Take the kids: Family-friendly places, fun for all ages

Take the kids: Affordable water park opens in Kinston

The new Lions Adventure Water Park in Kinston is offering families an affordable way to cool off in this summer heat.

Jessica Patrick, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Take the kids: NC Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame

The NC Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame is located at 2222 Pilots View Road in Asheboro, NC.

Tandra Wilkerson, WRAL contributor

Take the Kids: Animal Park at the Conservators Center

The Animal Park at the Conservators Center is located at 676 E. Hughes Mill Road in Burlington, NC. The center was founded in 1999 in Mebane. It relocated in 2001 to a 45-acre location in Caswell County.

Tandra Wilkerson, WRAL contributor

Take the Kids: Magic Tree House Space Mission

Tara Lynn takes her kids to the Morehead Planetarium to see the Magic Tree House Space Mission show, based on the popular children's book series, The Magic Tree House.

Tara Lynn, WRAL contributor

Take the Kids: Polar Express ride along the Great Smoky Mountains Railway

Tara Lynn and her family recently enjoyed a special Polar Express train ride in the mountains of North Carolina. Check out her experience and find out how early you need to buy tickets.

Tara Lynn. WRAL contributor

Take the kids: OC Aerial in Durham

Family's love of rope courses inspires them to open OC Aerial, an indoor ninja course and adventure park in Durham.

Tara Lynn, WRAL contributor

Meet birds of prey at this falconry

Hawk Manor Falconry in Lillington has a variety of birds of prey. You can see them up-close and learn fun facts.

Explore: Whimsical willow castle creates magic in Cary park

A new 'stick sculpture' in a Cary park is providing the perfect new place to play and explore. Half public art, half magical fortress, the enormous piece of swirling caverns and doorways is a wonderland created by weaving together sticks, willow and other natural materials.

Heather Leah, WRAL multiplatform producer

Take the Kids: Hanging Rock State Park

From winding roads and picturesque views to caves, waterfalls, campgrounds, and more. You have no choice but to become one with nature at this 9,011 acre state park.

Tandra Wilkerson, WRAL contributor

Take the kids: A day at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

You're sure to love a day at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Spend a day of fun exploring exhibits the whole family is sure to love.

Take the Kids: Maple View Creamery the perfect sweet stop on visit to Gibsonville

I'm all for finding local treasures, but on this particular day, I also wanted the kind we could eat. We had both savory AND sweet.

Tandra Wilkerson, WRAL contributor

Take the Kids: JC Raulston Arboretum

WRAL contributor Tara Lynn takes her children for a day exploring the arboretum in Raleigh.

Tara Lynn, WRAL contributor

Family fun ahead at this Raleigh arboretum

WRAL contributor Tara Lynn and her children spent the day exploring the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh.

Take the Kids: Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and Museum

WRAL contributor Tandra Wilkerson took a trip with her daughters to Wilson.

Tandra Wilkerson, WRAL contributor

Take the Kids: New Hope Valley Railway

The New Hope Valley Railway, affectionately known as the "Triangle's Train," is a great way to enjoy the slower pace of life as a family.

Tara Lynn, WRAL contributor

Take the Kids: Play, hike, explore at Baileywick Park in north Raleigh

The north Raleigh park offers plenty of opportunity for kids and families to play.

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Go Ask Mom editor

Take the Kids: New Panthers-themed playground, challenge course offers something for all ages

A new Carolina Panthers-themed playground and challenge course opened at Barwell Road Park on Tuesday. By Wednesday evening, it was obvious it was an immediate hit.

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Go Ask Mom editor

Take the Kids: Check out Blue Jay Point County Park's new playground

Blue Jay Point County Park recently razed its much-loved, but well-worn 20-year-old playground and unveiled new play equipment back in April. And just like the old playground, the new one offers lots of ways for kids to climb, play and explore.

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Go Ask Mom editor

Take the Kids: Go on a 'snorin' safari' during this new overnight program at the N.C. Zoo

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of elephants in the distance. You're not in Africa, but you are in the Africa section of the world's largest natural habitat zoo.

Tara Lynn

Year in Review: Go Ask Mom's top Take the Kids posts from 2019

Every Friday on Go Ask Mom, we feature places to take kids. I call it our Take the Kids series. And, as we look ahead to 2020, I thought we'd look back at the top Take the Kids post from 2019. You might just learn about some popular destinations that you'll want to visit this year.

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Go Ask Mom editor