Cristie ThomasIt’s almost summer, kids are out of school, and it’s time to fill your calendar with family-fun activities. The Mid-Ohio Valley offers a lot of great opportunity for families to enjoy time together. Check out our list below for inspiration!
Anderson Hancock Planetarium
Inspire your interest in the night sky and the cosmos at Marietta College’s Anderson Hancock Planetarium, featuring monthly public shows at varying times and dates. The facility is ADA accessible and free to the public.
Artsbridge Summer Music at City Park
Every Thursday at 7 p.m., experience the sounds of summer with featured local musicians at City Park in Parkersburg. Events are free and ADA accessible.
Blennerhasset Island Historical State Park
ATV riding, camping, fishing, hiking, museums, scenic train rides, swimming and more can all be found in Parkersburg’s state park. Join the 40,000+ people who visit annually.
Bowling
From Emerson Bowling Lanes in Parkersburg to North Hills Lanes in Marietta, the MOV’s bowling alleys are good, classic fun for the whole family.
Broughton’s Nature and Wildlife Education Area
This attraction features trails and ponds, a natural stream, a waterfall, several areas of undisturbed natural habitat, and parking at three entrances plus a butterfly garden.
Mini Golf & More
The Clown Golf Course in Boaz, the Pioneer Family Golf Center in Marietta, and the Minibel Par 3 Golf Course in Vienna are all family favorites of the MOV and provide great fun in groups small or large.
Marietta Aquatic Center
Featuring a zero-depth entry pool, splash playground, lazy river and two great water slides, the Marietta Aquatic Center has concessions, tables, and more for a great day in the sun.
Grand Central Mall
Events like Toddler Tuesdays and amenities like a movie theatre, indoor train and play place, the mall in Vienna is a one-stop-shop to have fun at any age.
First Fridays
The first Friday of every month in downtown Marietta, January through December, shops are open late until 9 p.m. and fun themes like Downtown Mini Golf, Art Walk, and Once Upon a Time are featured.
Marietta Roller Rink
Tie on some skates and hit the rink with the whole family. Public skating is available on select evenings every week. Don’t forget to reserve space for private parties, too!
Music in the Park
Every Thursday night at 7 p.m. at E. Muskingum Park in Marietta, the Marietta Welfare League sponsors music by local musicians for the whole family to enjoy. Grab a blanket and a spot on the lawn to enjoy the tunes!
Ohio River Island National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge consists of twenty-two islands and four mainland tracts scattered along 362 miles of the upper Ohio River. Features include a Junior Ranger program, Explorer Backpacks, an aquarium and turtles, and more!
Point Park Concert Series
Every first Friday over the summer in downtown Parkersburg, the Point Park Concert Series features tribute bands that will be music to your ears! Admission is free and the tunes are priceless.
Southwood Park Summer Music Series
Every other Tuesday at 7 p.m., experience the sounds of summer with featured local musicians at Southwood Park in Parkersburg. Events are free and ADA accessible.
Sweet Apple Farm
This MOV-favorite is located in Vincent, OH and features pick-your-own berries, hayride adventures, corn mazes, an ag-tivity center, lots of photo opportunities, and tons more.
Wood County Family Resource Network Free Movie Series
Mark your calendar for free showings of family-friendly movies like Despicable Me 3, Cars 3, and Coco at various parks in Wood County. These events feature free concessions including popcorn and bottled water.