By Emily Beach
North Carolina Vacations With Kids
Located on the Eastern seaboard of the
United States, the state of North Carolina has a number of great vacation destinations for families traveling with children. The eastern portion of the state is home to some perfect family
beaches, where shallow waters, calm waves and plenty of kid-friendly activities keep many families coming back year after year. The presence of the Appalachian Mountains in the western part of the state means the opportunity for skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities. Many of the
resorts here are smaller than those found in the Northeast, making for shorter lift lines and a more relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for kids.
Enjoy the Beaches of the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is a string of barrier islands stretching more than 200 miles along North Carolina's east coast. The main attraction here is the quiet, relaxed beaches where families can swim, fish and enjoy a variety of water sports. Children will love the Roanoke Island Aquarium, which is the largest aquarium in the state. It features plenty of hands-on, interactive experiences where kids can have fun while learning, and get their hands wet. Families will enjoy climbing and exploring the many lighthouses located in the Outer Banks, the most famous of which is located on Hatteras Island.
Roanoke Island Aquarium, 374 Airport Rd., Manteo, NC 27954 (252) 473-3494
Hatteras Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Seashore Service Road, Buxton, Hatteras Island, NC 27920 (252) 995-4474
Explore the Origins of Flight at Kitty Hawk
The town of Kitty Hawk is located along the state's Outer Banks island region. Kitty Hawk is famous as the town where the Wright brothers made the first airplane flights back in the early 1900s. Today, visitors can tour the Wright Brothers Visitor Center, where replicas of the earliest planes are on display. There are exhibits on the history of flight and the town itself, as well as plenty of interactive experiences for kids. After touring the visitor center, guests can climb to the top of Kill Devil Hill for amazing views. This is the spot where the Wright Brothers flew the first airplanes, more than a hundred years ago.
Visitor Center, Milepost 7.5, U.S. Highway 158, Kill Devil Hills, NC (252) 441-7430
Ski and Snowboard at Sugar Mountain
Sugar Mountain is one of several ski resorts located in the Appalachian Mountain range of North Carolina. It's open for skiing from November through April, and in the summer features family activities from mountain biking to golf. The chairlifts are open year-round to allow visitors to ride up and hike down the mountain, or to simply ride up and down and enjoy the views. There are several dozen runs here, and 10 lifts to keep skiers moving. Kid-friendly activities include ice skating, snow tubing, sledding and family carriage rides in the winter.
Sugar Mountain resort, 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain, NC (828) 898-4521
Resources
About the Author:
Emily Beach works in the commercial construction industry in Maryland. She received her LEED accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2008 and is in the process of working towards an Architectural Hardware Consultant certification from the Door and Hardware Institute. She received a bachelor's degree in economics and management from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland.
Photo Credits:
Wiki Commons
