North Carolina Family Vacation Ideas

Off-peak OBX travel offers beautiful, unspoiled beaches.

The Outer Banks are a cluster of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. Stretching 200-miles long, these islands are popular destinations for surfing, body-boarding, wind-surfing, fishing, hang-gliding, bird-watching, bicycling, sailing and kite-flying. Plan a week-long visit by renting one of the many vacation homes along the coastline, and enjoy a vacation balanced with adrenaline-packed excitement (think parasailing) and relaxing down-time (via sunbathing with a beach read). Check out Kitty Hawk for an educational afternoon and see the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Spend a day on Ocracoke Island, exploring the shops of Nagshead, meandering through captivating exhibits at the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo or learn about the Outer Bank's dark shipwreck history at The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. Children will appreciate the tales of Blackbeard the Pirate, touring the unique lighthouses that pepper the coast, building sand castles along one of the many uncrowded beaches, experiencing a dolphin tour off Roanoke Island and encountering wildlife at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Added local bonus? Grab divine crab legs at The Mad Crabber in Avon, a casual family-friendly environment that the whole group won't soon forget.

North Carolina offers temperate weather conditions and spectacular outdoor environments for action, relaxation and socialization. Families who enjoy hiking and camping should consider a trek on the southern part of the Appalachians. Explore Grandfather Mountain's 12 miles of maintained trails for a family adventure for both novice and advanced hikers. Encounter North Carolina woodlands, fragrant with spruce, fir, buckeye and birch on the Nature Conservancy preserved land. Rent a cabin in the charming city of Asheville or one of the nearby towns for an active week of both rural activities and in-city entertainment. Take the kids mountain-biking at West Mountain Bike Park and tread a bike track on trails specifically designed for all levels of outdoor biking. Go fly-fishing in the Blue Ridge Mountains and catch smallmouth bass and trout in fully-stocked rivers. Additional North Carolina mountain adventures can include rafting expeditions, Eco-trips, botanical gardens, skiing, panning for gold, Biltmore House or Linville Cavern tours and horse-drawn wagon trail experiences. Make sure you swing by Sliding Rock, an all-natural 60-foot rock slab nestled just north of Brevard for unique, fun-filled water slide entertainment.

North Carolina has many lively cities, rich in history, culture and family entertainment. Head to Charlotte to check out the Carolina Raptor Center. While there, children can encounter over 20 kinds of bird of prey including eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and vultures (and learn about them through educational presentations). Charlotte is also known for it's passion for race cars; Lowe's Motor Speedway has races throughout the year. Looking for a special discovery? Visit the Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh to see the world's only dinosaur bones with a fossilized heart. Swing by the Marbles Kids Museum for inspiring hands-on exhibits, and consider catching a 3-D IMAX show before leaving. North Carolina cities feature popular annual festivals, plenty of shopping opportunities and delectable cuisine. Families will enjoy unearthing the magic of the North Carolina Zoo (Asheboro), having fun at the Emerald Pointe Water Park (Greensboro) and taking a thrilling ride at the Carowinds Theme Park (south of Charlotte).