Carthage, North Carolina, is a small town with a lot to offer families with young children. For starters, there is the Annual Soup Store Celebration, which takes place every January. This event celebrates the town’s history of being a major center for chili production. Attendees can enjoy a variety of chili dishes, as well as live music and other entertainment.
In the spring, families can take advantage of the many hiking and biking trails in the area. Or, they can visit the Dinosaur Trail, which features life-sized dinosaurs that kids can explore. There are also many historic sites in Carthage, including the House in the Horseshoe, which was the site of a major Revolutionary War battle.
For a fun summer activity, families can head to the Phillips’ Farm Corn Maze, which is open from September through November. This corn maze is one of the largest in the country and features a different theme each year. Past themes have included everything from Harry Potter to the state of North Carolina.
No matter what time of year it is, there is always something fun and kid-friendly to do in Carthage, North Carolina!
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Carthage, North Carolina
1. Visit the Richard Petty Museum
Step back in time and visit one of America’s most legendary speedways, the Richard Petty Museum. Housed in a restored 1932 Art Deco building, the museum features Petty’s race cars, trophies, artifacts, and memorabilia. Kids will love getting up close to the cars and seeing how they work.
2. Take a Tour of the Weyerhaeuser Company
Kids will learn all about the forestry industry on a tour of the Weyerhaeuser Company. They’ll see how trees are grown and harvested, and how the lumber is processed. They might even get to see a real tree being cut down!
3.Explore the Conservator’s Center
Kids will love getting up close and personal with the animals at the Conservator’s Center. They can see tigers, lions, leopards, and other exotic animals. They can even feed some of the animals!
4. Visit the Seagrove Pottery Factory
Kids will love watching the potters at work at the Seagrove Pottery Factory. They can learn about the process of making pottery and see some of the finished products. They might even get to make their own pot!
5. See the Original Frescoes at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church
St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church is home to some of the oldest and most beautiful frescoes in the country. Kids will love seeing these works of art up close. They can also learn about the process of making frescoes.
6. Visit the Caboose Farm
The Caboose Farm is a fun and educational experience for kids. They can learn about farm life and see how crops are grown. They can even take a ride on a real caboose!
7. See the Famous Peanut Statue
Kids will love seeing the famous peanut statue in downtown Carthage. They can learn about the history of the peanut industry in the area and why the peanut is so important to the town.
8. Learn about the Civil War at the House in the Horseshoe
The House in the Horseshoe was the site of a skirmish during the Civil War. Kids can learn about the battle and see the bullet holes in the walls. They can also see what life was like for the soldiers who fought in the war.
9. Visit the Tripoli Shrine Temple
Kids will love seeing the exotic animals and architecture at the Tripoli Shrine Temple. They can learn about the Shriners and their work with children’s hospitals. They might even get to see a real horse-drawn carriage!
10. Take a Walk through Historic Downtown
Downtown Carthage is full of history. Kids can learn about the town’s founding and see some of the original buildings. They can also explore the shops and restaurants.
