Boone is a beautiful place in North Carolina with plenty to offer families. While traveling it can be a mission to keep everyone happy. The Boone, NC area really does have something for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you want to stay inside and go bowling or mine gems or be outside and enjoy the mountains, this list has it all. Here are our picks for the best things to do in Boone NC with kids. And if you are looking for our full town guide on what to do in Boone NC and the High Country click here!
Tweetsie Railroad
Take in a few hours at Tweetsie Railroad. The train ride is fun for kids and adults. It goes through the woods, so you can see the beautiful foliage during every season and they often decorate the train route for holidays like Halloween and Christmas. When it comes to things to do in Boone NC with kids this is an absolute favorite.
Horn In The West
See Horn in the West, an outdoor drama about the Revolutionary War. There are shows at the Daniel Boone Amphitheatre almost every day from June to August. It’s a great way to spend quality time with family and learn about Boone’s history. Visit the Hickory Ridge History Museum or Appalachian Fossil Museum for more history lessons. This is the most educational option on our things to do in Boone NC with kids list!
Drive On The Blue Ridge Parkway
Is any trip to Boone complete without a visit to the Parkway?!? Take the Blue Ridge Parkway scenic highway, the most popular attraction in America’s National Park system. The parkway is a 469-mile road that runs through Virginia and North Carolina and is dotted with overlooks and hiking trails. Our top 5 hiking trails to hit near on the Parkway near Boone are below:
- Rough Ridge
- Beacon Hieghts
- The Profile Trail
- Cascades
- Boone Fork Trail
Mystery Hill In Between Boone and Blowing Rock, NC
Mystery Hill in Boone, NC is a must-see attraction for all those seeking the bizarre and wonderful. With its remarkable optical illusions, this peculiar site offers something uniquely different. it is perfect for families or curious adventurers. Test your knowledge at the Native American museum before getting hands on with gemstone mining — an opportunity to discover hidden gems of your own!
Visit Grandfather Mountain
Visit the Grandfather Mountain swinging bridge that hangs over a dramatic 80-foot canyon. The views are amazing from the bridge, which is over a mile in elevation. Grandfather Mountain nature park is open year-round, but it is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing color. The zoo here is also a great adventure for the family!
Foggy Mountain Gem Mine
Foggy Mountain Gem Mine is a must-see attraction in Boone, NC. This cherished family owned and operated gem mine invites visitors to explore the hands-on experience of digging for precious gems and minerals like emeralds, rubies, sapphires and quartz with all necessary equipment provided onsite. In addition to mining activities, guests can pick up beautiful souvenirs at their gift shop featuring unique jewelry pieces as well as other handcrafted items related to this one-of-a kind adventure! Come unearth your own treasures when you visit Foggy Mountain Gem Mine — an unforgettable activity suitable for rockhound enthusiasts or anyone seeking some exciting outdoor fun. Gem mines abound in the High Country, and this one is one of our favorites. It has been one of our favorite things to do in Boone NC with kids since we were visiting as a kid!
The Greenway Trail
For those seeking a nature escape, the Greenway Trail offers visitors in Boone, NC an opportunity to explore its lush forests and mountainous views. Winding alongside South Fork of the New River amidst picturesque babbling brooks, this scenic trail is ideal for hiking excursions or intensive physical activity alike. The path also features multiple picnic areas with restroom facilities along the way so guests can take full advantage of their outdoor experience.
Head To Hawksnest
Exhilarate the whole family with a daring adventure at Hawksnest Zipline. Zooming through the canopies is a great bonding experience and is an exciting outdoor activity suitable for all ages. When it comes to exhilarating things to do with family in Boone NC, Hawksnest is at the top of the list.
The Orchard At Altapass
Go apple picking at The Orchard at Altapass along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Apple picking is a great activity for families. It’s easy to do and it can be done at any time of the year, but it’s especially nice in the fall when there are so many varieties of apples available.
Camping In The Mountains
Price Lake is just one of our favorite places to camp in the mountains of NC. It is an idyllic retreat situated in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Nestled within Julian Price Memorial Park, this 4,200 acre site offers beautiful views. You can explore the loop trail and enjoy some beautiful mountain vistas and lush forested areas. The trail has access points that lead to the pristine water here perfect for fishing or kayaking.
Visitors to the area can take advantage of campground amenities like fire rings as well as picnic tables. An array of outdoor activities await those who wish to explore more; from hiking trails and canoeing adventures to peaceful boat rides around the lake itself! Aside from Price Lake, there are a ton of other options for epic camping for the family near here. For the adventurous family, Linville Gorge offers some remote camping spots. For the more casual camping, New River State Park is great. There are also a ton of campground options!
Visiting Neighboring Blowing Rock
Located a scenic drive away from Boone, NC resides Blowing Rock – an enchanting town that has captivated visitors for centuries. It takes its name from the remarkable rock formation protruding over the valley below and provides a continuous breeze. Its downtown area is full of life with unique shops, galleries and eateries to explore while attractions such as The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum detailing local heritage or Moses H Cone Memorial Park providing nature activities are ready for discovery! Immerse yourself in year-round outdoor activities like skiing/snowboarding during winter months and hiking, biking & kayaking when warmer weather arrives – making it perfect destination no matter what season you visit!
The Blowing Rock Pool
The Blowing Rock Community Pool is a great place to take a dip and cool off. There are many facilities and the pool is heated in the cold months so you can go anytime.
Elk Knob State Park Has It All
Elk Knob State Park in nearby West Jefferson, NC is an outdoor paradise for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. From easy to strenuous hiking trails spanning the majestic Appalachian Mountains, visitors can take time to appreciate their unique surroundings or find a moment of peaceful respite. The signature feature at this North Carolina destination is Elk Knob’s 5,520-foot peak that rewards explorers with unforgettable panoramic views of both land and sky. Fishing ponds are available for all levels of angler, as well as picnic areas and a visitor center complete with exhibits about local history – making it perfect for nature lovers from novice sightseers up to experienced hikers alike!
High Country Guide Service
For the family who likes fishing, hiring a guide through High Country Guide Service will make fun family memories. Or take the scenic 2.5-mile round-trip hike to Crabtree Falls.
Wahoos Adventures
For outdoor adventurers, Wahoos Adventures in Boone, NC offers a truly unforgettable experience. Visitors can explore the stunning New River while kayaking or tubing with friends and family – no prior knowledge necessary! They have life jackets, tube or canoe rentals (with complimentary transportation to/from the river), plus paddles provided on-site. You’ll have everything needed for an enjoyable time spent enjoying nature’s beauty. This is great for first timers and seasoned pros.
Doc’s Rocks
Mine gems at Doc’s Rocks Gem Mining for the ultimate family treasure hunt. At the historic geology store and museum, everyone gets to pan for stones and fossils.
Visiting Neighboring Banner Elk
Nestled in the heart of North Carolina’s majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Banner Elk is a picturesque town. From downtown galleries to one-of-a kind shops, this bustling mountain resort destination offers something for everyone! For outdoor adventure families exploring winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding, Sugar Mountain Resort awaits. Discover all that these mountains have to offer with an unforgettable trip through beautiful Banner Elk. Banner Elk is such a family-friendly town and we highly recommend visiting!
Elk Knob
Hike to Elk Knob, an overlook with views of North Carolina’s High Country. Hiking is a great way to see the area, and Elk Knob is one of the most popular hikes. However, there are many other hiking trails in North Carolina’s High Country, including the Appalachian Trail. For the family that loves the outdoors this is awesome. It is definitely one of our highlighted things to do in Boone NC with kids!
Go Bowling
You can never go wrong with bowling at 10 High Country Lanes, no matter what the weather is like. A bit of family competition and then some time on the patio enjoying food and drinks makes the perfect afternoon.
For those that were searching for things to do in Boone NC with kids, we hope this blog post has given you some ideas. Whether you opt for any on this list, or just wing it when you get there, make sure you plan enough time in Boone to see all that this beautiful North Carolina town offers.
For Our Full Town Guide For Things To Do Where To Stay And Where To Eat When Planning A Trip To Boone NC and The High Country Click Here
