The Best Playgrounds in West Virginia

ritter playground in huntington wv
In his famous anthem Country Roads, 70s singer/songwriter John Denver called West Virginia “almost Heaven.” And if you’ve ever driven through this heavily forested corner of the United States, whose Monongahela National Forest spans nearly one million acres across 10 counties, chances are good that you’d agree. West Virginia is one of America’s most beautiful states and an ultimate playground for families and nature-lovers alike.

Besides being scenic and historic, West Virginia has outstanding play spaces for children. Each one has a different configuration of playground equipment including obstacle courses, slides, swings and more—making them ideal spots for children of all ages to burn off energy and indulge their fantasies on the wide range of equipment.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Poor House Farm Park, Martinsburg, WV

A rustic, renovated barn serves as the focal point for this busy park, a hub in Martinsburg, WV that welcomes more than 10,000 children annually to its summer camps and programs. You can rent the barn for private or public events, swim at your choice of several pools, take a dance class at the studio, or enjoy obstacle courses and basketball, volleyball and other team play at the two gymnasiums year-round.

Ritter Park, Huntington, WV

This 72-acre park features two playgrounds, a large picnic pavilion, tennis courts, a limestone loop trail, a dog park, rose garden, dog park, tennis courts, and and an outdoor community theater. No wonder the American Planning Association included this gem on its “Ten Great Public Spaces” list!

Veterans Memorial Park, Clarksburg, WV

If you’re up for a fun-packed water play area including a pool and splash zone that’s open from May to October, set your GPS for Veterans Memorial Park in Clarksburg. There’s also a pickleball court, and nine-hole disc golf course, and an 18-hole miniature golf course.

Lewis County Park, Weston, WV

This fun spot is nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills and dales. You’ll find a playground, a pool for swimming, picnic areas, rentable pavilions, putt-putt golf, tennis courts, and a sand volleyball court,

Sam Michael’s Park, Harpers Ferry, WV

This fun-filled, 138-acre park will keep you and your crew busy all day with it’s playgrounds, sand volleyball court, and horseshoe pits. Stick around for a festival, concert, or Little League ball game, and plan on enjoying a picnic in the shade of the Veterans Memorial Pavilion.

Mason Dixon Historical Park, Core, WV

Get ready for a 295-acre wonderland for kids featuring a new playground complete with a fort and slides! There are picnic tables nearby where you can enjoy the lunch, dinner, snacks, or drinks you bring along. Check out the many events held here including their summer concert series featuring music of all types, including Appalachian and Americana. The Mason-Dixon Line Festival is typically held here in October, featuring old-fashioned square dances and an authentic “pow wow” sponsored by the Native American Community.

Please note that some parks are functioning under restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic that vary by state. Please check into any park or destination before you visit to avoid any disappointment.