Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia
New River Park, Beckley, WV
Interactive children's museum in Beckley with rotating exhibits, a small planetarium, and year-round family visits.
Editorial notes
What stands out
Good fit
- Kids who like hands-on exhibits more than nonstop gross-motor play
- Families pairing the museum with the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
- Mixed-age siblings who enjoy art, science, and local history themes
Consider another option if
- Families seeking a large soft-play or climbing structure
- Visitors who want a quick high-energy playground stop
- Small groups hoping to add a planetarium session without arranging ahead
Know Before You Go
- Supervision model
- Caregiver supervised
- Hours vary due to private events
- Yes
What to Expect
For kids
- Toddlers
- Preschoolers
- Big kids
- Mixed ages
- Museum exhibits
- Drop-in visits
For caregivers
- Caregiver supervised
- Visit type
- Interactive exhibits and guided add ons
Read more about this location
The Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia is a hands-on museum next to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine in New River Park. Families can explore rotating interactive exhibits in the museum's railroad boxcar galleries, and pre-arranged groups can add a planetarium presentation and Mountain Homestead visit. It is a better fit for curious kids who enjoy exhibit-based exploration than for families looking for a big climbing-and-sliding indoor playground.
Hours & Admission
Posted hours
Check posted weekly hours
View full weekly hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Based on posted weekly hours. Holidays, private events, seasonal schedules, and special closures may differ.
Admission
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Children Under 3 | Free |
| Museum Only Admission | $5 for the main gallery |
| Summer Complex Admission | Adults $22, children ages 4-17 $14, seniors $18, military $18 |
Admission details can change. Confirm current fees before visiting.
Location
509 Ewart Ave.
Beckley, WV, 25801
Other options nearby
Poppin Playdates
Toddler-focused soft-play sessions in Beckley with pre-booked 2-hour indoor playdates and a caregiver stay-and-play format.
Sources & Updates
5 public sources on record · Last checked Apr 6, 2026. Time-sensitive details may have changed.
View source and update details
- Last check on record
- Apr 6, 2026
- Sources reviewed
- 5 public sources
Public sources
- City of Beckley Youth Museum pagebeckley.gov
Checked: operating status, hours, museum description, walk-in policy, planetarium requirement
- City of Beckley Youth Museum contact pagebeckley.gov
Checked: current hours, contact structure, seasonal hours
- City of Beckley rates pagebeckley.gov
Checked: museum-only admission, summer complex pricing
- Beckley Parks and Recreation ticket catalogsecure.rec1.com
Checked: official booking portal, contact phone
- Official Facebook pagefacebook.com
Checked: official social presence
What changed
April 6, 2026
Verified current summer hours, museum-only pricing, ticket portal, and group planetarium requirements from official City of Beckley sources.