Looking for a fun, interactive day trip that scores big with kids and adults? We recently headed to the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, and WOW — our crew (ages 6, 8, and 11) had a total blast! With immersive exhibits, physical challenges, and even video games, this museum is way more than just sports history. Here’s the play-by-play from our visit.
Take a Peek at Our Visit
Meet Jeff: The MVP of Our Visit
From the moment we arrived, our tour guide Jeff made the experience incredible. He was engaging, kid-friendly, and packed with football knowledge. He helped us kick off our visit by setting up personalized fan profiles — we chose our favorite college teams, snapped photos, and shared fun facts like favorite foods and dream jobs.
These profiles came to life throughout the museum using interactive AI technology — a really neat touch that kept the kids excited at every turn!
What You’ll See (and Do!) Inside the Hall
This isn’t your typical museum. It’s packed with exciting visuals, hands-on activities, and plenty of places for kids to move, play, and explore. Here are some of the highlights:
🏈 Helmet Wall: A massive wall covered in helmets from every single college football team.
🎨 Hand-Painted Mural: A stunning, colorful timeline of football’s history — from its early beginnings to today.
🏆 Trophy Displays: Including the Heisman, National Championship, and various Bowl trophies.
🎬 Short Film: A quick 10-minute movie that’s just the right length for younger attention spans.
Our Favorite Interactive Moments
The interactive zones were the real stars of the show — here’s what kept our kids grinning from ear to ear:
🏟️ On the Field: On the top floor, they kicked field goals, threw passes, and ran routes — just like real players. This was a BIG hit with our boys!
🎤 Karaoke Time: We gave the Gamecocks fight song our best shot — let’s just say we had fun, even if we weren’t pitch-perfect!
🏃♂️ Test Your Skills: The boys raced in a 40-yard dash, jumped to test their vertical, and competed like pros at the ESPN Gameday desk — picking their winners just like the TV analysts.
🎮 XBox Lounge: Because what kid doesn’t love video games? They got to play college football on XBox while taking a break from all the action.
🧑⚖️ Be the Ref: Tossing a yellow flag and making their own penalty calls? Yes, please.
A Quick Football History Lesson
Jeff gave us a fun (and quick) history lesson, too. Did you know the first college football game was played between Rutgers and Princeton? Rutgers won 6–4 — pretty wild to think about how far the sport has come!
Is the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta Worth the Drive?
Absolutely. This experience checks all the boxes: fun, educational, active, and totally family-friendly. Whether your kids are big football fans or just love to move and play, they’ll find something to love here.
Planning a Trip?
🚗 Location: Downtown Atlanta
🕐 Time Needed: Plan for about 2–3 hours
🧻 Bathrooms: Yes, clean and easy to access
👶 Stroller-Friendly: Mostly! The layout is open and accessible
🎟️ College Football Hall of Fame Tickets: Not free, but totally worth the price for what you get. Tickets are $35 for adults, $27 for kids 3-12, and under 3 is free.
Has your family visited the College Football Hall of Fame? What did your kids love most? Tell us in the comments!
Have you taken your family to Medieval Times? Atlanta has one, and it is perfect for special occasions or a great day trip adventure, especially when you’re attempting to redeem the day. Medieval Times is located only 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta, and the show takes around 2-3 hours.
Perfect for a day trip where you can combine with other activities. Check out KA contributor Jennifer’s day trip to Medieval Times for the dinner tournament, and get started planning your next road trip to Atlanta, GA.
We take our children on family vacations because adventures and memories last longer than toys they outgrow. However, we have yet to take a family vacation where something unfortunate does not happen.
The trip started off well, but we had a tire blow on the interstate shortly outside of Atlanta. Thankfully, we were all safe. But, it did put some hiccups in our well-laid plans. After hours spent in a tire store and eating in chain restaurants that were not part of the agenda, we were tired, ill, and frustrated.
We decided we must redeem the day, so we called the nice folks at Medieval Times and asked to exchange our early dinner tickets for the later dinner show. With little ones along for the adventure, a show beginning at 7:30 p.m. would be pushing it for their bellies and their tired bodies. We prayed the kids would be awake enough to still enjoy it.
Our evening at Medieval Times: Atlanta, GA
Turns out, we had absolutely nothing to worry about! Our kids were alert and awake as soon as we drove up and saw the castle. The Medieval Times in Atlanta is in Sugarloaf Mills Mall in Lawrenceville, Georgia. This is located at a large outlet mall with stores, restaurants, and other activities. Medieval Times has a castle built out of the mall, which must be entered through a mall entrance. You’ll be whisked away to the 11th century once you leave the mall and enter the castle.
While we purchased tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show, the doors to the venue were opened slightly earlier. We joined the line to enter at 6:00 p.m. because the first ones to enter got the best seats in the house. When the time to enter comes, a trumpeter appears, along with the King and Princess to welcome the assembled crowd. My children could barely contain their excitement.
Things to Do Before Dinner in the Castle
Upon entering the castle, we were each given a green paper crown to cheer on the Green Knight. Pictures were taken, and then we were able to visit the castle areas.
Expect your little ones to want to visit the gift shop. There are souvenirs galore and drinks a plenty inside the castle. There is also a dungeon for brave souls to visit. Since there was a parental warning, we decided it would probably not be a wise decision to walk our little ones through the dungeon, but I did see many families come in and out of the dungeon doors.
After having such a rough day, we gave in to requests for knights’ helmets and princess hats immediately. The show is pricey itself, so be prepared for your children to want to add light-up wands, hats, swords, flags, and whatnot to the already large bill.
During the waiting time, you can shop, have a drink or snack, and watch various people be knighted by the king. This is an upgrade option for those who want the whole knighting experience. Even if you do not pay to be knighted, it is still fun to watch.
What to Expect During the Dinner Tournament at Medieval Times Atlanta
Minutes before the show, we were ushered into the jousting arena. You sit in stadium-like rows with tables in front in a round. Every seat has a great view of the dinner tournament.
The bill of fare includes your beverage, a piece of garlic toast, soup, rotisserie chicken, a roasted potato, corn, and dessert. The meal was delicious! However, there is one small thing you should know. Since you have gone back into “medieval times,” there are no utensils! You must eat everything with your hands. My son and daughter thought this was awesome! Don’t worry, parents – they provide moist wipes to clean up after your meal.
While eating, they put on an incredible show with knights, horses, and falcons. But, the big event is the dinner tournament where you watch the knights perform. The knights compete in a series of jousting events and fighting battles. They drop screens down in between the audience and knights as some of the weaponry is destroyed in the battle. You see sparks fly as swords clash and jousts splinter. You are encouraged to cheer on your knight and boo your opponent as loudly as possible.
With all the chaos of the morning, hearing my children scream, “We believe in you! You can do it!” and “Boo!” at the top of their lungs made all of the tire disaster worth it. I do not know the last time my kids have shown that much excitement. My son yelled for our knight to do a “Sneak attack!” and when a bad guy appeared, my daughter loudly shouted, “Get him outta here!”
Our Green Knight was not victorious, but it did not matter in the end. The whole arena came together to cheer on the good knight who was battling an evil one.
After the final battle, audience members can meet the knights and take pictures. This was a big hit for my star-struck children.
With hoarse voices and full bellies, we left the castle. Our children fell asleep with smiles on their faces before we ever made it out of the mall parking lot.
Things to Know Before Visiting Medieval Times Atlanta
For General Admission prices: $65.95 for adults | $38.95 for children 12 and under | Under 3 – Free if they sit with parents and do not order a meal
Times: Varies Depending on the day of the week | Saturdays generally have multiple show times (5:00 pm and 7:30 pm)
Length of time: 2-Hour Dinner Show | Castle opens 75 minutes before show time
Have you visited Asheville Adventure Park? In Asheville, NC, this zipline course offers so much for adventurous kids. We visited the Asheville Adventure Park for some fun so we could tell our readers all about it, and help them plan their own trip!
Complimentary tickets were provided for this review in 2018, and it has been updated with 2025 information.
Last week the kids and I took the kind of adventure you just want to share with everyone you know. (You guys – it is just so fun to have big kids!) This adventure involved helmets and heights and wires and harnesses and conquering fears and pulling together as a team. And it was pretty close to home too.
The Adventure Center of Asheville is just a couple of minutes from downtown Asheville, NC. As soon as I heard about their KidZip, the first kid zip line in the country to be built especially for kids ages 4 to 10, I wanted to try it with my kiddos. (Our family received tickets for writing and reviewing and sharing about the park. Our opinions are absolutely all our own.) P
Plus, they have one of only a few Asheville zip-line canopy tours located only minutes from downtown Asheville with beautiful views of downtown. Sounds like the perfect day trip to me!
Find a place to stay in Asheville, NC. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
Our day at the Asheville Adventure Park at the Adventure Center of Asheville
We arrived a little early because I wasn’t certain how long the drive would take or the length of the paperwork process. The check-in process was laid back and simple. There was a waiver to sign per kid, of course. And this time, for the first time, I actually had my writers fill in their own info and sign their own names. Man – that made that process so much faster.
We watched zip liners climb way up high on the adult course and wondered if our zip lines would be that high. Turns out – they were not. For which all of the kids were grateful.
At the course, we were given helmets and harnesses and instructions. I’m not going to lie – the older I get the more young adults look like children to me. And a lot of the workers at the KidZip area certainly looked young. I watched closely as they harnessed my kids in and checked the equipment. I can tell you this – these young men and women were professional, calm, well-spoken, and careful about their work. I saw zero cell phones in their hands. They all kept their own helmets on and they were focused on their jobs at hand.
Maneuvering the KidZip Course at Asheville Adventure Park
After we received our instructions we started on the kid zip line. There were nine ziplines I think and each had an obstacle before you zipped off down the line.
At first the zipping and the obstacles were easy but goodness, they got more complicated. You are always attached by your trolley to the zipline and always harnessed in but you had to maneuver your trolley over several tracks and something they called “sharks” which could be a little tricky for tiny hands and arms. The kids did a stellar job though.
At tough obstacles, they talked through them and worked together to help their younger siblings reach the sharks and conquer the heights.
If I had realized this would be helpful, I would have positioned myself between the kids differently. Once your trolley is on the zipline you can’t change orders or get off so occasionally I was several kids behind Otto and Piper and they could have really used a grown-up’s helping hand. Or – if you were zipping with multiple grown-ups you could plan to stagger grown-ups and kids accordingly. We managed just fine in the end since Berg and London and Mosely really helped out a lot.
(Actually – I think one thing I most valued about this entire experience – aside from the fabulous just plain fun factor – was the fact that the kids really pulled together. They spoke encouraging words. They laughed. They gave each other a helping hand. They were a family – up high and all together.)
The climbing wall on the next-to-last zipline was my least favorite – I seriously did not like balancing on that high-up wall and trying to pull down the sharks for my trolley to pass over. Piper almost panicked at that one, but she reigned it in bravely and conquered it.
Can you guess which little Keigley was the least afraid throughout the entire experience? If you guessed Otto then you guessed right. That little man is as fearless as they come. He was usually the leader on our excursion and would continually look back at us and ask, “Can I head to the next one guys?” with the biggest happy grin all shining out of his sweet boy face.
One thing I really appreciated about the Asheville Adventure Park was that, after we finished our zipping, I assumed we were done. One ride, so to speak. But nope – the staff smiled and said, “Want to go again?” Which we did, of course! Because on the second round, you felt more like an expert and could be a little bolder. By the third round, yep – the third round – Bergen was putting his hands behind his head, relaxing style, and zipping across like a champ. I loved that you could go round and round as often as you wanted. It certainly would make you feel as if you received your money’s worth.
The Big Courses at Asheville TreeTops Adventure Park
After we had all the zipping we could handle, we stared up in wonder at the Asheville TreeTops Adventure Park, situated right beside the KidZip area. It looked fascinating and terrifying and awesome and challenging and exactly like something we all wanted to try but were afraid to try – all at the exact same time. The TreeTop Adventure park ages range from 4 and up, though some of the higher-up and more difficult courses should be reserved for older kids and adults.
The obstacles were wild – lily pads two stories up that you jumped across, a kayak strung between trees about five stories high that you paddled across on ropes and air, skinny wires to walk on, trapezes to swing through the trees, hula hoops dangling between trees, ropes swinging for balance, a slide to come down and so so much more. We gulped and decided we’d try that adventure too.
The really great thing about the TreeTops Adventure Park is the fact that its appeal is so wide to so many ages. There are five courses of varying levels and enough dizzying challenges to frighten even the most adventure loving grown up big kid.
The hook-up and safety procedures for the TreeTops Adventure Park were a bit different. You are always attached to your harness and the wires through the use of two hooks and a cleverly designed system using tweezles. (Yes, that’s a real word.) It is impossible for both tweezles to be unlocked at the same time so you can trust that you (and your beloved kiddos) are safe and sound and secure.
There is definitely a learning curve to the tweezles and I’d say the kids got the hang of it before I did. It was certainly a big part of the challenge to switch your carabiner from side to side while balancing on a little platform far up in the trees. There were several obstacles for which I was legitimately scared. I think I would have liked to have tried to challenge myself to some of the even harder courses but time didn’t allow for that bravery. (Yep, I’m blaming time when it was probably because I was too scared!)
We could have stayed for hours and hours longer but we did eventually grow hungry and exhausted. We had so much fun and we all were steady non-stop talking about which obstacle was the scariest and how hard it was or how easy it was or how scary it was. London, my stay-at-home-every-day kind of kid, pulled me aside as we were turning in our gear and whispered, “Momma – I’m sorry for not having the best attitude about this trip when you told us about it. It was way more fun than I ever thought it would be.”
Planning Your Family Trip to Asheville Adventure Park
Asheville Treetops Adventure Park features lots of other options for adventurous souls. There is one of the more popular Asheville zip line canopy tours, a bungee-style jump, and the Kolo bike park for mountain biking with bike rentals and pump tracks.
I know I have an unusually large family. (Although, ironically, lately London says she feels as if our family is small. I think I agree with her. It’s all perspective, people.) But I know not everyone has to fork over entry fees for five kids when they take adventures.
The prices at Asheville Adventure Park seem high. It’s pricier than a movie, for sure. (Although, not by much!) You certainly do get a lot of bang for your buck. After having spent a long morning at the park though, I can guarantee, the prices are worth it!
The adventure is fun. The challenges are great. The bonding can’t be beaten. Sharing pictures and telling others what you can’t even believe that you conquered – just the perfect amount of thrill. It’s so conveniently located that you can treat it as a staycation option or as a choice for when out-of-town friends come for a weekend visit. Reservations are recommended, especially if you plan to travel with a larger group.
Asheville Treetops Adventure Park 1 Resort Drive Asheville, NC 28803
I hope you decide to go.And I hope you take lots of pictures and I hope you get to make as many sweet and solid memories with your cool kids as I got to make with mine.
Are your kids brave enough for Asheville Adventure Park?
The devastation from Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina rages on many months later as small businesses struggle to recover. But this area is indeed open and they are grateful for tourists to come and enjoy the small towns, restaurants, hiking trails, and all the beauty that is Western NC. Here’s where to go.
Western NC is open and they are in need of tourism as that is their main source of income. Hurricane Helene hit during the worst possible time for the area: the fall leaf peeping season. These small businesses lost a huge percentage of their annual profits because of that.
You were there for these towns when they needed water, food, and supplies. You volunteered, you collected donated items, and you bought Christmas presents. None of that went unnoticed. But they are still struggling. Tourism is the best way to help support our neighbors and friends in Western NC.
The Upstate is less than an hour from many of these amazing small, mountain towns and really no more than two hours from all the others. You can visit these beautiful spots, shop, eat, hike, and enjoy they have to offer.
Here are a few ideas of where to go and what to do in Western NC.
Tubing with Brevard Tubing
Lake Lure
While the beach and lake at Lake Lure are not open, may restaurants and local businesses are open. Plus, there are some fantastic hiking trails nearby, which makes this spot a pretty easy day trip to enjoy.
Where to play
Take a hike: We absolutely love the Conserving Carolina trails and will always recommend them. Some of our favorites aren’t open yet but if you are a somewhat experienced hiker without small kids, we’d recommend Strawberry Gap Trail (~6 miles, moderate/hard) or Youngs Mountain (~4.5 miles, moderate/hard with drop-offs, permit needed). Both have incredible views.
Zip through the trees: Go ziplining at Canopy Ridge, where kids as young as 2 can participate! There are six ziplines and you can expect to soar through the trees for about an hour and a half. They are open Fridays-Mondays.
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge: While the bridge is half gone (and will be completely removed in the coming months), the volunteers at the Flowering Bridge have planted some beautiful flowers you can enjoy. One of the gazebo’s survived Helene and is at the entrance. They are accepting donations to rebuild what they can.
Chimney Rock State Park: It’s back open! You’ll need to make reservations but we are thrilled the park is open. Several businesses along the main drag in Chimney Rock Village are also open – this is huge news!
Paint pottery: You can paint your pottery at Lake Lure Pottery or buy some of their beautiful pieces to take home!
Canopy Ridge at Lake Lure
Where to Eat
We loved El Lago at Lake Lure Beach for their tasty tacos and nachos.
Other open restaurants are:
Victory Kitchen
Lured Market & Grill l
Grey Hawk Lake Lure
LakeHouse
Highlands Reserve
Canoe Kitchen
Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Fae Nectar
Black Mountain
Black Mountain is right next to Swannanoa, one of the hardest hit areas of Hurricane Helene. This charming mountain town will lure you in for its beauty, shops, restaurants, and hospitality.
Scenes from Black Mountain
Where to Play
Main Street: Black Mountain has an amazing Main Street that has all kinds of interesting shops with local goods, teas, ice cream, clothing, and awesome hats (seriously, they have cool hats). My daughters and I spent two hours just walking around downtown and shopping.
Local hikes: Lookout Mountain in nearby Montreat is a very short mile hike (roundtrip) with incredible views. It’s pretty steep going up and you have to scramble over some rocks to get to the top but wow, the view is awesome. Also not far away is Catawba Falls, which is perfect for a summer swim. You can do the three-mile loop and see the huge waterfall, which consists of a lower and upper falls. Whether you go clockwise or counterclockwise, you’ll be going uphill so take it slow if you need.
Black Mountain Pool: This public pool has a zero entry area with water sprays for smaller kids. It’s a fun spot to hang out and open to everyone. Be sure to check the website before you go for operating hours. Admission for non-residents range from $3-$6 per person.
Where to Eat
There are several restaurants in Black Mountain to enjoy. We absolutely loved our dinner at the Trailhead Restaurant & Bar – the chicken sandwich was amazing.
Other restaurants our readers recommend are:
Louise’s Kitchen
Ole Guacamoles
Sassafras
Godfathers Pizza
Berliner Kindl German
The Social (nearby – not in downtown Black Mountain)
Peri Social House (they have a fully fenced in kids zone)
Brevard
Brevard has been a favorite town of mine for years. Thankfully it wasn’t hit as hard as some of the other places in Western NC but they did have cleanup to do, which is now finished!
Sliding down Sliding Rock
Where to Play
Sliding Rock: The famous Sliding Rock in Pisgah Forest is open Memorial Day through Labor Day 9 am – 6 pm daily (go before Noon and after 4 pm for lesser crowds) and staffed with lifeguards. Admission is $5/person. Yes, the water is cold but it’s awesome and fun and we ended up sliding multiple times because really, why not.
Hikes: Moore Cove Falls and Fryingpan Tower (both 1.5 miles roundtrip) are awesome hikes that are easy and have big payoffs in terms of waterfalls and views. Stop by the Pisgah Ranger Center at the entrance to the forest for more suggestions on local hikes or check out the AllTrails app. There are miles and miles of trails there.
Go tubing: Brevard Tubing is very close to the entrance to Pisgah Forest. You can tube all you want for $30. It’s a relaxing trip and the owners are really nice!
Cradle of Forestry: Did you know you can ride an indoor helicopter at the Cradle of Forestry just minutes from Sliding Rock? We love this cool spot for its Blue Ghost Fireflies tours, amazing display of the history of forestry in the region, beautiful trails, and old log cabins. Definitely put the Cradle of Forestry on your list when you are out that way.
Check out festivals: Brevard hosts some pretty awesome festivals throughout the year so be sure to look at their latest event calendar before planning your trip. You may find your new favorite festival!
Go shopping: One of our favorite shops in Brevard is Next Venture Outdoors, a consignment shop for all things outdoors – clothing, gear, shoes, tents, paddles, backpacks. The original O.P. Taylor’s toy store is in downtown Brevard and it’s so cool! You can see other shops at Brevard’s website. Walking around Main Street in Brevard is worth it. It’s an authentic little mountain town that you’ll love as much as we do once you go and visit.
Where to Eat
We really enjoyed lunch at Pescado’s & Sunrise (20 Mclean Road, Brevard, NC), which is really close to the entrance to Pisgah Forest. They have sandwiches, burgers, and wraps at affordable prices. A recommendation we got but didn’t go was the Pisgah Bakehouse (1980 Asheville Hwy, Brevard, NC), which also has sandwiches and baked goods. We love Pisgah Roasters for coffee. Downtown Brevard has several restaurants.
Asheville
Asheville is still very much on the road to recovery but they are – and have been – welcoming visitors.
Black bear at the WNC Nature Center
Where to Play
Biltmore Estate: I am such a big fan of the Biltmore that I went and got an annual pass years ago. The gardens, the House, the winery, the village – everything is worth exploring. Read our review for all the info.
Asheville Retrocade: For $10/person, you can play all the retro games you want at this fun arcade.
WNC Nature Center: This is a cool nature center because they have awesome playgrounds scattered throughout plus lots of animals to learn about. Be sure to stay tuned to their website as they have special events throughout the year.
Sierra Nevada Brewery:Sierra Nevada has excellent brews, fun games for all ages, and fantastic food. They often have live music on the weekends as well.
Where to Eat
I’m a big fan of Papas & Beer – the one closest to the Biltmore. Their food is tasty and reasonable. I also love the Village Bakery in Flat Rock, which would be on your way home from Asheville to Greenville. Their pizza and salads are worth the day trip alone.
Beech Mountain
When it’s crazy hot in Greenville, think about Beech Mountain – it’s regularly 10 to 15 degrees cooler up there than in the Upstate because it’s the highest town in the Eastern United States at over 5,000 feet above sea level.
Mountaineer Adventure Tower
Where to Play
Buckeye Recreation Center: The Buckeye Recreation Centers offers two free ropes playgrounds, free kayak rentals, free canoe rentals, free hiking trails, and free fishing. Buckeye Lake is a small lake but you can’t really get better than free boat rentals there. It’s perfect for families to paddle around. You can also fish there and rent fishing gear for free (bait not included).
Emerald Outback Hiking Trails: There are about eight miles of hiking and biking trails at Emerald Outback and several overlook points. The map is honestly quite fun with the trails all having Wizard of Oz-themed named like Ruby Slippers, Oz Forest, and Wizards Way. They all have different colors as well and the trail system is well-marked but I highly recommend using a good hiking app on your phone because we had some issues going in the right direction on some of the trails.
Mountaineer Adventure Tower: The Adventure Tower is three stories of rope obstacle courses and climbing structures. The topmost level has giant beach balls and Eno hammocks; the second level has rope obstacles and rope swings along with a 25-foot high slide; the first level has lots of bouncy dodge balls; and the ground level has several lawn games and oh-so-relaxing nest swings. I did not want to leave those nest swings. It was so relaxing to swing on them in the mountain breeze.
Grandfather Mountain: Nearby Grandfather Mountain is one of the coolest parks I’ve ever been to in North Carolina and home to the real life Chutes & Ladders trail. My kids are experienced hikers and we’ve done this trail twice and both times I’ve questioned my life decisions but wow, it’s worth it if you are experienced and take proper trail precautions. If you don’t like hanging off the sides of mountains, Grandfather Mountain also has a fantastic nature center, Ranger talks, special events, and the Mile High Bridge. You can also see the curve where Forrest Gump ran in the movie. Read our review on Grandfather Mountain to learn how to experience this cool place.
Mile High Bridge at Grandfather Mountain
Alpine Mountain Coaster: The Wilderness Run Alpine Mountain Coaster is the first of its kind in Western North Carolina. The track is over 3,000 feet long and you get up to 27 miles per hour on the coaster, which is controlled by the rider.
Where to Eat
Fred’s Backside Deli: This place is a gem of Beech Mountain. It has multiple purposes: a hole-in-the-wall restaurant downstairs, a general store on the first and second floors. I was wondering if there was anything this cool spot doesn’t do or have. Their tagline is actually, “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.” Nailed it.
Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria: Their menu includes pizza, wings, salads, sandwiches, pasta, the largest beer selection on the mountain, a full bar, a bakery, and an ice cream counter. We enjoyed a delicious cheese pizza split with a four cheese pizza, a Greek salad, and amazing hand cut fries. Fries are my weakness and oh my gosh, these were delicious.
5506’ Skybar: The views at Skybar are worth it alone but the food was also really good. My daughters had burgers and I had a chicken wrap. It came with fruit or chips and we each enjoyed a Shirley Temple while taking in stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You’re so high at 5,506’ that you really feel like you can touch the clouds.
Love visiting our National Parks with your family? If you have a fourth-grader living in your home, you can get a free 4th-grade national park pass for your child. As an added bonus, the pass will cover your whole family, with free access to national parks and other federal recreation lands!
We have all the details on this awesome program, so you’re able to take full advantage!
How does Every Kid Outdoors work?
The National Park Service offers a free national park pass to 4th graders through the Every Kid Outdoors Program. The free annual pass is good for national parks and federal recreation areas and covers kids and their families (up to 3 adults and all kids traveling with the 4th grader).
Use your free fourth-grade student annual national park pass for a family adventure or field trip. It’s good for the entire school year your child is a 4th grader and the following summer, ending August 31st. You can use the kid outdoors pass again and again.
The process is simple. If you have a fourth-grader in your home, just visit the Every Kid Outdoors website. You will be taken through the steps that lead to your park pass. The pass is valid only when printed out. They will not accept passes shown on smartphones.
When you visit your first park, simply take your printed copy and exchange it for a park pass. If there is no park ranger at the park you visit, simply leave the pass on your dashboard where it will be visible.
If the park you visit has an entrance fee, all children and up to three adults riding in the same vehicle will be free.
The pass does not cover any extras such as camping fees, boat rentals, tours, etc. State parks or local parks that charge a fee are not included in the pass.
Use Your Pass: National Parks Near You or Make a Trip
There are plenty of parks near Greenville that could be done in a day. One of our favorites is the home of Carl Sandburg up in Flat Rock, NC. If you visit there, make sure to say hello to the goats. Others include The Blue Ridge Parkway, and historic battlefields Cowpens, King’s Mountain, Congaree National Park, and Ninety-Six.
The Smoky Mountains National Park is on the list. And if you’ve never enjoyed it, you’re missing out. It’s some of the most beautiful hiking I’ve ever done.
Your adventure is good for one year, expiring on August 31. So, what are you waiting for? Check out this find your park page to see what is close to home. Or find a park that will be worth the drive and make some memories!
Keep Your Trip Cheap
More deals: As you travel to visit your parks for free, keep costs down by using Kids Eat Free Deals. The 20+ restaurants in our article offer national kids eat free or cheap deals (may vary by location, so, do check before you dine!)
What’s your favorite park to visit with your kids?
Get A FREE National Parks Pass for all fourth-graders! If your child is in fourth-grade, you can get a free national parks pass from the Every Kid Outdoors Program!
All Aboard! In this post, you’ll discover: 🎟️ Details on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Kids Ride Free summer deal (and how to book it) 🛤️ Two scenic train ride options: Nantahala Gorge and Tuckasegee River 🏕️ Unique lodging picks — from cozy yurts to a real 1960s caboose! 🏞️ Extra family-friendly adventures nearby, including rafting, tubing & waterfall hikes
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has an excellent summertime deal for taking a scenic train ride out of the historic depot in North Carolina’s Bryson City. Train lovers, this is your chance to take the little ones in your family on an adventure, for much cheaper. Kids ride free on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad out of downtown Bryson City, NC this summer!
I always thought there was something oh-so-romantic about riding an old steam locomotive train. Maybe it’s just because it’s not something we do often in today’s modern world, or that the old photos of these trains often had women with beautiful, full dresses and lace umbrellas and boots – something I always thought was pretty cool.
While I don’t have a hoop skirt – and won’t anytime soon – luckily, you don’t need one to ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This is the same Bryson City train that does the Polar Express during the Christmas season. We’ve got all the details on a pretty awesome deal they have for families over the summer, though!
Kids Ride Free on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
During the summertime, they are offering a pretty amazing deal: they are offering a free child’s ticket (ages 2-12) with every Adult ticket purchased all summer on trains that run Monday – Friday. Coach and open air tickets are only available for this promotion, so first-class cars will not be available for this deal.
Tickets are valid on one of the two scenic general excursions in Standard Coach – either the Diesel locomotive power on Tuckasegee River or Nantahala Gorge. The trains leave out of the depot in downtown Bryson City.
Ticket purchases can be made to ride May 1, 2025 – September 30th, 2025. Tickets for Kids Ride Free can’t be combined with other discounts, are subject to blackout dates, and aren’t available for special event trains. However, you will be able to access the train museum with your ticket, which kids love! Also, ask about their box lunches so you can pack light!
Most discounts are only available by phone. Contact 800-872-4681 to complete your Kids Ride Free purchase.
The Bryson City Train Ride Through the Smokies
The Great Smoky Mountains rail has 53 miles of railroad to traverse, but not every excursion uses all of those miles. There are also two tunnels and 25 bridges. Train rides roll through the majestic mountains and river gorges in an unforgettable trip. Some of the more affordable tickets even have an open-air car for the scenic train ride, with options to upgrade to coach and first class available. These Bryson City train rides are certain to make lots of memories.
The Nantahala Gorge Excursion takes guests over 44 miles to the Nantahala Gorge and back. Scenic views are plenty on this trip. You’ll see the Little Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers and travel across Fontana Lake surrounded by the mountains. This trip is 4.5 hours long, and a Standard Coach Adult ticket starts around $59.
The Tuckasegee River Excursion is a little shorter at 32 miles round trip and four hours total. Guests will see vast meadows and old railroad towns as they travel along the Tuckasegee River. Plus, you’ll pass by the set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford during this train ride. A Standard Coach Adult ticket starts around $59.
To purchase your tickets, call 800.872.4681 to utilize the Kids Ride Free deal.
Where to Stay Near the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
Use the map below to find the perfect place to stay near the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
Through an affiliate relationship with Stay22, Kidding Around earns when you book through this map.
More places to stay
There are plenty of cool places to stay in the area, but we recommend Sky Ridge Yurts, a beautiful little village of comfortable and spacious yurts about 20 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad and on the edge of the Nantahala forest.
Interior of Yurt at Sky Ridge Yurts
Or if you really want a memorable experience, stay in a renovated 1960s caboose at Buffalo Creek Vacations– on a bison farm! It sleeps five people and has a full bathroom, kitchen, and living area. Plus, it has bison that freely roam the property.
Caboose rentals at Buffalo Creek Vacations
Other Things to Do in Bryson City
In Bryson City, train culture is huge. But so is the great outdoors! Bryson City, NC is a beautiful spot with lots to do but during the summer, there is almost an endless number of things to do with your family.
The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is fantastic for families. You can go whitewater rafting down the Nantahala River there (kids need to be at least 7 years old and 60 pounds), which is quite the adventure and something the Nantahala Outdoor Center is known for. But if you have smaller kids, you can also go tubing and enjoy the area. Next to the restaurant is a shallow area of the river perfect for wading as well. You can also pick up part of the Appalachian Trail there if you want to try it out.
You can also go tubing at Deep Creek which is at the entrance on the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. There are several outfitters that offer cheap options for tubing. Or you could bring your own tubes, drive into the park, and follow the crowd to where most people put their tubes. There aren’t really any rapids so it’s great for smaller kids but it’s really cold!
Another great tubing spot is in nearby Cherokee, NC at Smoky Mountain Tube & Raft. Ages 5 and up are able to tube.
You can also hike the Deep Creek Loop at the same entrance to the park, a trail that has three waterfalls. It’s an easy hike about two miles long.
If you love animals, history, and natural beauty, you may get a glimpse of the elk at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, about a 30-minute drive from Bryson City. There is an interesting homestead you can tour there and be sure to do the Junior Ranger Program at the visitor’s center. Elk are usually there in the mornings and late afternoon.
Also in nearby Cherokee, NC, Mingo Falls is a beautiful waterfall to see. It’s a really short hike, just a third of a mile, but it does have a lot of steps. The falls are worth it!
Inside: Our family visited Hunting Island State Park while on vacation in the Lowcountry, and saw a lot of wildlife while beachcombing the unspoiled beaches. Find out why we think this SC State Park is one of the most interesting of the 48 parks.
Hunting Island State Park offers a maritime forest and coastal experience that is the pinnacle of South Carolina’s Lowcountry! Highlights include:
🐢 Loggerhead turtles nesting, shelling, wildlife sightings, a boneyard beach, and a historic lighthouse. 🏕️Family-friendly with camping, nature trails, a nature center with live animals, and a fishing pier.
Once we entered the maritime forest-lined roads full of wild palmetto trees during our recent visit to Hunting Island State Park, I knew we were in for a treat. The park feels almost untouched by time. Located in the Lowcountry of SC, Hunting Island is one of 48 SC State Parks and ranks highly now on my family’s list of favorites.
Plus, the park offers camping, a “boneyard beach” with spectacular photography opportunities, and a historic lighthouse (that is currently getting a facelift and is under construction). Maybe your next adventure could be to Hunting Island State Park, you will not be disappointed!
Hunting Island Beach: SC
With around 15 miles of beach to explore, it is a wild experience to look back from the shoreline and see what the SC coast may have looked like hundreds of years ago. With wild saw palmetto trees lining the shore, rugged dunes, and lots of opportunities to find shells, especially shark teeth, we spent several hours beachcombing.
We spotted a couple of horseshoe crabs, cannonball jellyfish by the dozen, and even a couple of loggerhead sea turtle nests amongst the dunes. Turtle nesting season begins in early May and goes until fall, so be cautious when walking on the beach and stay off the dunes. If you live close by, you can join the efforts of the Friends of Hunting Island and their sea turtle conservation team, helping protect the nests. How cool!
Our visit coincided with a rainstorm, but that didn’t keep us off the beach. Our family, along with a couple of other groups, enjoyed the sandy beach under the overcast sky. If you plan to swim, be cautious, as the state park does not have lifeguards on duty, so you will want to be a strong swimmer and know the signs of rip currents if you plan to head out into the water. However, the quietness of a beach that is undisturbed and uncrowded is unparalleled to the often crowded beaches of the SC coast.
Tents and umbrellas are allowed on the beaches, and parking lots A and D are two of the best options we found to get to the beach. It was a short walk from the parking lot to the shoreline, so you do not have to worry about long walks with your equipment and little kids.
Beach Access
To get to the North Beach, you’ll follow along the one-way road to Parking Lot D. Here, you’ll find wide, sandy stretches of beach where you can sunbathe, build sand castles, or comb the beach for seashells and shark teeth.
If you are looking for a unique landscape at the park, head toward the south beach. Here, you’ll find the “boneyard”, which is a collection of dozens of eroded trees and driftwood. This part of the park is great for exploring and taking photographs. We got caught in a thunderstorm and didn’t make it to south beach for this visit, but it will be our first stop next time we go.
Family-Friendly Things to Do At Hunting Island
Nature Trails: Three nature trails at Hunting Island are great for all skill levels. The Campground Access trail (1 mile), the Lighthouse Trail (0.3 mile), and the Marsh Boardwalk NRT (0.4 mile). If you’re looking for longer walks, there is also an 8-mile hike/bike trail you can enjoy. All trails are scenic, it just depends on what you’re wanting to do during your visit.
Nature Center: Recently renovated, it offers interactive wild animals on exhibit and educational programs about the island’s ecosystems.
Wildlife watching: Hunting Island is great for birdwatchers, with egrets and herons along with a lot of other sea birds. There is also a lot of wildlife, including deer, alligators, and, most famously, loggerhead sea turtles. The sea turtles regularly nest on the island, with 2024 having almost 200 loggerhead turtle nests!
Visit the Iconic Lighthouse: The Hunting Island lighthouse is currently closed for repairs. However, the cylindrical scaffolding being used to repair the lighthouse is pretty interesting to look at.
Camping: There are several camp sites available to reserve through the SC State Parks website at Hunting Island, some of which are primitive (which is my personal preference). The Island has both tent camping and RV sites available, but they book up pretty far in advance, so make sure you plan.
Fishing Pier: The 950-foot pier is perfect for fishing or simply enjoying the ocean breeze. Hunting Island is part of the Tackle Loaner Program through the SC State Parks, so you can borrow a rod and reel to fish from the pier.
Playground: Near the lighthouse, where you will find a small snack shack and the bathrooms, there is also a pretty cute playground. It fits in great with the surrounding trees, and there is a good bit of seating for picnics in this area. This is closest to Parking Lot D.
Learn more about the 48 SC State Parks, and maybe even start your Ultimate Outsider adventure!
Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort isn’t just another family vacation to a golf resort- it is a reimagined Lowcountry escape where your family can immerse themselves in nature and resort amenities. Our family spent a few unforgettable days exploring the island, and were enchanted by the moss-draped oaks, free-roaming deer, and pristine beaches that left us filled with wonder and joy, along with lasting memories. Use our review to help you plan your own memory-making vacation to Fripp Island!
Special Thanks to Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort, along with Buffalo Groupe, for hosting our family on the island!
Fripp Island, a private island in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, is situated just east of Beaufort. One of a string of barrier islands along the coast, Fripp offers over 3.5 miles of uncrowded sandy beaches, rental homes, and two scenic golf courses – Ocean Point and Ocean Creek- that span the entire island.
There are 10 restaurants, a racquet club, an equestrian center, a marina center, and a fantastic activity center with special activities daily!
There are no hotels on Fripp, but visitors can stay in beautiful beach houses, villas, or condos—many of which are uniquely decorated and privately owned.
🌟Tip: We recommend renting a golf cart from the resort or bringing your own from home when you visit the island. This is the easiest and safest way to travel around the island. Plus, it is so much fun, especially for kids! Our six-year-old said that riding the golf cart around was her number 1 favorite thing about our trip, go figure.
A Resort in Harmony with Nature: The Wildlife
Fripp Island Resort is a haven for vacationers who love nature but still want comfort and convenience. Not only is the resort clean and organized, but it is also home to an abundance of wildlife.
The Famous Deer on Fripp Island
After entering the island’s security gates, you will almost immediately see a deer or two grazing in the grass. The island is known for them, and it is a very unique experience! The docile deer can be seen throughout the island, hanging out by the roadside, and even from your back porch, munching away and living their best lives. We counted at least 50 just cruising around on our golf cart, but it was cool to see one traveling across the dunes. Our daughters were thrilled to spot baby fawns up close—it felt like something out of a storybook.
Alligators
In addition to deer, you may see a couple of the 160+ alligators that call the island home. Most of the ones that we saw were only a foot or two long, but we did get a distant view of a couple that were 5- 10 feet long, including Arthur and Gwen (located in the ponds off Ocean Creek Boulevard). Signage is posted throughout the island to remind visitors to keep a safe distance, especially with small kids. Your golf cart makes for a great (and safe) observation platform.
Other Wildlife You May See
During our trip, we saw a greater variety of wildlife than I have ever seen in person. From herons, vultures, egrets, and other seabirds, to crabs, snakes, raccoons, we were always on the hunt for the next things to see. We even got to see a bald eagle on the beach take flight. Core memory made!
Nature Boardwalks Through the Marsh
Aside from a quick drive around the island on a golf cart to view wildlife, there are several boardwalks through the marsh that will give you a much better view. We were invited to take a marsh tour with a fantastic and highly knowledgeable naturalist, Hannah. It was the best way to start our trip.
We learned so much, and Hannah was so engaged with our children that it made the experience educational and fun. We saw a feeding egret, tons of crabs and clams, learned about the ecology and native flora and fauna of a marsh in the Lowcountry, and even got to taste a plant called a “salty sea pickle”.
I highly recommend the guided marsh walk, but you can also ride your bikes or take a self-guided walk through one as a great morning or evening activity.
🌟Tip: Walk the marsh boardwalks at both low and high tide to see a dramatic difference! We learned during our guided marsh walk that the island has the highest tides in the entire United States.
The Beaches at Fripp Island Resort
Unlike other popular SC beaches, Fripp’s shorelines are peaceful and uncrowded—even during busier months. You’ll have plenty of space to stretch out, search for shells, or simply relax.
During our beach time, we saw a lot of cannonball jellyfish- which do not sting- along the shoreline. During calmer water days, you may even see dolphins swimming off the coastline. We saw a variety of seabirds, including the large groups of brown pelicans, which were a treat every time they came by. Our kids loved searching for shells, which is a rite of passage in my book.
The beaches at Fripp Island do not have lifeguards, so be cautious when entering the water and watch for signs of wildlife or rip currents, which occur regularly off the SC coast.
Beach Access: Fripp Island
There are 32 beach access points across Fripp Island, so you can choose the same spot each time you visit, or switch it up and explore the different entry points. We enjoyed beach access #21 and #25.
Tent and Umbrella Rentals
The beach does allow umbrellas and tents, which is perfect for shade. You can make reservations with The Beach Hut, where you can rent chairs and umbrellas (along with a variety of other beach items). Reserve ahead of time!
The Fripp Island Resort Pools
There is not just one pool you can access, there are nine pools on the island! You will find them at the five separate complexes, including the Beach Club, Olympic, Marina, Ocean Point, and Cabana Club. We visited the pools at The Cabana Club and the Olympic Pool at the Beach Club, and they were perfect for our kids and us to play for most of the day.
Our personal favorite was the pools at The Cabana Club near Veranda Beach. This pool has a fantastic location, with views of Skull Inlet and Pritchard’s Island as your backdrop. There are three pools at The Cabana Club, one of which is heated. We visited during early May, so it was nice to enjoy a swim without the bite of cold water.
The lagoon pool at the club was gorgeous! There were carved-out structures and caves with little waterfalls throughout, it was by far my six-year-old’s favorite pool. A small children’s pool with a cute frog slide is located at the back of The Cabana Club, perfect for our three-year-old to safely splash and play.
The Beach Club at the center of the island offers an Olympic-style pool that is also heated until Thanksgiving, so you can enjoy a swim or get some exercise while there.
The Fripp Island Activity Center Should Be Your Daily Stop
The Fripp Island Activity Center is the place to go if you have younger kids. There is something to do every single day of the week. Some of the activities are free, including a meet and greet with the animals. There are also a couple of really neat reptiles upstairs at the activity center you can view and learn about for free.
Tie Dye SouvenirsInside the Activity CenterGatorology: Searching for Gators
We loved Gatorology—a class and tour led by naturalist Hannah, that included learning about alligators and safely spotting them in the wild. Our kids even got to meet and touch a resident gator. So neat!
Other activities, like crafting, golf course scavenger hunt, tie dying, guided marsh walks, and more, cost a fee ranging from $6 – $15. Here is where you can also go to experience Marsh Kayaking (~$60-$80) or Island Bike Adventure (~$35).
Our entire family loved these activities, especially since a lot of them could be experienced indoors. We had a good bit of rain during our visit to Fripp, but these activities kept our kids engaged and having fun.
For 2025, during the summer months, kids ages 5 – 15 can join Camp Fripp for half-day or full-day camp and become a Junior Naturalist. While they are at camp, you can grab breakfast with your partner at The Beach Club!
Fripp Island SC Rentals: Homes, Condos, and Villas
There are several options for Fripp Island rentals at the resort, depending on availability and your budget. For smaller families, the villas would make a great affordable option for your vacation. The Villas are close to the center of the island, near The Beach Club, the arcade, and the Olympic Pool, so you’re right near a lot of the activity.
If you are staying with family or a group of friends, we recommend splitting a home for the week. Most rates during the summer are by the week, so keep that in mind when booking.
We were invited to stay at a lovely vacation rental off of Veranda Road on the south end of the island, and it was a fantastic experience. The home was gorgeous, and the back porch had a direct view of a pond. Our daughter woke us up one morning to see that a large group of egrets were hanging out in the pond, only about 30 feet from our bedroom window!
🌟Tip: Book ahead of time so you can stay where you love! Homes on the northern side of the island may offer views of the Hunting Island State Park, while southern homes may be able to see Prichards Island.
Dining at Fripp Island Beach & Golf Resort
There are several restaurants right on the island, so you do not have to travel far to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
The Beach Club (Great for breakfast). My husband enjoyed the Banging Burrito, so much so that he ate it for breakfast every day. The kids both loved the waffles, which they loaded with fruit and whipped cream. We dined in and carried out, and both experiences were great.
Bonito Boathouse (Fantastic dinner views). The beautiful views of the waterways and the boats will keep your kids calm for dinner while you enjoy your meal. We were even treated to a pod of dolphins passing by while we ate our dinner!
Island Bites (Great for quick eats). If you are looking for a quick bite to eat or lunch for picky eaters, then Island Bites is where to go. You can get fries, chicken nuggets, coffee, ice cream, and all the treats.
Delicious Food: Beach Club @ Fripp IslandExcellent View! Bonito Boathouse
Key Things to Know Before You Go
There are a lot of wild animals, so be cautious and follow all the rules about the local wildlife. There are signs posted at every location where alligators may be hanging out.
Bring bug spray, as the marsh environment is a breeding ground for bugs of all kinds.
When you arrive, you will need to check in with security and receive a parking permit for the duration of your stay. This will help you enter and exit the island without issue.
Booking your rental ahead of time is key.
There are no lifeguards on the beach. Come prepared with life jackets for children if they need them.
Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort far exceeded our expectations. It’s a place where kids can connect with nature, parents can relax, and families can make genuine, lasting memories. Whether you’re spotting deer, walking through the marsh, or splashing in a waterfall pool, Fripp makes magic happen.
Inside: A real family account of our trip to the Oak Island Lighthouse, with all the details about the free tours available to climb to the top of the lighthouse.
Looking for something fun, free, and a little adventurous in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands? Our family checked out the Oak Island Lighthouse in Caswell Beach on Oak Island, and it was an awesome experience — especially for my teens!
The Oak Island Lighthouse isn’t just a lighthouse where you snap a photo from the parking lot. You can climb all the way to the top, peek at the light itself, and take in incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Cape Fear River, and more. Whether you’re traveling with teens, kids, history buffs, or lighthouse lovers, here’s everything you need to know before your visit.
WATCH! Our Visit to Oak Island Lighthouse
Oak Island Lighthouse Tours to the Top
We signed up for a free tour through the Friends of Oak Island Lighthouse and were lucky enough to climb all 131 steps to the top!
But here’s the twist: this lighthouse doesn’t have a spiral staircase like most others. Instead, it’s made up of flights of ships ladders — steep, metal steps that feel a little like climbing through a ship or submarine. It’s part of what makes this lighthouse so unique.
Don’t think you can make it up all 131 steps? That’s ok! You can still visit this lighthouse and learn some amazing things.
The bulk of the talk the tour guides give happens on the landing just 12 steps up inside the lighthouse. You’ll still be inside this amazing structure, listen to the tour, and get a chance to gaze around.
If you decide to brave the steps and keep climbing, know that there is a chair on each landing. You can take your time, rest between ladders, and let faster climbers move past.
Reservations are required, and spots are limited — only about 25 people per tour, and tours only happen on select days, so you’ll definitely want to plan ahead.
These tours happen by reservation only. From May 1st through September 30th these tours are offered on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday with the first tour starting at 9:30 am. Top tours from October 1st through April 30th are offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9:30 am.
Oak Island Lighthouse Facts
Our tour guides shared so many fun facts during our climb!
The Oak Island Lighthouse is 169 feet high, making it one of the tallest in the U.S.
It was built in 1958, replacing older lighthouses on Bald Head Island.
It’s the newest lighthouse in North Carolina (and probably the last!)
This one’s electric! It was placed on Oak Island instead of Bald Head because Oak had electricity in the ’50s and Bald Head didn’t.
The bold color bands? Not paint! The stripes are dyed into the concrete, which means they never have to repaint it.
It’s maintained in partnership with the Coast Guard, and there’s a Coast Guard Station right next door. You’ll see the whole property from the top.
From the top, you can see Fort Caswell, marshes, the Cape Fear River, and miles of ocean
The Oak Island Light is a rotating LED light- the first in the United States!
What to wear to tour the Oak Island Lighthouse
💡 Closed-toe shoes are required for climbing — no flip-flops allowed! And nothing that will slide off the back of your foot either, so crock-style shoes aren’t a good option. After climbing, I would highly recommend tennis shoes, firmly tied.
Since you will be climbing ladders with a group of people below you, I would also not recommend a dress for some obvious reasons. Additionally, when you climb down the ladders, you’ll want a clear view of your feet. Dresses billowing in the breeze coming up from the door at the base of the lighthouse will get in the way.
It gets quite warm in the lighthouse during the climb. Especially in the summer, we’d recommend shorts and t-shirt.
Can Kids Climb the Oak Island Lighthouse?
To climb the Oak Island Lighthouse, kids must be at least 9. Children aged 7 and up can go to the second level landing, climbing just 12 steps up. Younger kids can look up inside the house from the ground level, but can’t climb.
What It’s Like at the Top of the Lighthouse
The view? Absolutely amazing. Once we reached the top, we could see the coastline for nautical miles. You get a bird’s eye view of:
The shimmering Atlantic Ocean
Fort Caswell, right nearby
Marshes, waterways, and peaceful stretches of beach
And the light?
It was right above our heads. You can’t climb to it, but you can peek up and see it rotating just above you. You really get a sense of what lighthouses have meant to ships over the years.
The experience of being at the top of the lighthouse, and the incredible view, were definitely worth the climb.
Don’t Want to Climb? Open House Tours to the Second Level
In the summer months, open house tours just up the first 12 steps are offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. Just drop in. Tour Guides will share information about the lighthouse for about 10 minutes and guests can take pictures and ask questions. Children must be 7 years old to climb the 12 steps to the landing. Younger children may not climb, but can peek in if they would like. There are no exceptions.
Tips for Visiting
Here are a few quick things to keep in mind before your family heads over:
Tours are free, but donations are appreciated!
Make reservations early — they book up fast
Arrive a little early and give yourself time
Parking is available at the lighthouse. There are two lots. You will first see a very small lot. If that is full keep going down the road for the second parking lots.
No A/C inside — bring water if it’s a warm day
There are no public restrooms at the lighthouse, so plan ahead
The tour isn’t stroller-friendly, and the ladders aren’t accessible for young kids or anyone with mobility challenges
Would We Do It Again?
In a heartbeat. This was a special stop on our trip to the Brunswick Islands. My teens loved the climb (and showing off their bravery on those ships ladders!) We learned so much from the guides, and the views were unforgettable.
If your crew loves history, ocean views, or just something totally different, we think the Oak Island Lighthouse is a family adventure worth taking. I mean, how often do you get to climb a lighthouse!? Go.
Want to Visit?
Head to Friends of Oak Island Lighthouse to make a reservation. The process is super easy. You’ll email your requested date and a volunteer will email you back to confirm.
More on Oak Island: Pier and Ruby’s
Do yourself a favor. After you’ve climbed the lighthouse, head to the Oak Island Pier and pop into Ruby’s Coffeehouse. It’s the cutest, and the coffee and muffins were superb. Plus, you get to walk on the pier with coffee! Does it get better?
Have you visited the Oak Island Lighthouse? Drop your tips or tell us what your favorite part was in the comments!
More from our North Carolina Brunswick Islands vacation coming soon!
Looking for things to do in Atlanta with kids? As someone who grew up in Atlanta, my heartbeat is strong for this Southern city. There’s so much to do for every age and every person. And as a family with kids? You’ll never get bored in Atlanta, GA.
So whether you’re a native Atlantan or someone looking to visit the ATL, we’ve rounded up all the best things you can do in Atlanta with kids. Consider this your ultimate guide to visiting Atlanta with your family.
