Field trips are a great way to reboot a bad homeschooling week, get out of the house when everyone has cabin fever, and learn about your local area. Before heading out, check out Jeanne's tips for improving homeschool field trips.
Our listing of West Virginia field trips for homeschoolers is ordered alphabetically by city. If you would like to submit a West Virginia field trip destination, you may do so using the red button above.
Cass Scenic Railroad State ParkCass
Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers excursions that transport you back in time to relive an era when steam-driven locomotives were an essential part of everyday life. Trips to Cass are filled with rich histories of the past, unparalleled views of a vast wilderness area, and close-up encounters with the sights and sounds of original steam-driven locomotives.
Clay CenterCharleston
We invite you to discover a world of Music, Theater, Art and Science. From exciting performances to family fun days, you're sure to find the Clay Center to be a priceless experience that will cause you to say, "WOW!" The mission is to inspire creativity, learning and wonder through experiences in the arts & sciences for all people of West Virginia and the region.
WV State CapitolCharleston
Free State Capitol tours, and tours of the Governor’s Mansion are available for guests, school groups, etc., by calling Capitol Tours & Information - (304) 558-4839 Individuals and groups may also tour the nearby Culture Center and West Virginia State Museum - (304) 558-0220 It’s a guided tour and the kids have the opportunity to see the house, senate, and Supreme Court. On the 3rd floor across from The Supreme Court, there’s a fun interactive area for the kids to play and learn. They will learn about how a bill becomes law and other interesting things about the capitol.
Randolph County Community Arts CenterElkins
The Center provides a home for local and visiting artists exploring a wide variety of media. From exhibits to performances to art education, the Center is supported by the community it serves.
Pricketts Fort State ParkFairmont
Perched on a small rise overlooking the confluence of Prickett's Creek and the Monongahela River, this rustic log fort is a re-creation of the original Prickett's Fort of 1774, which served as a refuge from Native American war parties on the western frontier of Colonial Virginia. Built in 1976 by the Prickett's Fort Memorial Foundation, the "new" fort serves as a living history site where interpreters recreate late 18th century lifestyle through period attire and demonstrations of a variety of colonial crafts. Throughout the season, visitors may find blacksmiths, spinners, weavers and other traditional artisans at work, and a gun shop which features the only public demonstrations of 18th century firearm manufacturing in the state.
New River Gorge National RiverGlen Jean
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve protects a rich variety of local history: from the subsistence lives of the native peoples and the later pioneers, to the coming of the railroad and the many peoples involved in the ensuing boom and bust of the coal mining and logging industries. You can visit the remains of the former boomtown of Thurmond, retrace the path of pioneer Mary Draper Ingles' amazing journey, learn of the legend and the facts of the "Steel Driving Man", John Henry, read the oral history of an immigrant coal miner from the 1800s, and more.
Cedar Creek State ParkGlenville
One of the unique aspects of the Cedar Creek State Park is the check-in station, a restored log cabin which was formerly a Gilmer County historical landmark. Further adding to the charming ambiance of the park, a reconstructed one-room schoolhouse has been erected as a testimonial to the early years of education. The schoolhouse has been faithfully restored complete with student desks, inkwells and a potbellied stove. Guided tours of this nostalgic attraction are offered on Saturdays during the summer months.
Green Bank ObservatoryGreen Bank
Discover the wonders of the Green Bank Science Center, where interactive exhibits and captivating displays introduce you to the fascinating world of radio astronomy in an entertaining manner. The Science Center at the Green Bank Observatory extends a warm welcome to the general public. Allow at least 2 hours of your time to fully experience the GBO tour, embark on an exciting exhibit hall scavenger hunt, and browse through our delightful gift shop. The majority of activities are tailored to accommodate groups of 20 individuals. For those planning a day trip, our Starlight Cafe offers lunch.
Harpers Ferry National Historical ParkHarpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry is best known for its role in the Civil War as the location of John Brown's raid on the Armory in 1859. The website offers many links to educate history buffs on the people and stories involved with that time in American history.
Beartown State ParkHillsboro
Beartown is noted for its unusual rock formations, which are comprised of Droop, or Pottsville, Sandstone formed during the Pennsylvanian age. Massive boulders, overhanging cliffs, and deep crevasses stir the imagination of most visitors. Pocketing the face of the cliffs are hundreds of eroded pits, ranging from the size of marbles to others large enough to hold two grown men. Ice and snow commonly remain in the deeper crevasses until mid to late summer. Vegetation clings tenaciously to life, sending roots into mere cracks in the rocks.
Droop Mountain Battlefield State ParkHillsboro
Droop Mountain is known for its reenactments of the Battle of Droop Mountain, the last major American Civil War conflict in West Virginia. The park has an onsite museum with exhibits about local history, the Battle of Droop Mountain, and Civil War artifacts.
Huntington Museum of ArtHuntington
Visitors enjoy the beauty of glass, particularly that from the Ohio Valley; the wisdom and whimsy of Appalachian folk art; the functional artistry of American furniture and firearms; the serenity of 19th and 20th century American and European paintings; and the intricacy of Islamic prayer rugs. They can ponder the exotic mysteries of Middle Eastern arts; the exquisite acrobatics of sculptures by Calder and Rickey; and the marvels of nature's own canvas.
Zoology Zone Science CenterHurricane
The Zoology Zone Science Center is a non-profit that offers exhibits for all ages of different rescued reptiles and amphibians. Prices range from free for children up to 3, $6 for those 4-12, $8 for 13+, and $6 for seniors 65 and older. Entry fee includes all day access with story time and lab. They do offer field trips. See the website to book your field trip.
Sunny PointeJane Lew
Sunny Pointe Corn Maze is dedicated to providing a unique blend of fun and education for children of all ages. We welcome groups from preschool through high school, offering a variety of amenities that enrich the learning experience. Our farm features hands-on activities that encourage exploration and engagement with nature, including our corn maze, pumpkin patch, and scenic wagon rides. We also promote teamwork and creativity through our yard games and crafting options, making it a perfect environment for learning outside the classroom. Located just 3 miles from I-79 at 374 Linden Lane, Jane Lew, WV, our 600-acre working farm offers a unique blend of fun and education. Here’s what we have to offer: Group Rentals: Available Tuesday and Wednesday nights for 3 hours! Wagon Rides: Enjoy a scenic ride to the mountaintop starting on July 28th. Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch: Open starting in September for all your fall fun! Pricing: $10 per person; $5 for children 10 and under. Minimum fee of $150. Included Features: Access to the corn maze, yard area games, and fire pit. Additional Activities (for a fee): Option for a movie screening on our big screen. A wagon ride to a hot dog and marshmallow cookout. More Fun: Feel free to bring your own food and drinks for a fun cookout on-site! We also have crafting options like painting classes (canvas or pumpkin, based on availability) and scarecrow making. Prices vary based on your needs and group size. Important Info: Rainchecks are available based on availability. Fully refundable if canceled due to weather. A deposit is required and will be kept for the rebooking date. If this is something that might interest your group, please reach out, and we'll be happy to share our available dates with you!
Four Seasons FarmLeon
A u-pick organic farm that allows for groups to come and pick, within season, blackberries, blueberries, apples, and grapes. They have animals, including peacocks. They have bees and sell their honey. The owners are extremely friendly and will talk with you about the farm life. They also make apple cider in season and welcome people to watch them make it.
Watters Smith Memorial State ParkLost Creek
The heritage of early West Virginia is preserved in the pioneer homestead restoration at this park. Through the wisdom of a descendant, the late 1700s farm of Watters Smith was bequeathed to the state park system to be preserved for posterity. A log cabin similar to the original was moved and reconstructed in the park, the Smith family home (c. 1876) has been restored as a museum, and an additional museum houses many early farm artifacts.
Blennerhassett Island Historical State ParkParkersburg
The Island is open May 1 through October of each year. While visiting our park you should allow at least three hours for a complete tour. This includes the boat trip to and from the island. Blennerhassett Museum should be the first stop of your tour. It is the perfect orientation for all that you will see throughout the day. Your museum visit begins with viewing the video that briefly explains the lives of Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett. You will then be free to tour the three floors of intriguing archaeological and historical exhibits.
Tu-Endie-Wei State ParkPoint Pleasant
At the junction of the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers stands this monument which commemorates the frontiersmen who fought and died at the Battle of Point Pleasant. The name "Tu-Endie-Wei" is a Wyandotte word meaning "point between two waters."
Potomac Eagle Scenic RailroadRomney
Our historic tracks run deep into the heart of West Virginia's Potomac Highlands. The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad crosses sweeping valleys and rolling countryside to our most popular destination, the wild and wonderful Trough Canyon. Named by George Washington and steeped in history, the canyon is home to American bald eagle families. Journey along the South Branch Potomac River and thrill to the spotting of these mighty raptors, our namesake, thriving in their country home. Bring binoculars for eagle spotting and wildlife viewing while you learn aboard our living classroom.
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State ParkSummersville
An important Civil War battle site. This Civil War battle represented the failure of a Confederate drive to regain control of the Kanawha Valley. As a result, the movement for West Virginia statehood proceeded without serious threat from the Confederates.
Museum of Oglebay InstituteWheeling
Oglebay Institute operates six facilities in the Wheeling area: The Schrader Environmental Education Center, the Mansion Museum and the Glass Museum in Oglebay Resort; the Stifel Fine Arts Center and School of Dance on National Road; and Towngate Theatre and Cinema on Market Street. The Institute also operates Terra Alta Mountain Camp in Terra Alta, West Virginia.
Wheeling National Heritage AreaWheeling
The Wheeling National Heritage Area celebrates the city's dramatic setting along the Ohio River, providing experiences in Victorian architecture, waterfront park development, historic city markets, renovated industrial buildings featuring retail shops, restaurants and interpretive exhibits, and West Virginia Independence Hall, the birthplace of the state of West Virginia during the Civil War.
