10 Fun Things To Do Near Teays Valley, West Virginia (Putnam County)
If you’re planning a trip through
Teays Valley, West Virginia, or maybe you’ve just moved to the area, you might be wondering:
“What is there to do around here?”
Good news — this quiet stretch of the
Teays Valley between
Charleston and
Huntington has a surprising amount of things to do within a short drive. From parks and local food to river adventures and day trips, you can easily fill a weekend (or more).
Below are
10 fun things to do in and around Teays Valley in Putnam County that are perfect for families, couples, and anyone who enjoys small-town charm with easy access to outdoor fun.
1. Stroll, Shop, and Dine Around Teays Valley & Hurricane
Teays Valley itself is more of a community than a “big downtown,” but that’s part of its charm. The heart of nearby
Hurricane (just a few minutes away) feels like a small, friendly Main Street straight out of a movie.
You’ll find:
- Local restaurants and coffee shops
- Small boutiques and specialty shops
- Seasonal events and parades on and around Main Street
Grab breakfast at a local diner, stroll around a bit, then pick up a coffee and people-watch. It’s a simple way to get a feel for life in Putnam County.
Tip: Ask your server where they like to eat or relax. Locals in this area are usually happy to share their favorite hidden gems.
2. Play, Walk, and Relax at Valley Park
Right in Hurricane,
Valley Park is one of the best-known spots near Teays Valley and a favorite with local families.
You’ll find:
- Walking trails
- Playgrounds
- Picnic shelters
- Sports fields
- Seasonal events and festivals
On a nice day, you can pack a picnic, let the kids burn off some energy on the playground, and walk the paths as the sun starts to go down.
If you’re just passing through on I-64, this is also a great place to stretch your legs and reset before getting back on the road.
3. Cool Off at Waves of Fun Water Park
When the weather heats up, locals head to
Waves of Fun at Valley Park. This seasonal water park is just a short drive from Teays Valley and is perfect for kids and adults who still feel like kids.
Expect:
- A large wave pool
- Water slides (great for older kids and teens)
- Shallow areas for younger children
- Plenty of space to relax and sunbathe
If you’re traveling with family during the summer, this is one of the top
things to do near Teays Valley. It’s easy to spend half a day here without even noticing the time.
Travel tip: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and maybe a change of clothes for everyone. Kids never want to leave, but they also always get soaked.
4. Take the Kids to Putnam County’s Parks & Playgrounds
Teays Valley and the rest of Putnam County are dotted with small parks and green spaces that are perfect for a quick stop.
Some local favorites include:
- Hurricane City Park – ball fields, walking trails, playgrounds, and room to run
- Neighborhood playgrounds and school grounds (when open to the public)
If you’re on a road trip, sometimes all you need is a safe, open place to let kids play for 30–60 minutes. Parks in this area are usually clean, easy to access, and not overly crowded.
5. Enjoy Local Eats and Coffee in Teays Valley
One of the best ways to get to know Teays Valley is through its food. While it’s not a huge restaurant destination, there are plenty of spots that locals love.
You’ll find:
- Family-style restaurants with big portions
- Pizza places and sandwich shops
- Chain favorites mixed with homegrown spots
- Cafés where you can grab coffee and a snack
If you’re from out of state, try asking for local West Virginia classics, like pepperoni rolls or regional-style hot dogs. Not every place has them, but when you find them, you’ll understand why people talk about them so much.
SEO tip for travelers: If you’re searching online, try phrases like
“best restaurants in Teays Valley WV” or
“where to eat in Hurricane WV” to narrow things down.
6. Hit the Kanawha River for Boating & Fishing
Teays Valley is a short drive from the
Kanawha River, which runs along the border of Putnam County near towns like Winfield.
If you enjoy the water, you can:
- Drop in a small boat, kayak, or canoe at public access points
- Try your luck fishing along the riverbank
- Enjoy peaceful views early in the morning or at sunset
On a clear evening, the river feels calm and slow, with hills rising up around it. It’s a nice change of pace from highway driving or busy city life.
Note: Always check local fishing regulations and licensing rules before you go. Conditions and rules can change.
7. Take a Day Trip to Charleston, West Virginia’s Capital
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Teays Valley is location. You’re about 20–25 minutes from
Charleston, the state capital, depending on traffic.
Things to do in Charleston include:
It’s easy to stay the night in Teays Valley and take a
day trip into Charleston for museums, food, and a bit more nightlife, then head back to your quieter home base.
8. Head the Other Way: Explore Huntington & Marshall University
Drive the opposite direction on I-64 and in about 35–40 minutes you’ll reach
Huntington, another fun day-trip option from Teays Valley.
Highlights include:
If you like college-town energy — coffee shops, casual food, and students everywhere — Huntington has a different feel than Charleston and balances out the slower pace of Teays Valley.
Many travelers use Teays Valley as a middle ground between the two cities, especially when they want lower-key lodging or easier parking.
9. Explore Local Festivals and Community Events
Small towns in West Virginia take pride in their community events, and
Putnam County is no exception. Depending on the time of year, you might stumble onto:
- Holiday parades
- Local craft fairs
- Farmers markets
- Seasonal festivals at Valley Park or in downtown Hurricane
One of the best parts of traveling through places like Teays Valley is catching these small, local moments — a fall festival with pumpkin carving, or a summer evening concert at the park.
If you like to plan ahead, search online for
“Putnam County WV events” or check town and county websites and social media pages.
10. Use Teays Valley as a Base for Outdoor Adventures
While Teays Valley itself is mostly residential and commercial, it sits in a convenient spot for exploring the hills and valleys of western West Virginia.
Within an easy drive, you can:
- Head out on scenic country drives through rolling hills
- Find small hiking spots and trailheads in the region
- Visit nearby state parks and wildlife areas further out (great for day trips)
Think of Teays Valley as your
home base. You can enjoy a comfortable hotel or rental, grab dinner close by, and then pick a different direction to explore each day.
If you love road trips, try this simple loop:
Teays Valley → Charleston → back roads through rural Putnam / surrounding counties → return via I-64. You’ll get a good mix of small towns, river views, and wooded hills.
Planning Your Visit to Teays Valley, WV
Teays Valley may not be a huge tourist destination, but that’s exactly what makes it appealing. You get:
- A relaxed, safe, family-friendly atmosphere
- Easy access to both Charleston and Huntington
- Parks, local food, river access, and seasonal events
If you’re driving I-64 through West Virginia, stopping in the
Teays Valley / Hurricane area is a smart way to break up your trip. You’ll find plenty of things to do without dealing with big-city traffic or crowds.
What Did We Miss? Share Your Favorite Teays Valley Spots
Have you spent time in
Teays Valley or Putnam County?
- Do you have a favorite restaurant or coffee shop?
- Is there a local park, trail, or event you think more visitors should know about?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments so other travelers can discover them too. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a road trip through West Virginia or looking for things to do near Teays Valley.
The more we share, the easier it becomes for others to enjoy this underrated corner of the Mountain State.
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