Save this one! November in the Fredericksburg area is packed with holiday kickoffs, free crafts, library fun and fresh air, and every single thing on this list costs nothing.

Whether you need a rainy day plan, a Saturday morning activity or a reason to get everyone outside before the cold sets in, here are 13 free things to do with kids in Fredericksburg, VA this month, plus a few family-friendly spots in Stafford County and Spotsylvania County. You'll find dates, times, addresses and links for each one, so you can plan your November in a few minutes.

When: Saturday, November 14, 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Riverfront Park, 701 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
What to Know: Kick off the holiday season by the river. The city's annual tree lighting brings live music, kids' activities and a visit from Santa. Arrive early to find parking and grab a good spot before the lights come on.
Website: Holidays in Fredericksburg

When: Anytime during museum hours
Where: 1001 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
What to Know: Admission is always free, which makes it a perfect rainy day plan. Kids can explore exhibits on local history and the people who shaped our region, and you can stay for twenty minutes or the whole afternoon.
Website: Fredericksburg Area Museum

When: Friday, November 13 to Friday, November 20
Where: Central Rappahannock Regional Library branches
What to Know: Library branches across the region are hosting free Thanksgiving story times. Check your branch's calendar for days and times, then make it a library day and pick out a few books to take home.
Website: Central Rappahannock Regional Library

When: Saturday, November 14, 11 a.m. to noon
Where: JCPenney
What to Know: Free crafts for kids, no purchase needed. It's an easy one to pair with holiday shopping, and it wraps up in plenty of time for lunch.

When: Saturday, November 14
Where: Participating Lowe's stores
What to Know: Kids build a free holiday engine to take home. Register online ahead of time, because spots fill fast.

When: Sundays, 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: Michaels
What to Know: Free kids' crafts every Sunday afternoon. Drop in, make something together and you've got your Sunday plan.

When: During shop hours
Where: 211 William Street, Second Floor, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
What to Know: Stop in and meet a real opossum! Possum-bilities is a downtown gift shop run by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, and its ambassador opossums are there for kids to meet and learn about. Little ones walk away with a new appreciation for North America's only marsupial.

When: All month
Where: Any Central Rappahannock Regional Library branch
What to Know: Bring your kindergartner to any library branch this month to pick up a free book. It's a sweet way to celebrate a new reader.
Website: Central Rappahannock Regional Library

When: Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15
Where: Downtown Fredericksburg shops
What to Know: Stroll the shops, see the holiday decorations and window displays, and soak in the season. Grab a Holiday Passport at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, 601 Caroline Street, to collect stamps as you shop downtown. Pair it with the tree lighting on Saturday for a full holiday day. Planning more holiday outings? See our guide to holiday markets near Fredericksburg.
Website: Holidays in Fredericksburg

When: Saturday, November 28
Where: Spotsylvania Farmers Market, Route 3/Gordon Road Commuter Lot, 12150 Gordon Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
What to Know: Local kids run their own booths at this Small Business Saturday market. It's free to shop and browse, and a great way to show your kids what young entrepreneurs can do. Have a budding business owner at home? Kids ages 5 to 17 can sign up for a booth online.
Website: Kids Markets

When: Anytime the grounds are open
Where: Chatham Manor, 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22405 (Stafford County), plus battlefield sites across the region
What to Know: Explore the grounds and walk the trails at Chatham Manor and the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania battlefields. Entry is always free. The views of the city from Chatham's lawn are worth the trip, and the trails give kids plenty of room to roam. For more family walks, see our fall hiking guide to trails around Fredericksburg.
Website: NPS Brochures and Trail Maps

When: Anytime
Where: Old Mill Park, 2201 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
What to Know: A big playground right on the Rappahannock River, plus an easy paved path for little legs and bikes. Bring a snack and make a morning of it.
Website: Fredericksburg Hiking and Walking

When: Every Saturday evening
What to Know: Free roller skating and hockey classes for kids. Register once online, and bring your own skates.

What are free things to do with kids in Fredericksburg, VA?
The Fredericksburg Area Museum, library story times, Old Mill Park, Chatham Manor and the battlefield trails are free all month. In November you can add the Holiday Tree Lighting, the Holiday Open House downtown, and free kids' crafts at local stores.

When is the Fredericksburg tree lighting?
Saturday, November 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Riverfront Park, with live music, kids' activities and a visit from Santa.

Is the Fredericksburg Area Museum free?
Yes. Admission to the Fredericksburg Area Museum at 1001 Princess Anne Street is always free, which makes it an easy rainy day outing with kids.

Where can kids play outside in Fredericksburg?
Old Mill Park has a big playground on the river and connects to the paved Canal Path. Chatham Manor and the battlefield trails also give kids room to explore.

Are there free kids' crafts in Fredericksburg?
Yes. Michaels hosts Make Break crafts on Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m., and JCPenney Kids Zone has free crafts on Saturday, November 14 from 11 a.m. to noon. Lowe's also offers a free Kids Workshop that day with online registration.

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