It's not always easy to go on a family outing and find a place that your children will enjoy. Fortunately, for those visiting or living in North Carolina, the state is filled with all sorts of intriguing and exciting activities for children.
Located near Asheboro in Central North Carolina, the North Carolina Zoo opened in 1974. It sits on 1,500 acres of land, 500 of which make up one of the largest natural habitat zoos in the United States, according to the zoo's website. The zoo has an education division that strives to connect kids with nature. Known as kidZone, the program allows kids and their families to interact with nature through play spaces and live animal presentations.
Set in Western North Carolina near the Appalachian Trail, the Gold City Gem Mine near Franklin provides kids with an opportunity to learn about the history and process of mining as well as do their own mining and gold panning. Kids can take the rocks they find to an on-site jeweler to make customized pieces.
The Carolina Raptor Center is situated just north of Charlotte in Huntersville and offers a place where kids can see and learn about raptors and birds of prey. The center has weekly events such as vulture feedings, live bird presentations and education trails. The center's mission is promoting the conservation of birds of prey "through education, research and the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors," according to the center's website.
The Morehead Planetarium and Science Theater, located in Chapel Hill near the University of North Carolina campus, is one of the largest planetariums in the country. The facility boasts a 68-foot domed Star Theater, scientific exhibits, telescope and observation decks, art galleries and a large sundial. The planetarium offers a number of educational shows that were produced on location. The Morehead Center has several classes that cater to both adults and children.
For those headed to the eastern part of the state, Jungle Rapids in Wilmington offers all sorts of activities for both parents and children, such as a water park, go-carts, laser tag, rock wall, thrill rides and mini-golf. The park even offers a birthday package, which includes a private party room for pizza, presents and cake, a party hostess, access to the waterpark and a T-shirt for the birthday child.
