Many parents have opted to home school their children for the upcoming academic year. Those that remain traditionally enrolled are also facing a partial digital learning environment. No matter which route you choose for your child, there will be a marked change in their educational experience as educators work to adapt their semester’s content to a virtual delivery. Either way, field trips are probably not a part of the curriculum.
Kids learn and understand the world by experiencing or doing things hands-on. For parents taking a large role in continuing their child’s education, the benefits of educational field trips will help provide a break in the monotony of tedious busy-work and allow children to explore and engage with topics in the physical world while they continue to learn. Schedule personalized field trips to educational activities in our area and explore our region’s rich cultural, natural, and historic treasures.
Here are some of the best in Southern West Virginia:
The John Henry Historical Park is open 365 days a year and is a quick drive from Talcott, West Virginia. John Henry is a folk hero whose legend tells of a man going up against steam-powered drilling machine to measure his abilities as a “steel-driving man.” The site of the epic battle is commemorated with a park featuring information kiosks, a walking trail, and a picnic lodge.
The Nature Center at Pipestem Resort and State Park is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Exhibits featured include “outdoor bird watching indoors” and information about the history of Pipestem and the surrounding wildlife visitors may encounter.
The Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum is now open in Beckley, West Virginia. Accommodations have been made to ensure public safety guidelines and visitors are required to wear a mask. The Mine Museum, Coal Camp, Youth Museum, and Mountain Homestead are open to the public but tours of the underground mines are currently closed. The museums offer a glimpse into the rich mining history of the area and the Youth Museum, made up of four railroad boxcars, features a central exhibit that hosts on average three to four explorations of various topics at a time. The museums are located on 513 Ewart Avenue and are open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Holler Contemporary Art Gallery showcases Appalachian artwork of multiple genres and is located in the historic Mercer Street district of Princeton, West Virginia. Traditional folk crafts include pottery, quilting, and glasswork while more modern pieces may include paintings, sculptures, and visual media. Follow the group on social media for information regarding upcoming galleries and art installations.
* Please doublecheck all locations for current hours of operation. We checked at the writing of this article, but guests are responsible for checking availability and purchasing any tickets required.