HIGHLANDS: What To Do With The Kids In Tow
Let's be honest, kids are happiest outdoors. The sunshine, the trees, the fresh mountain air, what’s not to love? Not only does Highlands create this perfect backdrop, but one of my favorite things about this magical place is that it allows my kids the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and get back to simplicity that I had as a kid. From a list of babysitters to baby gear rentals, we can make this vacation one that the whole family is sure to enjoy.
Aside from the abundance of hiking, waterfalls, parks, and endless nature activities in Highlands, here are some of our top things to do in Highlands, NC with the kids in tow:
Do the kids have cabin fever or are you still a kid at heart? Enjoy an afternoon of snow tubing at the Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center.
Get some laps in at the year-round heated pool on N. 4th street. Theres something for everyone from a walk in shallow end to separate lanes for more advanced swimmers, to movie screenings on Friday nights. There’s something majestically soothing about soaking when the temps drop below freezing out.
Jackson Hole Gem mining- Mine for treasures including native and enriched stones rain or shine. This is fun that anyone from toddlers to adults can enjoy. Have your stone cut and set on the spot and take home some special memorabilia from your trip.
Free of charge, guests can visit the Highlands Biological Station, Nature Center, and Botanical Gardens to see over 450 species of trees, ferns and flowers and learn a bit about our slice of heaven.
Walk the Highlands Greenway, a system of walking and hiking trails that connect the natural settings and historic sites of the Highlands. Maps can be found at the Highland Hiker, where they can help you map the best route for your gang.
For the littles or in case of rain, head down to the Hudson Library for a fun kids play room or storytime.
Channel your inner artistic ability with art classes at Easely An Artist.
Seasonal Fun that is worth planning your trip around:
Dress up the family and the pets. Bring the whole crew downtown for an All Hallows Eve Celebration not to be missed. Main Street closes to cars. Music and dancing fills the streets. With trick or treating and hot dog stand, this is Halloween fun for everyone.
A day of action packed activities, food, and music that the whole family can enjoy capped off with a brilliant fireworks display, July 4th is best spent in Highlands.
Head down to the Highlands Christmas Parade to see Santa, the dancing ladies, and some local Highlands celebrities. Take a spin around the Highlands Ice Skating Rink afterwards and sip some hot chocolate to warm your soul. Skate trainers available for beginners big and small.
Stay in Highlands and take a day trip up to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City for a ride upon the Polar Express. Complete with a trip to the North pole and Christmas carols, this is an excursion the kids will remember for years to come.
Hone your skiing, snowboarding or sledding at Sapphire Valley Recreation Center. With activities firing up staring in November, the whole gang is sure to have a day of fun on the slopes.