This is an expensive habit to get started, and my guess is they are betting you'll buy all the junk and never play again. However, my kids really loved it - and we had a great time. You buy playing time, and once your time is up so is the magic. If you have a little boy like mine who loves magic, and myth (like Lord of the Rings!) they'll love Magiquest.

Ripley's Aquarium is great fun for first timers. We enjoyed it, but it is a very expensive day out for a family. You can spend lots of time here - but honestly, you can go thru everything in about 2 hours. It does have a really phenomenal shark tank that will wow the kids and adults alike!

My family loves going to The Family Kingdom - it's definitely a family tradition at our house. Fun for the whole family! Old fashioned rides, including hysterically fun wooden roller coasters. Tons of rides for the little ones to enjoy as well. Admission is free - you pay by tickets (old school) to ride the rides. An all day wrist band runs you just over $20 a person. Great deal!!! Check this out next time you head to the beach!

The make believe aspects abound here - and your younger kids will have a blast. Playing with chalk, pretend food, the police car.... all these things make for a fun day out for little ones. Older children will tire quickly... this site doesn't have much to offer anyone over the age of 5 or 6.

I grew up in NC, and so the Asheboro Zoo is a place that I frequented often thru my childhood and of course now with my own children. We do love the zoo - it's a beautiful facility, and it's maintained well and the animals are definitely healthy and cared for. It boasts animals that can't be seen anywhere else locally - like Sea Lions and Polar Bears. For the price, you get a pretty decent bang for your buck here (if you can stay out of the restaurants). However, with small children - it's a VERY long day, with lots of walking involved. I recommend parking in North America and starting there - working your way towards the African Exit. This will save you a LOT of *uphill* walking* You can catch a shuttle from that parking lot back to North America and your car. :)