30 Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Boone, NC

Heading up soon and need some kid-friendly things to do in good ol Boone, NC?

This is the town that brought all of us together and holds so many memories for the Poms2Moms Squad. We always look forward to going back up the mountain for football games, Christmas parties, or just a relaxing weekend. We all get the most excited when we’re on the road… just 15 minutes outside of Boone; seeing the beautiful mountains, the smell in the air, and the feeling in your soul that just reminds us of our college memories.

That’s when you know fun times are ahead!  

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Now that our squad has grown bigger over the years to include husbands and children, we all still look forward to going back to relive our college days, but also soak up when we can share our love for Boone, NC with our children!

We want them to experience the beautiful environment, enjoy a small college town, and make their own memories in some of our favorite spots.  Between Boone and Blowing Rock, (only 10 minutes apart!) there are endless options to pack in a weekend full of family-friendly activities.

We frequently get asked “What’s kid-friendly in Boone, NC?”

So, since you asked, we have put together a list of the top 8 general ideas – for a TOTAL OF 30  THINGS THAT ARE KID-FRIENDLY IN BOONE NC! 

Kid-Friendly Hiking in Boone, NC

If you are traveling to the NC mountains, the first thing that should pop into your mind are those beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and the breathtaking views that never get old!  Every visit, we try to make time for a hike/walk/scenic adventure so we can share our love for God’s amazing work! Below are a few of our favorites to visit with kiddos:

• Rough Ridge (milepost 302) – Great views and multiple stopping points.  Cannot do with a stroller, but we let Aubrey walk a little bit and then put her in the Ergo for the rest of the trip!  
• Moses Cone (milepost 295) – Lots of trail options!  We have done the long hike to the water tower, but plan to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the top of the mountain. There’s also the trail that loops around the lake (the place that Zack proposed to Trisha!) Or you can walk just a few of the other options that vary from 1 – 3 miles!

• Hebron Rock Colony – This was our favorite trail as college students to take our out of town friends and will be GREAT for older kids, no strollers. You do have to jump from rock to rock at a few points.
• A few others-
  • Beacon Heights (milepost 305)
  • Cascade Falls (milepost 272)
  • Howards Knob (…great view of ASU!)
  • Elk Knob State Park

Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Boone, NC

If you know our squad, you know we love to eat!  We do not love the struggle to take children out to dinner. Therefore, here are a few places that you can go knowing that the music will be a little bit louder, there will be plenty of other kids, and the atmosphere is very laid back! These are some of our favorite kid friendly places in Boone, NC:

• The Local
• Macados
• Woodlands
• Lost Province

Fun, Kid-Friendly Activities in Boone, NC

The NC High Country is a magical area that truly has 4 distinct seasons… which is one of the many reasons why I love this place! So the time of year you are visiting Boone will guide the activity you can do. If you’re kids aren’t used to the cold and have BIG fluffy coats, the spring & summer is the perfect time to visit!  Here are our favorite kid friendly activities:

• Skiing (winter)  – App Ski Mountain
• River tubing (summer) – Wahoos River Adventures
• Grandfather Mountain State Park (spring/summer/fall)
• Tweetsie Railroad (spring)

Kid Friendly Bar Hoppin’ in Boone, NC (Oh, yes we DID just say that!)

In any trip you plan with your children, you also need to make it a priority to plan something that the adults can enjoy as well!  Adult time bar hoppin’ is best during nap time (our girls always nap in their Bob stroller!) or while chomping on a snack watching their favorite show on the tablet.

Here are some kid friendly spots in Boone:

• AMB
• Blowing Rock Brewery
• Grandfather Mountain Winery

Easy, Kid-Friendly Activities in Boone, NC:

• While walking downtown Boone, stop in the local shops and of course, the Mast General Store!! There is also a little park nearby, called Tot Lot that is perfect for little ones to burn some energy.

• In downtown Blowing Rock, there are so many cute cute little shops to stop in and there is a park right in the center of town.  Send the kids and husband to play while you check out a few of the boutiques.
• Kidd Brewer Stadium- Because we are Mountaineers, we never miss an opportunity to go out on the field, show Aubrey a cartwheel and pretend that she thinks I’m cool for being a cheerleader. This is one of our favorite places to take some pictures!

• Drive the parkway and bring a picnic lunch!  We do not have one specific overlook that we like.  We normally drive on it for a little bit and then find somewhere that looks like the perfect picnic!

Special, Kid-Friendly Treats in Boone, NC

• Kilwins – We end every Saturday night at Kilwins in Blowing Rock. The girls get to pick out their ice cream, get a Kilwins hat, and you can sit outside on a bench and enjoy a beautiful evening in downtown blowing rock
• Appalachia Cookie Company – Some of the most creative and delicious cookies you can find!  You can call ahead and order or go into the store and pick out ones they already have prepared. 
• Stick Boy Bread Company – A local favorite for all things delicious!

Kid-Friendly Events in Boone, NC

The High Country also has TONS of fun seasonal events that kids LOVE! Here are some of our favorites:

• ASU football games
• Christmas Parade
• Cutting down your Christmas Tree
• Apple picking
• Peak leaf week
• Seasonal Festivals

And don’t forget the coffee!

Local Lion is a favorite of ours! They have tons of variety and it’s always nice to switch it up from the everyday Starbucks run. At least on morning plan to wake up early and watch a Boone sunrise.  Coffee always taste better with this view!

Just because we went to college in Boone and are frequent visitors does not mean we know it all!  We would love to hear any and all fun things that you do with your family so we can add it to our next trips itinerary!

And if you haven’t yet, be sure to check out Cayla’s post on 10 Ways To Fall In Love With Boone, NC for some additional High Country inspiration!