North carolina vacation with toddlers

North Carolina is a beautiful state, and it’s the perfect place to get away and recharge.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an active experience that will get your blood pumping, North Carolina has something for you. If you’re thinking of heading to the coast, there are plenty of options for you—from sunbathing on pristine white sand beaches to hiking through dense forests. Inland, there are plenty of opportunities to explore nature—take a bike ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains, or go kayaking down one of the many rivers that wind through the area.

If you want something more exciting than just relaxation, there’s also plenty of opportunity for adventure in North Carolina—check out the list below for some ideas:

North carolina vacation with toddlers

1WHITEWATER RAFTING ON THE NANTAHALA RIVER

Bryson City

For the family that likes a bit of an adrenaline rush, there’s nothing like whitewater rafting, and the teamwork aspect bonds parents and children in a special way. Nantahala Outdoor Center and other local outfitters offer half-day excursions, or full-day trips with lunch. After conquering the river, grab street tacos and other mouth-watering fares on Big Wesser’s patio.
Best when kids are: tweens and up

2WILD HORSES AT SHACKLEFORD BANKS

Shackleford Banks

Take the exuberant reaction your kids have to visiting a zoo and multiply it several times over – that’s what you get when your little ones see animals in the wild. The adventure begins with the ferry ride to the Crystal Coast island of Shackleford Banks, the southernmost barrier island in Cape Lookout National Seashore. More than 100 wild horses roam free here, just as they have for the past 500+ years. Get an in-depth experience by taking a guided tour from Shackleford Wild Horse and Shelling Safari.
Best when kids are: any age

382ND AIRBORNE DIVISION WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM

Fort Bragg

Visits to museums have long been ways for kids to learn history outside of the classroom and textbooks. Plus, at this museum, there are some really cool planes spread throughout the grounds for them to ooh and ahh over. It’s also the only museum in America to showcase the history from World War I to the present of the 82nd Airborne Division, and it’s all free.
Best when kids are: elementary age and up

photo: Tweetsie Railroad

4TWEETSIE RAILROAD

Blowing Rock

The popularity of trains among kids has lasted through generations of toy trends. In Blowing Rock, parents can bring the fantasy to life aboard the 3-mile Tweetsie Railroad ride. To make the experience even more special, plan your visit during one of the park’s special events such as Day Out With Thomas or Tweetsie Christmas.
Best when kids are: toddlers to elementary age

5CANOEING IN THE DISMAL SWAMP

South Mills

Being on the water is a thrill regardless of age or vehicle, so a kayak outing is sure to deliver smiles and a sense of accomplishment, too. Kayak and canoe rentals are available from the park, and if you’d rather stay on land, bike rentals are an option, too.
Best when kids are: tweens and up

6MUSEUM OF LIFE + SCIENCE

Durham

Although some of us grow out of loving science as we age, when we’re kids, science is undeniably fascinating. The museum’s more than 80 acres include an outdoor playground, animal exhibits and interactive stations where kids can build flying objects, conduct lab experiments or play astronaut.
Best when kids are: any age

photo: Transylvania County TDA

7SLIDING ROCK AND THE LAND OF WATERFALLS

Brevard

If you think kids love plastic slip-and-slides, wait until you see their faces light up as they slide down an all-natural one – and you’ll get to feel like a kid again, too. Of course, kids will want to wear their swimsuits, but shorts and sneakers are recommended for a ride down this 60-foot waterslide into the 7-feet-deep swimming hole (lifeguards are on duty).
Best when kids are: elementary age and up

8CAPE HATTERAS LIGHTHOUSE

Buxton

Lighthouses scream adventure for kids because these landmarks are tied to the sea, which is the home of explorers they’ve learned about in school and the pirates they’ve wanted to be (or defeat) on TV. This monument also happens to be North America’s tallest brick lighthouse, which means you should only attempt to climb with your kids once they can handle going up 257 steps on their own. Make a day of it by packing lunches and adding a stop to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, which features information and artifacts from shipwrecks. (Note: The lighthouse may not be open for climbing in 2022 due to ongoing restoration efforts.)
Best when kids are: elementary age and up

9NORTH CAROLINA ZOO

Asheboro

A trip to the zoo as a child is a prerequisite for adulthood. Developing an awareness and appreciation for nature in your own cubs encourages them to be more compassionate and concerned for wildlife as adults. The North Carolina Zoo, the largest natural habitat zoo in the country, is divided into Africa, Desert and North America. Plus, it includes plenty of other attractions such as a Giraffe Deck, Cypress Swamp and The Prairie Geyser.
Best when kids are: any age

10UNTO THESE HILLS

Cherokee

On paper, this outdoor drama is a history lesson. But in reality, the chance to see and hear from Native Americans will bring to life stories your kids have likely read in textbooks or watched in movies. Enjoy performances six nights a week (in season, which runs from late May to mid-August), and parents can feel good knowing they’re sharing an important part of American history in a fun, unique way with their youngsters. Performances run about two hours, and since temperatures from day to night vary in the mountains, bring jackets or blankets just in case.
Best when kids are: elementary age and up

11BATTLESHIPNORTH CAROLINA

Wilmington

Be sure to add a visit to Wilmington on your vacation plans to step aboard this massive vessel. Let your kids play captain by steering the ship and firing guns. While you’re in the area, why not visit The Little Dipper, named by OpenTable as one of the top 100 restaurants in the USA. Your family will have a blast dipping fondue and deciding between dessert options such as milk and cookies, s’mores and fluffernutter. Adults can enjoy the optional beer or wine pairings with each course.
Best when kids are: elementary age and up

12UWHARRIE NATIONAL FOREST

Troy

Here in one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America, you’ll find horseback riding, camping, boating and swimming, plus lake, pond, river and stream fishing, which means families can make a day, weekend or week out of their visit. A Boy Scout even created a QR-coded trail that unlocks information about the forest’s history along the way.
Best when kids are: any age

Linville Falls

13LINVILLE CAVERNS, LINVILLE FALLS & GORGE, AND GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN

Marion, Linville

Visiting a cavern for the first time will astonish your little ones, who may have never realized such natural beauty existed underground. Experiences such as these are what often lead to kids proclaiming they want to be an archaeologist when they grow up. Your trip here can also include exploring Linville Gorge and crossing the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain.
Best when kids are: elementary age and up