9 Mountain Activities for Kids and Teens

Many of North Carolina’s leading mountain destinations attract visitors of all ages. While those who’ve celebrated more birthdays than they care to admit enjoy the panoramic views, quaint towns and relaxed pace of life, the kids (or grandkids) in their group thrill in the region’s adventures, from uncovering treasures to zipping through the sky.

When you’re planning your next family trip, consider one of these fun mountain activities.

1 Fly Through the Sky

Person riding down zip line into green trees on sunny day at Navitat Canopy Adventures

1 Fly Through the Sky

Navitat Canopy Adventures near AshevilleSee on mapSee on map

Choose from two tours, both about 2.5 hours long and led by friendly and experienced guides. The Treetop Tour includes zip lines up to 1,250 feet long and 200 feet high that are strung through the forest canopy, a bridge, spiral tree staircase and rappelling at the end. The Mountaintop Tour's side-by-side dual zip lines stretch up to three-quarters of a mile between mountaintops. Its views and 65 mph speeds will leave you breathless. While zip line experience isn’t necessary, rider requirements for each differ; check the website for specifics. If you’d prefer to keep your feet on the ground while waiting for others, the brook-side picnic tables are perfect for soaking in the setting or reading a book.

Ideal for ages: 13 and up

2 Search for the Supernatural

2 Search for the Supernatural

Haunted AshevilleSee on mapSee on map

Even skeptics will enjoy the stories on this downtown ghost tour, one of three these guides offer in western North Carolina. Learn about haunted buildings, unsolved murders and an apparition that wanders a park. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a digital or film camera to capture orbs, mists and other ghostly shapes; interference from electrical fields diminishes the effectiveness of smartphone cameras.

Ideal for ages: 13 and up

3 Sample Mountain Life

Toddler girl picking an apple off a green tree at the Orchard at Altapass

3 Sample Mountain Life

Orchard at Altapass in Spruce PineSee on mapSee on map

Located at Milepost 328.3, this is the perfect stop for little Blue Ridge Parkway travelers who need to stretch their legs. In the fall, enjoy fresh cider and sweet caramel apples while you pick fruit in the orchard. But fun doesn’t depend on the calendar. Grab an activity book that walks you through four hiking trails anytime, and enjoy live traditional mountain music or a game of checkers inside the orchard’s store. There you also can learn about the monarch butterflies raised onsite or purchase apples and canned goods, such as jam or pickles, to take home.

Ideal for ages: 2 to 12

4 Ride the Rails

Thomas the Tank Engine train at Tweetsie riding down elevated train track with green trees in background during daytime

4 Ride the Rails

Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing RockSee on mapSee on map

Shrill whistles and clacking train wheels have been calling families here for more than six decades. Ride the 3-mile loop behind one of two coal-fired steam locomotives, which chug through daily Wild West-themed excursions, complete with cowboys, robbers and plenty of excitement. Or plan your visit to coincide with one of the many special events such as visits by Thomas the Tank Engine and seasonal activities at Christmas and Halloween. There’s plenty to enjoy off the rails, including amusement rides, arcade games and refreshments. Take the chairlift to Miner’s Mountain, where you can pan for gold, ride in a boat or relax on a shaded bench.

Ideal for ages: 2 to 12

5 Reach New Heights

5 Reach New Heights

Rock Dimensions Climbing Guides in BooneSee on mapSee on map

Start on the 40-foot outdoor climbing wall, where patient and safety-conscious guides teach the basics. If you’re ready for more, try the tower-to-rock course, which adds an afternoon climbing a natural rock site to a morning on the climbing wall. Full-day climbing and spelunking excursions are available too. If you're looking for a more controlled setting, try the balance beam, trolley slide, cargo net traverse and other obstacles on the Discovery Course, whose exit is a zip line.

Ideal for ages: 13 and up

6 Climb One of Our Best-Known Landmarks

Child with walking stick entering trail under archway reading

6 Climb One of Our Best-Known Landmarks

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State ParkSee on mapSee on map

Start on the 0.6-mile Great Woodland Adventure Trail, whose 12 interactive stations tell the stories of local animals, many of which you can meet at the Animal Discovery Den afterward. The 0.75-mile Hickory Nut Falls trail leads you to one of the East’s tallest waterfalls. The Outcroppings Trail’s 494 steps take you past the Grotto and Pulpit Rock and through the Subway, which always echoes with laughter. Save some time and energy to climb Chimney Rock, the 315-foot tall granite outcropping where views stretch 75 miles to Lake Lure and beyond. While hours and scenery change with the seasons, family dogs are always welcome. Just remember the leash.

Ideal for ages: 13 and up

7 Search for Gems

7 Search for Gems

Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine in FranklinSee on mapSee on map

You’ll dig the Cowee Valley’s beautiful scenery while driving to this mine, which is open March to December. And your kids will love getting wet and dirty while searching for naturally occurring rubies, sapphires and other precious stones. With each paid admission, you have use of a screen box and receive two buckets of native soil. It takes an hour or so to sift through each at the flume line, where staff help identify any questionable finds. Remember bug spray, sun screen (you can rent an umbrella for additional sun protection), lunch to enjoy at the picnic grounds and cash. The mine doesn’t accept credit or debit cards.

Ideal for ages: 2 to 12

8 Let Your Imagination Lead

8 Let Your Imagination Lead

The Children’s Playhouse in BooneSee on mapSee on map

It’s the perfect place to brighten a dreary day. Let your children’s imagination run wild, exploring hands-on activities such as a pretend grocery store, ball pit, puppet theater, dollhouse neighborhood and train table. There are arts and crafts to stimulate creativity and science exhibits that make learning fun. And when the weather breaks, head outside to the playground.

Ideal for ages: 2 to 12

9 Float the Day Away

Aerial of father and two kids in blue intertubes on river in mountains

9 Float the Day Away

Bryson CitySee on mapSee on map

Grab an inner tube at a number of rental locations near the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, carry it less than a mile on the Deep Creek Trail, and choose whether you want your ride to be relaxing and lazy or wild and bouncy. The upper whitewater section ends at a wide, deep swimming hole, while the lower, smoother section ends at the parking lot.

 

Updated October 16, 2023
About the Author
Pete M. Anderson

Pete M. Anderson

Pete M. Anderson is a Gastonia-based writer whose work also has appeared in Business North Carolina, Carolina Sportsman and Thousand Islands Life. He enjoys exploring North Carolina, especially its diverse fishing holes, local race tracks and world-renowned barbecue joints.

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