Six Ways for Kids and Families to Stay Active This Summer

Active SWV has lots of ways families and kids can stay active and engaged this summer. Check out the suggestions below for descriptions of self guided and community events and activities going on near you.

Adventure Days

Adventure: Fayette County is bringing together different organizations (including Active SWV) to offer activities for kids every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in June and July. 

On Tuesdays, you have your choice of going to the Fayetteville Town Park from 10am-12pm, or to the Mt Hope Roadside Park from 2pm-4pm for Active SWV’s agility course, other yard games, crafts, the Bookmobile, and more. 

Wednesdays are ‘water days’ where kids can come and play on paddle boards, duckies, and other water crafts supervised by trained volunteers. This opportunity takes place 10am-1pm at the Fayette County Park through July 7th, but may be extended to more dates in the summer.

Thursdays you have your choice of visiting the Midland Trail Community Center from 10am-12pm, or the Smithers Gateway Center 2pm-4pm for similar activities as Tuesdays.

Be sure to check the Adventure: Fayette County facebook page for more information and updates!

Active SWV Summer Camp 

This July, Active SWV is excited to put on our first ever summer camp for Fayette county youth who were in 3rd-8th grade this past 2020-2021 school year. Camp is free with transportation provided to and from the Fayette County Park where it takes place. Activities include active games, team-building exercises, swimming, stand-up paddle-boarding, biking, and more! Eligible kids can sign up for a week of free day camp here

Walks or Hikes in the Woods

With the New River Gorge’s recent National Park designation, many popular trails are crowded and difficult to park near. Luckily, Active SWV has compiled a comprehensive list of trails in the region including some less traveled spots. You can see that trail resource list here, as well as our stroller friendly trail list here.

Scavenger Hunts

Outdoor scavenger hunts are a great way for kids (and the whole family) to stay busy and active in the warm weather. Come up with your own, or use these scavenger hunts Active SWV designed that require no setup at all!

First Friday Farmers Market in Smithers

There is a farmers market set up on the first Friday of every month at the Smithers Gateway Center. The market has fresh and local produce, crafts, and more including a fun kids agility course from Active SWV. Don’t miss this exciting new community event this month! Be sure to follow the City of Smithers on Facebook for updates.

Active SWV Free Community Programs

Active SWV has activities for the whole family, and we’re always adding more to our calendar. See our website calendar here to see what we have going on this and every month.

If you have an idea for an activity you would like to lead in your area, contact us to get started!