West Virginia is nature’s ultimate playground for families. Its lush mountains, cascading waterfalls, and charming small towns are just the beginning!
Imagine kids exploring the mysterious caverns of Seneca Rocks, hopping aboard the historic trains at Cass Scenic Railroad, or chasing the mist of a hidden waterfall. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, where the whole family can unplug and reconnect. As a traveler, I can confidently say—West Virginia offers unforgettable experiences that balance excitement, learning, and plenty of fun. Let’s jump into 13 family-friendly activities that will make your trip one for the books!
13 Fun Sights and Attractions for Kids in West Virginia
Looking for the best family-friendly activities in West Virginia? Whether you’re up for an adventure in a national park or a relaxing outdoor escape, there’s something for everyone. Here are the top places to visit with kids in West Virginia.
1. Explore Outdoor Adventures at New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge National Park is an outdoor paradise packed with thrilling activities and breathtaking scenery. Covering over 70,000 acres, this park is a must-visit for families who love adventure and nature.
I started my visit at the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the highest bridges in the U.S., where I watched daredevils BASE jump during Bridge Day. For an up-close experience, we hiked the Endless Wall Trail, leading to dramatic overlooks of the 1,000-foot-deep canyon. The park also offers family-friendly rafting trips, where kids can enjoy gentle rapids on the Upper New River, while thrill-seekers tackle the challenging Lower New River rapids.
Wildlife lovers can spot river otters, bald eagles, and even black bears along the trails. With rock climbing, zip-lining, and scenic drives, New River Gorge provides nonstop adventure in West Virginia’s wildest landscapes.
2. Experience the Beauty of Blackwater Falls State Park
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, Blackwater Falls State Park is famous for its stunning waterfalls and scenic hiking trails. The park’s main attraction, Blackwater Falls, cascades 57 feet into the Blackwater Canyon, creating a breathtaking sight with its amber-colored water, caused by tannins from fallen spruce and hemlock needles.
I followed the Gentle Trail, an easy 200-foot boardwalk leading to the main falls overlook, where mist filled the air as the water roared below. Families looking for a challenge can hike the 1.5-mile Lindy Point Trail, leading to a panoramic view of the canyon’s rugged cliffs and forested valley. During winter, the Blackwater Falls Sled Run—the longest sledding conveyor in the East—provides an exhilarating ride down a quarter-mile snowy slope.
Between the scenic views, seasonal activities, and wildlife sightings, Blackwater Falls is a must-visit for families who love the outdoors.
3. Hike and Climb at Seneca Rocks
Towering 900 feet above the North Fork River, Seneca Rocks is one of West Virginia’s most iconic natural landmarks. These sheer cliffs are a dream destination for hikers, climbers, and outdoor explorers.
I took the 1.5-mile Seneca Rocks Trail, which zigzags up the mountain to a breathtaking wooden observation deck at the summit. The panoramic view stretched across the Monongahela National Forest, making the climb well worth it. For adventurous families, guided rock climbing tours are available, offering safe routes for beginners. At the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, kids can learn about the area’s geology, local wildlife, and the Native American tribes who once lived here.
After hiking, I cooled off by the river, where families enjoyed fishing and skipping stones. Whether scaling the rocks or soaking in the views, Seneca Rocks offers an unforgettable adventure.
4. Explore the Diverse Landscapes of Dolly Sods Wilderness
Dolly Sods Wilderness spans 17,000 acres in Monongahela National Forest, known for its rocky plateaus, high-altitude bogs, and red spruce forests. Its unique ecosystem, shaped by harsh winds and cold temperatures, resembles landscapes found in Canada and the Arctic.
I hiked the Bear Rocks Trail, which led to a panoramic overlook at 4,000 feet, offering views of Canaan Valley and the Allegheny Mountains. Along the Rohrbaugh Trail, I passed cranberry bogs and sandstone cliffs before reaching Red Creek Valley, a popular backpacking and camping spot. The Rocky Ridge Trail, known for its scattered boulders and dense pine groves, provided a challenging but rewarding trek.
Dolly Sods is also home to deer, black bears, and peregrine falcons, making it a prime location for wildlife spotting and photography. With its diverse landscapes and challenging trails, this area offers a true wilderness experience.
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5. Experience Swiss Culture in Helvetia, West Virginia
Tucked in the mountains of Randolph County, Helvetia is a charming Swiss village that feels like a step back in time. Founded by Swiss immigrants in the 1860s, this town keeps its heritage alive through traditional festivals, historic buildings, and authentic cuisine.
I visited The Hütte Restaurant, where I enjoyed homemade rösti (Swiss-style potatoes) and bratwurst, followed by a slice of nut-filled haus pie. At the Kultur Haus, kids can try on Swiss costumes, learn folk dances, and see traditional woodworking tools. The Helvetia Mask Museum displays hand-carved wooden masks used in local celebrations, each telling a unique story.
Every February, the town hosts Fasnacht, a lively festival where locals wear hand-carved masks, dance, and burn an effigy of Old Man Winter to welcome spring. Visitors can also tour the original log schoolhouse, still standing from the 19th century. Helvetia is a one-of-a-kind cultural destination in West Virginia.
6. Step into History at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry is a 2,500-acre historic town where families can explore Civil War sites, walk cobblestone streets, and enjoy riverfront views. Located at the convergence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, the town played a crucial role in John Brown’s 1859 raid, which helped ignite the Civil War.
I started my visit at the John Brown Museum, which detailed his fight against slavery. Costumed interpreters demonstrated blacksmithing and 19th-century printing, making history interactive for kids. A short walk led to St. Peter’s Church, built in 1833, and the Lockwood House, once used as a Civil War hospital.
For outdoor fun, families can hike to Jefferson Rock or go tubing and whitewater rafting on the river. The mix of history, scenic hikes, and hands-on activities makes Harpers Ferry a must-visit family destination.
7. Discover the Universe at Green Bank Observatory
Located in the National Radio Quiet Zone, Green Bank Observatory is home to the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope, standing 485 feet tall. The facility studies radio waves from deep space, helping scientists explore black holes, pulsars, and distant galaxies.
I joined the guided tour, which included a close-up look at the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) and a live demonstration on how radio waves travel through space. At the Science Center, kids explored interactive exhibits on the electromagnetic spectrum, space signals, and astronomy discoveries. A hands-on station let us build a mini radio receiver and test how radio frequencies work.
The observatory also hosts family-friendly stargazing nights, science workshops, and planetarium shows. With its mix of real-time space research and interactive learning, Green Bank is a fascinating stop for curious minds of all ages.
8. Enjoy Scenic Views at Coopers Rock State Forest
Coopers Rock State Forest, spanning 12,747 acres, is a must-visit for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers. Located just outside Morgantown, it offers panoramic overlooks, rock formations, and miles of scenic trails.
The Coopers Rock Overlook, just a short walk from the parking lot, provides a breathtaking view of Cheat River Gorge from 1,200 feet above. I hiked the Raven Rock Trail, a 2.5-mile round-trip trek leading to another stunning overlook with fewer crowds and uninterrupted valley views. Families with kids will love the Rock City Trail, where massive sandstone boulders create tunnels and caves to explore.
In addition to hiking, the park offers fishing at Cheat Lake, mountain biking, and a designated rock climbing area. Whether enjoying a picnic, spotting wildlife, or trekking through the forest, Coopers Rock is a fantastic outdoor escape.
9. Reach New Heights at Spruce Knob
At 4,863 feet, Spruce Knob is West Virginia’s highest peak, offering unmatched 360-degree views of the Allegheny Mountains. The 12-mile scenic drive up Spruce Knob Road winds through dense red spruce forests, leading to the stone observation tower at the summit. On a clear day, you can see for over 40 miles, making it one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the state.
I hiked the Whispering Spruce Trail, a 0.5-mile loop with interpretive signs about the highland ecosystem and rocky overlooks perfect for photography. More adventurous families can tackle the 5.5-mile Seneca Creek Trail, which passes waterfalls, meadows, and trout-filled streams. Spruce Knob Lake, a 25-acre mountain lake, offers kayaking, fishing, and picnic areas surrounded by stunning scenery.
With its hiking, camping, scenic drives, and stargazing, Spruce Knob is a must-visit destination for outdoor lovers seeking West Virginia’s best mountain views.
10. Explore the Underground Wonders of Lost World Caverns
Located near Lewisburg, Lost World Caverns is a 120-foot-deep limestone cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and unique rock formations. The self-guided tour, which follows a half-mile underground loop, takes visitors past formations like The Snowy Chandelier, a 30-ton crystal formation, and The Bridal Veil, a stunning white calcite flowstone.
I joined the Wild Cave Tour, an adventurous experience that takes visitors into hidden passageways and deeper chambers, where we crawled through tight tunnels and climbed underground rock walls. The on-site museum displays prehistoric fossils, including a giant ground sloth skeleton found inside the cave, along with exhibits on West Virginia’s cave ecosystems and local geology.
With its easy self-guided route for families and exciting off-trail exploration for thrill-seekers, Lost World Caverns offers a unique underground adventure that combines natural beauty, history, and exploration.
11. Enjoy Year-Round Fun at Snowshoe Mountain Resort
Snowshoe Mountain Resort, located in the Allegheny Mountains, is West Virginia’s top year-round adventure destination. In winter, it offers 60 ski trails, a 10-lane tubing park, and night skiing, making it perfect for families of all skill levels. The Ski & Ride School provides beginner lessons, while experienced skiers tackle Cupp Run, a 1,500-foot descent designed by Olympic skier Jean-Claude Killy.
During summer, I took a scenic lift ride to Snowshoe Bike Park, one of the largest downhill bike parks in the East. Families can enjoy zip-lining, off-road tours, and paddleboarding on Shavers Lake, while kids love the bungee trampolines and climbing walls. The resort also hosts seasonal festivals, live music, and kids’ adventure programs.
With its mix of winter sports, summer activities, and mountain views, Snowshoe Mountain Resort is one of West Virginia’s best year-round getaways.
12. Relax and Explore at Oglebay Resort
Located in Wheeling, Oglebay Resort blends family fun, history, and outdoor recreation across 1,700 acres. The Good Zoo, home to 50+ animal species, offers interactive exhibits, a miniature train ride, and a hands-on Discovery Lab for kids.
I visited the Oglebay Mansion Museum, a restored 1846 estate, where exhibits showcase Victorian-era artifacts and the legacy of Earl Oglebay. Families can enjoy Schenk Lake, featuring paddle boating, fishing, and a lakeside playground, or explore the 700-acre botanical gardens filled with seasonal flowers and walking trails. The resort also offers golf courses, spa treatments, and horseback riding for visitors of all ages.
During winter, the resort transforms into a holiday wonderland with its Festival of Lights, a six-mile drive-through display of over one million twinkling lights. With its mix of historical sites, outdoor activities, and year-round events, Oglebay is a perfect family retreat in West Virginia.
13. Ride the Historic Cass Scenic Railroad
Step back in time at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, where families can ride an authentic steam locomotive through the rugged mountains of West Virginia. The park preserves the early 1900s logging town of Cass, with its company houses, general store, and vintage train depot.
I boarded the Shay locomotive, a steam-powered train originally used to haul timber, and took the 4.5-hour round-trip ride to Bald Knob, the third-highest point in the state at 4,842 feet. Along the way, we passed dense forests, wooden trestle bridges, and stunning overlooks. The guide shared stories about the logging industry and the history of the rail line, making the trip both scenic and educational.
Families can also explore the Cass Historical Museum, the replica logging camp, and the Cass Company Store, which sells handmade crafts and old-fashioned candy. For train enthusiasts and history lovers, Cass Scenic Railroad offers a one-of-a-kind adventure.
