa facility located at 315 Rivanna Plaza Drive in Charlottesville, Virginia. Our state-of-the-art facility provides a safe and fun environment for dogs to socialize, exercise, and relax while their owners are away. Our highly trained staff ensures that each dog receives individualized care and attention, making sure they are happy and comfortable during their stay. With spacious playrooms, outdoor play areas, and luxury spa services, Dogtopia is the ultimate destination for your furry friend. Come visit us today and see why Dogtopia is the top choice for dog care in Charlottesville.

Pen Park is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 1300 Pen Park Road in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States. The City of Charlottesville has partnered with Bennett’s Village, Inc. to designate Pen Park as the future site of an all-abilities play space. This exciting project will cover three acres and feature fully-accessible play structures, a tree house, a sensory garden, a cableway, a water play area, a restroom pavilion, and native landscaping. Visitors can enjoy a day of fun and play in this inclusive and welcoming environment. For more information about this project, please click here.

Canine Campus is a premier dog training and daycare facility located at 440 Westfield Road in Charlottesville, Virginia. Our experienced trainers offer a range of classes to help your furry friend reach their full potential, from basic obedience to advanced agility. Our spacious campus provides a safe and stimulating environment for dogs to socialize and exercise, with indoor and outdoor play areas. Whether you're looking to improve your dog's behavior or just want them to have a fun day of play, Canine Campus is the perfect place for your four-legged companion.

Booker T. Washington Park, located at 1001 Preston Avenue in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a popular tourist attraction and public park. Originally deeded to the City in 1926 by Paul Goodloe McIntire, the park was re-dedicated in 2001 as Booker T. Washington Park during the African-American Cultural Arts Festival. Named after the renowned educator, the park offers 9.25 acres of recreational space for visitors of all ages. The park features a variety of amenities, including a lighted outdoor pool with a wading area and bath house, three basketball courts (one of which is lighted), a recreation building with restrooms, and a playground area. The park's sloping land leads down to a level plain below, where visitors can enjoy a regulation softball field, basketball courts, a multi-use field, picnic shelter, and a tot play area.

Tonsler Park, located at 500 Cherry Avenue in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a popular tourist attraction and recreational spot for locals and visitors alike. This bustling park offers a range of amenities including a recreation center, tennis courts, a life-size chess board, lighted basketball courts, a little league field, and an extensive playground for children of all ages to enjoy. Originally acquired in 1946, Tonsler Park was expanded in 1978 to its current size of 8.72 acres. The park is named after Benjamin Tonsler, a well-respected local educator who made significant contributions to the community during the era of segregation.

Meade Park is a charming green space located at 300 Meade Avenue in Charlottesville, Virginia. This popular tourist attraction offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, with lush gardens, walking paths, and recreational facilities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're looking to relax with a picnic, take a leisurely stroll, or play a game of tennis, Meade Park is the perfect destination for outdoor fun and relaxation. Come and experience the beauty of Meade Park in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Crozet Dog Park is a spacious and well-maintained park located at 910 Claudius Crozet Park in Crozet, Virginia, United States. This park is dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable space for dogs to run, play, and socialize off-leash. With separate areas for small and large dogs, owners can relax knowing their furry friends are in a secure environment. The park also features amenities such as water stations, waste disposal stations, and shaded seating areas for pet owners. Whether your dog loves to fetch, socialize with other pups, or simply enjoy the outdoors, Crozet Dog Park is the perfect destination for a day of fun and exercise.

Rives Park is a charming tourist attraction located at 926 Rives Street in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States. This beautiful park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush greenery, scenic walking trails, and picnic areas perfect for enjoying a day outdoors. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, birdwatching, and playing on the playground. Rives Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and families looking to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Washington Park Pool is a popular swimming facility located at 1001 Preston Avenue in Charlottesville, Virginia. This family-friendly pool offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat, with a spacious pool area surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy swimming laps, playing water games, or simply lounging by the poolside. The pool is well-maintained and staffed by friendly lifeguards, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. Whether you're looking to cool off, get some exercise, or just have some fun in the sun, Washington Park Pool is the perfect destination for aquatic recreation in Charlottesville.

Azalea Park Dog Park is a spacious and well-maintained park located at 304 Old Lynchburg Road in Charlottesville, Virginia. This park is specifically designed for dogs to enjoy off-leash play and socialization in a safe and secure environment. With separate areas for small and large dogs, owners can relax knowing their furry friends are in good hands. The park features shaded areas, water stations, and agility equipment for added fun and exercise. Come visit Azalea Park Dog Park and let your four-legged companion run, play, and make new friends!

Norcross Station, located at 300 4th Street Southeast in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a unique real estate agency specializing in apartment living in downtown Charlottesville. The apartments at Norcross Station offer a one-of-a-kind living experience, with features such as original hardwood floors, exposed timber beams, steel-sash windows, and clay tiled walls. Situated in the historic downtown mall area of Charlottesville, Norcross Station's Phase III development completes their downtown living community. One of the highlights of Norcross Station is their outdoor Doggie Den, where residents can relax, play, and even swim with their furry friends. The property is pet-friendly, welcoming both dogs and cats. Norcross Station has been recognized as one of the top properties in the nation for their excellent online reputation, ranking among the Elite 1% properties by J. Turner Research. This ranking is based on an extensive monthly study of over 71,000 properties nationwide across all review websites.

Crow Pool is a state-of-the-art aquatic facility located at 1700 Rose Hill Drive in Charlottesville, Virginia. This institution offers a wide range of amenities for swimmers of all ages and skill levels, including a large lap pool, a diving area, a children's play area, and a spacious deck for lounging and sunbathing. The facility is staffed by trained lifeguards and instructors who ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Whether you're looking to swim laps, practice your diving skills, or simply relax by the pool, Crow Pool has something for everyone. Come visit us and make a splash!

River Run Community Pool is a vibrant and family-friendly institution located in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States. Our facility offers a refreshing oasis for residents to relax, unwind, and enjoy the summer sun. With a large swimming pool, spacious sun deck, and convenient amenities, River Run Community Pool is the perfect place to cool off and socialize with friends and neighbors. Whether you're looking to swim laps, soak up the sun, or host a poolside party, our welcoming staff is here to ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable experience. Join us at River Run Community Pool for a fun-filled day of aquatic adventures and relaxation.