“It’s been going well. We’ve been trying to do a little special event with each one. Tessa (recently) gave out grab bags, and (July 31) there was Woody from ‘Toy Story’ on site taking pictures. We are trying to make the most of what we are able to do,” he said.

Movies in the Park’s last date night special, “Singing in The Rain,” will premiere at 8:45 p.m. on Aug. 14 and its final movie of the season, “A Dog’s Way Home,” will show at 8:45 p.m. Aug. 21.

Cooper said the miniature golf courses are another option. He said there was a recent tournament that proved to be successful and well-attended.

“It was very well received,” he said.

The mini-golf course will continue to be open through mid to late August, he said.

“We are also doing some other programs, such as an art class this week and (a scavenger hunt),” he said.

Cooper said the parks in general have seen much more traffic from people since the virus, lockdowns and restrictions arose.

“There’s a lot of people walking the trails at the city park, Veterans (Memorial) Park. Those people are getting outside and getting some fresh air,” he said.

For those looking for more outdoor activities to stay entertained, North Central West Virginia has several parks, such as Valley Falls State Park and Pricketts Fort State Park, both of which provide different opportunities for recreation.

Valley Falls State Park Superintendent Brett Harshbarger recently told The Exponent Telegram that the park has seen many visitors over the pandemic, possibly higher numbers than usual.

“We are definitely busy,” Harshbarger said. “This time of year, no matter what, we’re usually busy, but this year, more than most. … I kind of expected to get busier with everything else shut down.”

With the access to miles of trails to hike and mountain bike on, combined with the scenic falls, the destination allows for a full day of activities for those who visit.

At Pricketts Fort, bikers and walkers have access to miles of rail trail, and kayakers and boaters have direct river access with ease.

Other locations like Fairmont’s Morris Park and Morgantown’s Dorsey’s Knob have 18-hole disc golf courses on site with varying terrain. For those who have no equipment, retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods and Dunham’s Sports offer inexpensive sets to get started.

For those missing summer blockbusters, Shinnston’s Sunset Drive-In Theater is open Thursdays through Sundays to help fill that void. According to owner Anthony Ellis, the theater hasn’t been showing new movies because the studios have not been releasing them, but instead it’s showing movies that have already been released.

The theater also has been taking advantage of its Facebook page, creating polls that allow viewers to vote for movies they’d like to see screened.

Shinnston Mayor Pat Kovalck said the theater is doing an excellent job of providing individuals with safe summer entertainment.

“I think it’s great that they are keeping in touch with their customers and getting involved in their community. It’s definitely an asset to Shinnston and the surrounding area to have that available. Where other movie theaters are closed, you can still get your family in the car, go out on a weekend evening and enjoy a movie. It’s another way for families to have something to do and still social distance,” he said.

The theater is still operating concessions and is set up to allow for social distancing and other CDC guidelines.