Family-Friendly Things to Do in Highlands, NC

Before choosing every hike or waterfall stop, start with where your family will land between adventures.

Trailborn Highlands gives families a basecamp close to town and the outdoors, with kid-friendly touches like Little Explorers In-Room Camping, a Kids Scavenger Hunt, complimentary cruiser bikes, and relaxed spaces to return to after a day outside.

For families who want more structure, Trailborn Highlands experiences include options like Forest Bathing on the Plateau, Hike to Glenn Falls, Hike to Satulah Mountain, Hike to Sunset Rock, Fly Fishing, Blue Ridge Cyanotype and Campfire & Cocoa Nights.

That balance matters. Kids have ways to stay engaged between outings, while parents have a comfortable place to reset.

For families, easy waterfall hikes can be the best way to experience the mountains without overcommitting the day.

Dry Falls is one of the most iconic family-friendly waterfall stops near Highlands. The walk from the parking area is short, and when conditions are safe, families can walk behind the waterfall for a close-up view.

Good to know for families: The path can be wet and slippery, so sturdy shoes are worth it, even for a short visit.

Bridal Veil Falls works best as a quick scenic stop rather than a long outing. It is easy to pair with another waterfall, a downtown Highlands stop, or a slower afternoon.

Good to know for families: Access and conditions can vary, so treat it as a view-and-go stop unless the area is clearly safe and open.

Glen Falls is more of a hike than a quick roadside stop. It is better for families with older kids or children who are comfortable with longer walks and uneven trail conditions.

Trailborn offers a guided Hike to Glenn Falls experience, which can make the outing easier to plan for guests who prefer a guided option.

Good to know for families: Wear proper shoes and check trail conditions before heading out.

Bust Your Butt Falls, also known as Quarry Falls, is a popular roadside swimming-hole area in warmer months. It can be a fun place to view the water, but conditions matter.

Good to know for families: Rocks, currents, and water levels can be hazardous. Do not treat swimming as guaranteed, and use extra caution with children.

The Cullasaja River Gorge is ideal for families who want mountain scenery without committing to a longer hike. The drive includes waterfall views, forested curves, and places to pause along the way.

Good to know for families: Pull-offs can be limited, so stop only where it is safe.

The best kid friendly hikes in the Highlands depend on age, energy level, and how much time you want to spend on the trail.

Sunset Rock is a good choice for families who want a shorter outing with a scenic finish. It is close to town and works well when you want a hike that does not take over the whole day.

Best for: Families with kids who can handle a steady walk and want a view without a long drive.

Highlands Botanical Garden is a slower, nature-focused option for younger kids or families who want a gentler morning outside. It works well when the weather is misty, the schedule is loose, or everyone needs something low-pressure.

Best for: Younger kids, slower walkers, and families looking for a nature-center-style stop.

Satulah Mountain is better for families with older kids or active walkers. Trailborn Highlands offers a Hike to Satulah Mountain experience, which can help add structure for guests who want a guided Highlands-area hike.

Best for: Families who want a stronger local hiking feel without building the whole day around a far-off trailhead.

Whiteside Mountain is a classic Highlands-Cashiers area hike with big views and dramatic cliff scenery. It is best for older kids and families comfortable with a moderate outing.

Best for: Families who want a more memorable mountain hike. Stay on marked trails and keep children close near cliff areas.

There are plenty of family activities in Highlands that go beyond trails and waterfalls.

Jackson Hole Gem Mine is a practical rainy-day or low-effort stop for younger kids. Its official site notes a covered flume and daily hours from 10am to 4pm, though hours should always be checked before visiting.

Best for: Younger kids, mixed weather, and families who need a break from hiking.

Highlands Outpost is a seasonal activity center near Scaly Mountain with family-friendly options such as gem mining, tubing, trout fishing, and mountain coaster-style activities depending on the season.

Best for: Families who want a more structured adventure day.

Highlands Aerial Park is a better fit for older kids, teens, and active families. The Highlands Chamber describes it as offering ziplining, nature trails, a challenge course, and a giant swing.

Best for: Older kids and teens. Check age, weight, and reservation requirements before booking.

For a gentler outing, a farm-style experience can be a good change of pace from trails and waterfalls. It is especially useful for younger children who may need something slower and more hands-on.

Best for: Younger kids and families looking for a softer outdoor activity. Confirm current hours and visitor options before going.

For older kids, teens, or families interested in learning something new outdoors, Trailborn’s Fly Fishing experience offers a guided way to spend time on the water.

Best for: Families with older kids who want a guided outdoor experience instead of another hike.

Highlands is primarily an outdoor mountain destination, so rainy-day planning is about keeping things flexible.

At Trailborn, Little Explorers In-Room Camping, the Kids Scavenger Hunt, the curated market, and cozy room downtime can help reset the day without needing a full indoor attraction.

For creative or seasonal options, check the current Trailborn Highlands experiences calendar for family-appropriate activities such as Blue Ridge Cyanotype or Campfire & Cocoa Nights when available.

Off property, downtown Highlands browsing or gem mining can work well when the weather is damp but manageable.

• Start early for popular waterfall parking.
• Bring layers, since mountain weather can shift quickly.
• Pack snacks and water, even for short outings.
• Choose one main outdoor activity per day.
• Wear proper shoes near waterfalls and on rocky trails.
• Check trail, road, and weather conditions before heading out.
• Verify seasonal hours for attractions.
• Book Trailborn experiences in advance.
• Build in downtime, especially with younger kids.
• Keep a rainy-day plan simple and realistic.

Family trips work best when the basecamp is part of the plan.

At Trailborn Highlands, kids have ways to stay engaged between outings, parents have a comfortable place to reset, and the best parts of Highlands are close enough to shape the day without overplanning.

The property’s family-friendly amenities and experiences make it easier to balance waterfall hikes, downtown time, guided activities, and slow evenings. Little Explorers In-Room Camping, the Kids Scavenger Hunt, cruiser bikes, firepit moments, Highlands Supper Club, and guided excursions all help the stay feel connected.

For seasonal perks or longer stays, current Trailborn Highlands offers can help families shape the trip around what matters most.

Highlands is ideal for families who want nature without a complicated itinerary.

Waterfalls, easy hikes, gem mining, downtown time, seasonal activities, and Trailborn experiences create a trip that can flex with the weather, ages, and energy levels.

With Trailborn Highlands as your base, the day can stay simple: head out, explore, return, reset, and plan the next adventure.