Make memories to last a lifetime on a family trip to Fayetteville in North Carolina’s Sandhills region along Interstate 95. This destination packs plenty of R&R options that appeal to all ages, providing ample entertainment and leisure activities in a photo-worthy setting. You’ll unpack lots of non-stop action for the kids while adults discover chillaxing spots. Plus, the Fayetteville area offers affordability with no crowds in a comfortable small city setting.
77-Acre Cape Fear Botanical Garden Offers 16 Specialty Gardens
Grow some budding tree lovers on a stroll through the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. You can enjoy a quiet walk alongside a reflective pond amid a sophisticated garden design, while your family skips merrily through the blooming green bowers. Butterflies and songbirds flit above native azaleas and oak leaf hydrangeas, while nearby in a sunny spot, the gardens nod to early Carolina settlements with herb and veggie plots nuzzling up to historic cabins. The kids will love the children's garden with an elevated bridge and hands-on activities. For a longer outing, follow the tunnel made by shady hardwoods and pines along the Cape Fear River in this 77-acre tract, just a few minutes from downtown. You just might see green ideas sprouting out of the youngsters.
ZipQuest Waterfall & Treetop Adventure
For those seeking hardier adventures, herd your brood over to Zip Quest, a 55-acre nature park where you can fly like an eagle. Zipline cables crisscross the forest and above the crashing water of Carver’s Falls. The two-and-and-half-hour routes cross 8 zips (including one that’s 800 feet long) and 3 rope bridges. Spiral staircases follow tree trunks up to platforms for a birds-eye-view of the Sandhills only sizeable waterfall.
If you brought your bicycles—or simply want to go for an extended run or walk—head out the more than 5 miles of linear Cape Fear River Trail, a dog-friendly route. Keep an eye out for the natural denizens of the region—including deer, turtles, lizards, and more than 150 species of colorful birds. The route includes many boardwalks and bridges—including a covered bridge—all worth cataloging your trek.
Iron Mike stands at the front entrance of the U.S Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum
Fayetteville has just as much indoor adventure, too. The .U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum and the North Carolina Veterans Park in downtown Fayetteville are must-see stops. Inside, the institution shows the history of Fort Liberty’s Airborne and Special Operations forces with displays, military equipment, and films. It details the essential military jobs of the service members during the great wars, conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and in the Middle East. The gardens surrounding the entrance to the museum hosts two fine military statues; The 16-foot-tall Iron Mike personifies the steely nature of the brave and tough veterans. Nearby, under a shady tree,Constant Vigilance pays tribute to the dogs that have died in service to our country.. If this whets your broods’ appetites for military history, journey on to Fort Liberty to learn more at the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum
JP's Jumpmasters in Hope MIlls
Burn down some of your family’s energy candles while scaling the walls at one of the indoor climbing walls. Kids develop more confidence while making like Spidey-Man at the Climbing Place Or maybe it feels like your kiddos like to bounce off walls? Then take them for an hour session at JP's Jumpasters park to jump their cares away.
As you drive around town, you’ll notice the preponderance of train tracks. Railroads help to build this town. For a quieter exploration, introduce your family to the region's past at the 1890s depot, home to the Fayetteville History Museum. In addition to model train rooms, it holds life-size buggies, firetrucks, tons of local history and a fleet of vintage cars. The museum hosts City Market at the Museum, a farmers' market featuring local produce and crafts each Saturday morning.
The Fayetteville Woodpeckers are a Houston Astros Class-A Affiliate Team
Take the family out to one of the finest new baseball parks anywhere. The Segra Stadium lights up downtown’s skyline while hosting the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, a Class A Houston Astro team. This little park packs in all the fun of the major leagues, yet its smaller format makes it friendly without the big-time hassle. Brats and brews, popcorn and peanuts, an outfield bar, a children’s play area, and a grassy hillside for family relaxation welcome America’s pastime. What is the best part of a Woodpeckers game? The seats are so close to the playing field that you can hear the players chattering in between pitches and the balls whizzing by.
The Mash House Restaurant and Brewery features award-winning local brews
At some point in your Fayetteville journey, your family will get hungry. Forget the limitations of most small cities; this town dishes up menus worldwide. Like Thai or Italian? Chinese or Tacos? Fayetteville’s got your dinner. Sure, there’s plenty of excellent pizza (don’t miss Brooklyn Pizza near Fort Liberty), but sometimes, the grownups prefer to celebrate the evening. When that’s the case, take your crew to the Mash House Restaurant & Brewery, a family-friendly brewery with flatbreads and pizzas, burgers and tacos, and hand-cut steaks.
When family dining fits the appetites, head out to Fred Chason’s Grandsons Restaurant in Hope Mills. Wear your elastic waist pants to this family-owned, all-you-can-eat country buffet. You’ll dig into tender and smoky ‘cue, plenty of corn, beans, and sliced tomatoes, and never-empty glasses of icy sweet tea.
Putt-Putt Golf & Games features golf, laser tag, go-karts, bumper boats, and a full arcade
Skip dessert and challenge your miniature Tiger Woods and Lexi Thompsons to a round of mini-golf. The winner gets to choose the ice cream! Two courses attract pint-size putters: Mountasia Golf in Fayetteville, and Putt-Putt Golf in Hope Mills.
After a day of Fayetteville family fun, you need a comfy place to lay down all those sleepy heads. Opt for bigger overnight rooms at one of the local suites hotels. These specialize in family-friendly rooms that provide sleeping and living areas. We’re sure you’ll get a good night’s sleep.
