Highlands makes family time feel easy, with short trails, waterfall views, green spaces, casual restaurants, ice cream stops, and rainy-day activities all close at hand.
Plan a morning walk and picnic, add a bigger outing like ziplines or gem mining, or spend a misty afternoon indoors with art, books, local history, or live animals.
Use this guide to plan a family day, weekend, or summer stay in Highlands.
Easy Walks, Waterfalls & Small Finds
For young explorers, Highlands offers many ways to get outside without taking on a full-day hike.
Start at Highlands Biological Station/Nature Center, where kids can learn about native plants, local wildlife, and the rare ecology of the Highlands Plateau. The Nature Center includes live animals, exhibits, and easy walking areas near the lake and creeks. The nearby Highlands Botanical Garden is also a quiet place to walk among native plants.
Kids can also take part in the Kids Hike Highlands Challenge. Pick up a map at the Nature Center or The Welcome Center, follow the participating trails, collect stamps, and earn a prize after completing the challenge.
After visiting the Nature Center, carefully cross the street and walk up to Ravenel Park and Sunset Rock. The climb is short, and the reward is open rock, mountain views, and one of the most accessible scenic stops close to town. Sunset is a popular time to visit, but the view is lovely throughout the day.
The Highlands Plateau Greenway is another good option for families. It connects in-town trails, natural areas, and historic sites, so families can take a walk without driving far. The Highlands Recreation Center Trail is a good place to start. To see all trails on the Highlands Plateau Greenway, visit the Greenway website.
At The Bascom, the Read2Me Story Walk gives younger kids a reason to keep moving while reading along outdoors. It connects with the Greenway and brings together art, reading, and fresh mountain air in one simple outing.
For waterfalls, Dry Falls is one of the most family-friendly choices in the area. The path is short, and kids can walk behind the falls. Glen Falls is another strong option, with several viewpoints along the trail. Just remember that the hike back is uphill.
Families with older children or more trail experience may also want to consider Secret Falls, also known as Big Shoals Falls. It is more rustic than the easiest in-town walks, but the waterfall rewards the effort. Whiteside Mountain is another classic Highlands hike for older kids, with wide views from one of the area’s most recognizable ridgelines.
Outdoor Adventures
For families ready for more movement, several nearby stops add a little height, water, speed, or hands-on fun to the trip.
Highlands Aerial Park, located between Highlands and Scaly Mountain, offers ziplines, aerial adventure courses, nature trails, a giant swing, and other outdoor activities. It is a good fit for kids who are ready for height, motion, and time in the trees.
Highland Excursion offers guided eco-tours in the Highlands area. Their Private Gem Mine Tour is a fun family option, with stops along the Cullasaja Gorge and a visit to Jackson Hole Gem Mine.
Highlands Outpost in Scaly Mountain is another easy family pick. In warmer months, families can enjoy summer tubing, gem mining, trout fishing, and the Scaly Mountain Screamer alpine coaster. In winter, the Outpost shifts into cold-weather activities, so check current hours and seasonal offerings before you go.
Sapphire Valley Resort's Fairfield Lake and Beach is a good choice for a day on the water. Families can rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, paddle boats, and fishing poles, or spend time at the swimming beach. Sapphire Valley also offers Foot Golf, a casual family activity that is easy to learn and does not require much planning.
For older kids and teens, Brookings Anglers offers guided fly-fishing trips in the region. It is a slower-moving outing, and a rewarding one for families who want time on the water with room to learn along the way.
Families interested in conservation, guided walks, or nature programs can also check the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust calendar. Their events change throughout the year and can be a meaningful way to learn more about the land with a local guide.
Arrowmont Stables in Cullowhee is about an hour from Highlands and offers horseback riding, lessons, and family-friendly equestrian experiences. It is a nearby option rather than an in-town activity, but it can be a good fit for families who want to add a trail ride to the trip.
The covered pool at The Highlands Recreation Center is also useful to know about. It is open year-round and works well for rainy days, cooler weather, or a break between outdoor plans.
Music, Parks & Easy Evenings
Some of the best family moments in Highlands are simple: a picnic in town, a walk after dinner, or music in the park.
Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park sits in the heart of downtown and is a good place to bring takeout, let kids stretch their legs, or meet up before an evening event. During the warmer months, Friday Night Live and Saturdays on Pine bring free outdoor music to town. Saturdays on Pine, held at Founders Park, works especially well for families because there is room to sit, move around, and ease into the evening.
The Highlands Recreation Center is also a helpful family stop. The area includes a playground, outdoor skate park, covered pavilion, picnic tables, and access to the covered pool.
Cliffside Lake Recreation Area, just a few miles from town, works well for a full outdoor day. Families can swim, fish, picnic, hike short trails, and spend time by the lake. For more information, visit the Cliffside Lake Recreation Area website.
Close to downtown, Harris Lake Park is a quiet place for a picnic, fishing, or watching the ducks.
Rainy-Day Ideas
Highlands is part of a temperate rainforest, so rain belongs to the place. Keep a few indoor stops in mind for a wet afternoon.
The Bascom is one of the strongest rainy-day options for families. Kids can see exhibitions, take part in art programs, or try hands-on creative activities. The campus keeps art and nature closely connected, so it still feels distinctly Highlands even when everyone needs to be indoors for a bit. For more kid-friendly activities at The Bascom, visit The Bascom Play page.
Hudson Library is another good stop, especially for younger children. The library offers a children’s area, storytimes, digital resources, and a quiet place to regroup when the weather changes. Stay up to date on events and activities at Hudson Library on Facebook.
The Highlands Performing Arts Center is worth checking on rainy days as well. Depending on the calendar, families may find a play, film, concert, or performance by groups such as Mountain Theatre Company.
The Nature Center is also a good rainy-day choice. Exhibits, live animals, and nature programs give kids a close look at the mountain environment without needing to be out on the trail. For kid-friendly events or more information about the Nature Center, visit the Nature Center Nights page.
For a history stop, visit the Highlands Historic Village and the Elizabeth Wright Prince House, one of the oldest homes in town. It is a good option for families who like local stories, old buildings, and a sense of how Highlands came to be. For more information, visit the Highlands Historical Society website.
Jackson Hole Gem Mine is another reliable rainy-day activity. Kids can search for colorful stones and take home a small treasure from the mountains. To learn more, visit the Jackson Hole Gem Mine website.
Family-Friendly Places to Eat
After a morning outside, Highlands has plenty of places that work well for families.
Four65 is a favorite for wood-fired pizza and relaxed family meals.
Highlands Burrito is quick and easy for casual lunches.
Highlands Smokehouse offers barbecue with indoor and outdoor seating.
Blue Bike Cafe is a good breakfast stop with kid-friendly options.
Highlands Pizza Place serves pizza, sandwiches, and salads.
The Ugly Dog Public House is a lively option for casual pub food, and the patio can work well for families.
For something lighter, Whole Life Market and Nectar Juice Bar offer smoothies, juices, açaí bowls, and healthy snacks.
And for a sweet finish, stop by Kilwin's or Edelweiss. Ice cream after a day outside rarely needs much explanation.
Shopping with Kids
A walk along Main Street can be part of the day, especially with a few kid-friendly stops along the way.
Highlands Kids offers children’s clothing, baby items, toys, and gifts. Highland Hiker and Bear Mountain Outfitters are good places to look for outdoor clothing, layers, gear, and mountain-ready finds for the whole family.
Plan a Family Day in Highlands
However long you stay, Highlands gives kids room to explore, ask questions, try something new, and feel at home in the mountains. We can’t wait to see you here.