North Carolina’s beach rentals accommodate families of all sizes, and many are dog-friendly
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad becomes The Polar Express in November and December
Winston-Salem’s Black Mountain Chocolates offers behind-the-scenes tours select Saturdays
Fly a kite near where the Wright brothers first took flight at Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks
Hawksnest in Seven Devils is the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast
Many North Carolina lakes offer boat and water sports rentals
North Carolina State Parks offer family-friendly campsites in the mountains, near cities and at the beach
See a whole new view of nature at Hideaway Woods at the Museum of Life + Science in Durham
Kids can get hands-on at the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Pit Crew Practice exhibit in Charlotte

Kids & Family

The most amazing thing you see might be the look on their faces

It’s not hard to see why families plan their vacations back to North Carolina year after year. Our laid-back beach towns, adventure-filled mountain hideaways and bustling city centers provide the perfect backdrop for making memories however you enjoy spending time together.

Explore

Trip Tips

The best time to see the wild horses on the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast is early morning
Head to the High Country in June to enjoy Family Fun Month at Beech Mountain Resort
Don't miss the family photo opp at the hand-operated water pump on the town green in Old Salem
Visit New Bern to sip a Pepsi at the drugstore where it was born in 1898
Skip the pool and head to the mountains to cool off at natural swimming holes like Sliding Rock
The North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer delights kids and grown-ups alike

Return to Your Senses in NC’s Brunswick Islands

However your family beaches, with just one visit, our beach will become your beach. Return to your senses in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands.

Explore

Things To Do

Sort by:

Location

Interest

Arts & Entertainment (1,398)

furniture, museums, gaming, film sites, etc.

Refine Search

Eat & Drink (1,956)

restaurants, food tours, breweries, wineries, etc.

Refine Search

History & Heritage (544)

historic sites, cherokee history, ghosts, etc.

Refine Search

Kids & Family (437)

theme & water parks, gems, zoos, aquariums, etc.

Refine Search

Dog Friendly (60)

parks, beaches and fun for 4-legged visitors

Natural Attractions (633)

beaches, waterfalls, state & national parks, etc.

Refine Search

Outdoor Adventures (1,016)

camping, hiking, fishing, water sports, etc.

Refine Search

Romantic Getaways (112)

romantic attractions, spas, health & wellness, etc.

Refine Search

Sports (478)

golf, motorsports, horseback riding, etc.

Refine Search

Season

Content Type

Back

Filter History & Heritage

Ghost Tours (109)Historic Sites & Gardens (286)Lighthouses & Pirates (35)Military History (95)Multicultural History (87)

Back

Filter Romantic Getaways

Romantic Attractions (57)Spas & Wellness (63)

Back

Filter Sports

Equestrian (60)Golf (340)Motorsports (45)Racket Sports (25)

Tips for Staying Safe at the Beach

Article

Seeing the Ocean

Firsts That Last

Go Urban Hiking: Reconnect with the Energy of These 9 Outdoor Museums, Parks and Paths

Trips That Transform

Franklin: Ghost Tours, Gem Mines and Scenic Smoky Mountains

Article

Related Activities & Attractions

Under the Sea: Family Fun at Aquariums

List

By Land, Water or Fairway: Find Your Outdoor Oasis in Onslow County

List

Ends: 5/2/2023

Outdoor NC Pledge Sweepstakes

Sweepstakes

Related Events

Where the Road Ends, Adventure Begins: Feel Renewed by These Places to Travel by Ferry

Trips That Transform

Holiday Shopping, North Carolina Style

Article

2/1/2023 - 2/28/2023

Save Up to $20 off Your Hotel Room In Lumberton, NC

LUMBERTON

Explore the Places Where Moonshine and Motorsports Meet in NC

Article

N.C. Mountain Cabins to Rent: Discover Four New Walls That Will Help You Recharge

Trips That Transform

Celebrate North Carolina's Industrial Evolution By Visiting These Sites

Trips That Transform

Ghost Fleet Oyster Company

Holly Ridge

4/1/2023

Kids & Family

The most amazing thing you see might be the look on their faces

Trip Tips

Return to Your Senses in NC’s Brunswick Islands

Things To Do

Location

Interest

Season

Content Type

Filter Arts & Entertainment

Filter Eat & Drink

Filter History & Heritage

Filter Kids & Family

Filter Natural Attractions

Filter Outdoor Adventures

Filter Romantic Getaways

Filter Sports

Tips for Staying Safe at the Beach

Article

Seeing the Ocean

Firsts That Last

Go Urban Hiking: Reconnect with the Energy of These 9 Outdoor Museums, Parks and Paths

Trips That Transform

Franklin: Ghost Tours, Gem Mines and Scenic Smoky Mountains

Article

Directory

Related Activities & Attractions

Under the Sea: Family Fun at Aquariums

List

By Land, Water or Fairway: Find Your Outdoor Oasis in Onslow County

List

Outdoor NC Pledge Sweepstakes

Sweepstakes

Directory

Related Events

Where the Road Ends, Adventure Begins: Feel Renewed by These Places to Travel by Ferry

Trips That Transform

Holiday Shopping, North Carolina Style

Article

Save Up to $20 off Your Hotel Room In Lumberton, NC

LUMBERTON

Explore the Places Where Moonshine and Motorsports Meet in NC

Article

N.C. Mountain Cabins to Rent: Discover Four New Walls That Will Help You Recharge

Trips That Transform

Celebrate North Carolina's Industrial Evolution By Visiting These Sites

Trips That Transform

Ghost Fleet Oyster Company

Holly Ridge

43rd Annual Blowing Rock Trout Derby

Blowing Rock

4-Day Aerial Adventure Trip

Trip Idea

10 Destinations Where Count On Me NC is Top Of Mind

List

Rolling Pines Disc Golf Course

Wilkesboro

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands in Fall: A Perfect Time to Visit

Article

Doc's Rock Gem Mine & Appalachian Fossil Museum

Blowing Rock

Play, Eat, Stay, Repeat at These Fun-Filled Attractions

List

Interest

Amusement, Theme & Water Parks

Can't-Miss Restaurants on the International Food Trail in Jacksonville

List

Nantahala River Gem Mine

Bryson City

Your Guide to Thanksgiving Weekend Fun

List

Interest

Zoos & Aquariums

Firsts That Last | Jazmene and Peyton

Video