North Carolina Family Friendly Fun
Whether you like the sand and sun of the ocean beaches or the tree covered landscape of the Appalachian Mountains, you will find many fun things to do with your kids in North Carolina. Let’s start on the coast first and then head west.
Beaches, Blue Water, Blue Skies
We suggest you take a hard look at a map first. The North Carolina coast double dips when it comes to beaches. Not only will you find many inlets, sounds and bays, but you’ll also find over 70 miles of a chain of islands called the Outer Banks. The beaches and sand dunes are great for family exploration. You can ride bikes and golf carts on some islands that don’t allow car traffic. You can kayak, canoe, paddleboard and fish to your heart’s content. You can find countless beach houses, oceanfront condos and historic hotels as you head south down the coast. You’ll come across a family fun park in Wilmington and the most decorated battleship in World War II, the USS North Carolina. If the kids like transformers then a tour on this huge warship will make their jaws drop with the overwhelming size of it. If the family likes to golf you could visit Pinehurst with offers eight different courses, the largest resort in the country. If not there, the state does not lack for golf courses.
Head West
As you drive west across the Piedmont you can find tobacco farms, cotton plantations, vineyards and large cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, Greensboro and Fayetteville. There are many National Parks on your meandering route, waterfalls, civil war memorials, zoos, museums and speedways. You’ll find beautiful college campuses in Raleigh and Durham. You may want to plan an overnight in Charlotte so you can enjoy a day at the largest waterpark in the Carolinas.
Finally, the Mountains
On the western edge of the state you will drive into the Appalachian mountain range, the Smokey Mountains and the 250 mile Blue Ridge Parkway. There are camping sites plentiful, lodges and motels. The first of several unique attractions is the Mile High Swinging Bridge. A 228 foot suspension bridge spanning a gorge offers breathtaking scenery. Then you can take the family to the High Country and the Linville Caverns. The slow moving ground water continues to create a labyrinth of underground rooms, passages and incredible rock formations. Find the town of Blowing Rock and you can entertain the kids again at a family theme park which includes a three mile long steam engine train ride. They also have amusement rides and a petting zoo.
A Real Win-Win
There are so many fun things to do with your kids in North Carolina that everyone comes out a winner. Each and every one of the cities has so much history to offer. North Carolina, with its three distinct regions of the Mountains, the Piedmont and the Coast has become a very popular vacation destination for families of all ages. We’re sure that as much as you take in, you’ll still miss something. Enjoy!
More interested in things to do within Raleigh? Here’s some ideas.
North Carolina is full of amazing family friendly fun. It’s also home to amazing family friendly dentists! If you’re in or around Raleigh, consider a visit to Renaissance Dental Center. We’re welcoming new patients from general treatment needs to full cosmetic procedures. Contact us today.