In the winter, you can teach your children to ski at Appalachian Ski Mountain. In warmer months, take your kids for a ride at Tweetsie Railroad, a Wild West theme park. It includes a three-mile ride on a train pulled by a historic steam locomotive, amusement rides, live shows, and a petting zoo.
Your children can learn some basic geology at Doc's Rocks Gem Mine, which features gemstones found in the Appalachian Mountain Range. Other family-friendly activities near Boone include High Gravity Adventures' ropes courses, Sunrise Mountain Mini Golf, and Seasonal Fun 'n' Wheels go-karting.