As the largest man-made body of fresh water in North Carolina, Lake Norman is a popular destination for all kinds of visitors. From days on the lake fishing, paddleboarding, or enjoying other watersports to evenings at delicious local restaurants and everything in between, you’ll find it all right here. To help you prepare for your upcoming visit, we’ve created this guide to the ultimate Lake Norman family vacation. Check it out and add some of these must-do activities to your schedule!
Check out our Area Guide for more great things to do and places to stay during your next Lake Norman getaway.
Fun on the Water
What’s a lake vacation without ample time spent on the water? At Lake Norman, you can enjoy peaceful days in a quiet cove, fishing, or you can cut loose on a speed boat or pontoon. With no speed or horsepower rules, the sky is the limit for water activities during your Lake Norman family vacation. Whether you’re renting a boat or jet ski or bringing your own to dock at one of our Lake Escape vacation rentals, you’re sure to have blast tubing, water skiing, or just coasting over the glistening surface of the water.
Local Activities around Lake Norman
There are plenty of exciting things to do off the water during your Lake Norman family vacation. Some of our favorites are:
The Carolina Raptor Center – Located just 42 minutes from Lake Norman, the Raptor Center gets you up close and personal with these, and other, birds of prey and offers educational programs each week. Visit them every day from 10 AM to 4 PM, or check their events calendar for local happenings like their upcoming Owl-O-Ween.
Discovery Place Kids – A must for a family getaway, Discover Place will ignite your child’s imagination in exciting and fun ways. With daily shows, storytime, and huge kid’s zone play equipment, this is a great option for a rainy-day activity.
Escape 109 – For families visiting with older kids, nothing beats solving puzzles at Lake Norman’s newest escape room! Choose from two challenging rooms and see if you can beat the one-hour clock!
Discover more things to do in Lake Norman as you browse our site, and keep planning your epic getaway.
Restaurants in Lake Norman
From lakefront dining to foodie fantasies, Lake Norman restaurants offer something every member of your family will enjoy. Visit North Harbor Club for incredible views and elevated menu offerings that families with older children will love. For casual fare that really stands out, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is a must. Try the fried mozzarella burger with a huge medallion of gooey cheese added to a perfectly cooked patty, and thank us later. Whether you’re looking for a casual place for a quick bite or an upscale restaurant for special occasions, you can find it in Lake Norman.
Book Your Lake Norman Getaway Directly with Lake Escape
When it comes to the best vacation rental for your Lake Norman family vacation, look no further than Lake Escape! We’ve got waterfront, water’s edge, cottage getaways, and more – all perfect for every group and budget. Browse our available rentals now and book your stay directly with Lake Escape today!