I get it. The price of activities can add up, especially as your family grows. Luckily, there are plenty of free things to do in Boone, NC with kids for your family to check out!
If the weather allows, you can go for a hike, visit a playground, picnic with a view, go for a swim, enjoy an outdoor concert, walk on the Greenway, visit Moses Cone, or check out kids’ tables at the farmers’ market. If you want to be indoors, you can always visit the library, and in the winter months, check out the indoor farmers’ market.
Go for a hike!
One of the biggest draws to Boone, NC also happens to be free! You’ll find fellow hikers all year round in Boone. Yes, even in the snow! If you’re even thinking about going to Boone, though, you know that hiking is definitely a popular activity.
There are short flat hikes, long summit climbs, and hikes with creek play. And all of them are free!
If you’re looking for the best hikes in Boone for kids, check out this article. And just remember, spots around the Blue Ridge Parkway (like at Price Lake) may be closed in the winter!
Hit up a playground
Wherever you go, playgrounds are always a fun free thing to do with kids. I wrote a whole article about all the playgrounds in Boone. But here are some Boone favorites to get you started:
Junaluska Park
This playground is a bit off the beaten path, but really just a short walk (up hill) from downtown Boone. Its play structures are meant more for older kids, as there aren’t baby swings or short climbing areas or slides.
It tends to be more shaded, so is perfect for those hot summer days. There’s a small wooded area with a short trail to explore. And there’s a large field for kicking a ball around. The grassy area can get a bit soggy if it has rained recently, so check it out before you unintentionally soak everyone’s socks and shoes!
There’s a nice shelter with picnic tables and a basketball court as well. And a seasonally open bathroom.
Tot Lot
The Tot Lot is by far the most popular playground in Boone. And for good reason! It has a fence surrounding the entire playground. There is a paved track running along the inside of that fence and a lot of riding toys for kids to use. Many of them are broken, but the kids really don’t seem to mind!
There is a “big kids” zone and a “little kids” zone with appropriate play structures for all ages. There are regular swings, baby swings, and even adaptive swings.
There’s a covered picnic shelter right in the middle of the playground. Plus it’s right next to a popular Greenway access point, with its own picnic shelters, creek play opportunities, and portable toilets.
One of the downsides to the Tot Lot is that it’s pretty exposed to the elements, especially wind and sun. So if it’s an especially hot day, or if it’s one of those days that the wind cuts through your jacket, you may want to consider a different playground.
Jaycee Park
Jaycee Park playground is right by the summer Saturday Farmer’s Market. It’s smaller than other playgrounds, but still has structures and swings for all ages. There’s also a picnic shelter for escaping the sunshine and restrooms available.
And if you are arriving to play on a Sunday and don’t plan on visiting the farmer’s market, there are some dedicated parking spots just for playground-goers. The parking for the market can get a bit overwhelming!
Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park
If anyone in your family is into mountain biking, this could be the best playground stop for you! The playground is best for older kids. Not babies and toddlers. But the views are fantastic. The playground is generally pretty empty. There are restrooms available. And there’s a picnic shelter available for when you need a break from the sun.
Blowing Rock Park
Right in the middle of downtown Blowing Rock, there’s a playground that you can’t really miss. It’s generally pretty popular. But when your kids need a run around after some window shopping, it provides the perfect convenient spot.
It’s a large park, has play structures for all ages, and also has restrooms available. And parking in downtown Blowing Rock is free. That being said, on weekends you may have difficulty finding a close parking spot!
Green Valley Community Park
A bit further away, in Todd, is the little-known Green Valley Community Park. It has playground equipment for all ages including baby swings.
In addition to the playground, there’s a nice walking trail that leads to a paved circle path, beautiful views, a large covered picnic shelter, and restrooms available.
It’s close to some water access points along the New River that many people use for tubing in the summer months.
North Street Park
The smallest of the playground options in Boone, but also the least-known. There are a couple of uncovered picnic tables and some community gardens in the same location.
You won’t find restrooms here, but you’re close enough to town and to Junaluska Park that there are options if someone’s having an emergency.
Have a picnic with a view
Pack up some lunches, hop in the car, and check out some views!
Caldwell Community College is an unexpected destination that is mostly known to locals. But it provides a beautiful view with spots for some picnic blankets. Plus, it’s open even when the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed. If you’re looking for the location, you’ll want to search for “CCC&TI - Watauga Campus”.
Howard’s Knob has a few picnic tables available while also providing a scenic lookout. Plus, it’s close to town and doesn’t require a drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
There are a number of “overlooks” along the Blue Ridge Parkway that could provide a perfect picnic spot. Some of the most popular overlooks include Thunder Hill Overlook, Grandview Overlook, and Raven Rock Overlook.
Library Activities
The Watauga County Library has more than just books. Though the books alone could keep your kiddos occupied for hours.
They also have an area with puppets, a train table, and a coloring station available in the kids’ section. There’s a fair chance that your kids will forget to pick out any books at all!
They also have a number of free activities made for kids including story times, scavenger hunts, and LEGO club. You can always check out their latest schedule here.
And if you're looking for other indoor activities in Boone, check out 14 Indoor Activities For Families in Boone and the High Country.
Free Outdoor Concerts
In the summer months, there are free outdoor concerts at Jones House in downtown Boone every Friday evening. Gather up the blankets and camping chairs, and enjoy the show! You can check out their upcoming concerts here.
If you’re willing to go a bit further away, Tate Evans Park in Banner Elk has a free outdoor summer concert series on Thursday evenings. The stage is right next to a playground. So if the kids don’t care for the music selection, they can go have a play while the adults relax and enjoy the concert!
A bit of a word of warning… This concert series is a favorite amongst the retired Floridian crowd that flocks north for the summer. And they arrive early! If you’re concerned with getting a good spot for your camping chairs, arriving as early as an hour ahead of time would be beneficial.
Go for a swim
If it’s hot and you aren’t wanting to join the crowds at the pool, a number of hiking trails in the area follow creeks and rivers that are perfect for wading, rock throwing, mud digging, and stick racing. You can check out some favorite kid-friendly hikes here.
Plus, as discussed below, large sections of the Greenway follow a river that is popular for kids and dogs alike.
If you’re looking to actually swim, this article outlines a number of popular swimming holes in the area. So pack the towels, put on the suits, and check a few out!
Especially after hard rains, runoff can impact water quality in the area. Watauga River Keepers regularly updates the Swim Guide app with local water quality information. So be sure to check that out before jumping in!
The Greenway
The Greenway is a popular gathering place all year round. The paved path often follows a river that is popular for kids and dogs alike for some wading and rock throwing. Just make sure you check the water quality before diving in. Watauga River Keepers updates the Swim Guide app. They provide the water quality of different lakes and rivers in the area, and let you know the last time a sample was taken.
The most popular access point to the Greenway shares a parking lot with the Tot Lot. As a warning, you may need to set up a deal with the kids before arriving if you’re wanting to actually get a walk in! Otherwise, you may never leave the playground.
It has the largest parking lot, always has some portable toilets available, and has plenty of picnic tables and shelters to use.
Another access point is right next to Boone Loyal Order of the Moose. You can find the location here. It’s a smaller parking lot and can get filled up, but also has a few picnic tables available, but no bathrooms.
You can also access the Greenway at this parking lot, which also happens to be close to the local skate park.
The final access point doesn’t have parking available, but it is close to New Market shopping area, which a lot of people find convenient. Plus, it’s 0.2 miles from Lost Province Brewery.
Moses Cone
Moses Cone is a large historic manor house and its surrounding grounds. A lot of families go to Moses Cone due to its wide, easy hiking trails that are perfect for little feet or even strollers.
In the summer months, you can tour the Manor for free on Saturdays and Sundays. There are also often craft demonstrations at the workshop. Plus it’s close to a lot of nice hiking areas like Price Lake Park.
Farmer’s Market Kids Table
The summer Saturday Watauga County Farmers’ Market, the Saturday Boone Winter Farmers’ Market, and the summer Tuesday King Street Farmers’ Market all have kids’ activities every week. It’s most often a seasonal craft. At the summer Saturday market, sometimes there are other kid-friendly toys and activities available. And it’s always free!
If you and your family are looking for other things to do in Boone, NC, these articles may be able to help you out as well: