The Road Knott Taken has teamed up with Family Adventure for All, residents of North Carolina, to bring their expertise and insight to you. Learn all the inside knowledge perfect for planning your adventuring and exploring in North Carolina. Be sure to also check out their post featuring some ideas for off-the-beaten-path family attractions in North Carolina.
Walking across the Mile-High Swinging Bridge is just one of the many adventures your family can experience at Grandfather Mountain. The kids will be thrilled by the slight swinging motion they’ll feel as they cross the bridge. Your family will also enjoy touring the nature center, seeing the outdoor wildlife habitats, and hiking the nature trails throughout the park. Tickets are required for entry.
Where: Linville, NC
Cost: $9 child; $22 adult, includes access to all activities in the park
If your kids love animals, then you’ll want to add seeing the wild ponies along the Shackleford Banks to your North Carolina bucket list. This area is only accessible by boat, and there are several ferry services to choose from. We think the best way to experience Shackleford Banks’ wild horses is by taking Island Express’ Dolphin & Wild Horses Sunset Cruise. Your family will ride a catamaran 30 minutes out to Shackleford Banks. Then, you’ll have 1 hour to explore the beautiful beaches, photograph the horses that live there, and hunt for seashells. You’ll board the boat again at dusk and enjoy a beautiful sunset cruise. All the while, the kids will love watching for dolphins that like to swim alongside the ferry. It’s an adventure to remember for sure!
Where: Beaufort, NC
Cost: $15 child; $27 adult
Gorges State Park is a waterfall wonderland. Located in western NC, this “gorgeous” state park offers cascading waterfalls around every turn. Many of the hikes are rugged and slippery because of multiple river crossings, so use caution when hiking to the falls. One of the most popular trails here is Rainbow Falls Trail, which will lead you out of the state park and into Pisgah National Forest. The hike to Rainbow Falls is strenuous, but it’s a great place to get some beautiful photos of the falls. Hikers can also access Hidden Falls from this same trail, located just before Rainbow Falls. Hike another half a mile of strenuous terrain upstream from Rainbow Falls to find Turtleback Falls. It’s a popular spot for families to hang out and cool down after their hike. Use caution when hiking near the falls and the river as injuries occur here every year. If you’re a waterfall lover like I am, Gorges State Park is the perfect place to add to your bucket list.
Where: Sapphire, NC
Cost: FREE
If your family is looking for outdoor adventure to add to your North Carolina bucket list, consider the Whitewater Center. There’s so much to do here, you could spend several days adventuring together. The biggest draw is the largest man-made whitewater course in the nation. Your family can experience Class II-IV rapids with a seasoned guide to assist you. If you purchase an annual or multi-day pass, you’ll have time to try your hand at other activities at the center like SUP, kayaking, high ropes courses, and rock climbing.
Where: Charlotte, NC
Cost: from $49
If theme parks are your family’s thing, visit Carowinds, located at the border of North and South Carolina near Charlotte. Carowinds boasts 60 thrill rides and an excellent water park. Carowinds also hosts concerts and other live entertainment throughout the year. Check their website for a schedule of events.
Where: Charlotte, NC
Cost: from $45 per person
Linville Caverns is a popular family-friendly bucket list adventure in western NC. Reservations are required to tour inside the caverns. The kids will love hiking along the dark and dripping trails that descend into the caverns. They might even spot some bats! Be sure to wear a jacket and good walking shoes as the temperature in the caverns is 52 degrees year-round and the paths can be slippery.
Where: Marion, NC
Cost: $8 child; $10 adult
This bucket list adventure will leave your kids feeling proud to say they have hiked the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Mount Mitchell stands at 6,684 feet and offers a multitude of hiking opportunities for the adventurous family. We did the Mount Mitchell Trail to reach the summit. This particular 6-mile trail is long and strenuous, so it’s best for older kids and teens. Be sure to bring a jacket, good hiking boots, and a backpack with water and food; this hike will likely take you all day, but the views and the experience are worth it!
Where: Burnsville, NC
Cost: FREE
Does your family enjoy paddling out on the water? How about paddling among alligators? At the North Carolina Outer Banks in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, your adventurous family can do just that. The 2 hours guided paddling adventure offered by Outer Banks Kayak Adventures will allow your family to look for gators but also spot turtles, more than 250 types of birds, and maybe even a black bear! Be sure to wear insect repellant and bring a waterproof phone case to protect your camera.
Where: near Mann’s Harbor, NC
Cost: $45 child; $55 adult
If you want to add river tubing to your North Carolina bucket list, the Green River in Western NC offers both relaxing tubing opportunities and thrilling Class V rapids to enjoy. The tamer “Lower Green” portion of the river is popular among families. It’s a 6-mile long ride that includes calm waters and fun swift-moving Class II rapids. It’s just enough thrill for the kids to enjoy. Tubers must be 42’’ tall to ride. Wilderness Cove is the best outfitter in the area; tubes and gear can be rented here.
Where: Saluda, NC
Cost: $10-$15 per person depending on the length of the ride. Cost includes shuttle service.
In Stokes County, NC (my home for 12 years), Carolina Ziplines Canopy Tours offers the bucket list experience of flying through the treetops with your family members close behind. Carolina Ziplines guides are professional and fun, and they will make your family feel safe and comfortable throughout the whole adventure. Children over 3 are able to ride as long as they are accompanied by an adult, so this is the perfect adventure for any family to try!
Where: Westfield, NC
Cost: $40 child; $80 adult, includes about two hours of time in the trees
The Appalachian Trail (AT) traverses the Appalachian Mountain Range from Georgia to Maine, and crosses Western North Carolina along its Tennessee border. Thru hikers complete the entire 2,000+ miles of trail, but many adventurous families enjoy hiking sections of this beautiful and iconic trail. In the NC mountains, there are many locations to hop on the AT with your family and hike a bit. Check out some of these popular spots, and check the AT off your family’s bucket list.
Where: Western NC Mountains
Cost: FREE
Kersey Valley is the kind of bucket list place that offers an adventure for everyone in the family! The high ropes courses are a big draw at Kersey Valley but don’t miss the zipline, ax throwing, escape room, corn maze, bowling, and seasonal activities. Kersey Valley is transformed into a haunted Spooky Woods in the fall and a Christmas wonderland in the winter. It’s a must-do, especially if you have an adventurous family.
Where: Archdale, NC
Cost: varies, depending on the activities you choose
Winston-Salem, my old stompin’ grounds, is nicknamed the Twin City, and it’s an awesome place to explore. If you’re looking for a slightly more adventurous method of seeing part of the city, then consider an e-bike tour. Triad Eco Adventures offers e-bike rentals near the Gateway Y in Winston-Salem. Take a guided tour that will lead your family through a scenic part of the city, by historic Salem College, and along the greenway to Quarry Park. Even though you’ll be in the city, there are plenty of trees, green spaces, and nature to make you feel like you are getting away from it all.
**If you’re more interested in traditional biking, make the short drive from the Gateway Y over to Salem Lake. Salem Lake is beautiful any time of year, and the 7 mile multi-use trail that surrounds the lake is perfect for a long walk or bike ride. Bike rentals are available near the playground, or bring your own!
Where: Winston-Salem, NC
Cost: from $59 per person; includes a guided 2-hour tour.
Check out our itinerary for a 10 day family-friendly road trip that will take you through all three regions of North Carolina stopping at some of the most fun family attractions. Add in some bucket list items from this article to create an epic North Carolina vacation. Will it be your first time visiting the Southeast? If so, you’ll want to read our introduction to travel in the Southeast before you go.
About the Author:
Shelly is co-founder of Family Adventure For All, a special needs family RV travel blog. She and her family traveled full-time coast to coast for a year, but they now reside in her home state of North Carolina. Shelly is the author of the ebook, Parents’ Survival Guide to Full-time RV Living. Her book helps parents manage the challenges that come with living and traveling in a small space with kids. The ebook can be purchased from her website: www.familyadventureforall.com. Follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram @familyadventureforall.
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So many great things listed here! I had a brief stay in NC, but am definitely looking forward to some of these activities for next time!
A lot of cool things to do! I was just in North Carolina a few weeks ago and I'm regretting not having this list. It gives me a reason to go back! :)