Exciting Things to Do in North Carolina for Families

North Carolina - Family boat ride. Photo credit The Crystal Coast Facebook

Discover North Carolina for groups—from unforgettable Outer Banks family vacations to exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains with kids

From soft, sandy beaches to misty mountain trails, there are plenty of family-oriented things to do in North Carolina. Whether you’re wrangling toddlers, entertaining teens, or traveling with three generations in tow, there’s something for everyone here. The Tar Heel State is where you can watch wild horses roaming the beaches, roast marshmallows in the Blue Ridge Mountains, explore quirky towns, and discover fascinating museums with fun activities.

Grab your hiking shoes and your beach towels—we’re planning your next adventure. Let’s dive into the best family things to do in North Carolina, from the coast to the mountains and everywhere in between.

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Coastal Classics for Ocean-Loving Families

If your crew craves sunshine and salty air, a North Carolina family reunion along the coast is a no-brainer. With over 300 miles of shoreline, this stretch of the Atlantic is packed with kid-approved adventures, postcard-perfect views and just the right mix of activity and relaxation.

North Carolina – Bodie Island Lighthouse in the OBX. Photo credit Visit The Outer Banks Facebook

Outer Banks, NC, Highlights

Kick things off with a classic Outer Banks family vacation, where coastal charm meets windswept dunes and rich maritime history along the 200-mile-long stretch of barrier islands. Start your stay with a lighthouse crawl—climb the black-and-white spiral stairs of Cape Hatteras, pose for photos beneath the Bodie Island Light Station, and peek out from the top of Currituck Beach Lighthouse, which overlooks a sound-side village dotted with wildflowers and ice cream shops. Kids love the sense of adventure (and bragging rights) that comes with each climb, while parents enjoy the photo ops.

Not far from the Currituck light, the famous Corolla wild horses steal the show in the Northern Outer Banks. These Spanish mustangs have roamed OBX beaches for centuries, and a guided off-road 4×4 tour offers the best chance to spot them grazing near beach houses or kicking up sand in the dunes. Don’t forget your camera because this is a bucket-list moment.

And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, rainy-day gems like the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras Village (all about shipwrecks and pirate lore) or cozy seafood shacks serving up hush puppies and fried flounder are sure to keep spirits high.

Looking to splurge at a North Carolina family resort? The Sanderling Resort in Duck offers luxury lodging with family-friendly amenities, though budget-conscious travelers will also find plenty of cozy rentals with ocean access.

Insider tip: The OBX fills up fast, especially in July and August. Book your beach house or condo early if you’re aiming for a summer family escape—places with pools or private boardwalks go first.

North Carolina – Shackleford Banks ponies. Photo credit The Crystal Coast Facebook

The Southern Outer Banks & Crystal Coast, NC

The Southern Outer Banks are home to several quaint seaside towns, including historic Beaufort and Morehead City, Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach, and Emerald Isle. Fort Macon State Park, located next to Atlantic Beach, provides a free and fascinating glimpse into Civil War-era defenses, featuring sandy trails and cannon demonstrations for exploration. Just down the road, the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores lets little ones touch stingrays, watch sea turtles swim and even walk through a shipwreck-themed tunnel filled with sharks and colorful reef fish. For more outdoor options, visit the NC.gov Family Fun roundup.

For hands-on science and quiet nature time, visit the Rachel Carson Reserve near Beaufort—accessible by a quick ferry ride—where you might spot wild horses, salt marsh critters and tons of shorebirds. Or visit Shackleford Banks to see the Shackleford Ponies roaming wild. Add any of these activities to a Southern Outer Banks family vacation and you won’t be disappointed.

Head further south to the Crystal Coast for a slower-paced stay that’s especially perfect for younger kids and multigenerational groups. The calm surf at Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle is ideal for wading, castle-building, and boogie boarding. According to the Crystal Coast Visitors Bureau (2024), this shoreline is home to some of the best family beaches in the state, thanks to its calm waters, natural beauty and easygoing vibe that appeals to all ages.

North Carolina Family Vacations – Blue Ridge Parkway. Photo credit Visit North Carolina Facebook

Mountain Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains

When it’s time to trade your flip-flops for hiking boots (or vehicle), explore the Blue Ridge Mountains with kids, teens and grandparents. This region offers scenic drives, waterfall hikes and cozy cabins nestled among the trees. North Carolina’s high country is perfect for family adventure, whether you are road-tripping with teens or exploring with little ones in hiking packs.

Start with one of the most iconic drives in the country: the Blue Ridge Parkway. Roll the windows down, turn the music up and cruise through tunnels of trees and sweeping ridgelines. Scenic pull-offs like Thunder Hill Overlook or Price Lake make great places to stretch your legs, enjoy a picnic, or snap a holiday card photo. If you’re visiting in the fall, especially in early to mid-October, the entire region glows with bright crimson, orange, and gold. It’s an ideal time for leaf peeping.

Stop in Boone, a charming mountain town that’s full of family-friendly activities. Foggy Mountain Gem Mine is a highlight for kids, where they can dig through buckets of dirt and uncover real gemstones like amethyst and quartz. Staff are happy to help identify each find, and there’s even a shop that can turn them into jewelry or keepsakes. Boone also draws praise from publications like Southern Living, which spotlights its vibrant summer festivals and small-town charm as a perfect warm-weather getaway for families.

Just outside town, Julian Price Memorial Park has easy lakeside trails and wide-open spaces for picnics and play. A bit farther up the road, Grandfather Mountain State Park offers both challenging hikes and scenic strolls. Families love visiting the Mile High Swinging Bridge, which gently sways above a stunning gorge. There’s also a nature museum and wildlife habitats with bears, otters, and bald eagles that younger kids especially enjoy.

Another must-see is Linville Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in North Carolina. Several trails lead to various overlooks, offering options for all hiking levels. Bring snacks, water and a camera. In summer, stop at nearby fruit stands for fresh peaches and mountain honey on your way out.

Culture and Nature in Cherokee

Heading west, Cherokee, North Carolina, blends outdoor adventure with rich cultural experiences. The Oconaluftee River Trail is flat and stroller-friendly, and elk sightings near the visitor center are common, especially in the early morning. The Museum of the Cherokee People offers a powerful look into Native history and traditions. Depending on the time of year, you might also see traditional dances, storytelling, or community art events around town.

Pro tip: Before your trip, check the Blue Ridge Parkway website for road conditions and closures. Weather can shift quickly in the mountains, so pack layers and be prepared for cooler temperatures, even in summer.

North Carolina – Kids petting a turtle. Photo credit Discovery Place Science Facebook

City Sizzle Without the Stress

For families looking to mix in a little urban excitement, North Carolina’s cities offer just the right balance of energy, education, and fun.

Charlotte, NC

In Charlotte, the Discovery Place Science Museum is a go-to destination for curious minds. Kids can launch rockets, build structures, and watch live science demos that spark their imagination. The museum also features an impressive IMAX theater, making it an excellent spot for rainy-day entertainment.

Just a short drive across town, the NASCAR Hall of Fame brings high-speed thrills without ever leaving the building. Families can learn about the history of racing, try out pit crew challenges, and even hop into racing simulators for a taste of the track. The exhibits are engaging for kids and nostalgic for adults who grew up watching the sport.

North Carolina Family Vacation – Biltmore House. Photo credit Biltmore Facebook

Ashville, NC

Further west, Asheville delivers an unforgettable mountain-city blend, anchored by the iconic Biltmore Estate. Touring the house feels like stepping into a fairy tale, especially for younger visitors who get to explore through a self-guided scavenger hunt. Want to keep both grandparents and little ones smiling? Start with a stroll through Biltmore Estate’s gardens and conservatory, where wide paved paths and vibrant blooms make for an easy and breathtaking outing for all ages.

The Antler Hill Village area at Biltmore includes a farmyard where kids can meet friendly goats and chickens, and there are plenty of hands-on exhibits that make learning feel like play. Don’t miss the butterfly garden and glass-roofed conservatory if you want to step into a Victorian greenhouse fairytale. Afterward, grab a scoop of ice cream from the Biltmore Dairy Bar, a sweet reward for a day well spent.

If you’re planning a family trip to Asheville or exploring what Charlotte has to offer, you’ll find plenty of free and budget-friendly things to do. Both cities also have a growing number of family-focused restaurants with menus that work for even the pickiest eaters. From laid-back barbecue joints to colorful taco spots and cozy breakfast cafés, dining out can be part of the fun.

North Carolina – Luminous Lane at Charlotte’s Art Walk. Photo credit Uptown CLT FB

Budget-Friendly and a Little Bit Quirky

Looking for something free and fun? Here, we highlight some of the eclectic sides of North Carolina. Check out some of these unique family-friendly things to do in the region.

Charlotte, NC

Head to Charlotte for Charlotte’s Uptown Art Crawl, which offers murals, public sculptures and pop-up installations, which are all walkable and selfie-ready. For more wallet-friendly ideas, here are 7 Free Things to Do in Charlotte that are great for all ages. The route is dotted with food trucks and shaded benches, making it easy to turn a simple walk into an art-filled afternoon.

Top it all off with a visit to the Carolina Raptor Center, tucked inside Latta Nature Preserve just outside the Charlotte city center. This hidden gem features shaded trails, up-close views of hawks, owls, and eagles, and hands-on learning stations that are perfect for curious kids and nature-loving adults alike. It’s a peaceful, interactive stop where everyone can connect with North Carolina’s wild side.

Durham, NC

Over in Durham, step into civil rights history at the Historic Parrish Street Project, which honors the site of one of the nation’s first organized sit-ins at Woolworth’s lunch counter. Many families pair the visit with a stop at the Museum of Durham History, which has rotating kid-friendly exhibits that make local stories come alive.

Piedmont Region

For a tasty break in the Piedmont Region, treat the whole family to one of the area’s many farm-to-table restaurants, where fresh, locally sourced meals come with a side of Southern hospitality. Spots like Midwood Smokehouse in Charlotte or The Eddy in Saxapahaw serve hearty meals that even picky eaters or health-conscious grandparents can agree on.

Halifax County, in the Piedmont Region, boasts numerous adventures for families, including the Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail, the unique Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum, water adventures at Lake Gaston, and so much more.

North Carolina – Cryptozoology Museum. Photo credit Cryptozoology and Paranormal Museum FB

Planner’s Toolbox: Everything You Need to Know

When to go: Spring and fall offer perfect weather and fewer crowds. Summer is great for the coast; however, be mindful of the hurricane forecasts if you’re headed to the Outer Banks.
What to pack: Layers for the mountains, plenty of sunscreen for the beaches, and water shoes if you’re chasing tide pools or wading through creeks.
Where to stay: TripAdvisor’s list of top-rated North Carolina family resorts includes mountain lodges, beachfront condos, and budget-friendly inns to help you find the right fit for your crew. Find more inspiration here: Crystal Coast Hotels and Accommodations for Families
Safety tips: Mountain roads can be twisty, so drive slowly and take breaks. Hurricane season spans June through November, so double-check beach town policies and insurance if booking during that window. Consider family travel insurance for peace of mind.

Ready to Pack?

From the sparkling Atlantic Ocean and seaside escapes to the towering Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina is brimming with adventures for all ages and interests. No matter what corner of the state you visit, there is no shortage of activities to suit every budget and preference.

Start planning today with our in-depth resources:

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By Lorelei Skursewski

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