Show Your Kids Unforgettable Summer Fun in North Carolina

From Blackbeard to Night Ghosts

Up and down our coastal towns and beaches, you’ll find places where pirates walked, sailed, lived and died – and guided tours keeping their stories alive.

• Walk in Blackbeard's Footsteps
• Dark-Sky Adventures for a Cool Summer

21 Before They're 21

When planning a trip for the whole family, you might have to factor in kids ranging from elementary to college age. This list of 21 family-fun attractions has you covered.

• 21 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up
• Beachcombing: Tips & Tricks for Seashell Hunting

Fun at the Beech (Mountain)

The town of Beech Mountain might be best known as a winter destination, but there's plenty of summertime fun to be had here as well. The activities kick into high gear with Family Fun Month in June.

• Project 543: Follow the Yellow Brick Road
• Go Mountain Biking in the High Country

Imagine the Excitement

With a visit to one of the many children’s museums and science centers across our state, you can help foster the curiosity and imagination in your youngest traveling companions.

• Imaginations Come to Life at Children’s Museums

Pool Party in Nature

Take a refreshing dip in one of our swimming holes, often located in forests and sometimes off the beaten path. Sliding Rock, near Brevard, is a natural wonder.

Exercise caution and obey all rules and warnings posted near waterfalls and swimming holes. See more waterfall safety tips from Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority.

• Nature’s Pool Party: North Carolina Swimming Holes

When Water Parks Are Your Jam

Take your desire for water adventures to our bustling cities, where you'll find Carolina Harbor at Carowinds in Charlotte, Jungle Rapids in Wilmington, Wet‘n Wild in Greensboro, H2OBX on the Outer Banks and several more.

• Water Parks: Places to Slide, Splash and Swim

Get Your Kids Outdoors

You'll find plenty of great (and inexpensive) outdoor activities at any one of our many state parks, national parks and national forests. Kids – and adults – will love tubing at Badin Lake (in Uwharrie National Forest) or Lake Norman (a half hour north of Charlotte).

• Fun Activities to Get Your Kids Outdoors

Animal Safaris Are Closer Than You Think

Whether at one of the four North Carolina Aquariums on the coast, the nation's largest natural habitat zoo in Asheboro or the Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville, you'll learn about and observe fascinating creatures that share the state with us.

• Places for Animal Safari Adventures