Day Trips for Kids in NC

Spend a whole day at Lazy 5 Ranch
At the Lazy 5 Ranch you will enjoy the unique experience of approximately 4 mile tour of over 750 animals from all over the world. It is a drive through animal park that will be a sure hit for the whole family. You will be able to drive through the ranch in the safety of your own car or call for reservations for their horse drawn open-air wagons. Don't forget to bring your cameras!

The Lazy 5 Ranch is an animal ranch privately owned and operated by Henry Hampton, who has been raising exotic animals for over 35 years; it's unique to North Carolina and all of the Southeast. It is located in the gently rolling pasturelands of Mooresville, NC.

It will make your senses come alive!
Prepare to feel the presence that will surely make your senses come alive - a presence that goes far beyond breathtaking views, beyond the intimidating world-class roller coasters, beyond hair-raising adventures -- the presence of Carowinds. From the moment you come in, the enchantment begins and the fun never ends.  

You will find rides for everyone. If speed and adventure are for you, there are thrills like Nighthawk and Intimidator. Don't miss them. If you prefer slower speeds, the Family Rides like Woodstock's Express and the Character Carousel will be perfect for you. Then it's the Boomerang Bay, with 20-acre splash-tacular, a 34,000 square foot wave pool, a 1,000 foot long lazy river, 3 interactive family activity areas and 11 exhilarating water slides. And there is the live entertainment, too, which features some of the top talent in the Carolinas!

Plan a visit to Old Salem
In 1950, a few volunteers established Old Salem, Inc. as a way to begin restoring and preserving the town of Salem for the future generations. From book signings to fun hands-on events; furniture seminars to holiday activities, Old Salem's attractions offer more than 100 unique and exciting events every year.

In addition to the acres of the restored and reclaimed landscapes and buildings, the heirloom gardens, and the permanent collections at MESDA, there are many changing exhibit spaces throughout the museums. Gardens have been an essential part of life in Salem since 1766. Its style is very city-like and no place of the same size contains so many plants and flowers. In every yard, window and garden you behold them and some of very rare order. If a great love for flowers argues a corresponding taste for everything beautiful and lovely, then the people of Salem are unsurpassed.

A wonderful field trip!
All-a-Flutter Butterfly Farm is owned by Brandon Aker; Tim and Donna Pless started this business back in 2001 on the family farm. This small piece of heaven is the ideal place to raise the beautiful Monarch butterflies. While most of the areas around the farm have long since been industrialized, this acreage is still home to guinea hens, an old barn, deer, racoons, a bluetick hound and all sorts of wildlife.

Hundreds of Monarchs have been raised each year and sold to businesses or individuals for all kinds of special occasions.  There is a butterfly for all special occasions.

A hands-on art studio in Greensboro

Before ArtQuest, Greenhill's art education programs for children and adults included symposiums, artist talks, gallery tours, Traveling Trunks. In 1992 some people in Greenhill envisioned an education studio, in order to give the visitors hands-on art making opportunities. ArtQuest was created in 1996 and it was a new model for art education to the public. It was created by NC's artists and educators, and it was filled with unique interactive exhibits. It's a wonderful opportunity for the families to create and learn through art.

Hours: Tuesday - Thursday, and Saturday 12:30-5 p.m.; Wednesday Free Family Night 5-7 p.m. and Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Plan your visit
At Tryon Palace, they are committed to being good stewards of all that has been handed down to them: history, people, culture, as well as the natural and physical resources. This commitment is reflected in their mission statement and in every activity they promote, every exhibit they display and every handshake they offer.

Are you visiting with your family or with a group? Whatever your needs, they can help you make the most of your visit to Tryon Palace; you have 300 years of history to explore; one day might not be enough! Check out Tryon Palace's calendar for upcoming recreational, educational or seasonal events.  Visit the Museum Store and Lawson’s Landing Café to complete your experience at Tryon Palace.

Nature Park, Campground & Meeting Facility
A beautiful nature-based park that is located on 55 acres along the Neuse River; it is brimming with fun things to do. Here you can enjoy camping, hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking and canoeing at the Nature Center. 

The Picnic Shelter is located at the entrance to the Park's campground; it is a 30'x60' picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 100 people. It is fully equipped with tables, fans, lights, large grills and a stone fireplace.  The Education and Training Center is equipped with a fully furnished kitchen, which can comfortably accommodate 75 guests auditorium style, or 60 guests banquet style. 

Enjoy your adventure!
Lynnwood Park Zoo has a 1/2 acre pond next to the picnic area; it is built on a 10 acre parcel. It was established in 1990 and since then it has been the only animal exhibiting facility in both Onslow County, NC and the Camp Lejeune area.  Lynnwood Park Zoo displays over 80 animal exhibits, with different species ranging from birds, mammals, reptiles and many, many more.  

Some of the exhibits include mammals like Wallaby, Ocelot, Grey Fox, Zebra, Antelope, Coatimundis, Mara, Donkey, Scottish Highland Cows, Pigmy Goats, Llama, Potbellied Pig and more, reptiles like Burmese Python, Corn Snake, American Alligator, King Snake, Rat Snake, Savannah Monitor, Blue Tongued Skink, Eastern Box Turtle and more, birds like: Emu, Canada Goose, arn Owl, Turkey, Red Golden Pheasant, Silver Pheasant, Mallard Duck, and more.