Keeping Your Kids Busy in Elkins, Summer 2025: A Primer

The City of Elkins and its residents are fortunate to benefit from a vibrant community with many organizations offering programs for children of all ages. If you are looking for ways to keep your kids engaged this summer, below is a partial list of organizations in and around Elkins, and the activities they provide.

Many of these groups offer needs-based scholarships, which may partially or fully cover registration fees. For more details, including availability, please contact each organization directly.

Please note: The City of Elkins does not endorse any specific organization, nor can it guarantee program availability. This is in no way an exhaustive list. Prices may have changed since publishing; please confirm with the individual organization.

Appalachian Expeditions (APEX): Based in Davis, Appalachian Expeditions summer programs are rooted in adventure, within a safe and fun learning environment whether kids explore by foot, boat, or bike. All expeditions take place in the rugged wildlands of West Virginia, where kids learn about the landscape, the Mountain State’s expedition community, and themselves. Programs, dates, and their costs are listed here; any child attending school in West Virginia receives a discount upon registration.

Augusta Heritage Center: Throughout the year Augusta schedules classes and events for children. This summer from July 20 to 25, Augusta Folk Arts for Kids participants (ages 5-11) will explore visual arts, dance, and crafts through the creation of a variety of artworks and explorative experiences. Teen Augusta takes these same ideas to the next level; Teen Week is a great option for a young teen ages 12-15 who likes to try new things and has varied interests. For young musicians (ages 9-14), check out Augusta’s new Bluegrass Kids Academy, which will take place July 13-18, during its Bluegrass and Vocal Weeks. In addition, from July 20 to 25, Teen Augusta (STEAM edition), welcomes teens aged 12-16 who wish to dive into a world of visual arts, dance, and crafts, creating unique artworks and engaging in hands-on experiences. A kids (ages 5-11) version of this program is scheduled July 13 to 18. Last but not least, a week of Cajun-inspired crafts will run from July 6to 11. The programs range in price from $365 to $450 per child; some scholarships are available.

The Charm Farm: This local farm offers a hands-on, fun-filled summer camp where kids can explore the outdoors, learn about animals, and develop lifelong skills in a safe and engaging environment. There are also Mommy & Me/Daddy & Me sessions for our youngest campers. Under 5: July 22 to24; Ages 5 to 8: July 29 to 31; Ages 9 to 12: August 5 to 7. The cost is $250 to $350 per child.

Elkins Otters: This local summer swim team strives to make swimming fun and help kids ages 5-18 learn to swim their best. Practices began on April 30 and end Thursday, July 17, with the regional swim league championship scheduled on Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19 at the Buckhannon city swimming pool. Registration is still open: Costs range from $75 to $95 for the season depending on how many times a week a child wishes to practice. Register here.

Elkins Randolph County Public Library: The county’s library system will host two summer reading programs in the area. The first program will be each Friday from June 6 to 27 in Beverly in the pavilion behind the Beverly Elementary School at 10:30 (the week of the 20th it will meet at the Beverly Heritage Center at 10:30).  The second program is scheduled each Tuesday from July 7 to 28, also at 10:30 in Elkins City Park, at the pavilion on Sycamore Road on the way to Davis & Elkins College. The theme this year is “Color Our World,” with a focus on various artists and media for children to recreate.  The events will include stories, crafts, activities, and rewards for completing reading challenges. The library’s staff designed the programs for elementary age children; everyone is welcome as crafts can be made simpler or more challenging depending on age.

Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: Local and visiting kids alike can enjoy an authentic Randolph County experience this summer by completing the Randolph County Passport Program. Pick up a Passport at the Elkins Depot Welcome Center and visit the noted locations inside. After scoring stamps from nine places, return to the Welcome Center with your stamped passport and get a prize! Inside the passport, kids and their parents will find locations with breathtaking views of local mountains, handcrafted products from local artists, flavors that reflect West Virginia’s heritage, and historic gems.

Experience Learning: Located just over an hour’s drive from Elkins, Experience Learning runs summer camp programs for kids of all ages. Programs include wilderness survival training, hiking, mountain biking, and learning about hiking. Costs vary depending on the program; subsidies may be available for families. The Spruce Knob Kite & STEM Festival on June 28 is a definite highlight!

Interact Children’s Museum: Among the events planned for this summer is a Family Fun Night on July 12 and Beverly Heritage Day on July 19 from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The museum will also have a presence at the Augusta Heritage Festival on July 26. Bookmark this page to stay updated on its summer events.

Kump Education Center: For the third year, July 14 to 18, the Kump Education Center will host a week-long summer Spanish language camp, providing fun and educational opportunities for area youth. The Costa Rican Adventure-themed Spanish Camp is designed for children ages 4-12 and will immerse participants in Costa Rican culture. Register before May 23. Tuition for the week-long camp is $300, which includes lunch and snacks.

Girl Scouts: Driven by a mission to “Discover, Connect, and Take Action,” Girl Scouts prepare for fun, friendship, and new adventures while making the world a better place. Click here to find troops and information about local programs.

Green Bank Observatory Located in Pocahontas County, GBO will host a free Family Science Lab on Sunday, June 1. Family Science Labs are geared towards kids ages 4-9 but anyone is welcome to join, as there will be various activity stations and staff helping and folks are invited to drop in. It staff will also host the Space Race Rumpus from June 6-8. This family-oriented mountain and road cycling festival includes biking, camping, stargazing, live music, games, and classes. While there are fees for entry into races and camping, there are also plenty of free activities including beginner sessions and bikes available to borrow (for free!). Its popular PING summer camp is waitlisted this year; do keep this option in mind for next summer.

Old Brick Playhouse: Join the Old Brick Playhouse in downtown Elkins for its annual summer camp. Kids will sing, dance, experiment with foods large and small, fling water, encounter fantastical characters, and encapsulate all these madcap shenanigans into a fabulous stage performance with costumes! Ages 5-7: June 16 to 20; Ages 8-11: June 23rd to 27 The cost is $200 per child.

Scouting America: The Mountaineer Area Council manages Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and other programs across 22 counties in northern West Virginia and eastern Ohio. Information on what programs are available in Randolph County is available here.

Randolph County 4-H: Your local 4-H chapter still has space available in its Cloverbud Day Camp from June 23 to 26! This is a fun opportunity for children ages 6-8. This year’s theme is “The 4-H’s of Life,” which connects the core values of 4-H (Head, Heart, Hands, and Health) to real life lessons and personal growth. Campers will walk away with skills necessary to be beyond ready for life. Registration is here; the cost is $60 and there are scholarships available. Call (304)-636-2455 with any questions.

YMCA: Summer camp at the Y provides action-packed days of laughter, friendship, and physical activity. Kids entering first through fourth grade can take part in one or more of the Elkins Y’s weekly camps. Registration is $20, fees start with a $25 deposit per week of camp.

Please contact External Affairs if your organization is having a summer program and is interested in having us add it to this list.