What is North Carolina famous for? People often mention the beach in the Outer Banks and the bucket-list-worthy hikes in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, but this East Coast state offers many more attractions for families. You will find historic sites, great zoos, museums, and other fun family-friendly places to visit. This makes North Carolina a staple for summer family vacations amongst GoWhee members.
With so many places to choose from, we wanted to create a guide that showcases both iconic and unique things to do for kids of all ages, of course, all selected by parents themselves, so you can capture the quintessential NC attractions for families.
It is a hard question to answer since families are all different! But here is a compilation from our members of unique things to do in North Carolina when you travel with kids.
Come for a shopping spree but stay for the educative experience! Asheville’s Best Gem Mine is a little store run by a local couple with a real passion for teaching children and adults about gems. Every bucket is guaranteed to contain precious and semi-precious stones. Families particularly love that you can dig gems and dinosaur bits too!
General Information: Buckets of gems start at 16$. Public parking is available across the street. The place can be quite busy on weekends so be prepared to wait a bit but the staff is great at entertaining the kids. Families recommend this place for toddlers and up.
Insider Tip: One bucket of gems is enough for 2 kids to play and enjoy the experience.
Located less than a 90-minute drive from Charlotte, the North Carolina Zoo offers tons of experiences for families loving animals. If you’d like to get up close and personal with a giraffe, parents recommend getting tickets for the Acacia Station Giraffe Deck. These gentle giants will come right up to nibble on the lettuce leaves you can offer them.
General Information: This activity costs an extra $5 on top of the zoo admission (starts at $11). You can find food onsite and also bring your picnic. Families usually spend half a day at least and prefer the morning since you can see more animals.
Insider Tip: The giraffes will not be in this part of the habitat when the ground is wet, so plan on doing this on a sunny day. The park is huge so come prepared for little kids and good shoes for everyone. For a downhill and easier walk, parents recommend parking in the Africa parking lot, taking a tram to North America, and starting your visit there. You will then end your visit back at the Africa lot and will not have to wait for a shuttle with tired kids at the end of the day.
If you love to see something different and stay cool on hot summer days, take one of the tours of the Linville Caverns. These are the only caverns in North Carolina open to visit. You can see stalactites, stalagmites, and other incredible rock formations. The tour is great for kids since it is pretty short (about 40 min) and very educative.
General Information: Entry is $13 for adults and $11 for kids. The caverns are only open from March to November. For wheelchair users, the good news is that there is a portion of the caverns that is accessible. Make sure you use the bathroom outside BEFORE the tour if you are on the last tour of the day.
Insider Tip: Take jackets because it can be quite chilly and wet in the caverns. Note that tickets have to be bought onsite since you can’t reserve online, so make sure you get there early to buy your tickets even if you plan on visiting later during the day. Strollers are not allowed so make sure you bring the baby carrier!
The Tweetsie Railroad Amusement Park is a fun park with a Wild West theme and gorgeous mountain views, listed in the National Register of Historic Places. You can enjoy classic roller coasters, train adventures, southern vintage live entertainment, a petting zoo, and other family-friendly attractions. Families with young children recommend this place because rides are great for toddlers too.
General Information: Admission is $60.00 for adults and $40.00 for kids 2 and older. There are a few food options onsite, but you can bring your picnic as well. Restrooms with changing tables are available onsite and they have a private room for breastfeeding by the first aid station. Most of the parks and attractions are wheelchair and stroller accessible, but be aware of hills due to terrain.
Insider Tip: Families recommend taking a trip down history by riding one of their coal steam engine trains on a 3-mile Wild West experience. Make sure to sit on the right side to get the best views! Parents also recommend heading there during the fall for their autumn activities and the beautiful foliage in the mountains.
Located in the heart of Charlotte, NC, the NASCAR Hall of Fame offers the perfect family fun day for fans of race cars and non-fans alike. The Hall of Fame showcases both cars and historical facts about car racing and provides some great educative and interactive exhibits related to the sport like a fun digital experience where you can build your race car or test your skills in the pit and learn what it takes to be a NASCAR broadcaster!
General Information: Adults’ admission starts at $27 but we recommend you to check their cool packages with simulators if you are into a more hands-on experience. The whole place is wheelchair accessible including major attractions like the simulators. They have a little cafe and parents report that the food is pretty good there. Parents report spending between 3-5hrs onsite.
Insider Tip: If you have more than 2 kids make sure you look at their family membership since simulator attractions are included in the price and you get buddy passes. Perfect for large families. Although this is a great place for teens, little kids will enjoy the pit crew challenge for some hands-on fun and see the real Lightning McQueen!
Happening only once a year during September (see dates here), this unique experience is a must-do with kids in NC according to local families. The whole experience is held in the original (closed to the public since the 80s and became a private resort) Land of the OZ theme park, located north of the Smoky Mountains. The experience is brought back to life in the fall each year as the “largest OZ festival in the world”. Families can enjoy all the crafts activities themed on the story, and travel through each iconic part like the farm, the emerald city, the tornado, and the yellow brick road. Character meets and photo opportunities are of course part of the adventure.
General Information: Admission is $60 for everyone aged 2 and above. The original theme park is ancient and has no provision for accessibility, or allowing strollers so plan on bringing your baby carrier. The festival has a lot of food options available.
Insider Tip: The location is remote in the mountains so come prepared and dressed up for cooler weather. Once parked you will need to take a chair lift to the park, but if kids or adults are not comfortable with that, the resort offers a shuttle so make sure you purchase your tickets in advance.
Perfectly located halfway between Greensboro and Charlotte, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is a fun way to experience the local railroad and transportation history. This living museum’s unique roundhouse was built inside an old train station and offers a ride on a 1924 train turntable, antique fire truck tours, and even a replica of Thomas the Tank Engine. Your family can discover what life was like for the people who worked on trains and many other temporary exhibits and events throughout the year like their summer fun days. Don’t forget to get an up-close look at the Wright Flyer replica and learn about the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk!
General Information: Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for kids. The site is fully wheelchair accessible, including the train ride. Changing Tables are available in the bathrooms in multiple spots. There is a vending machine for snacks but no real restaurant onsite so come prepared. We recommend to make use of their picnic areas.
Insider Tip: Parents recommend visiting during the cooler season since buildings can get stuffy and hot. Since it is a living museum, parents are warned to be on alert with little kids for moving trains. They have a great sensory-friendly map that will give you quiet areas for low stimulation, all the distances and walking time between each exhibit as well as the parts of the museum where active trains are present. This location is part of the ASTC program for free admission.
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The state is famous for its outdoors, so what to do on a rainy day or high heat index in NC? We’ve got you covered… literally!
Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, Marbles is a nationally renowned children’s museum full of fun, interactive exhibits where kids can use their imagination to play, create, and even get a little messy. Parents love that older kids can do some hands-on activities like using real tools while families with infants and toddlers have their own dedicated space to crawl and play in the baby area.
General Information: Entry is $9 for kids and adults when bought online. They offer sensory-friendly days with special accommodations for children with SPD. There is limited food onsite but you also get in-and-out privileges to grab lunch downtown. Changing table in the bathroom. Make sure you reserve your ticket in advance since it is required. Parking is free on weekends in the park deck near the park or you will have to use street parking.
Insider tip: Plan at least half a day playing here and families recommend to try the pirate ship and the farm. Make sure you buy tickets in advance online because they can be sold out and will not go over capacity. They also offer free entry for Bank of America customers on the first weekend of the month.
This museum is part of the ASTC program for free admission.
Artspace is a freestyle and immersive art gallery grouping small art studios with working artists. You can just come in, walk through to check each studio, and visit their permanent exhibitions, but it also hosts Kid-friendly art classes and cool teen-friendly events like their “sip and stitch” class. During the year, this indoor location in the heart of the city offers an open studio with a monthly rotation of art activities for kids aged 5+ perfect to take a creative break from the heat or the rain.
General information: Completely FREE access to both the exhibitions and the open studio but you need to register. They have a strong commitment to inclusivity and welcoming ALL families. The whole space is wheelchair accessible with automatic doors, an elevator, and accessible bathrooms. For parking, you can get a space for FREE out front for 2 hours or paid lots around the center.
Insider Tip: During the summer the space replaces its art classes with art camps, so make sure you check their schedule. Parents recommend visiting the space on the first Friday of the month to see all the studios open and meet the artists or on other days if you want a calmer atmosphere. For kids needing a quiet space or sensory amenities, you will find an open playroom with a calm corner, dimmable lights, and sensory backpacks on request.
The Biltmore Estate is a staple in North Carolina, it is often presented as more of an adult experience with complimentary wine tasting and ornated decors. The main house is indeed better for older kids, BUT if you have younger kids, GoWhee members are sharing their best hack! They recommend planning your visit around the Antler Hill Village and the grounds. Kids will love the playground, crafts demonstrations, and the farm. The estate “ground ticket” is much cheaper and you still get to enjoy this unique atmosphere, outdoor views of the house, the wine, and over 20 miles of beautiful kid-friendly trails.
General information: The grounds-only tickets range between $50 and $85 when purchased online and include parking (10 min walk to the main house). Kids under 9 years old are FREE. There are multiple places to get food onsite and picnics are allowed in certain areas. Bathrooms have changing tables. Be aware that the grounds are uneven and may be difficult in some parts for wheelchairs, we recommend bringing your jogging stroller if possible.
Insider Tip: Families recommend planning a whole day to visit the place at an enjoyable pace. Parents also share that teens and school-aged children can still enjoy the visit to the main house by listening to the 90-minute audio tour narrated by a dog. And don’t forget to bring bikes (or rent them) since you are allowed to use them throughout the estate.
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Is there anything better than FREE fun? We don’t think so! Here is what local NC parents recommend when you want a budget-friendly trip in the coastal state.
The five stories North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh should be on your list If your child likes animals, nature, or Dinosaurs. It is the only place in the world where you can see fossilized Dueling Dinosaurs of a tyrannosaur and a triceratops going to battle. The NCMNS is also known for its famous Living Butterflies Conservatory as well as for offering tons of hands-on and interactive exhibits about local animals and other science subjects.
General Information: Entry is FREE with donation-based participation and parking is free on the weekend in the nearby lot. They have a little cafe with snacks and sandwiches on the fourth floor. They provide tons of accommodations for different abilities and sensory processing, as well as free wheelchairs and a completely accessible building.
Insider Tip: Parents recommend planning one to two days to make the most out of it. If you have little kids you may want to skip the 3D movie. And note that hands-on exhibits are located mainly on the 2nd floor and 3rd floor.
Located less than an hour from Charlotte, the Reed Gold Mine was the first site in the U.S. where gold was discovered. Today, visitors can pan for gold or take a self-guided tour of the visitor center with educative exhibits about the mining process, as well as visit the inside of America’s oldest gold mine. Families recommend checking out their calendars and visiting during reenactment days if possible, it is a lot of fun!
General Information: The center and mine are FREE, and you can pay $3 to pan for gold. The center and some of the trails around the property are accessible, the mine trail is accessible for the most part but there are stairs at the end so you will have to return where you came from. Gowhee members have reported bathrooms with changing tables and some food onsite.
Insider Tip: The mine is very dark, so little ones might need reassurance so make sure to take some layers with you. The gold panning activity is weather-dependent and seasonal so make sure you check your weather app before going.
The North Carolina Art Museum is located on the outskirts of Raleigh and is the perfect spot to enjoy a free afternoon with kids either indoors or outdoors, especially for families loving the arts. With their rotating exhibitions about ancient arts, native American arts, or even thought-provoking displays, this museum caters to the whole family, but every weekend, kids aged 5 to 11 years old can join lively discussions and playful activities in special 30-minute tours designed for them. They also have special exhibits and events for teens.
General Information: Tours and museum admission are both free for all. Parking is also complimentary. Changing tables are available in bathrooms. For accessibility, the buildings and some of the grounds are completely accessible, and some parts of the park are not due to the natural terrain’s incline. The museum is committed to providing accommodation for all abilities including diverse children, vision and hearing impairments, and wheelchair users.
Insider Tip: The museum also has a park with 164 acres, of trails and an art display, as well as some natural habitats, so make sure you plan on staying the whole day to enjoy that toot. Don’t forget to grab the kids’ bikes (or rent some) since you can use those to explore. Parents also recommend splurging and eating lunch there since their food is part of the experience. Also, make sure you check their calendar if you want to stay away from major events held there.
Outdoorsy Families this is your little corner! With beautiful state parks North Carolina is a dream for little hikers, here are the best trails for kids according to our community.
Located near Highlands, NC in the smoky mountains, Dry Falls is one of the few waterfalls that walk safely behind. The hike leading to the fall is about a 5-minute walk and is perfect for tired kids or little ones wanting some wow factor without extensive physical activity.
If someone in your family, can’t make it down the steps, they can still enjoy the fall from an accessible viewpoint deck.
General Information: The trail is FREE but you will pay $3 for parking. There are bathrooms onsite but they are port-a-potty so no changing table or sink.
Insider tip: The trail can get slippery so watch for active little kids. In high season it gets very busy, so go off-peak hours. This is also a great spot to visit during the winter!
Adjacent to the Tennessee border, this half-mile paved trail is a great way to reach breathtaking views. Parents recommend it for older kids and teens because the incline is pretty steep. Experienced little hikers could handle it since there are plenty of benches along the way to rest.
General information: Free although a $5 Smoky Park parking sticker is needed. Portapotty is on site but not the cleanest and only available by the gift shop so come prepared. Because of the incline, we do not recommend this trail for wheelchair users or stroller riders. Dogs are NOT allowed on the trail.
Insider Tip: Make sure to check the weather since views can be obstructed by clouds or fog.
Parking gets very busy so make sure you start this hike early. The temperatures change dramatically up the trail so bundle up the kids or bring a jacket.
Located half an hour from Asheville, this lakeside trail offers the perfect setting for hiking with kids of all ages, with mountain backgrounds and 3 miles of paved, flat path surrounding the water. A portion of that loop is named the “rose walk” after its beautiful rose bushes blooming in the spring, the path starts and finishes with a coffee shop offering sweets and kids can enjoy a playground mid-way making it the perfect boost for little hikers.
General information: Free with a suggested donation box in the pool area or you can donate online. We recommend parking by the Junaluska gift shop and coffee shop. The trail is completely accessible. There are some shaded picnic areas and tables along the trail.
Insider tip: The trail can also be extended when you turn right after crossing the Turbeville bridge, but a portion of that extension is by the highway so gowhee parents recommend sticking with the inside loop and going left. Also, be aware of geese that could be aggressive.
Bring fishing rods if your kids are into it!
From an easy trail to an observation deck for first-timer little hikers to a more challenging path to a waterfall for more experienced and older children, this state park has something for everyone. They are trying to make the whole experience fun for kids with an array of family activities around nature and the hikes. The star of the show is of course the giant rock formation sticking out of a mount on top of the village, looking like a chimney, that gave its name to this spot. Families can either undertake the challenging 500 steps up to the top to see the rock or take the elevator.
General information: Tickets are $17 for adults and FREE for kids aged 5 and under. You can come for FREE on your birthday with an ID. Bathrooms, a gift shop, and a little cafe are available at the top. Dogs are not allowed on the elevator so make sure to be prepared to climb the stairs if you bring a pet.
Insider tip: Fences along the trail can look a bit unsafe so practice caution with little kids.
Strollers can’t be used so come prepared for younger kids. But parents share that it is well worth the hike to see this cool waterfall featured in “The Last of the Mohicans”. Families also recommend checking out the interactive animal shows if you can.
Want a break from climbing mountains, but need to keep things outdoors? Here is GoWhee’s selection of fun outdoor attractions great for kids.
With over 60 species of animals including their iconic Black Bear, the Western North Carolina Nature Center is not your traditional zoo but a real conservation center. Many of the animals are native to North Carolina but are rarely seen by people. The center is shaded with lots of trees and offers multiple nature playgrounds for kids to fill their sensory needs during the visit. You can also meet, pet, and feed farm animals.
General Information: Tickets start at $13.95 for adults and $9.95 for kids. The center works hard to make sure the experience is as inclusive as possible for all. Most of their paths are paved or are boardwalks great for wheelchairs and strollers. They also provide sensory sensitivity bags and quiet zones for kids with SPD (sensory processing disorders).
Insider Tip: Bring quarters to buy animal food from the vending machines to feed the domesticated animals. This animal center is part of the AZA and ASTC program for free or discounted rates. If your kids love scavenger hunts, don’t forget to print the page before you go.
For unforgettable summer and natural entertainment, families recommend heading down to one of the many state parks North Carolina offers. The Pisgah National Forest and its 60ft tall Looking Glass Water Fall. is one of those beautiful trips perfect for staying cool in the hot southern state’s summer days. You can see the waterfall from the observation deck or get down the stairs to get to the swimming hole down the river. If your family feels up for it, some parents recommend taking the hike for 6 miles (round trip) through a shaded trail to get to the top of the fall for gorgeous views.
General Information: This spot is FREE and dog-friendly. You will have to park for free along the street. Due to the stairs leading to the waterfall, this is not suitable for wheelchairs and difficult for strollers.
Insider Tip: This spot gets super busy, so arrive early. There are a lot of stairs to get to the bottom. If you still want to hike but can’t commit to the 6-mile hike, check out the John Rock Trail (1.5 miles) leading to another smaller waterfall.
If you take a trip to Grandfather Mountain, located less than an hour from Boon, you need to stand on the Mile High Swinging Bridge! The structure is an entire mile above ground and can offer some great thrill, especially during a windy day. Parents also mention that the picturesque backdrop makes the perfect spot for family photos, so bring your camera! You can visit the Wilson Center a great discovery place with a museum and zoo for an educational experience about North Carolina’s natural history.
General information: Tickets should be purchased online and are $20 for adults or $10 for kids. The bridge is good for strollers and wheelchair accessible, with an elevator to reach the bridge. The center has bathrooms and food.
Insider Tip: Make sure to visit the zoo at feeding time and check the center’s programs since they have cool interactive activities for kids. Families recommend to plan to spend the whole day there. Weather is pretty temperamental up there so make sure you pack for all weather conditions, even in summer days. The best tip for families is also to plan this visit during foliage season!
North Carolina’s Outer Banks is a hot destination for its beaches, but visitors forget to mention the unique ecosystem that can only be found here. This ecosystem allows for wonderful animal interactions like one with the mystical wild horses. This experience is only available with a special vehicle like on a 4WD guided tour or open-air Hummer tour.
General Information: Tours are an average of $90 for adults and $50 for kids and you should plan for 2 hours plus driving time. Families report that there are no bathroom breaks so come prepared! And it is not adapted to kids under 40lbs.
Insider Tip: You must bring a car seat for kids under the age of 8 or 80 pounds, and kids can’t sit on parents’ laps. It is illegal to feed or approach the horses so make sure you keep kids close by.
Sliding Rock, an iconic 60-foot slide, is located near Charlotte. Parents love the natural unstructured feel of the place while having lifeguards and organization in place to keep the whole family safe and comfortable. Families recommend this fun activity for kids not afraid of the cold water!
General information: You will pay $5 per person to enter and the site is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 6 pm, weather permitting. The parking lot can fill up quickly but extra spaces are available along the highway. The site is dog-friendly, but strollers and wheelchairs can’t access it. Parents mentioned bathrooms and changing rooms onsite.
Insider Tip: Parents recommend avoiding peak hours noon to 4 pm and trying to head over during the week. The place is not suited to hang out so don’t plan to picnic (they are forbidden) or relax with bags and kids there. Think about bringing a life jacket and water shoes for little ones to be at peace.
327 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511
510 E Main St, Rose Hill, NC 28466
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