Morgantown WV aerial view

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

#9. Morgantown WV

It’s nearly impossible for kids to get bored while living in Morgantown, a small city in northern West Virginia on the Monongahela River near the Pennsylvania border, and one of Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live in 2018.

There’s always something for families to do here, whether it’s attending cultural and sporting events at West Virginia University, fishing at Cheat Lake or experimenting at the Spark! Imagination and Science Center. Beyond that, parents can rest easy knowing that Morgantown High School came in at No. 1 among all West Virginia high schools in U.S. New & World Report’s most recent rankings and boasts an above-average 89 percent graduation rate.

Best Way to Keep Everyone Entertained on a Saturday Afternoon: Head over to White Park, where the family can cross-country ski on more than 5 miles of trails or skate at the indoor ice arena. During the warmer months, White Park’s 170 acres are fun to explore by hiking or biking.

Kid-Friendly Restaurant: Mountain State Brewing Company, which has tons of board games for kids to play while Mom and Dad sample a flight of craft beer and munch on an artisan flatbread.

Best Date Night Spot (for frazzled parents): Take in the sweeping views of the Appalachian Mountains at Forks of Cheat Winery, then head to Sargasso for an amazing dinner. 

Where to Score the Sweet Stuff: Pay a visit to Tailpipes for a milkshake made with your choice of Fruity Pebbles, Crunch Berries, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Nutella and other goodies.

Coolest Indoor Playground: With trampolines, a foam pit, an arcade and a rock wall, Launch Pad Trampoline Park is perfect for burning off some extra energy on a rainy day.

Dog-Friendly Hangout Spot (because they’re part of the family too!): Hike around Dorsey’s Knob Park, a hilly, 70-acre park that offers humans (and fur babies) an unobstructed view of Morgantown and the surrounding valleys.

Read more: 

Newsletter Sign Up

Keep up to date with our latest rankings and articles!
Enter your email to be added to our mailing list.