12 Fun Things to Do in North Carolina with Kids — Best Family-Friendly Attractions!
North Carolina is brimming with thrilling and unforgettable experiences for the entire family.
The state offers a diverse range of enthralling family-oriented outdoor escapades, from picturesque mountains to picture-perfect beaches.
It also has historic lighthouses, mind-blowing thrill rides, and educational museums.
What’s more, guess what?
We’re making your trip planning easier by highlighting the best fun things to do in North Carolina with kids.
- Historic Uptown Segway Tour-Charlotte
Taking a segway tour is the ideal way to begin a family vacation in Charlotte.
You will view numerous public artworks, fountains, museums, and skyscrapers as you take this one-of-a-kind trip.
Additionally, it will lead you to the old town while passing famous sites and some of the top family resorts in North Carolina.
This segway tour will provide you with insight into the culture and its historical background if you have a knowledgeable guide.
Teenagers and preteens will enjoy the thrilling, entertaining, and educational Historic Uptown Segway Tour (at least 12 years old).
- 2. Carowinds- Charlotte
The renowned Carowinds must be included on any list of the top family-friendly attractions in North Carolina.
This family-friendly complex, which combines a water park and a theme park, offers numerous cutting-edge rides and activities with movie themes.
You’ll find a world of excitement at Carowinds, whether you’re in the mood for a heart-pumping adventure, a cool dip, or a carousel ride.
A fantastic and exciting attraction for children of all ages is Carowinds.
- Blowing Rock — Tweetsie Railroad
Blowing Rock is not listed among North Carolina’s top family vacation destinations for nothing.
Though it doesn’t provide major city entertainment, it is the location of Tweetsie Railroad, the best amusement park in the state.
With its hilarious themed attractions, this park—known for its Wild West theme—entertains kids and lets your inner child go.
You may spend the full day at Tweetsie Railroad, taking part in the Wild West Train adventures and riding the legendary steam engines.
The park also provides a variety of other rides, including the traditional carousel, Tornado, and Zero.
The Tweetsie Railroad is one of North Carolina’s most exciting family-friendly attractions and is best for children ages 3 and up.
- Asheville’s Blue Ridge Parkway and Waterfall Tour
With this scenic, family-friendly adventure, you can escape your daily city grind and savor the beauty of nature.
Begin your journey by driving up the renowned Blue Ridge Parkway, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking mountain views.
Following that, this tour will take you through the Pisgah National Forests and across breathtaking mountain creeks.
Of course, this hike includes wildlife viewing and waterfall visits.
This outdoor tour is appropriate for children aged 6 and up.
- Emerald Isle
Do you want to go somewhere salty and sunny?
Do yourself a favor and take a relaxing family vacation to Emerald Isle.
With a sandy and pristine shoreline and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s no surprise that Emerald Beach is regarded as one of the best family beaches in North Carolina.
Emerald Isle also has a plethora of beach amenities, such as showers, parking, picnic pavilions, and grills.
Did we mention it’s home to a number of fantastic family resorts?
Emerald Isle is an excellent beach destination for children of all ages.
- Asheboro, North Carolina Zoo
Families traveling to Asheboro absolutely must pay a visit to the North Carolina Zoo.
It is by far the biggest natural habitat zoo in the nation, with a huge 500 acres of territory.
The zoo is also home to a variety of fascinating species, including polar bears, lions, and alligators.
It also abounds with kid-friendly activities, experiences, and destinations, including the Zoofari, Giraffe Deck, and Prairie Geyser.
There are numerous exhibits and attractions at the North Carolina Zoo that will enthrall kids of all ages.
In fact, it’s frequently listed as among the best activities in North Carolina for families with toddlers and young children.
- Natural Sciences Museum of North Carolina, Raleigh
Looking for rainy-day activities for kids that are educational?
Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, I advise you.
Your family will love solving the wonders of the universe at this museum with its wide variety of interactive displays.
To make it more interesting, near the parking area, there are enormous 3-story world globes and dinosaur exhibits that are sure to amaze your kids.
Children ages 3 and up will find plenty of instructive displays at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences that will pique their curiosity.
- Southern Food Bicycle Tour- Charlotte
A guided bicycle food tour is a delicious and filling way to discover Queen City.
The tour will take you to the trendy arts sector and tree-lined streets with a knowledgeable guide, where you’ll stop for delectable food.
On this tour, you’ll sample a variety of delectable foods, from cornbread to savory chicken wings.
Not to mention, it makes stops at some of Charlotte’s premier eateries, such as Mert’s Heart & Soul and Midnight Diner.
For children ages 9 and older, the Southern Food Bicycle tour is a fantastic adventure.
- Uwharrie National Forest in Troy
What do you get to experience?
Families who love the outdoors will find little doubt that the Uwharrie National Forest is a wonderland.
The woodland offers a variety of cheap and free activities for youngsters in addition to its soothing beauty.
In this national forest, families can go boating, horseback riding, camping, and swimming.
Parents will also have plenty of possibilities for lake, pond, river, and stream fishing.
All ages of kids will appreciate the Uwharrie National Forest’s picturesque natural setting and outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park i-Greensboro
The entire group can have splashy fun at Wet’n Wild Emerald.
With over 25 water slides, attractions, and slides, it is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting and lively family-friendly destinations in North Carolina that you can visit.
In addition to child pools and slides, this water park offers big-time thrills for adventurous teens and adults.
Try Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror for a rush of adrenaline.
Wet’n Wild Emerald can delight and occupy visitors of all ages for the entire day.
- North Carolina Arboretum- Asheville
More than 400 acres of beautifully groomed walkways and magnificent gardens filled with vibrant flora may be found at the North Carolina Arboretum.
Explore the woodland bike and hiking trails here for a few hours with the kids.
You can also take a tour of the gardens and go to Blue Ridge County, which features a garden pool and a variety of botanical landscapes.
And believe me when I say that these sites will increase your adolescents’ and tweens’ Instagram as well.
Children ages 6 and up will enjoy a colorful and relaxing pit stop at the North Carolina Arboretum.
- Downtown Asheville Tour-Asheville
Undoubtedly one of the best and most instructive things to do in North Carolina with kids, a downtown Asheville tour is unquestionably a fantastic experience.
It will provide you with not only a thorough introduction to the city’s history but also a wealth of breathtaking vistas.
It also offers a detour to the stunning Riverside Cemetery.
You can visit the graves of some of the city’s most famous citizens, including Thomas Wolfe and William Sydney Porter, as you stroll through the cemetery.
Children ages 6 and up will enjoy, feel protected, and learn a lot on this tour that combines driving and strolling.
