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Things to Do in West Virginia with Kids

West Virginia is a fantastic destination for kids and families, thanks to a variety of activities, sites, and experiences that are good for all ages. The many things to do in West Virginia with kids include visiting Seneca Rocks, touring Smoke Hole Caverns, and hiking Harman’s scenic trails. Each of these excursions is safe and entertaining for children and adults alike. From inner tubing and hiking at our West Virginia cabins to zip lining across state parks, these are our favorite kid-friendly activities for visitors:

Nature Exploration in West Virginia for Families

Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob, and other state parks are the best family-friendly attractions West Virginia has to offer, with countless visitors stopping by each year. These are our favorite day trips in West Virginia for families since they show off our state’s natural beauty and keep everyone in the party entertained. West Virginia’s state parks are kid-friendly, so you’re safe bringing everyone along. 

Seneca Rocks in West Virginia.

1. Seneca Rocks

Location: 13 Roy Gap Road, Seneca Rocks, West Virginia

Seneca Rocks, one of West Virginia’s most recognizable landmarks, offers plenty of activities for kids and adults. Hikers of all ages enjoy the Seneca Rocks Trail, even though it’s steep. Other Seneca Rocks activities include zip lining and wild caving with NROCKS Outdoor Adventures.

Age Recommendation: Suitable for most ages, depending on the activity. The main trail at Seneca Rocks is a quick hike that’s fairly easy, even for the smallest hikers. There are weight requirements for zip lining and age requirements for wild caving at Seneca Rocks.

Dolly Sods Wilderness sunrise.

2. Dolly Sods Wilderness

Location: Within Monongahela National Forest, Davis, West Virginia

Located right next to Harman’s Log Cabins, Dolly Sods Wilderness boasts some of the best views in West Virginia. The area’s lively ecosystem offers plenty to discover, including several species of plants and migratory birds. Choose from several day-hiking options for paths that your kids can handle. 

Age Recommendation: Suitable for all ages

blackwater falls in north west virginia

3. Blackwater Falls State Park

Location: 1584 Blackwater Lodge Road, Davis, West Virginia

Take the family on a West Virginia waterfalls road trip, starting with Blackwater Falls. Well known for its cascading waterfall, Blackwater Falls State Park is easy to access by hikers of all ages via nine low-difficulty trails. During the summer, Pendleton Lake is available for swimming. In winter, take a ride on the sled run or enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

Age Recommendation: Suitable for all ages. Several trails at Blackwater Falls State Park are short and easy to trek, including the main trail that takes hikers to the waterfall observation deck.

Aerial view of Spruce Knob, West Virginia.

4. Spruce Knob

Location: Within Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area 

Spruce Knob is a must for families visiting West Virginia. Standing more than 4,800 feet above sea level, it’s West Virginia’s highest point (and one of our state’s most Instagrammable spots). Make your way to Spruce Knob Tower, which sits atop the peak, for breathtaking views of forested ridges and grassy pastures. There’s plenty of beautiful scenery and kid-friendly day hiking to enjoy.

Age Recommendation: Suitable for all ages

Kid-Friendly Cave & Cavern Tours in West Virginia

Exploring West Virginia’s caverns is an ideal way to spend a rainy day. Many caverns offer guided tours for an entertaining and educational experience that’s perfect for kids and adults. These are our favorites:

Inside of Smoke Hole Caverns in West Virginia.

5. Smoke Hole Caverns

Location: 8290 N. Fork Highway, Cabins, West Virginia

Smoke Hole Caverns excite and amaze visitors of all ages. Tours typically take about an hour and are offered nearly every day of the year, except on major holidays. The pathway is easily accessible to all ages, making it perfect for everyone from kids to grandparents. Gemstone mining is also available for a more hands-on experience. Cavern temperatures dip below 60 degrees year-round, so we recommend keeping a jacket or sweater on hand in case you get cold. Stay at our cabins near Smoke Hole, West Virginia, for easy access.

Age Recommendation: Suitable for all ages

Seneca Caverns pathway.

6. Seneca Caverns

Location: 3328 Germany Valley Road, Riverton, West Virginia

Tour Seneca Caverns with an expert guide who can answer all your questions about these underground caves. Guided tours are only an hour long — ideal for short attention spans — and the path is well-lit with handrails. The gemstone mining area is a terrific treat for kids after you finish exploring the million-year-old caverns. Temperatures in the caverns are typically 54 degrees year-round, so a light jacket or sweatshirt is recommended.

Age Recommendation: Suitable for all ages

Outdoor Family Activities in West Virginia

Fall is the best time of year to visit West Virginia with kids, thanks to our beautiful autumn foliage and mild temperatures. But you’ll find plenty of outdoor family activities in West Virginia throughout the year, too, from tubing on a hot day to skiing down a snowy slope. 

Couple walking their dog during a hike at Harman's Log Cabins.

7. Hiking at Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins

Location: 10042 N. Fork Highway, Cabins, West Virginia

Families staying at Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins won’t have to travel far for an outdoor adventure. There are several hiking trails on the Harman’s Log Cabins property, including the Stream Access trail, which is appropriate for kids. Harman’s trails are especially beautiful in the fall, but are also gorgeous in spring and summer. 

Age Recommendation: Suitable for all ages. Some trails are tougher than others, so check the difficulty rating before heading out.

A father and daughter holding a fish.

8. Fishing at Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins

Location: 10042 N. Fork Highway, Cabins, West Virginia

Families staying at Harman’s Log Cabins enjoy private access to a catch-and-release trophy trout stream. Beginners of all ages are welcome to drop a line during your family getaway. There are also several nearby trout streams where kids and parents can practice with their spinning or fly rods.

Age Recommendation: Suitable for kids of all ages with adult assistance

kids taking a horseback ride

9. Horseback Riding

Horseback riding through the West Virginia wilderness is a memory that lasts a lifetime.

  • At Yokum’s Seneca Rocks Stables, kids ages six and up can take a scenic trail ride by horseback to the very top of Seneca Rocks. 
  • At Mountain Trail Rides, children as young as 15 months can enjoy an unforgettable day out, with options including pony rides, a baby petting zoo, an adventure cave, and gem mining.

    • Age Recommendation: Suitable for most ages, depending on the stable

    child and mother in ski gear

    10. Skiing & Snow Tubing

    There are several ski resorts near Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins, each offering something for most ages.

    • Canaan Valley Ski Resort in Davis, West Virginia, has snow tubing for kids ages four and up.
  • Timberline Resort in Davis offers a beginner terrain park for kids of all ages. 
  • Snowshoe Mountain has ski lessons for kids and snow tubing. 

    • Time spent in the snow at any of these West Virginia ski resorts will be remembered forever. Plus, many of these resorts offer additional activities during the warmer months. 

    Age Recommendation: Suitable for all ages

    A father and son tubing down a river

    11. Inner Tubing at Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins

    Location: 10042 N. Fork Highway, Cabins, West Virginia

    Looking to kick back? Families love spending a lazy day tubing at the swimming hole. Make an adventure out of it and tube along a few riffles at Harman’s Log Cabins. This kid-friendly activity is ideal from late spring through summer.

    Age Recommendation: Suitable for kids of all ages. Adult assistance is required.

    Family-Friendly Attractions in West Virginia

    The Green Bank Observatory and Cass Scenic Railroad are some of our favorite educational experiences in West Virginia for kids. Green Bank features hands-on exhibits that teach guests about space. Cass State Park is ideal for families wanting to learn more about West Virginia’s history and heritage. 

    A giant satellite tower at the National Radio Observatory in West Virginia.

    12. Green Bank Observatory Science Center

    Location: 155 Observatory Road, Green Bank, West Virginia

    West Virginia’s Green Bank Observatory Science Center is a great educational attraction for children and the perfect option for the aspiring space cadets in the family. Green Bank Observatory is home to the world’s largest steerable radio telescope and state-of-the-art astronomical instruments. At this local science center, visitors learn about outer space’s many phenomena, including black holes, pulsars, and Big Bang energy. Kids and parents stay entertained exploring exhibits throughout the observatory. 

    Age Recommendation: Suitable for all ages

    cass scenic railroad steam engine

    13. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

    Location: 12363 Cass Road, Cass, West Virginia

    Take an adventure into the West Virginia wilderness aboard a traditional steam-driven locomotive. Riders of all ages love the classic steam engines and open-air cars. The Cass Scenic Railroad’s featured expedition takes riders to the overlook at Bald Knob, the third-highest point in West Virginia, for stellar views kids and parents enjoy. We recommend bringing a light jacket, as temperatures can vary at higher altitudes during the cooler months.

    Age Recommendation: Suitable for all ages

    Take a break from it all and enjoy some family fun in West Virginia. When you stay at Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins, you’ll be close to the best things to do with kids in the area. Check out our West Virginia family vacation itinerary for more ideas.

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