12 Fun Family-Friendly Things to Do in West Virginia
Families on vacation are drawn to West Virginia by its endless mountain retreats and serene small-town settings.
We are not surprised that you are considering making this state your next destination for a family vacation.
We know from personal experience how difficult it may be to choose how to spend your holiday here when so many beautiful options are available.
For this reason, we’ve included the best family activities in West Virginia.
- Clay Center — Charleston
What You’ll Experience
The Clay Center honors both the arts and sciences and is situated near some of the top family hotels in West Virginia.
You may find world-class art exhibits, entertaining theater productions, a planetarium, and more.
We adore the three-story Avampato Discovery Museum, where kids can have nonstop, interactive fun.
So stop by if you’re in Charleston and looking for kid-friendly destinations.
Recommended Ages
The Clay Center’s greatest asset is that it offers activities for kids of all ages.
- Oglebay Good Zoo — Wheeling
What You’ll Experience
The Oglebay Good Zoo will take excellent care of you and the family because it is a part of one of West Virginia’s most fabulous family resorts.
More than 50 animal species, including 20 rare or endangered ones, can be found at the zoo.
What else?
On the Close Encounters tour, many exotic creatures are available for visitors to pet and feed.
This is one of the best cheap family attractions around.
Recommended Ages
The zoo is appropriate for children and their families.
- Haddad Riverfront Park — Charleston
What You’ll Experience
Charleston is one of the top places in West Virginia for family holidays, and a big draw is the Haddad Riverfront Park.
This picturesque location features an amphitheater that looks out over the Kanawha River.
Excellent for teenagers, it’s a fun location to see a piece of music and is accessible from your downtown accommodation.
Recommended Ages
There are no age limitations, so you may take the kids with you anytime and wander through the park.
- Cass Scenic Railroad State Park — Elkins
What You’ll Experience
Settle in for a ride aboard an old-fashioned steam engine across the West Virginia hills.
Imagine this as a traveling museum that will take you to various tourist destinations.
You can ride to the top of Bald Knob for stunning mountain views or take a shorter trek to the remote Whittaker Station for an afternoon picnic with your crew.
Recommended Ages
The train has no age restrictions, and this excursion is a surefire way to keep the whole family entertained.
- Audra State Park — Buckhannon
What You’ll Experience
West Virginia is landlocked, making finding the most excellent family beaches challenging.
But trust us when we say that playing in the Middle Fork River, which flows through Audra State Park, is just as enjoyable as going to the beach.
This densely forested natural area is one of our top West Virginia family attractions picks and is ideal for picnics with the family.
Along with swimming, there are numerous free kid-friendly activities available nearby.
Recommended Ages
Families with children of all ages can enjoy a lovely day in Audra State Park.
- Spark! Imagination & Science Center — Morgantown
What You’ll Experience
Spark! is the ideal solution if you’re seeking kid-friendly destinations.
This children’s museum has a ton of entertaining and instructive displays that parents may enjoy.
It’s one of our favorite activities with the kids when it’s pouring.
Watch as puppet performances and a dress-up area inspire your more minor children while your older children are challenged to think critically via engaging hands-on games and experiments.
Recommended Ages
Adventure is available at this facility for kids from six months to ten years old.
- Summersville Lake — Summersville
What You’ll Experience
Summersville Lake is a popular tourist destination because of its clear waters and incredible recreational activities.
Although the cliff shoreline is not ideal for beachgoers, you may rent a boat and spend the entire day swimming, skiing, or even SCUBA diving.
Recommended Ages
All ages of children are welcome to play in this magnificent lake; remember to pack a floaty.
- Lost World Caverns — Lewisburg
What You’ll Experience
In these West Virginia caves, take a journey to the planet’s center.
We advise taking the self-guided tour to allow you and your children to move at leisure.
On the way, you’ll pass by stunning stalagmites, stalactites, and other rock formations.
Excellent informational signage does a great job of educating visitors on the distinctive geology of these caverns.
Recommended Ages
There is no upper age limit, believe it or not!
The younger ones like this incredible journey.
- Heritage Farms Museum & Village — Huntington
What You’ll Experience
At this unique location, encounter early pioneer life.
The expansive museum has 15 log buildings, seven award-winning museums, and 5 log cabin inns for overnight guests.
This is one of the unique family-friendly destinations in West Virginia because the proprietors are dedicated to preserving and promoting Appalachian heritage.
Recommended Ages
It’s one of the most enjoyable things to do in West Virginia with toddlers because there is enough for kids of all ages.
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park — Harpers Ferry
What You’ll Experience
Another location that offers visitors a glimpse into the past is this one.
The historic town of Harpers Ferry stands at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.
This cute hamlet offers a variety of displays, cute shops, and activities for kids of all ages.
Visitors are welcome to stop by and explore for a single day or stay for a whole week at their leisure.
Recommended Ages
Families with children of all ages should consider a trip to Harpers Ferry.
- New River Gorge — Glen Jean
What You’ll Experience
One of the continent’s oldest rivers is the New River. This explains why it travels through the stunning canyons.
Over 70,000 acres of breathtaking wilderness are inside the New River Gorge National River Park.
Whitewater rafting, camping, and other leisure activities are among the many attractions that draw visitors.
Also, ask the park rangers about all the wonderful kid-focused activities available.
Recommended Ages
The New River may be old, but it’s a beautiful location for kids and their young parents.
- Dark Skies Park — Grantsville
What You’ll Experience
With so many family-friendly activities in West Virginia, it’s simple to overlook the hidden gems.
Families can spend the night in Calhoun County Park for some fantastic stargazing remote from the city.
Few locations East of the Mississippi still permit stargazers to appreciate the Milky Way’s majesty with the unaided eye.
So stop by Calhoun County for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the night sky in all its splendor.
Recommended Ages
Even though it may be past their bedtime, kids of all ages can participate in this activity.
