Welcome to GSOFamilies!

Welcome to GSOFamilies - the all-inclusive resource for families in the Greensboro, NC area. Any information shared on our website, twitter page, Facebook page, or Facebook group may also be included on our website! Please see a full listing of our social media and community groups here: http://www.gsofamilies.com/p/gsofamilies-social-media-and-community.html
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Best of Greensboro - Vacations

Day Trips
  • Carolina Ziplines
    • “Carolina Ziplines (near Hanging Rock - which is also great free fun) is AWESOME .” –Cinnamon P.
  • Emerald Point Water Park
    • “Emerald point” –Jolene R.
    • “But I second emerald point. There is a lot to do for all ages. We have gone twice now and love it!” –Lisa H.
  • Greensboro Science Center
    • “I have heard nothing but good things about the new high ropes course (with zip lines) at the Greensboro Science Center.” –Kathryn C.
    • “The Science Center has an awesome new ropes course. The best part is that it's in the shade so it won't be as hot as Kersey Valley or some of the others. Plus, there are plenty of things for the non-rope climbers and zip line folks to do. Or, you can sit on a shady bench and watch the kids in the trees.” –Leslie W.
  • Kersey valley
    • “Kersey Valley has ziplining.” –Becky T.
Family Vacations
  • Beaches
    • Carolina Beach
      • "Carolina Beach" - Marc M.
      • "Carolina beach. Very family friendly!" - Mollie M.
      • "Carolina Beach, NC" - Lori P.
    • Emerald Isle
      • "Emerald Isle, NC. Great for families!" - Genesa T.
    • Kure Beach
      • "I love going to the Fort Fisher aquarium" - Lori B.
    • Myrtle Beach
      • "All of the NC Aquariums are pretty comparable, so I'd pick whichever is closest. Ripley's at MB is fun and unique with the water tunnel, but it is definitely costly. Regardless of which you choose, I'd suggest finding other things to do nearby because none of them are worth driving 3 hours for on their own, and it's hard to spend more than 3-5 hours at any of them, if that." - Cathleen B.
      • “Ocean Isle and North Myrtle Beach" - Denise G.
    • Oak Island
      • "Oak island is super family friendly!! :):)" - SarahJane P.
    • Ocean Isle
      • "Ocean Isle and North Myrtle Beach" - Denise G.
    • Roanoake Island
      • "we have been to the aquarium at the Outer Banks...roanoake island is the one we go to, and jeanette's pier is the one we are gonna check out this year along with it, since they are close anyone...it is fun and the kids enjoy it, its not huge but it has a good amount and they have two touch pools with some rays or skates in them and one with small animals like star fish and such, it also has a couple of other programs going on there for the kids and learning and such...they also just added another aquarium thing as part of that one on the main beach road in Nags Head, its on one of the piers but i have not been in that part yet." - Ryan T.
    • Topsail Island
      • "Topsail Island! If you are looking for a quiet place to go it doesn't get very crowded at all and it is only 3 hours from GSO!" - Nicole T. 
    • Wrightsville Beach
      • "wrightsville" - Amy F.
  • Mountains
    • Asheville, NC
      • “Blowing Rock is always fun. Lots of places to stay and shops to visit. Plus there's the Cone Manor House and the Parkway. Asheville is good too. There's the Biltmore House & vineyard, the Grove Park Inn Spa & Golf, and a cute downtown area.” –Leslie W.
      • “Or there's always Biltmore in Asheville. Or blowing rock has a cute town.” –Shannon K.
      • “Grove park inn in Asheville.” –Mary R.
      • “For Asheville lodging check out the Grand Bohemian hotel, Black Walnut Inn (one of the best B&B's in the country-- with a wine hour) or a romantic cottage in the mountains” –Shannon A.
      • “Something REALLY special- Old Edwards Inn. Another great option is Grove Park Inn. Or a B&B in Asheville and go to Grove Park for a drink- amazing views.” –Cameron W.
    • Blowing Rock, NC
      • “The park in the middle of downtown Blowing Rock is good. I highly recommend the park at Valle Crucis which is very close to Boone. It is located just behind the Valle Crucis Mast General Store. The drive to take you to the park's parking lot is right beside the Mast General Store. Lots of green space for picnics, a walking trail that is level so good for strollers and kids on their bikes, easy access to the mountain stream for kids to get their feet in the water and/or swim, two play areas for younger and older kids, and some cute little play houses in a grove of trees. There is a little outdoor ice cream store in the back part of the Mast General store parking beside the park that the kids (and adults) enjoy. Also right beside the mountain stream. If you want to pick up excellent sandwiches, etc for a picnic, definitely get them from the Ham Shoppe just down the street at the corner of Hwy 105. The sign now also says 1861 Farmhouse.” –Jennifer L.
      • "Price Park on the parkway, closer to Blowing Rock!” –Donna H.
      • “Blowing Rock is always fun. Lots of places to stay and shops to visit. Plus there's the Cone Manor House and the Parkway. Asheville is good too. There's the Biltmore House & vineyard, the Grove Park Inn Spa & Golf, and a cute downtown area.” –Leslie W.
      • “Or there's always Biltmore in Asheville. Or blowing rock has a cute town.” –Shannon K.
    • Boone, NC
      • “We just got back from Boone with our 1 year old and 2 year old-they loved it! We went mostly to go to Tweetsie and stayed only one night. But the boys loved looking at the toys in Mast General Store, and we ate at the Dan'l Boone Inn, which is a restaurant where they serve your meal family style. Kids under 3 eat free. If we had more time, we would have gone to Grandfather Mountain- they have quite a bit for the kiddos!” –Lindsay G.
      • “Also in the Boone area...The park at Valle Crucis just behind the Mast General Store there is great for kids. Lots of shade for picnics, a nice size level path for bikes, and a great access point for the stream where they can splash, float, and rock hop. A sweet little ice cream shop in the parking lot for the Mast General store. My 6 year old LOVED Mystery Hill last year which is in that area.” –Jennifer L.
      • “Grandfather mountain, tweetsie, lake gaston” –Rebekah D.
    • Hanging Rock State Park
      • “Real close to "home" is Hanging Rock State Park. Many hiking trails, Camping, Cabins. Many adventures close by,including canoeing or tubing down the Dan River.” –Frances D.
      • “Hanging rock state park. Only an hour drive from greensboro, less if close to kernersville. It is Ah-maz-ing! There is a 12 acre lake up the mountain that is such an awesome kept secret. There's a beach area, a beach house with concessions, restrooms and showers and there is also a platform in the lake with two diving boards. No motor boats allowed but you can rent kayaks and paddle boats there, cheaply. They also have a gorgeous waterfall that's about a 15 minute hike, but is easy to access with signs pointing the way. There's a natural water slide and shallow swimming area at the base of the fall. I fee like it's one of our areas best kept secrets- make a day of it- you won't regret going! They also have lots of picnic tables and charcoal grill here for use.” –Brittany M.
  • Out of State Destinations
    • Disney World
      • “Disney World!” –Tori M.
    • Charleston, SC
      • “I love charleston, sc! It's a quant city with great food.” –Mary N.
    • Gatlinburg, TN
      • “Williamsburg is a blast! I would go every year if we could. Asheville is also really cool. I think pigeon forge and Gatlinburg in TN are within 5 hours and are both really cool. Boone is 2 hours away and has a lot to offer as well.” –Amanda R.
    • Georgia Aquarium
      • "GA Aquarium hands down! I have been to a lot of Aquariums and the ones in NC are old and not really that good. You be better off going to Ripley's in MB. A lot of interactive things for kids to do there. It's not that much further than the one at Forth Fisher if you go straight there." - Ed C.
    • Williamsburg, VA
      • “Williamsburg is great. Lots of history, great restaurants, a winery and a huge outlet center.” –Carolina S.
      • “Williamsburg is a blast! I would go every year if we could. Asheville is also really cool. I think pigeon forge and Gatlinburg in TN are within 5 hours and are both really cool. Boone is 2 hours away and has a lot to offer as well.” –Amanda R.
Campsites 
  • Grandfather Mountain Campground (Banner Elk, NC)
    • “I like Grandfather Campground - very family friendly!  I haven't stayed in the furnished nice cabins but they've always been occupied when we have been there. The campground is awesome and very family friendly, and it's a good location. http://www.grandfatherrv.com” –Becky L.
    • “we camped there memorial day weekend. The campground is great!” –Carey R.
  • Greensboro Campground (NC)
    • “Greensboro Campground right off of 40” –Cassie D.
    • “My parents gave stayed at the Greensboro campground in their rv. They said it was ok. It's kind of out there if u live on the west side of the city. They also stated at oak hollow family campground and liked that one better. Had a site on the lake. But it also depends on the size of the rv as to what camp sites they can use” –Emily P.
    • “my family has done Tanglewood and Greensboro campgrounds-- Tanglewood was working on a pet area last time and has lots to do. My mom was here last week and stayed at Greensboro campground -- it was fine-- nothing glorious but btter than a few years ago when they stayed there” –Amy R.
    • “My friend stayed in a cabin there and it was nice. Small but it is just a cabin. The one they were in had a bunk bed and a full size bed in it. She's pretty picky and said that the campground as a whole was ok. They might have tent sites but I'm unsure.” –Lindsay S.
  • Hagan Stone Park Campground (Greensboro, NC)
    • "Hagan Stone Park" - Jeni P.
    • "Hagan stone! It's like $20/ night for a camper!" - Chella N.
    • “Hagan Stone has a beautiful campground just down 421” –Brenda D.
    • “Hagan Stone Park” –Ed C.
  • Jellystone Campgrounds (multiple locations)
    • “Try a Jellystone campground, get a cabin and just enjoy outside. They have everything geared to kida. Great fun and camping for kids is always fun.” –Colleen C.
  • KOA Campground (Greensboro, NC and other locations)
    • "There's a KOA in Greensboro!" - Arque M.
    • "KOA at Wilmington is good or you can go to MB and check out Oacen Lakes, Pirateland and Lakewood. We're going to Lakewood in two weeks." - Ed C.
  • Huntington Beach Campground (SC)
    • "Huntington beach near myrtle" -Jenna R.
  • Lake Reidsville Campground (NC)
    • "Lake Reidsville" - Jennifer A. 
  • Moonshine Creek Campground (Sylva,NC)
    • “We love staying at moonshine Creek campground in balsam mountain. Not to much of a drive to Bryson.” –Hillary W.
  • Oak Hollow Campground (High Point, NC)
    • "My mom camps at Oak Hollow Campground. Pool, lake playground, tennis etc. There is some interstate noise." - Jenna R.
    • “My parents gave stayed at the Greensboro campground in their rv. They said it was ok. It's kind of out there if u live on the west side of the city. They also stated at oak hollow family campground and liked that one better. Had a site on the lake. But it also depends on the size of the rv as to what camp sites they can use” –Emily P.
  • Tanglewood Park (Clemmons, NC)
    • “my family has done Tanglewood and Greensboro campgrounds-- Tanglewood was working on a pet area last time and has lots to do. My mom was here last week and stayed at Greensboro campground -- it was fine-- nothing glorious but btter than a few years ago when they stayed there” –Amy R.
  • Read about our camping trip to the NC Mountains (Brevard, NC area)
  • Read about our camping trip to the NC coast (Sunset Beach/Ocean Isle area)
  • Read about our camping trip in the NC mountains (Grandfather Mountain)

Weekend Getaways

Travel Tips For Flying With Kids
  • "Diaper bags and strollers do NOT count towards your carry on allowance. Your one year old flies free. You should sit in an aisle seat for easy access to bathrooms. The airline will assist you to and from the gate but will NOT carry a child or even push your stroller. Don't feel guilty about having your child on a plane being an inconvenience to others. Ignore any looks, ask for help, and parent with confidence in ALL situations. You can do it!" - Atiba B.
  • "The airline will not assist you to and from gate most of the time. You may pre board however. Leave more than the minimum required 30 minutes of time between connecting flights. Don't take the last flight of the day to your destination. This leaves room to still get there if there are any cancellations or other issues. valet check your stroller at the ramp plane side, just make certain it is properly tagged. Have suckers for them to help with the pressurization of ears. (Dum Dum suckers are perfect) Bring at least a change of clothes for each of you and snacks. empty sippy cups are great to put juice and water from the beverage service in and again helps with pressurization. Don't always depend on electronic devices to entertain them. Battery life can dwindle fast and not always allowed when they need to be occupied. The Crayola markers that don't mark on anything but the magic paper is perfect. Keeps the kiddos, their clothes the aircraft and you clean. Remember essentials, but don't overpack. Pay to check your luggage because you can't carry everything and trust me your sanity is worth it!! Don't let the dirty looks you may get detour you. Often times I see the children better behaved than adults. I speak from mom experience and from the aviation professional side. Good luck and maybe I'll see you on my flights!" - Vanessa W.
  • "PORTABLE DVD PLAYER!!!!!!!!!!" - Josie C.
  • "Ask your pediatrician, but most will ok a dose of sudafed or benadryl (which help handle excess fluid in the ears) for a flight to make ascent and descent easier. *Have snacks portioned out and ready in ziploc bags, etc. *Formula and breastmilk do not fall under the "3oz max" limit, but juices do. Get mini juice boxes and pour them into spill-proof cups on the plane. *Get a few never-before-seen toys. Nothing major, but the novelty will make them last longer in holding the kid's interest. *Never underestimate the power of an mp3 player with favorite songs - just remind him/her to sing in a whisper. *This may seem odd, but a brand new pack of 8 crayons and a small pad of paper (of his or her own!) never failed me. *Above all, chill out. It's only a few hours. You WILL survive this, your kids WILL survive this, and even if they may not think so, the other passengers WILL survive this." - Kel H.

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