When the heat index tops 100°, but you also need a break from your house, there are some great spots to take the kids for some indoor summer fun. 

Charlottesville has many family-friendly options for places to explore and create while enjoying the AC. Here are a few ideas to help you get started: 

1. The Scrappy Elephant More than just a creative re-use store, The Scrappy Elephant offers art classes and open studio time where you can use their donated materials to make art of your own. 

2. The Virginia Discovery Museum A space where your toddler and big kid can both find things to enjoy, The Virginia Discovery Museum is so much bigger than you realize and has plenty of activities for newborns through age 8. 

3. Rose's Inspiration Station A kid's craft studio in Crozet where you can drop by and make jewelry & masks, create dioramas, or draw & paint. As an added bonus, it's right across from Crozet Creamery which makes for a pretty solid afternoon of fun. 

4. Blossom Play Space A place where your kids can explore and make a mess without ruining your couches. They have a variety of classes and open play time so you can find something your kids will be sure to enjoy. 

5. The Art Bar A craft studio in Charlottesville with unique spaces for different styles of art including a splatter room, a mural room, and a glow room. 

6. Get Air Trampoline Park If it feels like your kids are constantly bouncing off the walls, maybe it's time to let them bounce on a trampoline instead. 

7. The Glass Palette Kids can cut and shape glass to make their own trinket dishes, jewelry, picture frames, ornaments, and more! 

8. Go to the movies! 
Alamo Drafthouse has their Kids Camp with $5 tickets to some classic children's movies and Baby Day for mom & dad on Tuesday's before 2PM.
Regal Stonefield offers a Summer Movie Express with showings for $1 on Tuesday & Wednesday at 11AM. 
Violet Crown Charlottesville offers their Kidflix series for $1 at 10AM daily. 

9. Bounce Play & Create has soft play items, bounce rooms, art activities, & is a great place for kids up to age 13. 

10. The Looking Glass An interactive art exhibit invites kids to play with the art, sit in fairy chairs, climb into hobbit homes, and enjoy the magic that local artists have brought to life. 

BONUS IDEA: Your Local Library! We've got wonderful libraries in Charlottesville with great programs for kids of all ages, play spaces, and of course, books to read. 

As always, we recommend you check with each location for the most up-to-date information on hours, classes, open play time, and pricing. 

Can you think of anything we should add?