Nestled along the banks of its namesake lake, the small town of White Lake, North Carolina is a popular family vacation destination. The quaint community offers white-sand beaches, picturesque views, and so much more. With a variety of kid-friendly attractions located within minutes of many White Lake vacation rentals, it’s easy to plan a getaway that’s fun for the entire family. Check out the top family-friendly things to do in White Lake.
1. Go Swimming at White Lake
Underground springs fill White Lake, so there are no currents or tides. The lake water is calm and relaxing, making it a great swimming hole for families with children of all ages. Spend the day floating along the banks of the lake while the kids swim, splash, and play nearby.
2. Explore White Lake by Boat
Cruise White Lake in a boat for some amazing views of nature. If your family owns a boat, you can launch it from the boat ramp at White Lake Water Sports and Marina, which is also a great place to fuel your boat when needed. If you aren‘t bringing a boat with you, head to Dunn’s Boat Service to rent one for a few days. If you have older children, consider renting a wakeboard or jet skis.
3. Play Miniature Golf at Putt-Putt Fun Center
Putt-Putt Fun Center boasts 18 holes of classic miniature golf. Battle it out with your family on the putting greens, and then hit the arcade to play video games. Before you leave, grab a few slices of pizza from the food stand.
Find the perfect White Lake vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
4. Drive Go-Karts
Race go-karts at White Lake Go Kart, which features a covered outdoor track. Let older kids and teens drive their own go-karts, and strap the little ones into a double kart next to you for a fast ride. Several carnival-style rides surround the track, including a Ferris wheel.
5. Spend the Day at White Lake Water Park
Rent a water-side tiki hut for your family and spend the entire day at White Lake Water Park. Adventurous adults and teens can zoom down the 50-foot tall Double Turbo Twister Slide, and little ones can spend the day at the interactive wading pool, which features kiddie slides and bucket dumps. Before you leave, enjoy a relaxing ride down the lazy river and spin your way around the park’s bumper boat pool in a bumper boat. The water park also has a 2,000-square-foot swimming pool and a 100,000-gallon wave pool.
6. Go Hiking at Tory Hole Park
Go hiking along the trails at Tory Hole Park to explore the area where the Battle of Elizabethtown was fought during the Revolutionary War. The park‘s nature trails are on flat terrain and suitable for even the littlest children. There are several picnic areas in the park, so bring a packed lunch from your vacation home.
7. Watch a Stock Car Race at Dublin Motor Speedway
Spend the evening watching a stock car race with your family at Dublin Motor Speedway. The track also hosts super street, late model, and U-car racing. Keep in mind that this is a dirt track speedway, so if you‘re worried about dust and dirt, sit towards the back of the stands. Also, the cars are loud, so toddlers and younger children who are sensitive to noise may not enjoy the races.
8. Tour Harmony Hall Plantation
Take the whole family on a tour of Harmony Hall Plantation. The house was originally built in 1768, and it has been completely restored. Enjoy the beautiful nature scenery surrounding the house from its elaborate double porch. According to local legend, General Cornwallis commandeered Harmony Hall during the Revolutionary War.
9. Ride ATVs
Take your ATVs to White Lake, and store them at your vacation rental. When you’re ready to ride, head to Cape Fear ATV and MX Park, which features shallow ponds, sand pits, and a drag strip. Grab lunch at the park’s concession stand, and do a little bit of fishing before you leave.
10. Explore Moores Creek Battlefield
Visit the site where the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge was fought during the Revolutionary War to walk along the remnants of a 1776 road that was traveled by both Loyalist and Patriot forces. The one-mile trail takes you through the battlefield and across Moores Creek via the park‘s historic bridge. The visitor‘s center features several small audio and visual exhibits.
11. Tour Battleship North Carolina
Battleship North Carolina sits in the Cape Fear River in Wilmington, which is about an hour’s drive southeast of White Lake. Take your family on a self-guided tour through the ship to see what life was like on a World War II battleship. Exhibit Hall features a short educational film you can watch before exploring nine levels of living space, gun turrets, and mess decks. Before heading back to your White Lake vacation rental, check out some of Wilmington‘s other historic sites, such as the Poplar Grove Plantation, Bellamy Mansion, and the Zebulon Latimer House.
12. Spend the Day in Fayetteville
Fayetteville, a city that’s approximately one hour’s drive northwest of White Lake, is a great place to spend the day. While there, take a boat ride down Cape Fear River, learn more about local African-American history at the Fayetteville Area Transportation and History Museum, and enjoy the incredible scenery at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. If you‘re up for an adventure, go ziplining at ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure.
Ready to go? Check out these amazing White Lake vacation rentals on Tripping.com.