The Best Family-Friendly Activities in West Virginia

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There’s no better place to spend some family time than Almost Heaven, Snowshoe Mountain. Bring your family to the biggest playground in the world and enjoy 11,000 acres of endless family-friendly activities that “the Shoe” has to offer. Pair that with the spotty cell service and you’ve got the absolute perfect place to unplug, reconnect, and make memories together.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend or an adrenaline-filled getaway, there’s something for every family on the mountain. Choose your own adventures from our top family-friendly activities below.

Shaver’s Lake

We guarantee your whole crew will have a great day at Shaver’s Lake. Beach area for enormous sandcastle building? Oh, yeah. Super fun water inflatables? You bet. Non-stop kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing? That’s what I’m talking about. The cherry on top? Zero sharks!

Once you’ve worked up an appetite from swimming around, stop by The Boathouse to refuel. We recommend enjoying the Grilled Mahi Sandwich and a classic Root Beer Float on the deck overlooking the lake.

Shavers Lake

Shaver’s Lake is accessible with a Fun Pass which comes free to all guests who book their lodging through Snowshoe Reservations. Not lodging with us? No problem. You can purchase a daily Fun Pass at The Depot which is located outside of Shavers Center.

Split Rock Pools

The pool is a win-win for parents and kids alike! You can watch the kids splash around in the indoor/outdoor heated pool and zip down the slide while you relax in the sauna and/or hot tub. Pro tip: the hot tub is the perfect place to watch a legendary Snowshoe sunset after the kids are tuckered out from swimming.

Split Rock Pools is accessible with a Fun Pass which comes free to all guests who book their lodging through Snowshoe Reservations. Not lodging with us? No problem. You can purchase a daily Fun Pass at The Depot which is located outside of the Shavers Center.

Fairy Diddle Disc Golf

Disc Golf

Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned pro, our 18-hole Fairy Diddle Disc Golf Course was designed with beginners and experts in mind. The course starts by Shaver’s Lake and winds through lush moss forests, over streams, and across ski runs. The mild hike is suitable for all ages and ability levels looking for a casual adventure.

Need a disc? Stop by the Lake Outpost to grab one for the whole family and get course directions and tips from our friendly lake staff.

The Fairy Diddle Disc Golf course is open for play concurrent to lake activities and is accessible with a Lift & Lake Pass or a Summer Fun Pass.

Snowshoe Bike Park

Adrenaline-seekers unite! The Snowshoe Bike Park offers one of the largest trail systems in the East and a mix of everything from beginner flow to expert rooty, rocky goodness. If you and your family are new to downhill mountain biking, we recommend gearing up with rentals at the MAC (Mountain Adventure Center) and learning the ropes with an introductory lesson.

If you and your family are regular white-knuckle action enthusiasts, we recommend getting familiar with Snowshoe terrain on the basin then working your way up to the gnarliest of gnar on the Western Territory. And if you want to get super-sendy, check out our skills clinics and advanced lesson offerings. It never hurts to enhance your techniques!

The Snowshoe Bike Park is accessible via a daily lift pass or Snowshoe Bike Park Season Pass.

Horseback Riding

Saddle up with the family for a scenic horseback ride in the backcountry and experience parts of Snowshoe that few guests get to see. Rides vary from 30-minutes to 4-hours in length and all lessons will begin with proper beginner instruction so that all ages and skill levels will feel comfortable with the horses at Autumn Breeze Stables.

If you’re really feeling adventurous, you can take an overnight trip with rustic camping deep into the woods of Cheat Mountain. The trip includes 2 days of mountain trail riding, meals, and one night of tent lodging along Shavers Fork (which is an excellent trout fishing stream).

Call 800-759-7238 to book your horseback ride!

Area Attractions

It’s true, activities are limitless on Snowshoe Mountain but it’s also central to all kinds of other destinations that make for great day trips and unique experiences. Marvel at the world’s largest fully steerable telescope, hop on a steam-driven locomotive, take a hike or bike ride on the longest trail in West Virginia….just to name a few. Use Snowshoe Mountain as your home base while you venture out to experience and explore your way across Pocahontas County, WV, and beyond.


Now that you know of all the family-friendly adventures that await you on Snowshoe Mountain, it’s time to unplug and reconnect. As we say, when in doubt mountain more!