Cheap Family Things to Do in Eastern Ky and Huntington, West Virginia

Kentucky and West Virginia hold many budget-friendly family activities that can be found throughout the year. Some activities are best suited for summertime while others can only be found in the winter. Depending on what time of year you will be enjoying the fun places to go, there are many things to do in Kentucky and West Virginia.

Wintertime Things to Do

If you live near or will be visiting the tri-state area where Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio meet, stop by Central Park in Ashland, Kentucky. The park is filled with several play areas, tennis courts, baseball fields, a sidewalk for walking, and a pond for taking pictures or just relaxing. Hidden inside the park is a man-made ice-skating rink for families to enjoy.

The rink will be open mid-December and stay open through the winter months as long as the weather permits. At times, the temperature will become to warm and cause the rink to close early in the season. There is a small office at the rink to rent ice skates and buy hot chocolate. There is an enclosed tent to sit in when the winter elements become to cold or you just need to rest.

As of January 2011, admission is $1.00 per person and $2.00 for ice skate rentals. Of course, you can bring your own skates and just pay the admission price. Many people come to the rink to enjoy ice skating, but very seldom will you find it too crowded. It is also a great place to bring a group of kids such as: cub scouts, youth groups, or even meet to have a small family birthday outing .

Fun Places to Go in Spring

Colonial Lanes Bowling Alley in Huntington, West Virgina, is a cheap fun family activity. The alley offers .99 cent bowling all day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Also, in Huntington is the Huntington Museum of Art which is great not only for family activities, but for home schooled children. There is more to the museum than meets the eye, though.

Inside the museum, there is a special room set up just for kids to make their own art. The Kidsart meets every Saturday from 1-3pm., but if you are there during the week the museum welcomes kids to enjoy the room making crafts that were left over during the Saturday meeting.

The museum contains a conservatory and nature trails. With over 40 acres of land, the museum's trails are a must for any who visit the area. Volunteers lead tours along trails, but a two week notice prior to walking the trail is ask of the museum. The entire trail last approximately 90 minutes and to make it unique compared to other trails an artist has went through the trail and carved in the rocks. The whole family will have a blast trying to find the rock carvings before other family members.

Summer/Fall Family Activities

In Eastern Kentucky lies three State Parks located within 45 minutes of each other. Grayson Lake State Park has more than five shelter houses each containing a children's playground. Bring along a picnic and enjoy a day of fishing from the banks of the lake, feeding fish and ducks off the boat docks, or playing a round of 18-hole golf. Call the park in advance to rent a boat or pontoon for the day or bring your own for a relaxing day on the water.

Carter Caves State Resort Park is located in Olive Hill, Kentucky, only a short fifteen minute drive from downtown Grayson. The park is open year round, but is especially nice in the warmer months. Cave tours are given for a small price and group rates are also available. Park in the welcome center parking lot and follow the road over the hill behind the building. Cross a bridge to a shelter house or follow the path to the left of the bridge that leads to a beautiful natural bridge that you can walk under. A small creek runs under the natural bridge and is a sight to see.

Follow Route 1 off Interstate 64 from Grayson about 7 miles to the entrance of Greenbo Lake State Park. Known for its hiking trails, the park has several to choose from throughout the grounds. It has a beautiful pool and water slide for the whole family to enjoy. All three parks have terrific camping grounds and are suitable for all ages. Bring a tent or a camper and spend several days exploring the parks or the caves. All of the parks average about $20.00 a day with hook-ups.

An Extra Fun Family Activity

At the KYOVA Mall Phoenix Theatre in Catlettsburg, Ky, summertime brings free movies. Two days a week the theatre is open before lunch and shows movies that are perfect for the family. Eating before you go will ensure a cheap family activity. Even if the kids would like to eat popcorn the theatre offers kids meals for a reasonable price.