Kids at WOR

If your looking for things for kids to do at WOR (in addition to kayaking), first review https://www.greatsmokies.com/

Under the “Plan you visit” and “Trip Ideas” tabs you will find a pretty thorough range of activities. The Bryson City Visitor Center (museum upstairs) and the Aquarium are recommended.

Bikes in the campground are a great idea. Tsali Rec Area also has trail riding.

Deep Creek is OK for tubing after some rain. Great for wading, though. If the kids are swimmers, a mask and snorkel would be fun.

The Oconaluftee River park in Cherokee is another fun wading opportunity. Many interesting museums there as well. Go later in the day or early to possibly see elk near the Oconaluftee visitor center.

Tubes and Duckies are rented on the Tuckasegee in Dillsboro (long trip).

There’s also Carolina Adventures with a lot of activities to choose from.

Of course there will be other kids and grand kids at Week of Rivers you can hook up with. Several families bring rafts.

WOR usually hosts a brief, kid specific safety program.

Another great activity is the Swain Clean river cleanup at Ela Dam in our annual litter cleanup.

Wednesday, if the kids have PFDs, Helmets and really enjoy the water, they can hitch a ride on a pool float during Bad Idea Theatre. Or, just enjoy watching the chaos in the shade by the river.

Thursday evening there is usually an ice cream social.

Pirates of The Tuckasegee (Usually on July 4) will make its annual voyage (kid-friendly water gun fight down the Tuckasegee Gorge). By then you may have found a crew, or you can rent a raft in Dillsboro for the event.

So, lots to do for everyone throughout the week. Not just paddling.