Short day trip with children (Concord, Salisbury: live in, cost, park)

[thebalogas]

We live in Monroe and would like to take a short day trip tomorrow. Myrtle and Charleston are too far away. Just something about 2 hours, preferably towards the ocean or south. We lived in Rutherford County for a year, so we don't need to go to the mountains (we lived 10 miles from Lake Lure) We have a 6 year old and a 10 year old, both boys. Just something interesting we haven't seen that is not too expensive. We haven't really seen that much, so any ideas are appreciated. Thank you

[SunnyKayak]

only probably 35 minute from you check out lasy 5 ranch Drive through Animal Park with over 750 animals, petting zoo at Lazy 5 Ranch, Mooresville, NC
hang onto the feed buckets the animals are not dumb

[thebalogas]

Thank you, that looks really fun. I have been in this area a year and have never heard of it.

[cheesehead1]

Dan Nicholas Park is outside Salisbury (NE of Concord) and is great fun. Paddle boats, playgrounds, a few wooded trails. Your boys are probably too big for the little train, but it's a nice place to go. We have 2 boys and enjoyed it quite a bit.

[thebalogas]

Thanks cheesehead. I pulled up the website and my 10 year old says "Let's go there" This is a child that doesn't like to leave the house. LOL

[SunnyKayak]

Dan Nicholas Park is free for the most of it other thing cost only buck or two, bring water

[cheesehead1]

Originally Posted by SunnyKayak

Dan Nicholas Park is free for the most of it other thing cost only buck or two, bring water

+1 on the water idea. We filled up water bottles at a fountain there and it was horrible! Don't let that scare you off, though; it's a great park!

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by thebalogas

We live in Monroe and would like to take a short day trip tomorrow. Myrtle and Charleston are too far away. Just something about 2 hours, preferably towards the ocean or south. We lived in Rutherford County for a year, so we don't need to go to the mountains (we lived 10 miles from Lake Lure) We have a 6 year old and a 10 year old, both boys. Just something interesting we haven't seen that is not too expensive. We haven't really seen that much, so any ideas are appreciated. Thank you

How about the zoo in Asheboro?

http://www.nczoo.org/

[thebalogas]

Thanks lovesmountains. My neighbor, who has 4 children, and I have discussed going there one day with all of the children. Just haven't made it yet. Maybe we can do more than one thing. My husband actually is off Monday, first holiday in two years.

[lumbollo]

A close in place that boys of that age might like is Murray's Mill near Troutman. It's a fully restored grist mill that runs off a fairly large water wheel.