Take the kids to the Braxton County Fair (no website; PO Box 86; Flatwoods WV; 304-765-0333). The county fair runs in early August and features a variety of events including a draft horse race, an arts and crafts display and sale, a demolition derby, a livestock exhibition, a mud bog, a carnival and plenty of entertainment. The fair, which is in Flatwoods, a 30-minute drive from Strange Creek, provides carnival rides, festival seating and tickets to all shows for one admission price. Visitors can enjoy a nighttime firework display at the fair.
Enjoy an afternoon of bowling at the Central Mountain Bowling Lanes of Sutton, 24 minutes northeast of Strange Creek. (no website: I-79 Exit 67; Flatwoods, WV; 304-765-2811). You can spend an afternoon bowling at one of the facility's 12 bowling lanes or enjoy a game of pool. Central Mountain Bowling Lanes also has a lounge where adults can relax while the kids play in the game room. The entire family can eat at the bowling lanes' snack bar.
Spend some time exploring creative activities at the Controled Excentrics Placid Ceramics Art Studio and Supply (controledexcentrics.com) in Sutton. Bring the children in to paint their own pottery, make a mosaic, pour and paint a porcelain doll or fuse a warm glass creation. The studio sells art supplies and runs classes, but shorter arts and crafts sessions are offered.
Take your kids back in time at Ducky's Restaurant and Mini-Golf in Heaters, 29 minutes northeast of Strange Creek (no website; Route 19 N; Heaters, WV; 304-765-2880). The restaurant serves kid-friendly meals of pizza, hamburgers and hand-dipped ice-cream in a 50s atmosphere of poodle-skirted waitresses. After the meal you can play games in the game room or go outside and play mini-golf.
