The number one question I continue to see in regards to Tweetsie Railroad and visiting the High Country with kids, “Is Tweetsie worth it?”. I recently visited, June 2022, with an 8 and 2.5 year old, here’s my honest review of Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

*Tweetsie Railroad is a wild west themed amusement park in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

The short answer: Yes! I think Tweetsie is worth the cost if you visit with younger kids, spend the whole day, and enjoy the shows.

The top things to consider when deciding if a trip to Tweetsie is worth it for your family…

-Tweetsie is best for kids 10 years old and under

–You can find a list of height requirements per ride HERE (there are quite a few rides the under 5 years old crowd can do)

-Not an activity I would do EVERY time we visit the Blowing Rock area, maybe every couple years

-If you’re only visiting the area for a weekend trip I wouldn’t choose Tweetsie as an activity, I would prioritize Grandfather Mountain and other adventure activities over a trip to Tweetsie (100% my opinion, others may strongly disagree)

-To really get your money’s worth you need to spend more than half a day, sit and watch the shows, visit the Deer Park Zoo, ride ALL the rides, and ride the train (Tweetsie recommends 5-6 hours to enjoy the whole park and I agree)

*You can leave for nap time and re-enter*

-2 and under are free, we visited right before my 2 year old turned 3 so only having to pay for one kid helped make the cost seem more “worth it”

Tips for visiting Tweetsie Railroad with Kids:

-You ARE allowed to bring in your own food and coolers (this is a great way to save money and time)

-Strollers are available for rent but guests are encouraged to bring their own as the stroller rental supply is limited

-There’s not a ton of walking but there are hills so a stroller for younger kids is a good idea

-Ghost Train tickets go on sale in August and Tweetsie Christmas tickets go on sale in early September

-If you’re visiting on a hot day The Tweetsie Palace has live shows, air conditioning, and plenty of tables

-Paying for animal feed in the Deer Park is worth the extra couple dollars

If you have any other questions about visiting Tweetsie with kids feel free to DM me on Instagram – @trianglefamiliesexplore

The yearly sunflower field at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh is a triangle summer tradition! Many families have photos over the years at the sunflower field, it’s a fun way to document your families growth, experience nature, and a great day activity for kids.

The sunflower field is currently in bloom (7/11) and the blooms typically last 2 weeks. The sunflower field is located in Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh. There are two places to park to see the sunflowers, either is a good option with kids and BOTH parking lots have port-o-potties.

The sunflower field is open 7 days a week dawn to dusk. High traffic times will be lunch time and sunset (6-8pm).

Circled in red are the two parking lots, one is off HUNT DRIVE and the other is near the swings off UMSTEAD DRIVE.

Kid Friendly Tips:

• The terrain is bumpy and hilly, a jogging stroller is your best bet if you’re planning on taking a stroller
• Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray, water, hats, and snacks (with the swings and hammocks your kids will probably spend more time here than you anticipate)
• Food Trucks will be at the park July 22nd (5-9pm), July 23rd (11-3 and 5-9), and July 24th (11-3)

*Link to list of Food Trucks and more information

This year Dix Park has added fun art pieces to enhance the experience! Plus the swings and hammocks which are near the sunflower field all year round.

Spring Farmers Market at Phillips Farm of Cary 

Midtown Beach Music Series

Friday Night Music Series at Transfer Co Food Hall 

Fridays on the Front Porch at Carolina Inn 

Fridays on the Farm – Old Mill Farm Durham

Joyner Park, Wake Forest – Six Sundays in Spring

Saturdays in Saxapahaw

45 minutes west of Raleigh is a glamping paradise, The Farm at Piper Hill. Set on 100 acres of the piedmont’s finest you’ll find a welcoming farm for your overnight glamping adventures.

Our group stayed in the Waterfront Peninsula Cottage with Dock and Deluxe Pond View Bell Tent, both were great accommodations for families however we recommend the Deluxe Bell Tent for families with younger kiddos as the Peninsula Cottage is surrounded by water.

During your stay at The Farm at Piper Hill you have free reign to interact with the animals, explore the property, and add on additional activities like fishing, kayaking, and gem mining to enhance your experience.

We opted to do it all and were pleasantly surprised how many fish the kids caught off the dock!

Collecting eggs from the coop for breakfast in the morning was a special treat and a gas grill is included at all the glamping sites.

The Farm at Piper Hill also offers summer camps , weekend camps, birthday parties, group farm visits, and special events. Next up is the Wild West Fest on May 28th, admission includes pony rides, face painting, a mechanical bull, a pie eating contest, square dance lessons, and live music!

Drive in movie theaters are always a fun family experience and now you can bring the fun to your backyard! NC Patio Cinema is a full service pop up movie night rental company serving the triangle and beyond. We loved their attention to detail and high quality items, the blow up couches really took the experience to the next level. We highly recommend this company for your next birthday, community event, sporting event, etc!

Although there are many more gardens and parks with beautiful spring blooms throughout the Triangle here are 5 we love visiting that are currently showing off the start of spring!

Sarah P. Duke Gardens – Durham

Parking is $2 per hour and the Gardens are open everyday 8am to dusk

Coker Arboretum – Chapel Hill

Open dawn to dusk

NC Botanical Garden -Chapel Hill

Open 9am-5pm Tuesday through Saturday / 1-5pm Sunday (closed Monday)

JC Raulston Arboretum – Raleigh

Open Monday through Friday 9am-4:30pm / Sat and Sunday 10am-6pm

Wilson Botanical Gardens – Wilson

Open dawn to dusk / restrooms are only available week days 8am-5pm