Family-Friendly Fun in Halifax, North Carolina: The Best Activities for All Ages
Traveling with kids? Halifax, North Carolina, makes a fantastic destination for a laid-back, family-friendly getaway. With outdoor adventures, historical sites, and good old-fashioned Southern eats, there’s something here for everyone—from toddlers to grandparents.
Explore the Halifax State Historic Site
History becomes fun when you’re walking through a Revolutionary War town! Let your kids roam the grounds, peek inside 18th-century buildings, and learn about the Halifax Resolves. Educational and engaging.
Enjoy a Day at Lake Gaston
Just a short drive away, Lake Gaston is a natural playground. Splash at the beach, rent a boat, or cast a line and teach the little ones how to fish.
Grab a Sweet Treat
No family trip is complete without a sweet treat (or two!). Stop by Two Doors Down for Brax’s favorite strawberry ice cream, the perfect way to cool off on a warm day. For classic diner vibes, head to Community Drive-In or Browning’s Grill, where the kids can experience old-school drive-in dining complete with burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
And if you’re up for a little adventure, don’t miss Jenny Cakes at the Lake. This local gem is well worth the drive, offering fresh donuts, bagels, cookies, pies, cupcakes, and other mouthwatering delights. Trust us—one visit and you’ll be hooked!
Website: https://www.jennycakeslkg.com
Take a Nature Walk
Explore the Roanoke Canal Trail for a scenic walk that’s stroller and bike-friendly. The museum at the start of the trail has hands-on exhibits perfect for younger kids.
Roanoke Rapids Lake Day Use Area is a great day-trip for the entire family. The 4,600-acre lake is perfect for all sorts of activities - walking trails, a beautiful playground, sand volleyball, a nine-hole disc golf course, horseshoe pits, a handicapped accessible fishing pier, picnic shelters, grills, restrooms, and concession facilities. Read more about it here: https://www.thejohnbrownhouse.com/blog/2023/7/9/roanoke-rapids-lake-day-use-area
Visit a Bird Park
Make it a day trip to Sylvan Heights Bird Park where kids can feed exotic birds, walk through aviaries, and learn about global wildlife. It’s unforgettable and only 30 minutes away. We wrote about our experience here: https://www.thejohnbrownhouse.com/blog/2022/5/17/discover-halifax-north-carolina-sylvan-heights-bird-park
Sylvan Heights Bird Park: https://www.shwpark.com
End the Day in a Cozy Home
After a fun-filled day, rest easy at the John Brown House. Our family-friendly vacation rental offers space to relax, games and books for the kids, and even rocking chairs for evening wind-downs.
Whether you're traveling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents, Halifax welcomes your whole crew with open arms—and plenty of things to do.