Family Vacations in North Carolina

Family vacations in North Carolina set in beautiful Winston-Salem offer a fantastic mix of history, culture, and kid-friendly activities. Visit the science museum and environmental park Kaleideum North, check out colonial to contemporary art at Reynolda House Museum of American Art, and enjoy the fresh air at Tanglewood Park.

For a family beach vacation, the Outer Banks' natural beauty, white sand, and historic sites can't be beat. These barrier islands are at their best from May through September. Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can climb lighthouses like Cape Hatteras, visit Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and go wildlife-spotting at various natural refuges.

This forest covers over 500,000 acres. Go camping at Davidson River or Lake Powhatan, or rent a cabin nearby. With three districts—Pisgah Ranger District, Grandfather Ranger District, and Appalachian Ranger District—you’ll find rocky mountain scenery here that’s perfect for outdoor recreational activities.

This living museum is a representation of what life used to be in North Carolina’s Winston-Salem area in the 18th and 19th centuries. By walking the streets of Old Salem and interacting with the museum's re-enactors, you can see and feel first-hand the trades and culture of the Moravian people who settled in this area.

Found in Asheboro, this zoo is the largest natural habitat in the world. You and your family will be able to see wild animals at close range, while they’re relaxing in their natural habitat. You’ll also have the opportunity to see numerous wild birds and more than 3,000 species of tropical plants.

On the border with South Carolina, Carowinds is a 122-acre entertainment spot that comprises a lazy river, a 34,000-square-foot wave pool, and a water park featuring 11 water slides. The facility also offers 12 acres of children’s play area with an interactive ghost-hunting trip, three junior-size rollercoasters, and scheduled entertainment, including Peanuts character appearances and ice skating performances.

Spot various species of wild horses that live along North Carolina’s coast, including wild Spanish mustangs at Corolla, Banker horses at Shackleford Banks and Ocracoke, as well as wild horses at Beaufort’s Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve.

Use an elevator or take the arduous climb up the flight of stairs to the top of this iconic monolith. From the top, catch the breathtaking views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. While exploring Chimney Rock Park, kids will enjoy the Great Woodland Adventure’s discovery stations and learn about the lives of owls, frogs, chipmunks, and more.

For your outdoor explorations, you’ll need these items: bug spray, anti-itch cream, hat, scarf, and mittens (winter), wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses (summer), weather-appropriate footwear (boots, sneakers, and sandals), weather-appropriate jacket, binoculars, beach towels, water bottles, compass/GPS, and insect repellent.

If you plan to camp, bring an air mattress, waterproof sheets, cutlery/dishes, camping stove, sleeping bags, flashlight, lighter, tent, umbrella, cooler, Swiss Army knife, and corkscrew.

Consider the following gear, depending on your children's ages: baby carrier, bibs, changing pad, pull-ups and/or diapers, diaper ointment, sippy cup or bottles, car seat, wipes, food and snacks, extra clothes, formula, juice, toys, travel stroller, baby food, child’s toilet seat, blankets, nursing pads, and a portable highchair or booster seat.