Fun places to go for kids North Carolina | FAMILYdaysOUTusa.com | family things to do NC

Carowinds

Charlotte

CarowindsMassive water and theme park with more than 100 state-of-the-art rides, shows and movie-themed experiences for all ages.

Ghost Town In The Sky

Maggie Valley

Ghost Town In The SkyGhost Town offers rides fit for the youngest buckaroo to the bravest outlaw. Ghost Town also features staged gunfights, live music and shows, crafts, food and lots more fun

Tweetsie Railroad

Blowing Rock

Tweetsie RailroadA unique attraction that allows children and families to explore their imaginations and a whole lot more. Be a cowboy, Indian or an engineer. And of course, every guest will want to take a ride on our historic steam locomotive, Number 12.

Gold City Gem Mine

Franklin

Gold City Gem MineOpen to the public, Gem mining, Gold Panning, Rock Shop and Jewlery Store. Home of the 1061 carat Sapphire featured in People Weekly, Disney Adventure and Rock and Gem Magazines. After mining, bring your rough stones in to our on-site professional jeweler for free..

Carolina Raptor Center

Huntersville

Carolina Raptor CenterStroll along the nature trail for a self-guided tour, observe raptors in their aviaries, shop in our museum gift shop, watch a presentation of live raptors (weekends only), chat with our Wild Wings Educators about your favorite bird of prey (weekends only)

Cherokee Bear Zoo

Cherokee

Cherokee Bear ZooHome and natural habitat for the Black Bear. Although it is rare to see them in the wild, we offer a first hand observation of these beautiful creatures. Feed them and watch them do tricks for you. Also you will observe many other native wild animals, such as Raccoons,..

North Carolina Aquariums

Manteo

North Carolina AquariumsExhibits at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island focus on the diverse aquatic environments of the ''Waters of the Outer Banks.'' All of the animals on display are native to the state.

North Carolina Zoo

Asheboro

North Carolina ZooConnect with wildlife from two different continents as you explore 500 acres of exhibits carefully constructed to resemble natural habitats. Walk from AfricaÃ¢s grasslands to North AmericaÃ¢s Arctic coast.

Western North Carolina Nature Center

Asheville

Western North Carolina Nature CenterThe WNC Nature Center is a living museum of plants and animals native to the Appalachian region.

The Lazy 5 Ranch

Mooresville

The Lazy 5 RanchA privately owned exotic animal drive thru park that offers a 3.5 mile safari through the gently sloping pasturelands of Piedmont, North Carolina. While visiting at the Lazy 5 Ranch you will have the opportunity to view over 750 animals from six different continents

Day At The Farm

Cove City

Day At The FarmHayrides, animal feeding, nature trail, guided tours , ice cream parlour, maze and picnic areas.

Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine

Spruce Pine

Gem Mountain Gemstone MineGem Mountain Gemstone Mine is one of North Carolina's most enjoyable attractions! If you like gem mining...you'll LOVE Gem Mountain!

Emerald Village

Little Switzerland

Emerald VillageExplore the historic Bon Ami Mine with authentic mining equipment, mine for gemstones in our fresh water flume, watch artisans cut and mount jewelry, and then picnic in our indoor or outdoor picnic areas.

Piedmont Environmental Center

High Point

Piedmont Environmental CenterMake environmental education fun for children and adults of all ages. We have 11 miles of hiking trails on 376 acres Ã¢Â preserved and protected for your education and enjoyment. The qualified naturalists are waiting to share the beauty and wonders of our outdoor classrooms..

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center

Chapel Hill

Morehead Planetarium and Science CenterMorehead offers multimedia star shows, interactive exhibits, live science demonstrations, and a variety of classes, lectures, camps, and other special events year-round. Explore this North Carolina treasure on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus!

Discovery Place

Charlotte

Discovery PlaceDiscovery Place is a great hands -on experience for any child looking for adventure. The science centre and The Charlotte Observer IMAXÃÂ® Dome Theatre offer something fun and educational for everyone in the family!

Battleship USS North Carolina

Wilmington

Battleship USS North CarolinaClimb aboard this authetically restored warship and imagine yourself at your battle station searching the sky for enemy aircraft. Self guided tour takes about 2 hours.

Fort Macon State Park

Atlantic Beach

Fort Macon State ParkFort Macon offers public access to the surf, sun and sand of the Crystal CoastÃ¢ÂÂas well as a historic landmark.

Rays Splash Planet

Charlotte

Rays Splash PlanetRay's Splash Planet is unlike anything in the Carolinas!! Ray's includes a one-of-a-kind water park with fun-filled features

Wet Ã¢ÂÂn Wild Emerald Point

Greensboro

Wet Ã¢ÂÂn Wild Emerald PointWhen you think summer, think Wet Ã¢Ân Wild. The largest water park in both the Carolinas is the place to cool off, get sun and have fun. With over 36 rides and attractions, there's something for everyoneÃ¢Â¦from mild to wildÃ¢Â¦from tots to seniors.

Kannapolis Recreation Park

Kannapolis

Kannapolis Recreation ParkSwimming, waterslides, disc and miniature golf, volleyball and playground

Fantasy Lake

Hope Mills

Fantasy LakeTarzan and Trapeze Swings - Master Blaster Slides - Banana Slides - Fantasy Land for Kids + loads more and cafe

SciWorks

Winston-Salem

SciWorksWith a state-of-the-art Planetarium, 15-acre Environmental Park and 35,000 square feet of exhibits, learning about science is fun at SciWorks. Take a trip to the stars and back in our Planetarium! Stroll through our Environmental Park with barnyard animals, river otters,..

Museum of Life and Science

Durham

Museum of Life and ScienceA world-class science center and thesmart choice for learning and fun. Interactive inside and out, youÃ¢ÂÂll find hundreds of state-of-the art, hands-on exhibits that spark the wonder and amazement of scientific discovery in people of all ages.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Raleigh

North Carolina Museum of Natural SciencesLots of hands-on exhibits, highlights include the world's most complete Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur; Willo, the only dinosaur discovered with a fossilized heart; a two-story waterfall; and the Living Conservatory buzzing with hummingbirds and butterflies.

Greensboro Childrens Museum

Greensboro

Greensboro Childrens MuseumA hands-on, interactive, and educational play place for children ages 0-10 years and their families. Visitors learn while they play, touch, explore and discover in a variety of Ã¢ÂÂOur TownÃ¢ÂÂ exhibits that have been created to stimulate children's imagination and to provide..

Imagination Station Science Museum

Wilson

Imagination Station Science MuseumA hands-on interactive science and math learning center where the entire family can touch, spin, pet, climb, listen, look and learn basic science and math in a relaxed and fun environment.

Wheels Through Time Museum

Maggie Valley

Wheels Through Time MuseumA consummate collection of over 250 rare antique American Motorcycles and Automobiles.

Frisco Native American Museum

Frisco

Frisco Native American MuseumHoused in a building with a 100 years of history, the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center contains a nationally recognized collection of Native American artifacts, exhibits, and natural history displays.

Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve

Southern Pines

Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature PreserveThe Sandhills region consists of nearly one million acres in south-central North Carolina. In the midst of this sandy terrainÃ¢ÂÂfamous for golf courses, peach orchards and horse farms is Weymouth Woods, an 898-acre natural preserve.

Cherokee Fun Park

Cherokee

Cherokee Fun ParkIf you fancy blazing around the corners of one of our state-of-the-art go-cart tracks, splashing and bumping friends in our gigantic playboat pool, or picking a slower pace by playing through one of our newly renovated miniature golf courses

Jungle Rapids Family Funpark

Wilmington

Jungle Rapids Family FunparkGrand Prix Go-Karts - Alien Invader Laser Tag - Kids Jungle - The Rock Climbing Wall - Jungle Golf - Waterpark

All Stars Family Fun Center

Goldsboro

All Stars Family Fun CenterFun for the whole family is available at this amusement center that includes a scenic 36 hole miniature golf course, batting cages, and concession stands.

Ashevilles Fun Depot

Asheville

Ashevilles Fun DepotMulti-level Laser Tag, 18 hole indoor mini-golf, a 24-foot climbing wall, soft play area, batting cages, and our newest attractions, multi-level outdoor go-cart track, indoor go-kart track, bumber cars, and mini-bowling!

Blackbeards Lair

Surf City

Blackbeards LairAn 18-hole miniature golf course, Grand Prix raceway, bumper boats, playground, arcade and snack bar

Professor Hackers Lost Treasure Golf

Salter Path

Professor Hackers Lost Treasure GolfHow about a ride on the mining train through caves, ancient ruins and under waterfalls to begin the adventure? The family will enjoy an active day of putting their way thru our exotic mini-golf course.

The Factory

Franklin

The FactoryFun for kids of all ages, the Fun Factory is the place for games, mini golf, bowling, go-carts, laser tag, big screen TVs, party rooms, great restaurants and more. Plus, there's even an area with fun just for the little kids. ThereÃ¢ÂÂs something for everyone to enjoy.

The Jumpin Monkey

Greenville

The Jumpin MonkeyIndoor play and party centre for the smaller party goer (7 and under)

Frisco Mini Golf And Go Karts

Frisco

Frisco Mini Golf And Go Karts18-hole championship mini golf, Go Karts, snacks, games room, pool table and video arcade.

ClimbMax Climbing Center

Asheville

ClimbMax Climbing CenterGreat climbing walls on the inside and outside of the downtown climbing centre

NASCAR Speedpark

Concord

NASCAR Speedpark5 Exciting Tracks - NASCAR Reactor Simulators - Miniature Golf - Kiddie Rides - Indoor Rock Climbing Wall ; Kids Play Area - Speed Bumpers Bumper Boats - Lazer Tag Arena, Arcade. NASCAR Retail Store

Linville Caverns

Marion

Linville CavernsGuided tours leave every 10 - 15 minutes & the tour lasts 30 - 40 minutes. Caverns temperature remains a constant 52 degrees.

Beech Mountain

Beech MountainThroughout the western North Carolina highlands, there are plenty of attractions and activities for the whole family. So, while youÃ¢re enjoying the peacefulness of mile-high accommodations and weather, youÃ¢re never far from these unique area attractions. Grandfather..

Chimney Rock Park

Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock ParkThis is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and spend time with family and friends. The Park, located 25 miles southeast of Asheville, North Carolina, offers the best of the mountains in one place-spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot..

Jockeys Ridge State Park

Nags Head

Jockeys Ridge State ParkThere are many reasons why millions of people visit Jockey's Ridge State Park. Some come to see the tallest sand dune on the Atlantic coast; others come for the spectacular sunsets.

North Carolina Arboretum

Asheville

North Carolina ArboretumOne of the most beautiful natural settings in the United States - also offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. Stop by the Information Desk at the Baker Exhibit Center to pick up a brochure listing this month's educational programs, tours, garden..

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

Seven Springs

Cliffs of the Neuse State ParkAt the turn of the century visitors flocked to the area. They drank mineral water from local springs to cure their ills and they took riverboat excursions to the cliffs. Things have changed since then, however, the cliffs remain virtually unaltered, standing as a journal of..

Dismal Swamp State Park

South Mills

Dismal Swamp State ParkFeel your daily stresses melt away as you cross the historic Dismal Swamp Canal and walk along the 300-foot boardwalk into this geological wonder. For the adventurer, there are 16.7 miles of

Elk Knob State Park

Todd

Elk Knob State ParkElk Knob State Park is one of the newest additions to the North Carolina state parks system.

Eno River State Park

Durham

Eno River State ParkMinutes from Durham, Hillsborough, and Chapel Hill the Eno River State Park offers secluded wilderness trails with the serenity of a clear river drifting and cascading over a rocky stream bed.

Falls Lake State Recreation Area

Wake Forest

Falls Lake State Recreation AreaHours of relaxation await you at Falls Lake State Recreation Area. Just moments away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Falls Lake is a great way to escape urban life.

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Kure Beach

Fort Fisher State Recreation AreaEnjoy a leisurely day at the ocean shore. Comb the beach for sea stars, keyhole urchins and whelk shells. Or, simply lie back on the sand and enjoy the aerial acrobatics of seagulls, terns and brown pelicans as they soar above the waves.

Goose Creek State Park

Washington

Goose Creek State ParkGiant, old oaks draped in Spanish moss welcome you to this special world where broad, lazy Goose Creek joins the Pamlico River.

Hammocks Beach State Park

Swansboro

Hammocks Beach State ParkVenture to Bear Island and reward yourself with vivid memories of one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic coast. Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat, there's just one thing at Hammocks Beach that's crowded the list of things to do.

Hanging Rock State Park

Danbury

Hanging Rock State ParkNot far from the cities of the Triad area, off the four lane highways there's another North Carolina to be discovered sheer cliffs and peaks of bare rock, quiet forests and cascading waterfalls, views of the piedmont plateau that stretch for miles.

Jones Lake State Park

Elizabethtown

Jones Lake State ParkVenture to Jones Lake State Park and view one of the greatest geological mysteries of the eastern United States the phenomenon of the Carolina bays.

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Apex

Jordan Lake State Recreation AreaImagine relaxing in a cove, listening to the sounds of water rippling. Then, you feel a firm tug on your fishing line. It's going to be a big one! Picture the surface of the lake glistening, water spraying your face, the boat motor ahead roaring.

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

Henderson

Kerr Lake State Recreation AreaSet a course for Kerr Lake State Recreation Area to enjoy sailing, fishing, water skiing and camping. This 50,000 acre, man-made lake is a haven for water sports enthusiasts and landlubbers alike.

Lake James State Park

Nebo

Lake James State ParkTucked away in rolling hills at the base of Linville Gorge is Lake James, a 6,510-acre lake with more than 150 miles of shoreline. This impressive waterway is the centerpiece of Lake James State Park. Here, nature offers scenic vistas of the Appalachian Mountains and..

Lake Norman State Park

Troutman

Lake Norman State ParkAt Lake Norman State Park, fun is just a matter of scale. On one hand, there's the largest manmade lake in the state, Lake Norman.

Lake Waccamaw State Park

Lake Waccamaw

Lake Waccamaw State ParkThe cool, tea-colored waters at first appear similar to other lakes in the area, but Lake Waccamaw is one of the most unique bodies of water in the world. You will find here species of animals found nowhere else on the planet, rare plants and endangered animals.

Lumber River State Park

Orrum

Lumber River State ParkLumber River State Park contains 8,438 acres of land and 115 miles of state natural and scenic waters, 81 miles of which are also designated national wild and scenic waters. The park's recreation activities are currently centered at two access areas, Princess Ann and Chalk..

Medoc Mountain State Park

Hollister

Medoc Mountain State ParkShould the humdrum of nine-to-five leave you with the urge to travel and explore, head to Medoc Mountain State Park. A pleasurable excursion awaits just a 1.5 hour drive from the Research Triangle.

Morrow Mountain State Park

Albemarle

Morrow Mountain State ParkEnjoy the gifts of nature surrounded by the remnants of a once mighty range of peaks. Upon first encounter, the Uwharrie Mountains may seem like a mountainous mirage. These steep, rugged hills unusual topography for the areaÃ¢ÂÂform a stark contrast with the rolling..

Pettigrew State Park

Creswell

Pettigrew State ParkWith more than 1,300 acres of land around Lake Phelps and more than 3,000 acres along the Scuppernong River, with an additional 16,600 acres of water, Pettigrew State Park is an ideal blend of nature, history and recreation.

Pilot Mountain State Park

Pinnacle

Pilot Mountain State ParkFun, from relaxation to exhilaration, is easy to find here. Treat yourself to a horseback ride through the woods or challenge the river from raft or canoe. A seven-mile woodland corridor joins two sections of the park, each section offering a wealth of opportunities for..

Raven Rock State Park

Lillington

Raven Rock State ParkSpend some time at Raven Rock State Park and let nature refresh your spirit. feeling you are likely to experience at Raven Rock is one of renewal. Here, the forest reigns as each year the timeless cycle of growth further heals age-old wounds inflicted by man.

Singletary Lake State Park

Kelly

Singletary Lake State ParkBring your group to Singletary Lake State Park and enjoy group camping in a land of mysterious origins. A portion of the unique Carolina bay ecosystem found nowhere else in the world, Singletary Lake lies within the 35,975 acre Bladen Lakes State Forest.

South Mountains State Park

Connelly Springs

South Mountains State ParkNestled deep in the woods, South Mountains State Park is the perfect place to enjoy nature. Here you can see a majestic mountain range peeking out from the gently rolling landscape of the piedmont.

Stone Mountain State Park

Roaring Gap

Stone Mountain State ParkStone Mountain is not immediately visible upon entering the park that bears its name, but this magnificent 600-foot granite dome is well worth the wait.

William B. Umstead State Park

Raleigh

William B. Umstead State ParkTucked between the growing cities of Raleigh, Cary, Durham and the corporate world of Research Triangle Park is an oasis of tranquility, a peaceful haven William B. Umstead State Park.

ImaginOn

Charlotte

ImaginOnThe 60-year-old ChildrenÃ¢ÂÂs Theatre of Charlotte have opened their wonderful new building called IMAGINON. It combines a childrenÃ¢ÂÂs theatre with a fabulous childrenÃ¢ÂÂs library. It offers schools and families a double whammy visit to the world of story.

Lowes Motor Speedway

Concord

Lowes Motor SpeedwayHome to some great NARCAR races and other more kid friendly Crash Car races throughout the year (check schedule)

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Bryson City

Great Smoky Mountains RailroadUpward of 200,000 passengers enjoy the scenery each year aboard the excursion trains. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is truly spectacular with 53 miles of track, two tunnels and 25 bridges.

Asheville Trolley Tour

Asheville

Asheville Trolley TourLearn about AshevilleÃ¢ÂÂs early settlers, famous citizens and illustrious authors through interesting stories and colorful anecdotes. See for yourself a city rich in architecture, history and the arts... alive and inviting!

SPOTLIGHT ON NORTH CAROLINA

Hanging Rock State Park