11 State Parks In West Virginia That Are Especially Kid-Friendly

West Virginia has one of the best state park systems in the nation, and entrance to these parks is always free. They are designed with all ages in mind, and many offer kid-friendly options like playgrounds, picnic areas, swimming, educational signage about local history and nature, fishing, and beginner hikes the whole family can enjoy together. If you're looking to visit an amazing state park in West Virginia that's also kid friendly, check out the following 11 parks in the Mountain State:

1. Babcock State Park (Clifftop)

Find a working gristmill at Babcock State Park along with some beautiful views from some of the many hiking trails.

2. Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park (Hillsboro)

Learn about West Virginia's fascinating Civil War history at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park and climb an observation tower.

3. Pricketts Fort State Park (Fairmont)

Visit a reconstructed fort at Pricketts Fort State Park for an amazing living history experience.

4. Cathedral State Park (Aurora)

Pack a picnic and visit some of the state's oldest trees (giant 500-year-old hemlocks) at Cathedral State Park.

5. Blackwater Falls State Park (Davis)

See the state's most famous waterfall at Blackwater Falls State Park and learn about its unusual color (thanks to tannins from evergreen needles from the surrounding forest).

6. Beartown Boardwalk State Park (Renick)

Stroll along a boardwalk that leads through huge boulders and towering trees at Beartown Boardwalk State Park.

7. Pipestem Resort State Park (Pipestem)

Zipline, ride a trolley, hike, or just relax at Pipestem Resort State Park.

8. Audra State Park (Buckhannon)

Take a boardwalk trail through a cave or relax on a sandstone river beach at Audra State Park.

9. Tomlinson Run State Park (New Cumberland)

Enjoy hiking around the lake, picnicking, and other recreational sports options at Tomlinson Run State Park.

10. Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park (Summersville)

Hike to a lookout, play on the playground, or discover the history of the battle that made us a state at Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park.

11. Watoga State Park (Marlinton)

Fish, boat, hike, or climb the lookout tower at Watoga State Park.

We know there are way more great, family-friendly state parks to visit in West Virginia than just these 11, but this list is certainly a great place to start! If we did we miss your family's favorite state park in the Mountain State, please let us know in the comments below!

As you go out to visit the many beautiful state parks in West Virginia, keep this list handy for some less crowded, under-the-radar options around the state. You're sure to find one in your neck of the woods!