8 Best Things to Do with Kids in Harpers Ferry
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains just a short drive from Washington DC, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is known for its breathtaking mountain views, endless outdoor activities, and rich historical significance.
The small town of Harpers Ferry is a great destination for all types of travelers, but it is loaded with kid-friendly activities that make it perfect for a family getaway. From history lessons to action-packed outdoor adventures, there are countless activities for kids of all ages.
Here at Mountain Mama Cabins, we know how important it is to have a safe and fun environment for your kids while traveling. We know our cabins will offer the perfect landing spot for your many adventures.
If you’re visiting Harpers Ferry with your kids, be sure to check our list of the 8 best things to do with kids in Harpers Ferry.
1. Visit Jefferson Rock
Jefferson Rock will set the tone for the rest of your Harpers Ferry family trip. Where else can you participate in history while taking in incredible views?
Jefferson Rock is an iconic landmark in Harpers Ferry named after Thomas Jefferson himself. Situated along the Appalachian Trail, this popular scenic spot offers incredible views of the Blue Ridge mountains, the rivers, and the city of Harpers Ferry.
From Lower Town, you can walk in the footsteps of Thomas Jefferson uphill until you reach the infamous rock and take in the stunning views around you. The hike is relatively easy but does involve an uphill walk and stairs, which might be difficult for extra little ones.
2. Spend the Day at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center
Looking for the ultimate family-friendly fun day? Head on over to the Harpers Ferry Adventure Center!
This local adventure park is home to every activity you can imagine: tubing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and even ziplining. Located on the Potomac River, it’s a great spot for guided trips along the river. If you’d rather stay on land, head on over to their famous ropes course which is perfect for groups of all sizes.
Each activity has its own pricing, age, and weight requirements. Be sure to head to their website to explore your options and prepare yourself for an epic day!
Pro tip: River Riders is another nearby adventure park offering ziplining, tubing, rating, and more.
3. Tour the Historic Sites of Lower Town
Harpers Ferry is home to many important Civil War landmarks, which are now included in the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The park offers the perfect opportunity to explore these historic sites on foot as they are scattered throughout the town.
We recommend starting at the Harpers Ferry Visitor Center and walking to Lower Town, where you’ll find preserved historic buildings that you can walk into and explore. Some iconic sites include Abolitionist John Brown’s Fort, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, and the blacksmith’s shop.
Pro Tip: There are tons of local museums also scattered throughout Downtown Harpers Ferry, so be sure to check those out on your walk as well.
4. Be a Junior Ranger for the Day
Have your kids always dreamed of becoming a Junior Ranger? If so, today is their lucky day! Harpers Ferry Visitor Center offers a fun, immersive learning experience through their free Junior Ranger packets that end in a special prize: a Junior Ranger badge.
You can print out the booklet in advance from their website or head to the Visitor Center upon arrival. The booklet includes everything from the history of Harpers Ferry to geographical lessons and more.
Start working through your Junior Ranger booklet at the start of the trip and head back to the Visitor Center upon completion for your Junior Ranger badge.
5. Head to “The Point“
The town of Harpers Ferry sits at the confluence of the Potomac River and Shenandoah Rivers. One of our favorite family activities is visiting the lookout point known as “The Point,” which offers the best view of the two rivers meeting.
The short hike to “The Point” is kid and pet-friendly. To get there, start at the Lower Town shuttle bus stop and walk along Shenandoah Street towards John Brown’s Fort. Continue up the gravel path as it starts to incline, and you catch a view of the incredible rivers below.
It’s a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy natural beauty. Be sure to take a picture before heading back down.
As a bonus, The Point is also famous for its view of three states: Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. It offers a great opportunity for a geography lesson while taking in incredible views!
6. Hit the Hiking Trails
Harpers Ferry is home to countless hiking trails, ranging in difficulty level, for all ages to enjoy.
Bolivar Heights Trail is an easy, family-friendly hike with incredible views. There are options that range from .3 to 2.4 miles, so you can choose what’s best for you and your kids. Maryland Heights Trail is both longer and more strenuous, so we recommend this for older kids and adults. It can be accessed from Lower Town and offers incredible views of Harpers Ferry, the rivers, and beyond.
We can’t talk about hiking without also suggesting the iconic Appalachian Trail, which offers plenty of nearby hikes ranging in length and difficulty.
7. Go on a Family Biking Trip
Harpers Ferry and the surrounding areas are home to some incredible biking trails. Whether you have littles in tow or older kids, biking is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy.
The town of Harpers Ferry sits along the C&O Canal Towpath, an 184.5-mile trail that is well-suited for walking, running, or biking. The path is generally flat, well-marked, and easy to bike for however long you choose. There is beautiful scenery along the way, making this a fun opportunity to explore the great outdoors.
If you don’t want to bring your own bikes, you can use one of Harpers Ferry’s many bike rental services.
8. Take a Day Trip to Neighboring Towns
Harpers Ferry is surrounded by neighboring mountain towns that are just as quaint and charming as itself. The region is rich with historical sites, natural wonders, and charming pit stops.
From exploring Civil War battlefields like Antietam (25 minutes) and Gettysburg (1 hour) to venturing into stunning caverns like Luray (1.5 hours) or Skyline (1 hour), families can immerse themselves in both history and nature.
Two of our favorite shorter drives? Head to Shepherdstown (20 minutes), where you’ll find delicious restaurants and plenty of historic sites to explore. Another popular day trip is Charles Town (10 minutes), which is home to the Jefferson County Museum, tons of shops, and delicious eateries.
Don’t Miss the Best Things to Do with Kids in Harpers Ferry
As you can see, Harpers Ferry is the perfect destination for your next family vacation.
Looking for an action-packed adventure? Enjoy the many water sports, trail biking, and even ziplining opportunities around. Looking for a fun way to learn about history? Tour the countless historic buildings and even become a Junior Ranger in the process!
And when the crew is ready to relax, head back to your Mountain Mama Cabin, light the fire, and enjoy some family time together.
We can’t wait to host your family getaway!
