Lake Norman State Park is located on the northern shore of its namesake lake in Troutman, North Carolina. Lake Norman vacation rentals put you just a few minutes away from the lake and all the amenities of the state park, making this a great vacation spot for active families who enjoy the outdoors. Fishing, swimming, boating, and nature exploring are just a handful of activities that Lake Norman has to offer.This top nine list of family-friendly things to do in the area can help you get started on your itinerary.
1. Go Fishing
Lake Norman State Park is home to Lake Norman, where you’ll find an abundance of perch, bass, and catfish. Rent a fishing boat from Morningstar Marinas and spend the day angling on the waters, or pack a picnic and do a little fishing from the docks or Lake Norman shoreline. When you’ve reached your fish capacity for the day, bring your catches home and have a family cookout.
2. Take a Dip in the Lake
With Lake Norman in close proximity to your vacation rental, it’s easy to head down to the shoreline and hop in for a refreshing swim. The lake is bordered by a sandy beach, so you can also lay down a few beach towels and soak up some rays, enjoy a picnic, or build sandcastles with the kids.
3. Go On a Family Hike or Bike Ride
In addition to a gorgeous lake and amazing scenic views, Lake Norman State Park also offers a 4.8-mile loop trail that’s perfect for family hikes. Pack some water and a few snacks for energy, and hike along the trail, taking in the sights and sounds. Bring a camera along to snap photos of the lush greenery, birds, and forest animals you spot along your route. The park is also home to 30.5 miles of a single-track bike trail that winds through the trees and scenery, so you can also rent some bikes from The Cycle Path and explore the area on wheels.
4. Visit the Animals at Zootastic Park
For a fun day with the animals, head over to Zootastic Park, located in Troutman just a few miles outside of Lake Norman State Park. Open 365 days a year, Zootastic Park offers interactive tours, a petting zoo, and a special Kids’ Corral where your little ones can enjoy fun animal-themed activities. Take a tour of the zoo and view the tigers, lions, llamas, and zebras up close, then stop by the General Store gift shop at the end of the day and pick up a plush animal toy, hiking sticks, or a piece of unique jewelry as a souvenir.
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5. Visit the Latta Plantation Nature Center
If you’re looking for a fun way to teach your kids about nature, take a tour of the Latta Plantation Nature Center. Walk along the green marsh that extends into Mountain Island Lake, then tour over 1,000 acres of land to observe foxes, turkeys, and a variety of birds in their natural habitats. The preserve also serves as a home to an abundance of plants and flowers, including the endangered Schweinitz’s sunflower.