Pack your bags and get ready for a family adventure in Fayetteville that your kids will cherish forever. From outdoor escapades to indoor discoveries, our area offers a wide range of kid-friendly activities that promise excitement and unforgettable memories. Here’s your ultimate guide to creating amazing experiences with your little explorers.
1. Become A New River Gorge Junior Ranger
Explore the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and become a New River Gorge Junior Ranger along the way! Pick up a Junior Ranger book at any national park visitor center and complete the requirements to earn a Junior Ranger badge. This is a fun way for kids to learn about the national park! During your visit, check for any special activities planned in the park. The Canyon Rim visitor center new interactive exhibits are open for your family to enjoy.
2. Jet Boats and Nature Explorations
Head out on a thrilling New River Jet Boat ride with Captain Rick – a hit for all ages. Start your day at Hawks Nest State Park. Explore waterfalls along the Hawks Nest Rail Trail and have hands-on fun with animal tracks at the nature center. Speak with the park’s onsite naturalist and check for daily programs and activities. For an extra dose of gravity-defying fun, visit the nearby Mystery Hole.
3. Family Fun Near Summersville Lake
Experience a trio of delights at Mountain Lake Campground – play a round of mini-golf, enjoy delicious ice cream and mine for gemstones all in one location.
4. Find Excitement at Kids Camp
While you embark on thrilling activities, kids can enjoy their own adventure at Kids Camp. From playtime to arts and crafts, scavenger hunts and swimming, your little ones will be well taken care of at ACE Adventure Resort. Even 4-year-olds can participate in Timber Trek’s high ropes course, while older kids can tackle the TreeTops Canopy Tour and Gravity Zipline Tour.
5. Enjoy A Unique Skating Experience
Discover the hidden gem of the Historic Ansted Roller Rink. With its open-air setting and unique charm, it’s an ideal spot for some seasonal weekend skating fun.
6. Explore Around Town
Stroll around town, treating your kids to ice cream or cool toys at The Stache. Satisfy your appetite at Pies & Pints, a family-favorite restaurant complete with a playground and arcade games. Burn off some energy at the Fayetteville Town Park with nature trails, playground, skatepark, pump track and splash pad. Plus, the kids will love the park’s Playetteville, a nature-themed playground with interactive features.
7. Hit The Water
You need to get your feet wet! Dive into water adventures with rafting trips suitable for kids as young as 6 years old on the Upper New River. Older children (12 and up) can join family rafting trips on the Lower New River, creating whitewater memories that will last a lifetime. For a relaxing day, visit Summersville Lake’s beach area. Or try stand-up paddleboarding with Mountain Surf Paddle Sports – a fun activity for all ages.
8. Mountain Biking at Arrowhead Bike Farm
Explore Arrowhead Bike Farm’s rolling loop trail system, catering to various skill levels from beginners to advanced riders. Rentals and on-site instruction are available, making it an ideal spot for family-friendly mountain biking.
9. Take A Hike
Located in the heart of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Fayetteville is a paradise for hikers. Stop by the Fayetteville Visitor Center and we’ll hook you up with a trail map and point you in the right direction for trails that match your family’s pace.
10. Cool Down at the Wonderland Waterpark
Discover the Wonderland Waterpark at ACE Adventure Resort. Climb giant inflatables, ride water slides, zip over the lake and experience the thrill of the giant BLOB. There’s also a beach area for younger children to enjoy.
11. Reach New Heights Together
Introduce your kids to the exciting world of rock climbing in the renowned New River Gorge. With varying routes suitable for different skill levels, it’s an excellent place for them to learn and enjoy a new activity. Book a guided trip to get started! Kids as young as 4 can experience the timber trek aerial obstacle course at ACE Adventure Resort.
12. Take An Educational Journey
For rainy-day excitement, take a short drive to Beckley and explore the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum. Tour an underground mine and experience West Virginia’s rich coal history. At the Youth Museum, engage with interactive exhibits and a planetarium.
13. Spend An Afternoon Bowling
Experience family-friendly fun at Pinheads, a family-owned bowling alley in Oak Hill. With 12 lanes, it’s perfect for a round of bowling and they have an onsite restaurant for post-bowling grub.
14. Experience Movie Magic Under the Stars
Create special memories by catching a movie under the stars at the Starlite Drive-In on weekends.
Check our event calendar for upcoming family-friendly events, camps and activities happening in Fayetteville!