There’s nothing quite like summer in the mountains. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, picnicking with family, wading through the river, and hunting wildflowers on the trail with my grandfather. It comes as no surprise to me that many of our guests are traveling to the high country for a family vacation. There are just so many kid friendly things to do in Boone, NC! Whether you’re hitting the trail, exploring Tweetsie, or checking out a museum, the high country has something for the whole family. Read on to learn about a few of our favorite family activities.
Outdoors
Boone Fork Trail: the quintessential Boone trail.
There are many reasons why we love this trail. It’s a solid five mile loop, which is great for older or more active kids. If your kids are younger or you’re looking for a shorter hike, when you arrive at the trailhead, start on the path to the right. You’ll be following the river, and there are so many great spots where you can wade in. If you’re planning on doing the whole five mile loop, I recommend starting on the left and finishing up by following the river…it’s a great way to finish the hike.
Beacon Heights: short and sweet with a spectacular view.
We’re not even sure if we can call this a hike, but it’s certainly worth experiencing. A quick half mile walk, and you’re there. The trail does end on a sheer cliff, so make sure to be extra careful with the little ones. It’s such an accessible trail, and a view that you don’t want to miss!
Area Attractions
A wonderful place to take the little ones. Tweetsie is popular with locals and travelers alike. Tweetsie is a wild west theme park located in between Boone and Blowing Rock. Take a ride on a historic steam train, enjoy other amusement rides, and entertainment. The park also features a variety of different special events, so check to see what they’re offering when you’re planning your trip.
Located close to Tweetsie, Mystery Hill has been called a natural gravitational anomaly. You have to see it to believe it. Mystery Hill has something for all ages! Find gem mining, several museums, and more all next door to one another.
Dining
A great, eclectic blend of southwest Caribbean soul food! It really is one of my all time Boone favorites. Plus it’s got an awesome kid’s menu. From traditional kids fare to rice, beans, and plantain plates for your more adventurous eater. I recommend trying a boat, and if you like it spicy, don’t forget to ask for the homemade hot sauces.
You can’t go wrong with pizza for the whole family. Lost Province is located right downtown, and you can even walk to the restaurant from our downtown Boone vacation rental homes. They specialize in wood fired pizzas, and they’re a destination microbrewery. Parents, it’s a win-win all around. Kid friendly and an adult favorite.
What are you waiting for? Plan your end-of-summer trip to the mountains. There are so many memories to be made, and so much exploring to do. There are plenty of kid friendly things to do in and around Boone, NC. Want more ideas? Reach out and we can help you plan the perfect trip. Also, make sure to sign up for our email list. Just click here and scroll to the bottom of the page to sign up. We’ll keep you up to date on special deals and more!
