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
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.
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
Military Appreciation Night | © Airman 1st Class Megan Munoz / Joint Base Charleston
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