Scuba diving at Fantasy Lake gives certified divers and students a freshwater quarry dive site with training platforms, marked areas, and underwater attractions. It is a handy Triangle-area diving option for skill practice, certification work, rescue training, and local fun dives.

Stand-up paddleboarding at Fantasy Lake is a calm, scenic way to enjoy the quarry lake and get a little exercise. It is a good fit for visitors who want lake views, light adventure, and a slower-paced water activity.

Kayaking at Fantasy Lake is a laid-back way to enjoy the quarry lake while still being part of the adventure park atmosphere. It is a good choice for visitors who want scenic paddling, family-friendly water time, and a calmer alternative to the inflatable obstacle course.

Fantasy Lake Pickleball Club gives visitors and local players an outdoor court option at the same property as the waterpark and quarry lake. Because access may be membership-based or limited, players should confirm hours, pricing, reservations, and guest policies before going.

Fantasy Lake’s inflatable water park combines a floating obstacle course, junior water play area, splash pad, and designated thrill features into one big quarry lake adventure. It is a great fit for active families, groups, and confident swimmers looking for a fun summer day on the water.

Aquatic Safaris takes certified divers from the Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach area to historic wrecks, artificial reefs, natural ledges, shark habitats, and deeper offshore sites along the North Carolina coast. The same operation also provides beginner through professional instruction, rental gear, equipment sales and repair, breathing-gas services, and the local…

High Mountain Expeditions offers several guided rafting experiences from its Banner Elk Outpost, including family-friendly Class I–III rafting on the Watauga, full-day Class III–IV trips on the French Broad and Nolichucky, an overnight Nolichucky expedition and an extreme Wilson Creek funyak adventure. Current advertised prices range from $80 for a…

High Mountain Expeditions’ $85 Worley’s Cave adventure begins in Banner Elk and takes guests on a professionally guided, three-hour underground journey filled with natural formations, narrow passages, boulders, mud and flowing water. No previous caving experience is required, but participants must be at least seven years old and should come…

High Mountain Expeditions offers customizable half-day guided hikes from its Banner Elk Outpost, with possible routes along the Appalachian Trail, to mountain waterfalls and through other scenic parts of the North Carolina High Country. Current prices are $50 for adults and $40 for children, with a minimum age of three…

High Mountain Expeditions offers a relaxed two-mile tubing float on the scenic New River outside Boone, with custom hard-bottom tubes, safety instruction and a return shuttle included in the $26-per-person price. Tubing generally runs from late May or early June through around September 13, with daily departures beginning at 10:00…

High Mountain Expeditions offers solo kayaks, tandem kayaks and canoes for a relaxed one-to-three-hour paddle down a calm, scenic section of the New River just outside Boone. Rentals begin daily at 9:00 a.m. during the summer season, with the last departure by 3:00 p.m., and include equipment, safety instruction and…

Suncrest Water Park offers a cool, natural flow-through swimming experience with shallow family areas, deeper open water, slides, playful features, and an old-fashioned rope swing. Its refreshingly cold water, chlorine-free character, and peaceful foothill surroundings make it feel more like a beloved country swimming hole than a typical public pool.

Zen Tubing in Asheville offers a relaxing French Broad River float from its South Asheville location, with a super-deluxe tube, life jacket, free parking, and shuttle ride included in each reservation. The roughly 2-hour float is beginner-friendly, scenic, and perfect for families, friend groups, and visitors looking for an easygoing…

Robinson Catfish Lake offers relaxed, family-friendly catfish angling with channel cats, blue cats, and plenty of big fish that keep anglers coming back. With extended hours, friendly staff, and a simple pay-lake setup, it’s one of Gaston County’s go-to spots for easy, down-home fishing fun.

High Gravity Adventures’ Giant Swing in Blowing Rock, NC is a 4-story, 3-person thrill ride that lifts riders up to 45 feet before they pull the ripcord and drop into a sweeping arc. Each ticket includes two swings, and the activity can be booked on its own, added to a…

High Gravity Adventures offers two ropes course experiences in Blowing Rock, NC: the beginner-friendly Foothills course for ages 4 and up and the larger three-story Blue Ridge course for ages 7 and up. With aerial obstacles, climbing challenges, low zip lines, a continuous belay system, and staff support, it’s a…

High Gravity Adventures’ High Altitude Zip Line Tour in Blowing Rock, NC features five guided zip lines, a sky bridge, dual racing lines, and a 70-foot Dropzone controlled freefall finale. With guides handling the braking and safety flow, it’s a beginner-friendly but exciting zip line experience for ages 7 and…

Buckhorn Gun Club in Mebane, NC offers public trap shooting opportunities across 4 trap fields equipped with Pat-Traps and ERAD voice release, with new shooters welcome and instruction available. Trap shooting sends clay targets flying away from the shooter, making it a fun, focused shotgun sport for both beginners and…

Buckhorn Gun Club in Mebane, NC offers public skeet shooting opportunities on its listed skeet field, with new shooters welcome and instruction available. Skeet shooting uses crossing clay targets launched from high and low houses, making it a fun and challenging shotgun sport for both beginners and experienced shooters.

HollyDay Farms offers private, reservation-only catch-and-release pond fishing on a peaceful 2-acre pond in Monroe, NC, with sunrise-to-sunset access year-round. At just $10 for ages 13+ and free for kids 12 and under, it’s an affordable and family-friendly fishing option close to Charlotte.

Fishing at Grandfather Trout Farm and Gem Mining offers a simple, no-license-needed experience where families catch-and-keep rainbow trout from well-stocked ponds using gear provided onsite. With friendly staff and beautiful mountain surroundings, it’s an easy and memorable way to enjoy Banner Elk’s outdoors.

Mountain biking at Sugar Mountain Resort offers riders an exciting blend of challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery.

The scenic chairlift at Sugar Mountain Resort is one of the most relaxing and beautiful ways to take in the natural beauty of the North Carolina High Country.

Away from the busy ski slopes, the snowshoe trails wind through quiet forests and open meadows blanketed in fresh powder, offering a serene escape into nature.

The resort features a spacious, outdoor ice-skating rink surrounded by the scenic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it a picture-perfect spot for families, couples, and friends.

The tubing park features multiple lanes carved into the slope, each offering a thrilling ride down on an oversized inner tube.

With over 100 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of 1,200 feet, riders can carve their way down long, sweeping runs or challenge themselves on steeper slopes.

As the largest ski area in the state, Sugar offers over 125 acres of terrain with 21 slopes and trails that cater to every skill level—from gentle beginner runs to challenging black diamonds for advanced skiers.

Barrett Farm Ponds in Bunn, NC is a family-friendly catch-and-release sport fishing spot featuring multiple stocked ponds full of bass, bluegill, bream, catfish, and crappie that anglers of all ages can enjoy. With plenty of shoreline space, welcoming country vibes, and a relaxed environment close to the Triangle, it’s a…

Backer Patch RC Park offers fast, fun RC racing on a 1,200-foot outdoor track with weekly Saturday races and a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere. With affordable fees, flexible classes, and a laid-back vibe, it’s a great spot for both beginners and experienced racers to hit the track.

Highlands Outpost in Scaly Mountain, NC, offers an exciting gem mining experience, perfect for families and aspiring treasure hunters.

Highlands Outpost in Scaly Mountain, NC, is home to the Scaly Mountain Screamer, North Carolina’s longest mountain coaster, featuring over 3,800 feet of track with thrilling 360-degree turns and stunning Appalachian Mountain views.

Highlands Outpost in Scaly Mountain, NC, offers an exciting extreme tubing experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the thrill of snow tubing in the warmer months.

Highlands Outpost in Scaly Mountain, NC, features a scenic trout fishing pond, offering a relaxing outdoor experience where you only pay for what you catch and they provide everthing you need.

Cooper Creek Trout Farm & Pond in Bryson City offers easy, year-round trout fishing right from a well-stocked pond where you keep whatever you catch, making it a fun and rewarding outing for anglers of all ages. They provide poles, bait, buckets, and help if you need it, so you…

Families visiting Jellystone Park Golden Valley will find the playground nestled among the trees, offering a bright, welcoming area for kids to explore and expend energy.

Nestled atop Cove Mountain, the Lookout Tower at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Golden Valley offers guests an impressive vantage point—accessible by a scenic, roughly one-mile hike.

Enjoy fishing at a serene lake surrounded by beautiful mountains and forest. Fish on shore or fish from kayak or canoe.

The Gaga Ball court at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Golden Valley is a lively hub of energy and excitement for kids and families. Gaga Ball is often described as a gentler version of dodgeball.

Guests can rent kayaks (as well as canoes, paddleboards, or pedal boats) from the Lakeside Shack—typically at a rate of around $5 per hour—and paddle at their own pace while taking in the views.

Whether you're celebrating a hole-in-one or simply enjoying casual putting under the trees, mini golf here adds a delightful dose of outdoor leisure to the park’s mix of adventures—making it a memorable part of the Jellystone experience.

Set in a beautiful, wooded area, the courts are well-maintained and provide plenty of space for singles or doubles matches.

It’s built to be fun and slightly challenging—something exciting without being intimidating

Perfect for families, couples, or friends, these boats let you work together to pedal across the calm waters while soaking in the mountain scenery.

This large, pillow-shaped inflatable is perfect for bouncy play—kids (and adults!) can jump, tumble, and bounce to their heart’s content.

Enjoy full court outdoor basketball surrounded by woods and beautiful mountain scenery at Jellystone Park in Bostic, NC.

The gem mining experience at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Golden Valley is a hands-on adventure that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.

The water zip line is a standout thrill feature at Jellystone Park Golden Valley that lets guests launch from a raised tower and fly over the lake before plunging down into the cool water

The resort features three well-marked trails, each about one mile long, winding through the park’s scenic woodland areas.

Experience a variety of outdoor crafts, different every day, at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park near Morganton, NC.

The lake is typically serene enough that even beginners can get out there without much trouble—it's a nice blend of gentle balance, peaceful paddling, and natural scenery.

Jellystone campground offers a wealth of camping sites that include tent sites, RV sites, and a variety of cabins that can be rented.

This alpine-style ride winds its way down Cove Mountain with twists, turns, and drops that give riders both thrills and breathtaking views.

Swimming at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Golden Valley is a refreshing highlight of the resort experience with a pool and a lake to choose from.

The centerpiece is the large splash playground, which features twisting slides, water blasters, air-powered cannons, and climbing structures that keep kids entertained for hours.

Laser tag at Jellystone Park Golden Valley combines the fun of tag with the thrill of a strategy game, as players use high-tech laser gear to compete against each other.

Play lawn games at one of the most scenic campgrounds in the western North Carolina mountains like cornhole and outdoor chess.

Pickleball at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Golden Valley is a great way to enjoy a mix of exercise, competition, and social fun while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Guests climb aboard a wagon for a leisurely ride around the campground while singing songs, waving to other campers, and soaking in the fun atmosphere.

Safe, paved bike riding trails that go around a picturesque campground in the mountains of North Carolina.

Yogi Bear Jellystone Park has a small, 6 hole disc golf course to compliment all the other fun offerings that are available on the campground.

Beach volleyball court at a scenic, mountain location, surrounded by a lush forest.

Enjoy canoeing around a large lake for fun or for fishing at the campground that is located near Asheville, NC.

Positioned right in the lake, it features interconnected inflatable platforms, slides, and climbing elements that invite friendly competition and active play.

Hawksnest in Seven Devils, NC offers an unforgettable ziplining experience with long, high, and scenic lines that soar over forests, valleys, and mountain streams. Its mix of thrilling speeds, sweeping Blue Ridge views, and well-guided tours makes it a standout adventure for visitors of all ages.

Creekside Carp Lake in Vale, NC offers a specialized carp fishing experience where anglers can target strong, hard-fighting carp in a quiet, well-managed private lake. With plenty of shoreline space and a peaceful rural setting, it’s a great destination for both seasoned carp anglers and newcomers looking to try something…

Jim Booth’s Catfish Pond in Walnut Cove, NC offers big, lively catfish fishing in peaceful, well-stocked ponds that draw both casual anglers and serious fishermen alike. With open shoreline, welcoming country vibes, and regular fishing events, it’s a fun and easy place to cast a line and enjoy a day…

Snow skiing at Appalachian Ski Mtn. delivers smooth trails, dependable snowmaking, and an inviting atmosphere ideal for all skill levels. Its nighttime skiing, careful grooming, and classic mountain charm make it one of the best ski experiences in the High Country.

The farm tour at Lowrey’s Fish Farm & Sadie’s Channel Cats is a $10 guided experience that walks visitors through the ponds, operations, and daily routines of the fish farm. Friendly staff explain everything from feeding to pond management, making it a fun and educational outing for families, kids, and…

Lowrey’s Fish Farm & Sadie’s Channel Cats in Rowland, NC offers relaxed, family-friendly pond fishing where folks can catch catfish straight from well-stocked ponds, bring boats if they want, and take home the fish they catch. With regular tournaments, guided tours, overnight camping, and all the gear available onsite, it’s…

Gem mining at Grandfather Trout Farm and Gem Mining offers a full outdoor sluice setup with shovels, sifters, and flowing water where visitors can uncover gems from small ($15), medium ($25), or large ($50) mining buckets. With plenty of colorful stones to discover and a scenic mountain setting, it’s a…

Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing offers fast, thrilling runs down a long, steep tubing hill with a lift to bring riders back up for more fun. With a playful, rustic atmosphere and plenty of snowy excitement, it’s a favorite winter experience for families and groups in Western North Carolina.

Zip N Slip in Mars Hill, NC offers fun, family-friendly snow tubing with multiple exciting runs and a magic carpet that carries you back to the top for more laps. With timed sessions and cozy amenities like a solarium with a fireplace, it’s an easy and memorable winter outing for…

The outdoor rink provides a smooth, well-maintained surface where skaters can glide under the crisp mountain air, surrounded by stunning Blue Ridge views.

Snow tubing at Tube World in Maggie Valley delivers fast, family-friendly fun on groomed lanes with a convenient carpet lift that keeps the rides coming. With set session times, mountain views, and a laid-back Smoky Mountain atmosphere, it’s an easy and exciting way to enjoy winter in Western North Carolina.

Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing in Newland, NC offers fast, family-friendly snow tubing in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, complete with long lanes and a convenient magic carpet lift. With timed sessions, easy online booking, and classic High Country charm, it’s a simple and exciting way to enjoy winter…

Ice skating at Appalachian Ski Mtn. combines smooth ice, classic winter charm, and a friendly atmosphere just outside Boone and Blowing Rock. It’s a delightful, accessible activity perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to enjoy the season.

Snowboarding at Appalachian Ski Mtn. offers smooth runs, reliable snow, and some of the best-maintained terrain parks in the region. Its nighttime riding, inviting atmosphere, and convenient High Country location make it a standout destination for both new and experienced riders.

Ski Sapphire Valley’s Frozen Falls Tube Park offers a fun and easygoing snow tubing experience with a 500-foot run, a convenient moving sidewalk lift, and a scenic Blue Ridge Mountain setting that makes it perfect for families and first-time snow-goers.

Ski Sapphire Valley offers a calm, beginner-friendly skiing experience with gentle slopes, a simple layout, and a welcoming atmosphere ideal for families and new skiers. Its modest size and scenic Blue Ridge Mountain setting create a laid-back alternative to the larger, more crowded ski resorts.

Ski Sapphire Valley provides a comfortable snowboarding experience perfect for beginners and casual riders, with gentle terrain, helpful instruction, and a welcoming mountain vibe. Its smaller size and focus on accessibility create a relaxed alternative to bigger, more challenging resorts.

Snow tubing at Hawksnest in Seven Devils, NC is a high-energy winter favorite, featuring wide, groomed lanes that let riders zoom down snowy slopes on giant inner tubes with exhilarating speed and ease. Its fun, family-friendly atmosphere combined with stunning mountain scenery and effortless lift access makes it a must-do…

Hatley Pointe offers a modern, boutique snowboarding experience with smooth terrain, strong snowmaking, and minimal crowds. Recent upgrades and a welcoming atmosphere make it stand out as one of the most polished and enjoyable mountains in the region.

Hatley Pointe provides a refined skiing experience with strong grooming, efficient operations, and terrain for all abilities. Its upgraded facilities and intimate atmosphere make it a standout for skiers seeking quality over crowd size.

Friendly, efficient, and ideal for newer skiers, Cataloochee is a “first mountain” with surprisingly good snow and service for its size. Rather than steep challenges, it delivers relaxed turns, high‑elevation atmosphere, and the kind of uncomplicated fun that keeps people coming back.

At Cataloochee, snowboarding thrives on reliable snow and a relaxed vibe rather than steep challenge and big airs. Whether you’re just learning to link heelside turns or cruising through the terrain park, the setting is friendly, accessible, and full of mountain character.

Highlands Outpost in Scaly Mountain, NC, offers an exciting snow tubing experience perfect for winter adventure seekers of all ages.

The resort’s dedicated tubing hill features 6–8 lanes, each stretching a generous 700 feet and flanked by high-powered snowmaking guns to ensure consistently slick, fast surfaces.

Perched at 5,506 feet—the highest town and ski area east of the Rockies—the resort benefits from cooler temperatures and consistently solid snowfall.

Situated at an altitude of 5,506 feet—the highest ski destination east of the Rockies—the resort offers crisp, stable temperatures that help preserve both natural snowfall and artificial snow thanks to 100% slope coverage.

The park features a 600-foot-long tubing hill with an 80-foot vertical drop, delivering fast, exciting descents that are suitable for both kids and adults. What makes it especially unique is the ability to operate in both cold and warm weather seasons—thanks to special synthetic lanes and top-tier snowmaking equipment.

These high-tech tracks feature specially designed slick mats that simulate real snow conditions—meaning you get smooth, fast, and reliable rides even when temperatures don’t cooperate. The consistent glide stays cool under your tube, creating the exhilarating rush of snow tubing year‑round without needing snowfall or cold weather.

This thoughtfully designed track features 13 obstacles, including floating bridges, hill climbs, and “Boulder Mountain,” offering a spirited challenge for RC off-roaders of all levels. Whether you're piloting your own rig or renting one on-site, it's a hands-on experience that blends outdoor adventure with detailed technical skill.

Guests climb aboard a tractor-drawn wagon and wind their way up to the top of Poplar Mountain—over 3,200 feet in elevation. Along the route, the ride passes through a working apple orchard, offering a slice of Appalachian farm life mixed with fresh mountain air and breathtaking viewpoints.

With a refreshing swim area and hot tubs, it offers a perfect balance of cooling off and lounging comfortably, ideal for both energetic kids and parents looking to unwind.

What makes it unique is that its ski slopes—at 5,506 feet, the highest in the Eastern U.S.—become lift‐served bike trails every summer, offering an exhilarating descent without the grind of pedaling uphill.

Beech Mountain Resort's 18-hole disc (frisbee) golf course offers a refreshing twist on the classic game by turning the ski slopes into a high-altitude playground.

Outdoor yoga at Beech Mountain Resort offers more than just a workout; it's a full sensory experience perched at 5,506 feet atop the highest ski destination east of the Rockies.

During the summer and fall, the resort runs scenic lift rides that carry guests up to 5,506 feet—the highest accessible summit east of the Rockies—for breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains