10 Best Places To Go With Children in North Carolina

This is the state's oldest museum, dedicated to North Carolina's natural history. The Nature Exploration Center and the Nature Research Center are the two buildings that house the museum's exhibits, interactive learning possibilities, and educational lectures.

The Nature Exploration Center's permanent exhibits include a wide range of topics, from North Carolina's coastal regions to the state's gemstone history. There are also parts dedicated to tropics and rainforest habitats, where you can interact with the native two-toed sloth. The "Terror of the South," commonly known as Acro, is the only genuine Acrocanthosaurus skeleton on display anywhere in the world and the highlight of the Prehistoric North Carolina exhibit.

The Nature Research Center, right next door, concentrates on the science and investigation that are essential to understanding the natural world. The exhibits here range from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean to deep space exploration and include everything from the study of DNA to the enormous science of weather systems.

Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores, Fort Fisher, and Jennette's Pier make the North Carolina Aquarium. Roanoke Island features the most extensive collection of sharks in the state.

While Jennette's Pier is not an aquarium, it does provide views of marine species in their natural habitat, such as humpback whales.

At Pine Knoll Shores, visitors can learn about the state's varied marine life, while Fort Fisher introduces the freshwater streams, swamps, and open ocean of Cape Fear.

It is best to confirm with the aquarium what aquatic creatures will be passing through during your visit. If you enjoy aquatic activities and views, then this is for you!

The North Carolina Zoo, located in Asheboro, has five miles of shady pathways where visitors may see over 1,600 species and 52,000 plants. Exhibits here are made to look like the animals are in their natural environment.

The African species include elephants, rhinoceros, ostriches, lions, chimpanzees, zebras, and giraffes. In contrast, the North American animals included cougars, alligators, bobcats, red wolves, bison, elk, roadrunners, and grizzly and black bears.

The zoo's feeding times are among the most exciting activities. The hours are provided online every day, so plan your visit to watch at least a few. The zoo offers a variety of hiking paths through the neighboring forests and the fauna. For the dog lover, you don't have to leave your fur babies behind since leashed dogs are permitted in the vicinity.

You can take the Endangered Species Carousel ride with the kids if they are getting tired or need a fun energy boost. You can also visit the 5,625-square-foot Garden Friends Playground or take your children to the skies on the Air Hike Ropes Course, both of which are located on the property.

Are you looking for your next beach destination? The answer is here!

The beaches on this 200-mile stretch of barrier islands are legendary. In the summer, extended areas of soft sand surround the coast, bringing enormous crowds; most are families looking to beat the heat and relax.

The towns of Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Avon are among the most popular holiday beach destinations. While some communities offer more hotels and resorts than others, many visitors prefer to spend their beach vacation with plenty of activities to do in the vicinity. You can visit lighthouses, camp near the beach, or rent a cottage or beach house. A spectacular beach vacation indeed!

Aside from the beach, you can also visit a museum or two. The Outer Banks History Center and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum are some of the greatest places to learn about the area's history. You can also spend a day driving around the Outer Banks Scenic Byway and just enjoy the view.

If you want a chill and relaxing day, you can visit Roanoke Island and study the vanished colony, see a farm life exhibit, and learn about the island's role in the Underground Railroad Network. Then you can head to The Frisco Native American Museum and the Elizabethan gardens at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, which are nearby. It sounds like a perfect day!

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore was the country's first coastal protection area, and it encompasses the Outer Banks region of North Carolina's coast. The beaches draw most visitors, but the area is also known for its breathtaking natural wildlife and rich history.

Birdwatchers can see endangered piping plovers and the American Oystercatcher, gull-billed tern, and black skimmer, which nest on the beach.

The beaches here are also a nesting ground for several types of sea turtles, including the one facing extinction, the loggerhead sea turtle. You may see seals resting on the beach during the winter months. An additional popular pastime is climbing historic lighthouses, such as the 1872 Bodie Island Light Station, which has undergone three incarnations. The first was declared unsafe, and the second was obliterated during the Civil War.

The Cape Hatteras Light Station was built in 1803 and rebuilt in 1870, and it served as a vital beacon on one of the most destructive stretches of the Atlantic coast, where the Gulf Stream meets the Virginia Drift, and hundreds of ships have sunk.

The Ocracoke Light, which is not open to the public, has been operating since 1823 on an island famous for its distinctive breed of Ocracoke Ponies.

The Cape Lookout National Seashore can be reached by boat just off the coast. Consult the ferry schedule, which can be found on the website, and get ready for activities such as horse watching, fishing, shelling, birding, lighthouse climbing, camping, and touring historic villages, among others.

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is the first stop for visitors. Visitors should bring flashlights to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and its beaches at night to experience it as the lighthouse keepers once did.

Visitors may wish to join a Park Ranger for a glimpse into the world of Shackleford Banks' wild horses. Beach cabins can even be rented.

Linville's Grandfather Mountain has a wide range of hiking options, from easy trails with beautiful views to challenging treks involving ladders that reward expansive, mountainous views. Visitors can also learn about the flora and fauna of the area, as well as catch a glimpse of wildlife.

Plan a walk across the park's famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, which has been in place since 1952 and provides a 360-degree panoramic view.

The small towns of Banner Elk and Blowing Rock are also within easy driving distance from Grandfather Mountain. Stop by either one for lunch or dinner and enjoy a meal on the patio in the sunshine.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the country's most visited national park and one of North Carolina's best places. It is known worldwide for its diverse animal and plants life, stunning ancient mountains, and visible remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain heritage. Without a doubt, this is one of North Carolina's must-see national attractions.

Tourists to Cades Cove will be able to see wildlife, enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery, and tour old houses and churches. Wildflowers range from early hepaticas in late winter to asters in late autumn. The Smokies are known for their varied wildlife and plant life, including several black bears and wildflowers that bloom in North Carolina during spring.

Camping and hiking are among the most popular pastimes for visitors to North Carolina's Smoky Mountains. At any time of year, hikers and nature lovers can take in the park's breathtaking scenery along the historic Appalachian Trail.

Bald Head Island, located in the eastern part of North Carolina, offers breathtaking scenic beauty all year. To get to the island, you can take the ferry from Deep Point Marina to the harbor, which takes about 20 minutes.

The Old Baldy Lighthouse, which was built in 1817 and still stands on the island, is the state's oldest standing lighthouse.

There are many things to do on the island, from spending the day at one of the best North Carolina beaches to exploring the protected creeks and maritime forests, shopping, dining, and relaxing at the spa.

There are a lot of activities on the island for those who want to get away from it all, but be close to some of North Carolina's most beautiful beaches.

There are plenty of activities for children on the island as well!

The town of Emerald Isle, located on the Crystal Coast, is one of my favorite places to visit. It is located in Carteret County and has a permanent population of around 3,700 people, but this number rises dramatically during the summer months. Sea turtles lay their eggs on the beaches, which are protected by federal law.

It is a family-friendly destination in North Carolina. The town offers waterparks, safe beaches, and a variety of other activities for visitors to enjoy, including delicious restaurants and more.