Nestled in the mountains, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, is a great destination to explore with children. This small country town has lots to offer, such as nature, historic sites, and hands-on experience.  

Because of its proximity to cities like Washington DC and Baltimore, Berkeley Springs is the perfect intimate and quaint trip. For some suggestions of family and child-friendly activities for 15 things to do in Berkeley Springs, keep reading below!

BERKELEY SPRINGS STATE PARK

Why You Should Go

The Berkley Springs State Park is the center of life in the town. The signature white gazebo marks this quaint park. Something is going on here on any given day, vendors, music, or arts. There is a local pool that is a go-to in the summer. The park becomes a playground of snow, snowmen building contests, and snowball fights in the winter. 

Also, on weekend summer evenings, “The Concert in The Park Series” happens. Next to the park is the historic downtown. Check out the coffee shop across the street if you are in the mood for hot chocolate or sweet things.  

THE WARM SPRINGS – THE BEST FREE PLACE TO SWIM

In the middle of the State Park, the Natural Mineral Warm Springs bubble up to the surface. The springs are thermally heated, and the water is a constant 74°F. These springs are famous. Even George Washington visited and had his own bathtub, which you can swim in! The water is fresh and drinkable. Fill up a bottle at the local tap house. It has won best water multiple times from the International Water Tasting Competition. 

A favorite of local children, the warm springs offer a great place for kids to play in the water. They are shallow, clear, and warm. The springs are full of children catching crawdads and minnows in the summer and playing on the Warm Springs’ rocks. If you visit in the winter, you can see the steam rising off the water, and if you dip your toes in, the water is still warm!

HIKE TO THE BERKELEY SPRINGS CASTLE

Why You Should Go

Just above State Park, the Berkeley Springs Castle. You can hike up a short trail and get a closer view. It was built in the 1800s and is privately owned, so, unfortunately, you cannot go inside. But the short hike up offers time to imagine princesses and dragons. Before you get to the castle, there is a small turret on the trail. This is easily accessible and provides a great view of the town and play make-believe inside the stone walls. If you visit during the Christmas season, you might catch a glimpse of the glowing dragon on the walls!

CATCH A FILM AT THE STAR THEATRE

Why You Should Go

If you are in the mood for a movie, the Star Theatre is a great spot. Built-in 1920, this historic theatre has hardly changed since the 1940s, and its neon red marquee is part of the town’s soul. Step back in time with the vintage signage, wallpaper, and décor. Order popcorn from the historical counter and antique popcorn maker. The theatre offers showings of recent releases and classic, well-loved movies. 

CACAPON STATE PARK

If you are more in the mood for hiking or playing outdoors, then Cacapon Resort State Park is the place to go. The park offers 6000 arches of outdoor exploration and adventure. Admission to the park is free. There are multiple trails through the park, all at various levels, so even the smallest children can enjoy the mountain. If you want to stay in one of the cabins, they are rental. For curious younglings, visit the nature center and chat with a park ranger about the various animals that occupy Cacapon Mountain. There are also tennis courts and volleyball courts if you are the sporty type and when finished, you can grab a meal at the resort restaurant. 

FRISBEE GOLF

Why You Should Go

Check out the Frisbee/Disk Golf course offered at Cacapon Resort State Park. It is an 18 hole course that runs through the park and is the perfect way to exercise while enjoying the great outdoors. 

HORSEBACK RIDING 

Why You Should Go

Triple C Outfitters offers Family Friendly horseback adventures. They offer hour-long trail rides that meander through the Cacapon Mountain wilderness. You can typically see deer, birds, and other wildlife during this ride.  

SWIM AND PADDLE BOAT AT THE CACAPON LAKE

Why You Should Go

If you would rather swim in natural waters instead of a pool, look no further than the Cacapon State Park Lake. Open in the summer, for a reasonable all-day price, the reservoir-filled lake offers a warm sunny beach and lake to play in. They offer lifeguards and a diving area as well. If boating is more your thing, there are pavilions on the other side of the lake and a place to rent paddle boats. You can paddle around the lake and check out the small waterfall. 

JAY DEE’S – PLAY THE DAY AWAY 

Why You Should Go

If you are more in the mood for a waterpark, Go-Karts, or an arcade, look no further than Jay Dee’s. Located just outside of town Jay Dee offers an afternoon of fun for any child or young at heart. Climb around on the immersive jungle gyms or spend time in the hands-on nature center learning about science. This location is perfect for a rainy day or a chance to let the little ones play while the adults rest. 

APPLE BUTTER WEEKEND 

If you are in town during Columbus Day weekend, you are in for a treat. Known as the Apple Butter Festival, this is the town’s biggest event. It is a two-day harvest festival that has been hosted for generations and takes over the downtown area. Revel in the parade the local arts and craft vendors. Smell and taste the devious foods offered or try your hand at the Hog Calling Contest. There are tons of things for children to do, from face painting to balloons and other arts and crafts. 

EXPLORE THE CACAPON AND POTOMAC RIVERS

Why You Should Go

Two rivers are close to Berkeley Springs, the Cacapon and The Potomac River. Both offer lots of opportunities for water play. You can fish, swim, and launch a boat from one of the many ramps. Spending the day on the river is an excellent activity. 

The Potomac River is accessible from the West Virginia and Hancock Maryland sides. On the Maryland side, the C&O Canal Towpath runs along the river. You can walk or bike along the dirt path or the paved path. Bike rentals are available. Both rivers offer fantastic views, and a bald eagle sighting is likely to happen.  

WANDER THE MAZE AT YOUNGBLOOD’s ANTIQUE MALL 

Although it looks like an antique mall outside, Youngblood’s is a treasure trove waiting to happen. Wander the statue garden out front and marvel at the gargoyles and other stone figures. Watch out for the bears and the green monsters. Don’t forget to try one of the old-fashioned candy. While exploring inside, get lost in the maze of furniture. If you are lucky, you will find the giant chair! 

BOWLING AT BOWLERAMA

Why You Should Go

The Bowlerama is a welcoming, classic, family-friendly bowling ally with updated scoring and ball retrieval mechanics. Spend an afternoon hitting some pins and eating pizza. This bowling alley is a traditional fixture of town life and a fun place to go on a family outing.

WALK IN THE PAWPAW TUNNEL 

The Paw Paw tunnel is an old canal boat tunnel that runs through the mountain. It is located on the C&O Canal Towpath (open to walking and biking) and is a short drive from Berkeley Springs. You can walk through the tunnel, which will take you about 20 minutes. Bring a flashlight since there are no electric lights. If you are brave enough, turn them off and imagine being back in time on a canal boat. 

VISIT THE FISH HATCHER

Just outside of town is a state-run fish hatcher. Here bass and trout fish are raised before being released into the local rivers. This process keeps the river fish population high enough to offer fishing. 

It is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and free admission. You can wander around the hatchery and look at the different fish at various ages of life. Sometimes they even offer programs to help release the fish and stock the river. 

Map of Things to Do in Berkeley Springs

Frequently Asked Questions about Berkeley Springs

If you enjoyed our list about things to do in Berkeley Springs, you might also like:

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE OF THINGS TO DO IN WASHINGTON DC WITH KIDS

5 REASONS TAKING AMTRAK WITH KIDS IS MY FAVORITE WAY TO TRAVEL