Planning a family getaway in West Virginia is simple, thanks to its breadth of unique adventures and local experts. With many destinations within a day’s drive for over two-thirds of the US population, a road trip to Almost Heaven won’t drive the kids crazy in the backseat.
Whether your family is looking for a self-paced relaxation or a fun-filled tour, you’ll be eager to try all these getaway ideas in West Virginia.
Scenic Train Rides
The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad is best known as the “bald eagle train.” The train travels through a nesting area for the American bald eagle, and passengers on nearly every trip report numerous eagle sightings. The 3-hour Trough Trip boards in Romney and travels through the South Branch Potomac River Trough to Sycamore Creek and back.
The steam engines of Cass Scenic Railroad State Park once hauled lumber off the mountain to the mill in Cass. While those days are gone, the antique Shay locomotives still run like they did in their heyday. The train takes passengers up Cheat Mountain to the 4,842-foot high overlook at Bald Knob, where on a clear day you can see into two states.
The Good Zoo at Oglebay Park Resort
Home to 68 species of animals, including 20 rare or endangered, the Good Zoo in Wheeling makes a great family outing. The kids will love the interactive animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours and much more. They can also take Low Rope Courses, catch air on the Jumbo Jumper Air Pillow and hop on the Train Ride. Be sure to check ahead of time for seasonal dates and event schedules.
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
Head to Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and take a trip through what once was a booming mine. Hop aboard and let veteran miners guide you through the past and into the future of mining in West Virginia. Your family will get to explore the mine in a ‘man car’ that holds 35 people. Tours typically last about 35 minutes. Take a look at the museum and learn more about the industry’s impact on the state’s success.
Family tip: Wear a jacket on the tour. Mine temperatures hover at about 58 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
Waterfall Chasing
A family waterfall trip is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors in West Virginia. If you’re heading near the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, check out the wide-spanning Sandstone Falls in Sandstone and the 60-foot-tall Cathedral Falls in Gauley Bridge. If you’re exploring the Northern Panhandle, check out Oglebay Falls. Just follow the 0.8-mile out-and-back Falls Vista Trail and see the beautiful cascades. Tucker County in the Potomac Highlands is famous for Blackwater Falls, a picturesque 57-foot waterfall that gets its name from its stained dark water caused by fallen hemlock needles. You can check out more cascades on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail for a chance to win exclusive waterfall-themed prizes!
State Park Adventures
With 36 beautiful state parks, West Virginia has a way to match your energy. Take the kids to Pipestem Resort Adventure Zone at Pipestem Resort State Park for skeet shooting, laser tag, remote-controlled car racing, 3D archery, axe throwing, drone flying, miniature golf, disc golf and electric motor-assisted biking. The kids will also enjoy ziplining as well as Adventure Lake’s giant inflatable mountains, slides and trampolines. Continue the family fun at Tygart Adventure Lake at Tygart Lake State Park, which has twenty-five giant inflatables and a sandy beach area with lounge chairs. The lake stretches for 11 miles, the perfect space to rent a boat and take the family on a relaxing cruise.
Green Bank Observatory
Want to get your kids into science in one of the coolest ways possible? Take the family to Green Bank Observatory, home to the world’s largest steerable telescope. Book a bus tour of the campus and get a close look at the 485-foot-tall telescope. Explore the hands-on exhibits and displays that introduce you to radio astronomy, which are free to use! Discover what radio waves are, how the massive telescope works and what radio astronomers have learned about the universe so far.
Travel tip: Since there is no cell service here, it’s best practice to download directions ahead of time. If you make a wrong turn, ask one of the friendly locals!
Looking for more family adventure ideas in West Virginia? Request our FREE West Virginia Vacation Guide for inspiration!
Kids Will Never Want to Leave #AlmostHeaven
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This article: Kid-Friendly Adventures: The Best Family Getaways in West Virginia has been curated from our friends at Visit West Virginia and the original in it's entirety can be found here: https://wvtourism.com/kid-friendly-adventures-the-best-family-getaways-in-west-virginia/
