With everything going on in Morganton you might be tempted to never leave. I do love a good adventure though. The great part about Morganton is we live within driving distance of dozens of fun day trips. Below is a list of ten fantastic ways to spend your day within 2 hours of our foothills home. For the purpose of this post I’ve added places that are roughly an hour away with a few that are two hours away (give or take a few minutes!).
#1 N.C. Zoo, Asheboro, N.C.- At just over 2 hours I still included it on the list. The N.C. Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the U.S. This is a must for any child growing up in North Carolina. Get your walking shoes ready because it’s quite the hike to see everything. Take advantage of a tram that takes you from Africa to North America in minutes. How convenient!
#2 U.S. National Whitewater Center– The training facility for the U.S. National Whitewater team and home to lots of outdoor adventure including rafting, high ropes and mountain biking trails. Lots of events and concerts happen at the USNWC so take a peek at the calendar of events on their website for more info.
#3 Robert Lake Park, Montreat, N.C.– A fantastic small park with interesting play structures for big and small kids. Bring water clothes and prepare to get wet in the creek that runs through the center of the park. Grab a bite to eat and a sweet treat at Kilwin’s in nearby Black Mountain, N.C. Note: the recent flooding has closed this park for now, but they’re hoping to reopen it. Check here to learn more, check the status, and see how you can help: https://twitter.com/montreat
#4 Lazy 5 Ranch, Mooresville, N.C. – A safari style park that gets you up close and personal with tons of exotic animals!
#5 Tryon International Equestrian Center, Mill Spring, N.C.– If you have a horse lover in your family this is the place to visit! Olympic riders come here to train. How cool is that? Friday nights you can find fun horse show events as well as food and fair rides.
#6 Mountain Play Lodge, Asheville N.C. – A great way to beat the heat in the summer or get the crazies out on a rainy day. Indoor play structures that encourage creative play and physical activity as well as a gated toddler area. No outside food and SOCKS ARE REQUIRED. Coffee, wine and lots of snacks available at the snack bar.
#7 Linville Caverns, Linville, N.C. – Cool off in a cave! Learn all about the ecosystem of a cavern as you journey into the cave. This adventure combines science with some interesting history and is a short trip away.
#8 Schiele Museum of Natural History and Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, Gastonia, N.C. – Full of interesting exhibits and intriguing programs both of these sites are worth a visit. Check out their schedules to find something interesting for your crew! Stop off at Tony’s ice cream in downtown Gastonia for a sweet treat post visit!
#9 Greensboro Science Center, Greensboro, N.C.- Part zoo, part aquarium and totally fun! Your kids will love seeing tigers and penguins up close and personal. Not at the same time mind you!
#10 Discovery Place, Charlotte, N.C. – One of the most interactive museums in the Carolinas. DP is hands on and a great way to spend a day in the heart of Charlotte. If you want the same experience on a smaller scale visit Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville too!
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Biltmore Estate in Asheville, Sea Life Aquarium at Concord Mills, Imaginarium Children’s Library in Charlotte, Kaleideum Downtown in Winston Salem, the Arboretum in Asheville, KidSenses Museum in Rutherfordton and ALL THE AMAZING HIKING/CAMPING/OUTDOOR awesomeness we have to offer within just minutes of Morganton.
There was just way too much to include in this post!
What is your favorite day trip or places we didn’t include on this list?