Let me start by saying how impressed we were with all of the awesome things for kids to do at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Golden Valley, NC. We were blown away by the amount of activities and amenities that the park offered. Our kids stayed busy from sun up to sundown. They loved the character meet and greets, the ice cream socials, the arts and craft activities, and the parties. The jump party on the pillow pad was a huge success.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen our kids have so much fun. This truly was an amazing place for a family vacation!
12 Awesome Things for Kids to do at Yogi's Jellystone Park in Golden Valley, NC
Interactive Waterpark- Your kids will love the waterpark! It is perfect for kids of all ages! There is a small section with a couple of slides for toddlers, but the bulk of the park is built for the big kids. There are more than a dozen water blasters, 2 water cannons, a large tower that dumps 750 gallons of water out, water slides, and loads of interactive elements.
Ranger Smith Pool- There is a large swimming pool for those who don’t want to deal with all of the craziness of the waterpark.
Take a Hike- The park as an extensive trail system the weaves throughout the park. We suggest hitting up the trails before heading to the water park.
Water Rentals- Be sure to take advantage of the water craft rentals! The park offers kayak, canoe, stand up paddle board, and pedal boat rentals for $5 an hour.
Mini Golf- Take a break from the water activities and hit up the putt-putt course. The course has 18 holes that are just as challenging as they are fun.
Lazer Tag- Want to know what’s cooler than hide and seek? Playing hide and seek with laser guns! The laser tag sessions last 30 minutes. A fee is required to play.
Jumping Pillow & Pad- Brace yourself…. there are two massive inflatable that are perfect for a family jump-party!
Water Zipline- Sure, jumping off the dock into a lake is great, but imagine zip lining into the lake. Now you can! The zip line starts at a tower on the edge of the lake and drops you in the center of the lake! AWESOME!
Gem Mining- You can’t visit western North Carolina without doing a bit of gem mining. Lucky for you, you can now mine for gems without even leaving the park! Several bags and buckets, ranging in various prices and quality, are available for purchase at the Ranger Station (shop) or at registration.
Awesome Playgrounds- Our kids loved the playground at the park. Our oldest kid was a huge fan of the Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course.
Arts & Crafts- Our seven year old loved the arts and craft activities! Each morning after breakfast we’d sit down together to do an activity. The kids favorite activity was designing boats out of cardboard boxes and then racing them at the lake. It was such a blast!
Hit the Lake- Not far from the pool and water park, you’ll find the centerpiece of Yogi’s Jellystone Park, the lake. The lake is a great option for swimmers who want to get away from the crowds. Visitors can also fish or rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, or pedal boats for $5 an hour.
What Should I Take With Me?
When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.
Backpack– to store all of your belongings
Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking)
Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal.
First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails!
Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest.
Insect Repellant
Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need!
Snacks
Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.
If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags, a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.
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