11 Best Family Vacations in West Virginia
When you visit West Virginia, take the whole family on a time travel adventure.
The Mountain State has everything your family needs for rest and leisure, from mountain ranges covered in trees to architecture from the Civil War.
However, West Virginia is a sizable region, making it difficult to find all the activities to do there.
Not to worry.
The best places in West Virginia for family vacations have gathered here by us.
You may be sure to uncover concepts that the entire family will adore.
- The Greenbrier State Forest Park
Families with nature enthusiasts will enjoy a vacation to the Greenbrier State Forest in Caldwell, which offers activities including horseback riding, camping, fishing, and rafting.
Who should vacation here
A 5,133-acre quiet forest, Greenbrier State Forest, gives you and your family the chance to escape the rush of city life.
In the serenity of the heart of the forest, you may relax.
Everyone may have a great time participating in enjoyable outdoor activities, such as swimming, hiking, hunting, golf, and other outdoor pursuits.
Choose to set your camp at one of their locations.
For a more comfortable stay, especially if you have young children, you can alternatively rent a cabin.
Expert Tip
Are you only taking a day trip?
The park is a hop from some of West Virginia’s top family hotels.
For first-rate lodging, proceed to White Sulphur Springs and Lewisburg, two historic towns.
- Harpers Ferry
Want to step into the past for a bizarre experience?
Visit Harpers Ferry, a quaint and lovely town bordered by the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.
Who should vacation here
Through its living history exhibits, Harpers Ferry gives families seeking exceptional educational experiences an opportunity to relive the past.
Unlike other museums, the town’s historic streets offer a unique opportunity to learn about the past.
You may even see how they did trade in the 19th century.
Take your kid’s scavenger hunting, see abandoned towns and battlegrounds, or climb trails that lead to rivers or mountain peaks as additional entertaining family holiday ideas.
Expert Tip
Stay over the weekend at one of the lodging options close to Harpers Ferry to involve in the town’s entertaining living history events.
You can participate in activities like farming from the 18th through the 19th century, artillery shows, or creating Civil War medication on the weekends.
- Snowshoe Mountain
Snowshoe Mountain is open all year round, but the winter is when the magic happens.
It will undoubtedly feel like staying in a Winter Wonderland.
Who should vacation here
One of the best things to do in West Virginia with kids and teens who love being active is to stay in Snowshoe Mountain.
You can spend the day doing ski techniques in the terrain parks or riding rubber tubes down a snowy incline.
You and your family can relax in the spa or use the heated pools and hot tubs at the family resorts after a long day of fun in the sun.
Expert Tip
In the warmer months, Snowshoe Mountain is also impressive.
Activities like fly fishing, mountain biking, and lift rides are available for you and your children to enjoy.
- Seneca Rocks
Visit Seneca Rocks in Pendleton County, one of West Virginia’s most well-known attractions, to experience the state’s true spirit.
Who should vacation here
In addition to being a beautiful site, Seneca Rocks is a well-liked location for rock climbing.
Sporty teens might appreciate that risky activity on their family vacations.
If you go with a guide, you don’t need previous climbing experience.
Your complete family may participate in a two-day excursion that includes camping, rappelling, and summit climbing with preparation.
Expert Tip
No time to stay?
Seneca Rocks are close to various day trips to engage in activities like river fishing, day hiking, and wildlife observation.
- Fayetteville
When you travel to the picturesque city of Fayetteville, get a flavor of the classic small-town lifestyle.
While you’re there, don’t forget to grab a picture next to the well-known New River Gorge Bridge.
Who should vacation here
Consider that you want to take your family close to West Virginia, which is more about relaxing and enjoying leisurely days.
Then you’ll need nothing more than the charming small-town atmosphere of Fayetteville.
You may schedule walks, go biking on trails, explore the city’s art, and do a tonne more things at your leisure.
And for low-income families?
Spend the day skating in the skate park, having a picnic in the town park, or taking in some live music to have an affordable family holiday.
Expert Tip
Want to see experienced jumpers soar?
The third Saturday in October is known as “Bridge Day” because that’s when BASE jumpers attempt to launch themselves off the bridge to soar 876 feet into the air.
You can participate in Bridge Day by jumping, rappelling, or watching.
- Charles Town
The Washington family founded the small settlement of Charles Town, which lies close to the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.
Who should vacation here
Charles Town is the ideal location for you and your family if you’re seeking lodging in West Virginia that is both convenient to attractions and scenic in and of itself.
This little village is close to many historical landmarks and offers lovely outdoor areas ideal for photo opportunities.
You can wander the streets of the city admiring buildings that date back to the 1800s, encounter wildlife in a nature reserve, or even take the time to visit the houses and farms of Washington.
Expert Tip
Good lodging is available in Charles Town for family-friendly weekend trips in West Virginia.
It’s also a great place to stay if you’re going to Harpers Ferry, which is nearby and only ten minutes away.
- Blackwater Falls State Park
Family trips in West Virginia wouldn’t be complete without some time spent connecting with nature.
For such, Blackwater Falls State Park is an excellent destination.
Who should vacation here
One of the best places to take kids in West Virginia is this State Park since there are so many things to do all year.
In the summer, go swimming and camping.
Autumn is a great time to go camping and trekking.
For the winter?
You can go to the park and participate in several snow activities.
Don’t overlook Blackwater Falls, either.
Expert Tip
In the state park, there are other stunning locations besides Blackwater Falls.
Don’t forget to check out places like Lindy Point, Pendleton Point Overlook, and Elakala Falls.
- Hatfield and McCoy Trails
The Hatfield-McCoy Trails are excellent for adrenaline-pumping family activities and are known for one of the most well-known family disputes in recent history.
Who should vacation here
The 700+ miles of trail systems that make up the Hatfield-McCoy Trails are well-known for their off-highway vehicle trails.
It’s a fantastic location for ATV riding, dirt biking, and other off-road activities, thanks to its numerous winding paths and crooked twists.
The Devil’s Den’s backcountry paths will appeal to thrill-seekers and fans of extreme sports.
You might alternatively go to the Hatfield Family Cemetery for a more leisurely tour.
Expert Tip
Before heading out to the trails, don’t forget to obtain a trail permit.
A trail pass is required for participation by all riders.
Not to worry!
There are permits available online.
- Charleston
Charleston, which should not be confused with Charles Town, is a riverside city close to the Elk and Kanawha Rivers.
It serves as the state’s capital as well.
Who should vacation here
While on vacation in West Virginia, staying in Charleston, which is more crowded than other cities in the state, will give you a livelier and more dynamic feeling.
You may explore the opulent, gold-domed State Capitol, take in the fun, lively art galleries, and dine at locally owned eateries on the riverbank.
Record enthusiasts will certainly like all the vinyl record shops you may visit to add to your collection.
Expert Tip
When visiting Charleston, you must include the East End Artisan Market on your list of free and fun, family-friendly activities.
From April to October, the outdoor market has independent artists showcasing their handcrafted goods.
Even you can bring some goods home with you!
- Moundsville
Are you looking for a unique activity to do with your family?
Come on over to Moundsville and check out their eerie jail.
Who should vacation here
Going on a ghost hunt in a deserted prison is called family bonding.
The West Virginia Penitentiary, a gothic-styled jail in operation from the late 1800s to the turn of the century, is located in Moundsville.
It’s safe to say that many people have died and suffered here, making it a great location to see ghosts and other spooky things.
In addition, tours of the prison’s past and backdrop are a lot of fun.
Expert Tip
Explore additional attractions of Moundsville sights like the Fostoria Glass Museum, Palace of Gold, and Grave Creek Mound.
- Gauley River National Recreation Area
Active families will appreciate spending the day at Gauley River, between Summersville and Fayetteville, for exhilarating natural activities.
Who should vacation here
Rafting down the Gauley River’s rapid, twisting white rapids will let you experience life on the wild side.
It is one of the largest whitewater rivers in the nation and is recognized for its whitewater rapids.
In addition, you and your kids can go camping, whitewater rafting, or trout and smallmouth bass fishing.
Expert Tip
When entering the recreation area, always follow the safety precautions.
Keep an eye on your young children, especially if you are near water.
As a piece of advice, you must always wear a life jacket or personal floatation device when near water.
It’s ideal to be vigilant.
