Best Family Weekend Destinations in North Carolina

North Carolina's family destinations span natural wonders, living history museums, world-class science centers, and mountain adventure parks.

North Carolina Zoo (Asheboro)
The largest natural habitat zoo in the world by land area — 2,600 acres total, with 500+ acres of walk-through natural habitats. The zoo is divided into a North America section and an Africa section with drive-through connections. It's a serious multi-hour commitment even to see the highlights. The polar bears, African elephants, and gorilla habitat are standouts.

Wright Brothers National Memorial (Kill Devil Hills)
The site of the first powered airplane flight on December 17, 1903. The reconstructed Wright Flyer, the take-off track markers, and the granite monument on Kill Devil Hill are the key attractions. The visitor center's reproduction of Wilbur and Orville's workshop and wind tunnel are excellent for older children. Free with America the Beautiful pass.

Grandfather Mountain and Linville
The Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain, the wildlife habitats for native animals (black bear, white-tailed deer, bald eagle), and the natural history museum make this a good family day. The nearby Linville Caverns (the only commercial cave in NC), Linville Falls, and Tweetsie Railroad (a western-themed amusement park in Blowing Rock) round out a mountain family weekend.

Asheville: Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore, George Vanderbilt's 8,000-acre estate and 250-room château (the largest privately owned house in the US), is one of the finest historic house museums in the country. The winery, gardens, and adjacent Antler Hill Village make it a half-day experience. The estate is open year-round; Christmas decorations and candlelight tours are particularly spectacular.

Carowinds (Charlotte)
A major theme park straddling the NC-SC border south of Charlotte, Carowinds has the Fury 325 roller coaster — one of the tallest and fastest in the world — plus a water park and family-friendly rides. A full day is required to see the park.