The Best Family-Friendly Activities to Do in Charleston, WV
West Virginia is known for great places to get out into the wilderness, but Charleston offers plenty of family-friendly things to do, both indoors and out. Check out these eight activities for fun for the whole family.
1. Play and learn at the Avampato Discovery Museum
Museum, Theater
Inside the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia, you’ll find the Avampato Discovery Museum. The museum is two floors packed with hands-on activities and fun, and kids can learn about bodies, water, music, or pretend to be a firefighter and drive a car. The planetarium and theater offer movies and shows that help us understand the world we live in.
Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia, Clay Square, Charleston, WV, USA +1 304-561-3570
Explore Magic Island
Where the Elk River flows into the Kanawha, Magic Island used to be island, but was redeveloped into a park connected to the mainland starting in the late 1980s. Today, the riverfront park has a playground, lots of grassy areas to toss a frisbee or play pick-up soccer, and beach volleyball courts. Most recently, a splash pad was installed with fountains, water sculptures, and all the water-based fun a kid needs on a hot summer day.
2. See the West Virginia Power play ball
Park, Stadium
The Appalachian Power Park located close to downtown is home to the West Virginia Power, the city’s minor league baseball team. The season runs from April to September, and the stadium provides an intimate atmosphere to watch an affiliate team of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Appalachian Power Park, 601 Morris St, Charleston, WV, USA +1 304-344-2287
3. Check out the Haddad Riverfront Park
Park
4. Jump into fun at Cato Park
Park
5. Explore the woods in the Kanawha State Forest
Forest, Park
On the south side of Charleston, the Kanawha State Forest is the perfect place to get outside and explore the natural beauty of the area with the whole family. The Spotted Salamander trail is paved and perfect for a walk with a stroller, or you can go on longer walks with a guided naturalist tour. The park also has multiple playgrounds and picnic areas with grills.
Kanawha State Forest, 7500 Kanawha State Forest Dr, Charleston, WV , USA +1 304-558-3500
6. Surround yourself in history at the West Virginia State Museum
Museum
7. Catch a show at the Children's Theater
Theater
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