May/June 2015 Family Calendar of Events
ONGOING Summer Activities
Register for Summer Camps Now! Check out our Online Camp Fair at http://wvfamilyonline.com/online-camp-fair/ for summer camps and a click-through links to take you to their website.
CASA FOR KIDS Fundraiser Bluegrass and Barbeque tickets available now! On Thursday, August 6, CASA FOR KIDS will host its annual fundraiser, Bluegrass and Barbeque, at Saint John University Parish Hall in Morgantown, WV. Activities begin at 6 pm and include live music, barbeque dinner, and a silent auction. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased by calling 304-599-1087 or emailing casadirector@hotmail.com. CASA FOR KIDS is a United Way agency that advocates for abused and neglected children who have been identified by the court system in Monongalia and Preston Counties. CASA FOR KIDS is dedicated to breaking the chain of abuse and placing each child in a safe, permanent home. All proceeds from the Bluegrass and Barbeque will stay in the local area to support the program.
Horseback Riding – Open Year Round at Mountain Trail Rides, 255 Freeland, Davis, WV. Horseback riding in the beautiful mountains of Canaan Valley, WV. 304-866-4652 www.mountaintrailrides.com.
Private Music Lessons Saint Paul School of Music LIFE UMC Clarksburg and Fairmont locations. New students accepted anytime. Beginner – Advanced. Ages 5 & up. 304-366-3758.
P.U.R.R. WV Adoption Events are ongoing at various locations around North Central WV. P.U.R.R. WV is a no-kill cat rescue Please go to http://www.purrwv.org/html/events.html for dates and locations. See ad on page 20.
Tuesday is for Toddlers Meadowbrook Mall, 2399 Meadowbrook Rd., Bridgeport, WV. 11 a.m. – 12 noon each Tuesday. Free activities, entertainment, and prizes for children up to age 8. 304-842-5441 www.meadowbrookmall.com
Studio Kids Classes at The Wow Factory, Morgantown, WV. Ages 5-12 $15 per session. 304-599-2WOW (2969) www. thewowfactoryonline.com.
Monongalia County Health Department 453 VanVoorhis Rd., Morgantown, WV 304-598-5119 Offers personal health services including: Family Planning, Breast and Cervical cancer screening, Dental care for all ages, Immunizations and Free STD testing.
WV Fairs & Festivals – see list on page 14 of the May/June 2015 issue.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum Ghost Hunts/Tours offered Apr. 4 – Nov. 1. Tuesday-Sunday, noon – 6 p.m. 304-269-5070. www.trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com/
WV Wildlife Center open 7 days a week, including weekends and holiday from April 1- November 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (exit gate closes at 6 p.m. $3 admission ages 16 and up. $1.50 for ages 3-15. Ages under 3 free. 304-924-6211. http://www.wvdnr.gov/wildlife/wildlifecenter.shtm.
Library Summer Reading Programs. “Every Hero Has A Story” is this year’s theme for the Summer Reading Program at your local library. Contact your library for reading programs and incentives for children all ages.
Festival Fridays Jawbone Park, Buckhannon, WV. Every Friday all summer long June – September. 5-8 p.m. Live music, entertainment, demonstrations, food, WV grown produce, handmade products, kids’ activities. 304-473-1400. visitbuckhannon.org.
Philippi Public Library Summer Reading Camps: for children ages 4 through 7 and ages 8 through 12. Prizes, games, special activities, and other incentives to encourage children to read or to be read to during the summer. 304-457-3495. http://philippi.lib.wv.us.
Monthly Family Walks at WV Botanic Garden, Morgantown, WV. Free Family Walks are now being offered on the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. beginning April 1st. Bring your children and enjoy a leisurely walk around the Garden. Walks will last about an hour and cover a mile or less. “Off-road” strollers are permitted (rubber tires). Meet at the information kiosk near the lower parking area. www.wvbg.org.
Colonial Kids Games at Prickett’s Fort Wednesdays June 10 thru August 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring the kids to the fort and we will have some fun and educational activities for them to experience. Must be accompanied by an adult and regular admission applies. 304-363-3030. http://marioncvb.com or www.prickettsfort.org.
Registration open for 2015 KIDS ADVENTURE GAMES at Snowshoe Mountain, WV. Kids Adventure Games is the nation’s premier adventure race for children ages 6-14 – taking place July 17-18, 2015. An event that gets kids outside, without technology, engaging with the outdoors, challenging themselves physically and emotionally, and feeling a huge sense of accomplishment when they cross the finish line. The race features teams of two navigating a mountain obstacle course. Modes of transport include mountain biking, hiking and running while maneuvering through zip lines, rope swings, cargo nets, climbing walls, mud pits, a giant slip-n-slide and more. The race emphasizes teamwork, problem solving and overcoming obstacles. Friday, July 17th, 2015, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Adventure racer check-in and optional skills clinic. Saturday, July 18th, 2015, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Race Day. Cost: $75 per person based on a team of two. Online registration and information available at www.kidsadventuregames.com.
MAY
May 1 May Day – Celebrated around the world, May Day has a number of meanings. In most other countries it is a celebration of spring and the coming of summer.
May 2 Brothers and Sisters Day – A day to cherish your siblings. Do something special with your brother or sister today! Don’t have a brother or sister? Become a “Big Brother” or Big Sister”.
May 4-10 International Screen-Free Week Over the past several years, what used to be “TV Turn Off Week”, has turned into “Screen-Free Week” to now also include turning off computers, tablets, smart phones, and other devices with a screen. This is an annual event to encourage children, families, schools, and communities to turn off screens and “turn on life“. Instead of relying on entertainment through television programing, internet videos/surfing, computer gaming, smart device apps, texting, etc…. participants can read an actual book/magazine, daydream, explore, enjoy nature, spend time with their family and friends! Over 300 million people have taken part in the turnoff, with millions participating every year. Go to http://www.screenfree.org/ for more info.
May 10 Happy Mother’s Day
May 16 Armed Forces Day – A day to salute all of the men and women in all branches of the service who protect our country and you.
May 16 Kids to Parks! Coloring Contest Cacapon Resort State Park, Berkeley Springs, WV. first annual coloring contest to connect art with the environment. Pick up your coloring page and official rules during the specified hours and return your entry to the Nature Center by 3:00pm. There will be three age group categories and prizes will be awarded by mail. 8:30am-3:00pm. 304-258-1022 x5209.
May 16 Love a Tree Day – Trees are a good thing. They give us shade, comfort and warmth. They give off oxygen, too. There are many, many benefits provided by trees. So, you have good reason to love a tree or two.
May 17 Moving Day for Preston Memorial Hospital Kingwood, WV. New location is at Rt. 26 South near Preston-High School. 304-329-1400. www.prestonmemorial.org.
May 21 Twilight Tour at Pittsburgh Zoo One Wild Place, Pittsburgh, PA. 6-9 p.m. Find out what the animals do at the Zoo after the visitors go home. Take a behind-the-scenes tour and discover a whole new side of your well-loved Zoo that you normally don’t get to see. Talk with keepers and learn about what your favorite animals do after the gates close. $20/member, $25/non-member, children under 2 free. www.pittsburghzoo.org
May 23 Mountain Music Trail/Memorial Day Picnic Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, Elkins, WV. Celebrate our music heritage at Spruce – accessible only by train! 866-874-7653 mtn-rail.com
May 25 Memorial Day – Dedicated to service men and women who gave their lives for freedom and country. It is also a time to remember loved ones who have passed away.
May 30 5th Annual McDonald’s Tri-state Criterium Cycling Race Pullman Square, Huntington, WV. Registration begins at 1 p.m. and closes 30 minutes before each race. Races will go throughout the day. Helmets are required. http://www.mcdonaldstristatecrit.com/
JUNE
June is Adopt A Shelter Cat Month If you are considering a pet companion, consider adopting a cat from your local shelter.
June 4 Hug Your Cat Day!
June 5-7 Family Trails Day Weekend North Bend State Park, Cairo, WV. Celebrate National Trails Day by hiking on one of the many unique trails in North Bend State Park. Guided hikes will be provided or you could make your own route. A weekend devoted to the outdoors! 304-643-2931 www.northbendsp.com.
June 7-13 is National Sun Safety Week See page 21 of our May/June issue for an important message about sunscreen!
June 13-20 Eat’n Park FAMILY Week at the Pittsburgh Zoo One Wild Place, Pittsburgh, PA. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Each day will feature a new theme and highlight conservation, local activities, and Zoo operations. 412-365-2532 www.pittsburghzoo.com
June 18-21 WV State Folk Festival Glenville, WV. Music, Dancing, Heritage, and Appalachian Culture. Food, vendors, and more! 304-462-9644 http://www.wvstatefolkfestival.com/
June 18-21 Freedom Market Place Summer Fling Glenville, WV. Great family FUN, face painting, chair massage, relaxing Reiki, activities, live music and 24×30 covered dance floor (dance FREE!) Located on Main Street at the corner of Rt. 33 and Rt. 5, smack in the middle of the WV State Folk Festival! Musicians call to reserve your session. Fork Artists and Crafters call to reserve your spot. 304-765-0490. www.freedommarketplace.com
June 18 Go Fishing Day!
June 19 National Flip-flop Day People have been wearing flip-flops for thousands of years, with the earliest wearers being the Ancient Egyptians in 4000BC. Flip-flops are worn throughout the world. A great way to kick off SUMMER! Wear your favorite flip-flops today and ditch your socks and shoes!
June 19 OPENING DAY for West Virginia Blackbears Baseball Morgantown, WV. West Virginia Black Bears take on Mohaning Valley in their inaugual season at 7:05 p.m. 304-293-7910 westvirginiablackbears.com
June 19-28 Summer FestivALL Charleston, WV. 10 day festival includes 130 events and 360 performances along with music, dance, theater, visual art, food and free family fun in the heart of the city of Charleston! (304) 344-5075 www.charlestonwv.com
June 20 West Virginia Day – Happy Birthday WV!
June 21 FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!
June 21 Happy Father’s Day
June 26 17th Annual Take Your Dog to Work Day
June 27 11th Annual Great American Backyard Campout Unplug and head outside! That is the idea behind this widely popular national family event. The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) encourages families to reconnect with nature – campout in your backyard, neighborhood, park or campground. Go to www.backyardcampout.org for packing lists, recipes, wildlife guides, activities, nature games, and more.
JULY
July 3 Old Fashion Weiner Roast Cass Scenic Railroad, Cass, WV. Campfire and live music. 866-874-7653 mtn-rail.com
July 3-5 Independence Day Weekend Bring the whole family out for a full weekend of hiking, nature programs, recreational activities, and fun. 304-643-2931 www.northbendsp.com
July 11 The KIDZ BOP KIDS’ “Make Some Noise” TOUR Clarksburg Amphitheater, WV98, Clarksburg, WV. The “Make Some Noise” tour is the ULTIMATE FAMILY CONCERT experience that guarantees to get everyone singing and dancing along! The KIDZ BOP Kids have been named Billboard Magazine’s “#1 Kids’ Artists” for the fifth consecutive year. In 2014, KIDZ BOP released the “#1 Kids’ Album,” KIDZ BOP 25, and outsold some of the year’s biggest artists, including Pharrell Williams, Ariana Grande, and Iggy Azalea. The latest album in the best-selling series, KIDZ BOP 28, was released in March. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show begins at 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets go to: Showclix.com. For more information: www.kidzbop.com/tour.
July 11-12 Kids Camp: Survival Weekend at Prickett’s Fort, Fairmont, WV. 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. This two day camp will take the student through important life skills needed for a young adults to help him or her to survive on the western Virginia frontier in the 18th century. Grades 5-9. Register by June 19. Camp is limited ot 40 students. $95/student, lunch is provide. 304-363-3030. www.prickettfort.org.
July 17 17th Annual Run to Read Race 12th Street Pool, 205 12th Street, Fairmont, WV. Mile Run 6:30 p.m. 5K Run starting at 7 p.m. 5K Race Walk starting at 7 p.m. Online registration. Entry fee. 304-366-6055. www.LearnToReadMarion.net.
This calendar is for information only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of facilities, accommodations, or services. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this listing, it is recommended that you contact these businesses and organizations for more information. WV Family Magazine is not liable for damages arising out of errors or omissions.
If you have a calendar event you would like to add to our May/June Calendar of Family-friendly events, please fill out the form below! Thanks!
