Activities with Kids
Great things to do in the area with Young Children
Jetboat Rides and Hikes for the kids.
All kids can go on our jet boat ride, and the combo hike and ride trip using the shorter Goldmine Loop trail is easy enough for small kids (we’ve had children as young as 3 years old!) who love the outdoors and adventure. The picnic, swim and jet boat ride that tops off the adventure is just fantastic. Would you believe the kids are ready for a nap after that? Check out the ride page
Mom Approved Rafting. The Tuckaseegee River is a Class I-II river, offering a great opportunity for families and novices to enjoy a fun filled day on the river. This majestic river offers warmer water than other rivers. Learn more about the wildlife in the Tuckaseegee River Gorge with this guided “Discover the Tuck” trip. http://www.dillsbororiver.com/main.asp
Soda Pops Everybody loves Ice cream! Located on Everett Street this old time ice cream parlour is stacked with Coke memorabilia. Soda Pops, established in 2000 as a family business, is an authentic ’40′s & ’50′s soda fountain located in the heart of Bryson City, NC. They make the best shakes, malts, floats and splits. The setting will take you and your kids back in time.
Ruby mining is a big hit with the young ones. There are several mines located a short distance from our office. These are salted with gems from Sri Lanka. If you want to drive around 30 minutes to a real mine go to www.sheffieldmine.com - Home of the Super Honker.
There are several trout ponds close by. Go and catch dinner — Trout is tasty and easy to cook – just wrap in foil and throw it on the grill or in the oven. Be bold and add lemon, dill and butter. From our office go five miles out highway 28 and turn left on Panther Creek Rd and take it to the end. www. tumblingwaters.com campground. They have a great trout pond.
Biking – at the launch site for rafting on the Nanatahala there is a great bike trail for kiddies (paved). If you brought your bikes and trikes – check in out!
Waterfalls Galore & Tubing
There is a nice short walk at Deep Creek – we would recommend taking a picnic to eat in the picnic area and hiking to Juneywank Falls (only 3/10 of a mile) or walk along Deep Creek to see Tom’s Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls (about 2 miles roundtrip from the last parking lot). This spectacular falls tumbles 35 feet into Deep Creek.
Swimming
From our office take HWY 28 North – look to your left after you pass by Almond Boat Park Road and you will see a parking area across the road and up. Go across the bridge to turn around and park. The area is called the “Finger” - a lovely place to swim without any motorized boats as it is landlocked.
Down Needmore Road along the Little Tennessee is Wiggin’s Creek. Just pull off at the parking area on the left and go under the bridge and play in the water. This is a good summer time activity when the “Little T” is low.
The Train
Head out to the Great Smoky Mountain Railway. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is truly spectacular with 53 miles of track, two tunnels and 25 bridges.
Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo
Cherokee NC 28719
828-497-9191
Located 3 miles east of Cherokee on US 19. See Santa and his elves, browse through gift shops and exhibits, and visit the domestic and exotic animals in the zoo. Santa’s Land also features rides, picnic facilities, and eating establishments. Open daily 9 am to 5 pm from March 31st through October 31st. $16.59 plus tax, children under 2 free.
Campgrounds in the Area – close to Tsali recreation area and mountain biking – clean and comfortable…. Turkey Creek Campground 828-488-8966, Tumbling Waters Campground is nice, as well as Lost Mine Campground in the Nantahala Gorge.