Charleston · Kanawha County, WV

Family things to do in Charleston

Scout analyzed 44 Charleston places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$30

Typical visit

1.5 hr

Complete outings

Family Fun at Clay Center

Start your afternoon with interactive fun and learning at the Clay Center, offering hands-on exhibits for all ages. Afterwards, grab a casual, family-friendly lunch at a pizzeria with options for everyone, before heading to a park for some outdoor play.

Scout-verified spots

Food & Drink

Soho's

Soho's is a casual Italian restaurant good for a family meal or a relaxed dinner. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $15-35 per person for a main course and perhaps a drink.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Little Creek Park Office

Little Creek Park is good for an afternoon of outdoor activity, such as disc golf, hiking, or picnics. Expect to spend a few hours and bring your own food and gear.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Black Sheep

This is a casual spot for a quick and affordable meal, suitable for lunch or dinner. Expect to spend 45 minutes and $10-$25 per person on a burrito or Mexican dish.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$10–$25 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Ridenour Memorial Park

Ridenour Memorial Park is good for a casual outdoor outing like a walk or picnic, potentially paired with a nearby lunch. Plan for 1-2 hours of free activity.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Arts & Culture

Clay Center

The Clay Center offers a good indoor option for a 2-3 hour family outing, combining interactive science exhibits and art. Expect to spend $10-30 per person, varying by ticket type and whether a performance is attended.

Live musicArtsHistory

$10–$30 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Shopping

Taylor Books

Taylor Books is ideal for a relaxed solo outing, perhaps paired with a coffee or light lunch. Expect to spend about an hour and $5-$25 per person browsing books and art.

FoodArtsShopping

$5–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Cafe Appalachia

Cafe Appalachia is a good spot for a casual lunch or early dinner. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $10-25 per person for a meal.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$10–$25 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

1010 Bridge

1010 Bridge is a good spot for a dinner out, whether a casual date or a family meal. Expect to spend 90 minutes and $25-$60 per person on American cuisine.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$25–$60 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Cathedral Falls

Cathedral Falls is a free, short stop for a scenic outdoor view, easily paired with other area attractions like hiking or rafting. Expect to spend about 30 minutes to an hour viewing the falls.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical30 min visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Hale House

Hale House is a good spot for a casual meal, whether for lunch or dinner. Plan for a 1.5-hour visit with per-person costs typically ranging from $25-$50.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$25–$50 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Sunrise Carriage Trail

This hiking trail is ideal for a few hours of outdoor exercise and scenic views, easily paired with a picnic or a meal out afterwards. Expect to spend little to no money here, outside of transportation.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Pies & Pints - Charleston, WV

Pies & Pints is a good stop for a casual meal of pizza and beer, suitable for families or a quick solo lunch. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for a meal and a drink, with a typical visit lasting about an hour.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Shopping

Capitol Market

Capitol Market is a good stop for an hour or two on a weekend morning to pick up local produce or specialty items. Expect to spend $10-40 per person on groceries or small treats. It pairs well with other downtown Charleston activities.

ShoppingAnimalsFood

$10–$40 typical1 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Wine Cellar Park

This park is suitable for a low-cost, quiet outdoor escape, perfect for a 1-2 hour walk or picnic. It can be a good stop during a longer drive or a main attraction for a local family outing.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Nightlife

The Empty Glass

The Empty Glass is a casual bar for live music and drinks, good for an evening out. Expect to spend $20-50 per person for food and a few drinks, making it a good main stop or a lively start to a night.

CocktailsFoodLive music

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Magic Island Park

Magic Island Park is a good free spot for families with young children, offering playgrounds and a splash pad. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, often combined with a walk along the river. Parking is usually easy.

OutdoorsViewsWellness

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Family

Locked and Coded Escape Rooms LLC

This is a good hour-long activity for groups seeking a mental challenge, costing roughly $25-40 per person. It pairs well with dinner or drinks afterward.

ArtsShoppingAdventurous

$25–$40 typical1 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Joplin Park

Joplin Park is a free outdoor space suitable for a 1-2 hour leisurely stroll or picnic. It pairs well with a meal out before or after, or as a standalone activity for families or individuals.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Nightlife

Sam's Uptown Café

Sam's Uptown Café is a casual spot good for catching a game or an evening drink with friends, potentially followed by live music. Expect to spend $15-40 per person for food and drinks over 1-2 hours.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$15–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

EZ Street

This Bar & Grill is suitable for a casual evening out with friends or a low-key date, typically lasting 1.5 to 2 hours. Expect to spend $15-35 per person on food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsSports

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Phat Daddy's on Da Tracks

Phat Daddy's is a casual American restaurant, good for a quick lunch or dinner. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $10-25 per person for a meal.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$10–$25 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Coonskin Park

Coonskin Park is ideal for a multi-hour family outing or solo adventure involving nature walks, sports, or playground time. Expect to spend $0-$25 depending on activities like golf or pool access.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals

$0–$25 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Caffe Romeo

Caffe Romeo is an ice cream and coffee shop, good for a quick treat or a casual stop. Expect to spend 20-30 minutes and around $5-15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Bricks & Barrels

Bricks & Barrels is a solid choice for a dinner out, offering steaks and seafood with drinks in a warm setting. Expect to spend 40-80 dollars per person for a 1.5-hour meal, good for pairing with a show or an evening walk nearby.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$40–$80 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking