Spring is one of the best times of year to appreciate in Waynesville, NC. The valleys come alive first, bursting with color even while the ridges remain bare. It is the perfect time to go hike the high mountain and look down through the leafless trees to the beautiful display below.

It's not just the new colors but the comfortably mild temperatures that beg you and your family to go outside. If you live in Haywood County, we are surrounded by springtime educational activities. Here is how you can get outdoors with your kids fruitfully this spring.

Family Educational Activities for Spring Near Haywood County, NC

Here are a few of the educational activities that are fun enough for them to continue learning without having them even realize it. 

1) Take a Hike

Haywood County is surrounded by hundreds of miles of hiking trails, ranging from short loops to weekend backpacking excursions. Spring is a great time to go hiking. The temperatures are warm but not unbearably hot, there are great views with a lot of colors, and you have a good chance of seeing wildlife. 

2) Ride a Bike

Some of the best mountain biking in North Carolina is near Haywood County. From beginners to aspiring pros, there is something for everyone in our area. Some of the nearby trail systems include:

• Tsali Recreation Area at Fontana Lake
• Dupont State Forest in Cedar Mountain
• Pisgah Trails near Brevard
• Bent Creek near Asheville
• Fire Mountain in Cherokee
• Berm Park in Canton (opening April 2022)

3) Take a Day Trip

• Cades Cove: Less than a three-hour drive from Waynesville, you're nearly certain to encounter plenty of animals and education at Cades Cove
• Asheville: With the museum, parks, greenways, and rich southern history, visiting Asheville is a great way for you to explore the area
• Charlotte: The Queen City provides educational opportunities, delicious food, and a chance to visit the large urban area.
• Greenville offers plenty of family activities, excellent food, and educational opportunities.
• Fontana Dam: Your family will enjoy beautiful views, fascinating history, and animal observation opportunities at Fontana Dam.
• Beech Mountain: Why should you go to a ski resort town in April? The highest elevation town in North Carolina is a year-round destination with many miles of well-kept hiking trails, an indoor playground, a dog park, and numerous restaurants.

4) Go See the Elk Herd

The only elk herd in North Carolina typically hangs out at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee. From the visitor center, you can head into Great Smoky Mountain National Park, where you may see more elk and your kids will have plenty of opportunities to learn. 

5) Take a Train Ride

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City will take you and your children back in time to when steam engine trains were the foremost mode of transportation in our area. This is a delightful spring pastime that your family might want to make a tradition.

Christian Education in Haywood County, NC

For parents who want to make sure their child’s school matches their belief system, Haywood Christian Academy supplies families with the highest quality Christian private education in the area. The mission of Haywood Christian Academy is to develop students into Christian leaders by providing an excellent educational experience on a foundation of Biblical truth.

If you would like to know more about how your child can benefit from attending a private Christian school, contact HCA today.