Outdoor Kid Activities Raleigh Nc – Children grow up quickly and their treasured memories often come from family trips. Here is a list of things they will never forget.
What was the most memorable vacation from your childhood? When did your toes first touch the ocean? Eat a melba the size of a head? Planning to ride your first upside down roller coaster?
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Combined with these experiences is the excitement and joy of doing new things. In that spirit, here are 21 amazing North Carolina destinations and experiences where you can make lasting memories with your kids, whether they’re in elementary school or coming home for summer or college break.
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Rafting is the best option for families who love adrenaline, and teamwork connects parents and children in a special way. Nantahala Outdoor Center and other local outfitters offer half-day tours or full-day tours with lunch. After conquering the river, enjoy street tacos and other mouth-watering treats at Big Wesser’s Patio.
Take your child’s violent reaction to a visit to the zoo as an example and magnify it many times over – this is how your child reacts when he sees animals in the wild. The adventure begins with a ferry ride to Shackelford Banks Island in the Crystal Coast, the southernmost barrier island of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. More than 100 wild horses roam freely here, as they have done for more than 500 years. Take a guided tour of the Shackelford Wild Horses and Shelling Safari for a more in-depth experience.
Visiting museums has long been the way children learn about history outside of classrooms and textbooks. Plus, this museum has some really cool planes scattered around the grounds to ooh and aah over. It’s also the only museum in the United States that showcases the history of the 82nd Airborne Division from World War I to the present day, and it’s all free.
The popularity of trains among children has outlasted generations of toy trends. At Blowing Rock, parents can turn the fantasy into reality by riding the 3-mile Tweetsie Railroad. To make the experience even more special, plan your visit during one of the park’s special events, such as Hang Out with Thomas or Tweetsie Christmas.
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Regardless of age or vehicle, being on the water is exhilarating, so kayaking is sure to bring a smile and a sense of accomplishment. The park offers kayak and canoe rentals, as well as a bike rental option if you prefer to stay on land.
Although some of us lose our love of science as we age, science was undeniably fascinating when we were children. The museum spans more than 80 acres and includes outdoor playgrounds, animal exhibits, and interactive stations where kids can build flying objects, perform lab experiments, or play astronaut.
If you thought kids loved plastic slides, wait until your face lights up when you see them slide down an all-natural slide – you’ll feel like a kid again too. Kids will want to wear swimsuits, of course, but shorts and sneakers are recommended as you slide down this 60-foot waterslide into the 7-foot-deep swimming hole (lifeguards are on duty).
Lighthouses scream adventure for kids because these landmarks are associated with the sea, home to the explorers they studied at school and the pirates they want to be (or defeat) on TV. The monument also happens to be the tallest brick lighthouse in North America, which means you should only attempt to climb the 257 steps with your kids if they can climb them on their own. Pack a lunch and enjoy the day with a stop at the Museum of the Atlantic Cemetery, where shipwreck information and artifacts are on display. (Note: Due to ongoing restoration work, the lighthouse may not be open for climbing in 2023)
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Visiting the zoo as a child is a prerequisite for adulthood. Developing an awareness and appreciation for nature in your own little ones will encourage them to be more compassionate and caring for wildlife as adults. The North Carolina Zoo is the largest natural habitat zoo in the country, divided into Africa, Desert and North America. It also includes many other attractions such as the Giraffe Deck, Cypress Swamp and Prairie Geyser.
At first glance, this outdoor drama is a history lesson. But in reality, being able to see and hear Native American stories will allow your child to reenact stories they may have read in a textbook or seen in a movie. Enjoy performances every Saturday night (late May through mid-August) and parents will appreciate knowing they are sharing an important part of American history with their children in a fun and unique way. The show lasts about two hours, please bring a jacket or blanket just in case due to the temperature difference between day and night in the mountains.
Be sure to add a visit to Wilmington to your vacation plans to board this giant ship. Let your child take on the role of captain, steer the boat and fire the guns. While you’re in the area, why not stop by The Little Dipper, named one of America’s 100 Best Restaurants by OpenTable. Your family will enjoy a delicious fondue and choose between milk and desserts such as cookies, scrunchies and muffins. Adults can enjoy their choice of beer or wine with any meal.
On one of the oldest mountains in North America, you’ll find horseback riding, camping, boating and swimming, as well as fishing in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, meaning families can spend the day, weekend or week while are visiting. A QR code trail was even created, unlocking information about the forest’s history along the way.
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Visiting a cave for the first time will surprise your children who may never have known that there is such natural beauty underground. Such experiences often lead children to declare that they want to become archaeologists when they grow up. Your trip here might also include exploring Linville Canyon and the mile-high suspension bridge over Grandfather Mountain.
Family cycling makes time seem to stand still. Your kids will love the feeling of traveling on their own while you unplug and enjoy the moment. This bike-friendly trail is only 5 miles long and offers views of the beautiful Currituck Sound. Get up early, start with duck donuts, then choose your preferred coating and toppings.
Yes, the rumors are true: this natural history museum is free and the largest of its kind in the Southeast. Your family will enjoy unraveling some of the mysteries of the universe—not to mention how awesome dinosaurs are. Starting with a walk from the parking lot, your kids will be amazed as they approach the giant three-tiered world globe known as the Daily Planet. It’s the centerpiece of the Nature Research Center, an 80,000-square-foot wing of the museum that opened in 2012 to inspire a new generation of young scientists.
The 360-degree views from the top of Chimney Rock make every step worthwhile. When your kids stand on that 1,200-foot rock, they’ll feel like they’re flying high above the treetops, and you’ll be the one to thank you for giving them that superpower. The 0.6-mile Great Woodland Adventure Trail is designed especially for kids, with 12 discovery stations and huge animal sculptures along the way. Note: Strollers are not recommended on this trail.
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For many families, fishing is a ritual. The first hook and hook will take you a little higher, knowing that you can actually take care of yourself (even if it’s just a fleeting illusion). The lake doubles as a National Wildlife Refuge and is the largest natural lake in North Carolina. Parents can also relax as motorboats and jet skis are not allowed, ensuring a relaxed day on the water.
Your budding athlete – or avid fan – will walk into this special hall for year-round strong varsity games. You can all pledge your allegiance to the Blue Devils, Demon Deacons, Tar Heels, Wolfpack and other organizations (or realize there’s an intra-family rivalry) and share with your kids the stories of watching those legendary ACC games and players on alive.
The fact that Mount Mitchell isn’t just a mountain, it’s the highest mountain in the East, will make your kids feel like the young kings and queens of the world. There are nine tent-only campsites here, each equipped with grills and picnic tables. And don’t forget about serving the unofficial dessert of childhood: s’mores.
You know how fathers often throw their children in the air while mothers hold their breath? Perhaps these thrills are responsible for our fascination with flying, but whatever the reason, defying gravity is a national pastime. So getting to know the legendary Wright brothers will excite your children and perhaps inspire a desire to reach new heights