Summer 2019 Free and Low Cost Kid Friendly Events in West Virginia
We’ve put together a list of free (or very little cost) kid friendly events that are happening around West Virginia this summer (2019). This list doesn’t have every event around the state listed but we hope you find it useful. Let us know if there are any events, camps or festivals that you think we should add to this list! Before attending an event, please visit the related link or call the location of the event to make sure the event is still scheduled! Thanks and have a great summer!
HUNTINGTON
Pullman Square Summer Concert Series - Free
Every Thursday from May 30 through August 29. Bring your blankets and camp chairs out to the front lawn of Pullman for the concert series! Show starts at 7pm! Free and open to the public. For a list of dates, visit: https://visithuntingtonwv.org/event/pullman-square-summer-concert-series-3/
Kids Day at the Wild Ramp - Free
10:00 am - 12:00 pm Join the Wild Ramp and the Huntington Museum of Art every 3rd Saturday of the month as they host a new drop-in arts activity. Different themes and activities every month that are adaptable for all ages. For questions and more information please call (304) 523-7267
Funington: Camden Park - Kids 48” and under are free with and adult paying general admission $17.99
June 18 @ 10:30 am - 7:00 pm Click here for more Camden Park general information or call 304.429.4321.
Club McFinn Junior - Free
June 18 @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Join the Huntington Mall each Tuesday at 11:00 AM at JCPenney Court for Club McFinn Junior! This is a fun and FREE event for families with children 4 and under. They focus on pro-social skills through fun activities such as crafts, coloring, and storytime. Snacks are sponsored by Barboursville Sheetz. This program is made possible by great sponsors like UniCare and WCHS. For questions and more information please call 304-733-0492
Heritage Farm Kids Day - $5
June 20 @ 10:00 am - 3:00 pm It’s Kid’s Day! Soak up the summer sun with good farm fun at West Virginia’s first Smithsonian Affiliate! At Heritage Farm every Wednesday in June and July for a Petting Zoo, Children’s Activity Museum, Six Simple Machines Discovery Zone playground, MakerSpace, Artisan Center and award-winning museums. Open to all ages for the special day price of $5/person. Click here or call 304.522.1244 for general information.
Huntington Museum of Art: Guided Butterfly Hike - Free
June 20 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am Beat the heat and move your feet! Join the Huntington Museum of Art at the Butterfly Garden for a guided tour on our scenic nature trails. In the event of rain, participants are welcome to venture inside the Museum for an indoor nature activity. Remember to wear outdoor and hiking appropriate clothing and shoes. Free admission with no pre-registration required. For Huntington Museum of Art info, contact Cindy Dearborn, 304-529-2701.
Saturday KidsArt - Free
June 22 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Saturday KidsArt is the place to be to enjoy adventures in creativity and self-expression. Immerse yourselves in art making with pastels, paints, papers, along with varieties of materials and processes. Kids, bring your parents and grandparents and have a great time! FREE thanks to the generous sponsorship of Cabell Huntington Hospital.
There will be a different art activity each week from 1-3pm. Younger children may attend if accompanied by a guardian. For more information visit, www.hmoa.org or call 304-529-2701.
RITTER PARK TENNIS - Free for ages 5-12
The Huntington Tennis Association in conjunction with the Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District will be conducting FREE Beginner Tennis Instruction Clinics this Summer for Ages 5 - 12 at the Ritter Park Tennis Center. There will be two sessions each week. Each 1 - Hour clinic will begin at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM starting Monday, June 17, 2019 and ending on Monday, August 5, 2019 and will last one hour. ALL EQUIPMENT WILL BE PROVIDED! To begin to learn “the Sport of a Lifetime,” please register at:
https://ustamidwest.formstack.com/forms/huntington_tennis_clinic If you have any questions, please call Alan Morrison at 304.633.8315
MORGANTOWN
Kids D&D (Ages 9-12)
June 27 from 6pm – 8pm Meeting Room C | Registration Required
Delving into the ancient Tombs, slipping through the back alleys in the great city of Waterdeep, battling goblins while hacking a trail through the thick jungles on the Isle of Dread—these are the things that Dungeons & Dragons adventures are made of. Your character in the game might explore forgotten ruins and uncharted lands, uncover dark secrets and sinister plots, and slay fire breathing dragons.
Throughout the program players will learn the basics of the D&D system from making their own heroic characters, planning epic games and creating fantasy worlds to adventure in.
The program is open to all players from beginner to expert. All game materials will be supplied. Call 304-291-7425 or visit our circulation desk to register.
West Virginia Birthday Celebration - Free
June 22, 2019 at 1:00 pm A special celebration of West Virginia’s birthday is in Downtown Morgantown. Main Street Morgantown with cooperation and assistance from the City of Morgantown, the Monongalia County Commission, and West Virginia University, will host the family-friendly street festival in honor of the Mountain State’s 156th birthday.
The West Virginia Birthday Party will take place from noon until 6:00 p.m. on the block of High Street between Walnut and Pleasant Streets. Plans are underway for a full day of activities including live music, a special children’s area, local artists and vendors, a public art mural project, a history display, celebrity appearances, and more. This event is open to all ages. There is no admission charge and all activities are free. Food and beverages can be purchased with cash only. Proceeds from the event are earmarked for downtown public art projects and murals.
Teen Movie Night - Free ages 12- 18
June 26, 2019 at 5:00 pm Teen Movie Night: Captain Marvel (Ages 12-18)
June 26 at 5pm • Free Pizza
Meeting Room A • @MgtnLibrary
Krepps Kritters (ages 3-6) - Free
Thursdays at 10am
June 20 – Beary-y Happy Readers
July 1l – Waggin’ Good Tales
July 25 – Birds of a Feather, Read Together
Children ages 3-6 are invited to join us for fun at Krepps Park. These free, nature-filled programs will feature an animal themed story time with books, crafts, activities, refreshments, special guests, and more. Space is limited to 24 participants (first come, first serve). For more information call 304-291-7425 ext. 204.
New Deal Festival - $0 - $10
July 13, 2019 at 10:00 am Come celebrate the history of Arthurdale with your family and friends. Enjoy food, live music, vintage car & tractor show, new exhibits and activities for all ages. Meet Eleanor Roosevelt & shop for handmade and local goods at the crafts & farmers market. All the museums will also be open. For our younger attendees, there are old fashioned games, hay rides, & a farm petting zoo. Learn a little history & have a lot of fun! https://arthurdaleheritage.org/
Morgantown Pagan Pride Day - Free
Free, kid and pet-friendly, family event Sat 11am-7pm,
Please bring a non-perishable food item for local food pantries.
Vendors, workshops, live music
https://www.facebook.com/events/887318964808218/
Movies in the Park: The Incredibles 2
August 2, 2019 at 9:00 pm Come join for Movies in the Park: The Incredibles 2, this includes the Family Fun Festival from 7-9 pm For a list of all movie dates and Morgantown Board of Parks and Recreation events, visit http://www.boparc.org/summer-events.html
CHARLESTON
MAGIC ISLAND SPLASH PAD - Free
With fountains, water sculptures, and all the water-based fun a kid needs on a hot summer day.
KANAWHA STATE FOREST - Free
Located seven miles south of Charleston, Kanawha State Forest is an outdoor lover’s haven. It is known for its extensive network of hiking and biking trails and has some of the state’s most popular picnic areas. The 9,300-acre forest is noted among naturalists for its diverse wildflower, tree and bird populations. Amenities include picnic shelters, playgrounds and camping. https://wvstateparks.com/park/kanawha-state-forest/
Knight and Princess Club Charleston Town Center - Free
Charleston Town Center is committed to providing a family-oriented shopping environment and the Charleston Town Center Kids Club provides FREE entertainment for families.
We are working hard to offer kids (ages 0-8) fun things to do and are committed to bringing kids and their family’s fresh new activities. Events include kid friendly activities such as character meet & greets, crafts and educational activities. Membership is FREE.
CULTURE CENTER AND STATE MUSEUM - Free
Voted Best Museum by wv living readers, the WV State Museum was recently renovated and offers visitors a glimpse into the state’s rich history. Admission is free and a new smart phone app provides an interesting way to tour the facility. Website: http://www.wvculture.org
Live on the Levee - Free
Moses Auto Group Live on the Levee is a FREE outdoor concert series presented by the City of Charleston, WV and made possible by sponsorship and private donations. Featuring live music of various styles, including regional and national acts, in a welcoming family friendly atmosphere. Live on the Levee takes place every Friday afternoon from May through August.
Music starts at 6:30pm with the headliner starting at 7:45pm most evenings. Events end around 9:30pm.
Admission to this fantastic event is free! For more information on the line-up check out the schedule at liveontheleveecharleston.com or under "EVENTS" on facebook. https://www.facebook.com/pg/liveonthelevee/about/?ref=page_internal
FestivALL
FestivALL 2019: June 16-30, 2019, and watch the capital city of West Virginia become a work of art! Website: https://festivallcharleston.com/
ELKINS
Follow Your Bliss Festival - Free
When: Jun 21 – 23, 2019 Where: Helvetia, WV 26234, USA (map)
Description The 8th Annual Follow Your Bliss Festival will be held Friday June 21 through June 23. We look forward to having another wild and wonderful weekend, full of great music, local food, arts and craft vendors, and the chance to see old, and to meet new friends. This Festival is a FREE event, supported by donations from attendees, volunteers, and vendors. Proceeds collected will go to Kultur Haus Helvetia and Hospice Corp.
Pickin in the Park - Free
When Wed, June 26, 5pm – 7pm Where Elkins City Park, Elkins, WV 26241, USA (map)
Elkins City Park is a lively place on Wednesday evenings from May through September, with country, gospel, bluegrass and old-time jam sessions open to all. The Augusta Heritage Center sponsors the free event with support from Elkins Parks and Recreation Commission (EPRC) giving musicians of all ages an opportunity to play music together in a family-friendly setting.
WHEELING
Sundaes Under the Stars - Free
Join us at Oglebay’s Amphitheater for an evening of family fun and live entertainment every Sunday evening from Memorial Day through Labor Day! The fun kicks off at 6:00 p.m. with dinner concessions, food trucks, a $5 ice cream sundae bar, and kids activities in the Formal Gardens. Entertainment begins at 7:00 p.m. For the full entertainment lineup,visit https://wheelingcvb.com/sundaes-under-the-stars-2/
Tennis Lessons - Free
July 1 and July 17 - Bring your own racquet or borrow one of ours.
Schedule:
8:45-9:45am, ages 5-8
10:00am-12:00pm, ages 9-16
Pulaski Park
4612 Jacob Street
Wheeling, WV
Fun After Five- Discounts & Freebies After 5:00 PM
Visit Wheeling Park after 5:00 p.m. and take advantage of discounted rates Monday-Friday from May 16 – August 9!
• 50% OFF Activity Wristbands*
• Discounted pool admission: Adult $3.00; Child $1.00
• FREE water slide admission
FUN AFTER FIVE HOURS
Pool & Water slide Open 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Mini Golf & Paddle Boats Open 5:00-8:00 p.m.
*Activity Wristbands include admission to Miniature Golf, Swimming Pool & Water Slide, Tennis, and Pedal Boats. Reg. price $11.95 per person.
Night Swim Pool Party- Celebrating America - Adults $3 Kids $1
July 3. 5-8:30 p.m. at the Crispin Pool for an all American evening complete with patriotic bunting, sparklers, hot dogs and more!
Get ready for an evening of classic games including:
• Football Toss
• Corn Hole Tournament
• Frisbee
• Beach Ball Volleyball
Concession food and beverage available for purchase.
Waterfront Wednesdays - Free
Enjoy free, live music every Wednesday from 7:00-9:00pm at Wheeling Heritage Port!
For the full lineup, visit https://wheelingcvb.com/waterfront-wednesdays-4/
Family Fun Night - Free
July 5. There will be free pool admission as well as free hot dogs, ice cream and soda. A DJ will provide some tunes. Grandview Pool 975 Grandview St. Wheeling, WV
Summer Dive-In Movies - See below for admission fees
Every Saturday. 9 – 11 p.m. The Wheeling Park Pool proudly presents summer Dive-In Movies! Join us at Wheeling Park Pool and float with a flick.
Stay tuned to the Wheeling Park Facebook page for our weekly dive-in movie guessing game, where you’ll be challenged to guess which movie we’ll be showing!
ADMISSION
Kids (ages 4-12): $6.25
Adults (ages 13+): $7.25
*Movie is free with cost of pool admission. Movie may also be enjoyed free of charge from the upper level of the Stone building.
Toe Tappin’ Tuesdays - Free
Enjoy free, live music every Tuesday in Wheeling from 7:00-9:00pm!
Toe Tappin’ Tuesdays alternate locations between Wheeling Park Amphitheater (1801 National Road) & Garden Park Amphitheater (1208 Warwood Avenue).
For full lineup/dates visit https://wheelingcvb.com/toe-tappin-tuesdays/
When: Every Tuesday 7:00-9:00pm Where: Wheeling Park/Garden Park (alternating)
Wheeling Park 1801 National Road Wheeling, WV
Summer Drive-In Movies - Free
Back by popular demand, Wheeling Park proudly presents FREE summer Drive-In Movies! Grab a parking spot in front of the Wheeling Park White Palace at dusk for an old fashioned drive-in experience.
Stay tuned to the Wheeling Park Facebook page for our drive-in movie guessing game, where you’ll be challenged to guess which movie we’ll be showing.
For more information, call 304-243-4085.
When Friday, August 30, 2019 9:00-11:00pm
Where Wheeling Park
MARTINSBURG
Martinsburg Art Festival - Free
Saturday, June 15, 2019 1:00 PM 5:00 PM Come celebrate art in Martinsburg with this new festival! The arts come alive on June 15th in historic and artistic downtown Martinsburg with live music, art demonstrations, kids "make-it-take-it" activities tent, artist vendors, youth artist vendors, food and much more! This is a free event sponsored by the Tony M. Music and Arts Foundation. https://www.facebook.com/events/2033860350247821/
Fridays @ Five Summer Concert Series - Free
A series of free outdoor concerts by well-known musicians, bands and Martinsburg artists that will liven up your spirits and maybe even get you into a dancing mood. Bands will perform a wide variety of indigenous musical styles, including jazz, rock, Bluegrass, pop, Classic Rock, Country and unique Americana and more. You can bring your own chairs or blankets and sit on the ground. The front of the stage on the South lawn is reserved for dancing. There is no admission charge to the Town square. The concert series runs every Friday from June 1 through August 31.
Friday’s @ Five Summer Concert partners with the Martinsburg Farmers Market, open from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.. To wet your appetite, here is a list of products you’ll be able to enjoy from the market this year: Fresh Fruits & Veggies, Fresh & dried Herbs, Beef, Chicken & Pork, Eggs, Jams & Jellies, Honey, Hummus, Baked Goods, Flowers, Yarn and soaps….It’s going to be a fun season. Buy local and buy Fresh.
http://www.mainstreetmartinsburg.com/?post_type=tribe_events&eventDate=2019-06-14#038;p=3874 Concerts start at 5:00 p.m. and usually last until 7:00 p.m.
Toni Saylor Summer Concert Series - Free weekly concert
Music returns to the park this summer in Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation’s popular Toni Saylor Summer Concert Series. The series features a free weekly concert every Thursday at War Memorial Park, featuring local and regional bands of all genres. The family-friendly event kicks-off on Thursday, June 6 at 7 p.m. and goes through August 15th . War Memorial Park500 North Tennessee AvenueMartinsburg