Boone, a town in North Carolina, bears the name of renowned American explorer and pioneer David Boone. The seven-county Western North Carolina region’s major community and commercial center. With its breathtaking trails, adventures, and wonderful treks just waiting to be explored, naming Boone after an explorer makes perfect sense.

Check out this list of entertaining things to do in Boone with kids if you’re traveling with a few adventurous souls! Do not forget to look for pet friendly hotels in Boone, NC if your pets are also traveling with you.

1. Mine for gems in foggy mountain

Dana Morace established Foggy Mountain Gem Mine in 1976. Nik Vames, her son, took over and made it more family-friendly and open to the public. Beautiful jewels from all over the world can be found in the mine. Visitors can learn the fun of mining and the satisfaction of finding new gems. The group has a lot of fun and learns a lot from this mine. It’s among the top family-friendly activities in Boone. Bring out the miners in your kids as they enjoy the adventure of searching for gems. They can lose themselves for hours in the relaxing habit of digging through soil to locate sure-fire treasures. Even they can turn the gems into jewelry and take it home. Children five years old and older are advised to participate in this activity.

2. Trail of the Cascades

The Cascades Path is a 0.8-mile loop that is an easy-to-moderate trail overall. It drops 20 feet to a lower viewpoint before descending 50 feet to an upper overlook. It proceeds along a creek until it reaches Cascade Falls. You can go for a nice trek in a lovely hardwood forest with your crew. On the highest overlook, there is a breathtaking view of numerous waterfall cascades that will amaze everyone. Allow your young explorers to hike on one of North Carolina’s most picturesque routes. Small children may easily complete the walk, and they will discover a wide variety of flora and trees along the way. The whole family is encouraged to hike this trail.

3. Trails along the Greenway

No matter on what skill level you are, you can enjoy the five-kilometer Greenway Trail loop, which has a river and other attractions. It is one the best hiking trails near Boone, NC. It offers a tar-paved trail that runs alongside the South Fork of the New River and is adjacent to the Watauga Medical Center. This gorgeous, serene location allows your group to interact more frequently. Simply enjoying nature is a wonderful way to relax and connect with others. Considering that the trail is mostly paved, bringing a stroller wouldn’t be an issue. If you have a baby, that would be ideal. You won’t even realize you are walking on a slope because the ascent is so serene and gentle. Bring your kids along as they go riding, running, or dog-walking. Along the journey, they might even see some deer or cranes! This trail is great for young children, older children, teens, and adults.

4. Outdoor Adventures in the Appalachians

A recreational facility called The Appalachians Outdoor Adventures offers UTV tours that are led through the stunning Appalachian “Smoky” Mountains. In the United States, a mountain range known as the Great Appalachian Smoky Mountains rises along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park guards it. Riding along the stunning Smoky Mountain in your area is one of the interesting things to do with kids. Take your group on the most amazing, exhilarating rides along the more than 70 kilometers of mountain tracks. Get ready for the dirtiest, most enjoyable trails driven on powerful vehicles. Driving in the mud would be a pleasure for your kids. In between rides, savor a picnic lunch and some cooling beverages.

After that, feel free to explore the remaining 8,000+ acres of mountain trails. Teenagers would have a blast with this as well! All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and be at least 25 years old. It is advised that the passengers be at least five years old.

5. Mountain High Expeditions

Since it was founded in 1986, High Mountain Expeditions has been bringing families on excursions. They were a forerunner in the development of the whitewater rafting industry.

With thousands of visitors annually, it has achieved great success today. This weekend, make a splash by discovering the town’s most amazing river. Rafting down a river for some fun would be a great way to strengthen family ties. Enjoy the surroundings, the cuisine, the company, and the water. There is no better place in Boone to take kids than this hidden gem! Whitewater rafting is a great way to experience the thrill and excitement of a rushing river. You might hire a canoe or kayak if you prefer a more tranquil alternative! Relax as you float down the New River in a river tube. It is one of the most prominent and ancient rivers in the entire globe. Or you could go on a “rocking” adventure with your kids. Nothing else but cave exploration! Climbing over stones and over underground rivers will lead you into a mysterious underworld of caves. Three to nine years old is the minimum age requirement for this adventure.

6. Mystery Escape Journey

A locally owned and operated amusement facility called Mysterium Escape Adventure creates and offers engaging escape rooms to its visitors. Their experiences are special and distinctive since their themes are created from scratch and their rooms are constructed on-site. How do bonds get created? When minds cooperate and shared experiences are had! This neighborhood jackpot is one of the best places for kids to play in Boone, North Carolina. Take part in intriguing narratives while attempting to escape together in order to beat the clock. Teamwork is essential! Are you qualified to work as a detective? Allow your group to unravel the mystery by interacting with various amazing objects and picking up on the plot as they go. The objective is to leave in 60 minutes! A parent or legal guardian must accompany children under the age of eighteen.

7. Guide Service Tolliver

An exclusive private catch-and-release business is Tolliver’s Guide Service. Jesse Tolliver, a former park ranger with 20 years of expertise fishing the high country streams of Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, is the only owner and operator of the business. Knowledge is power! Why not try fishing if you’re searching for a family activity in Boone to get “hooked” on?

It’s a terrific opportunity to connect with your friends through the thrill of making your first catch.

Allow the kids to make their very first catch! After gently releasing the fish back into the stream, they get to watch them swim away. Your kids will love the hike, the fishing, the catch and release, and the laughter. Children five years old and older are advised to participate in this activity. Adults and teenagers are both encouraged to experience it.

8. Guides to Rock Climbing Dimensions

Since its opening in August 1998, Rock Dimensions has continued to offer instruction and accompanied climbing outings. In parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway, National Park Service, and Pisgah National Forest, guiding is allowed. Here’s a kid-friendly attraction that would be awesome! Climbing will work for your muscles, and some obstacle courses will test your agility.

Spend time exploring amazing rocks and taking in the scenery with your partner. Today, embark on an adventure! Your kids can attempt the huge swing, zipline, and high-ropes challenge course, and discover the most amazing limestone cave in addition to climbing and rappelling in the picturesque Linville Gorge. You could sign up your kids for camp sessions if you want them to experience everything listed above. Children eight years old and older are advised to participate in these activities.