Family Weekend Getaway in WV's Greenbrier Valley
When it’s time to hit pause on endless schedules and commitments, gather up the clan for a trip to the Greenbrier Valley.
Family time gets high marks with old-fashioned fun that may even get the kiddos off their phones! Need ideas? We have you covered.
WHERE TO STAY
Feel right at home with VacayWV. You pick White Sulphur Springs or Lewisburg as your hub and still have all the familiar comforts. Each house is equipped with the homey essentials families like to have, a full kitchen, a fire pit and a washer and dryer. Even better, pets are allowed, so your furbaby can tag along, too. Is a pool a must-have? Check into the Hampton Inn just outside of historic downtown Lewisburg. The indoor pool allows kids to take a dip year-round. Not to mention, a full breakfast is included.
Rent a two-bedroom cabin at Greenbrier State Forest to have hiking and biking trails, fishing and a heated outdoor pool in your “backyard.” Spend summer evenings by the campfire, making s’mores and taking in the peaceful sounds of Mother Nature. For generations, families have been taking their vacations at The Greenbrier. The resort boasts of more than 55 activities, indoor and out, so it’s easy to find entertainment for a tyke or a teenager.
Need more options? Check out these properties:
CAN'T MISS FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN THE GREENBRIER VALLEY
Finding an activity to pull kids away from a screen is always a challenge. No matter what season you’re planning to visit, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy on a weekend getaway in Greenbrier Valley. Start with a tour of Lost World Caverns—fans of fossils will be impressed with the collection of prehistoric fragments. Then descend 120 feet below the earth’s surface to walk through the 1,000-foot room. Just remember to bring a jacket, caverns are a constant 52 degrees.
If you’re looking for ways to stay cool, check out the locals’ favorite swimming holes. Or hop on the Greenbrier River Trail in Caldwell, just a couple of miles from either Lewisburg or White Sulphur Springs. Once a railroad bed for the C&O, the trail is virtually level with a wide, gravel path that makes it easy to navigate for kids. And with numerous access points, you choose how far you want to bike or hike.
For family fun in Lewisburg, WV, stop by the Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center and ask for a Scavenger Hunt. This activity will have the whole crew paying close attention to their surroundings. After you’ve checked everything off the list, be sure to return your sheet to officially become a Greenbrier Valley Explorer.
Pro tip: Ask our visitor center specialist for additional recommendations for getting around the valley. They have a wealth of knowledge about the area and are happy to help visitors make the most of their time.
“Helping people discover family activities is what we do best. Whether it’s a family’s first trip to the Greenbrier Valley or a tradition they return to every year, we love welcoming people and helping them experience the area to the fullest.” Mary Cole Deitz, Visitors Center Manager
Greenbrier Valley Kid-Friendly Scavenger Hunt
Earn points to become a GBV Pioneer or Explorer!
If it's time for a picnic break between activities, plan a stop at Brad Paisley Community Park in White Sulphur Springs. It has a grassy, open area and picnic pavilion along with benches for the adults to supervise and playground equipment for the kids to run, play and expel a little of that youthful energy.
If you’re closer to Ronceverte, stop by Ronceverte Island Park for a mid-day break. Located on the banks of the Greenbrier River, there’s plenty of park-style activities—a summer splash pad and playground for the little ones, tennis and basketball courts, picnics areas and a dog park for your furriest family member.
Need more fun? Add these to your itinerary:
KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS
No need to worry about the picky eater in your family, dining options in the valley will satisfy even the most “discerning” of palates. If you’re looking to indulge first thing in the morning, head to The Wild Bean. With comfortable seating, room to stretch out and free Wi-Fi, this downtown gathering spot serves plenty of nourishing options. Whatever your morning plans include, a to-go cup of fresh, organic coffee, an espresso, latte or tea will give you the boost you need to stay ahead all that youthful energy!
A cool stop for lunch is right along Route 60 at Jim’s Drive-In. Pull in and have your order taken curbside, select from all the drive-in favorites, hamburgers, hot dogs...just don’t forget the milkshake.
No matter what age you are, pizza is always a winning choice for dinner. Hill and Holler’s wood-fired specialty pizzas are a great way to refuel after a day of play. With unique, specialty combinations and build-your-own pie options, everyone can enjoy a personalized pizza complete with their favorite toppings. A minute or two south of Lewisburg, Hog Wild Bar-B-Que is known for its kid-approved, rustic vibe and two-thumbs-up menu. These folks hail from the State Fair, so they dish up fair-food favorites like brisket and chicken sandwiches, mac 'n cheese, cole slaw and baked beans.
Take a bite out of these other choices:
EVENTS BUILT FOR FAMILY FUN
If you're looking for things to do with kids in the Greenbrier Valley during the summer months, plan your trip around these summer staples.
The West Virginia Renaissance Festival. Every weekend in June, step back in time to the 1600s. Meander the cobblestone streets to find fairies, knights and even the King and Queen. Don’t miss the exhilarating grand joust or the petting zoo. You may just meet a unicorn. Each weekend is a different theme, so prepare to dress up and join the fun.
Alderson 4th of July Celebration. America’s 250th in Alderson. For 64 years, Alderson has commemorated the founding of the U.S.A. with a week of activities culminating in one of West Virginia's most spectacular fireworks shows.
State Fair of West Virginia. The ultimate kid-friendly West Virginia event. For 10 days in August, the State Fair celebrates the Mountain State’s rich heritage and agricultural traditions. It also features carnival rides, fantastic food and live concerts. It's great for children of all ages.
