Cavvietta

Keep the kids entertained with the wind-powered sculptures and laser-beam shows at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and Museum (15 minutes’ drive) or head for It’s A Zoo Life (10 minutes) for encounters with wolves and camels, and the chance to cuddle donkeys. The Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences (25 minutes) gives kids the chance to get hands-on with science experiments, and catch immersive shows in the planetarium. Outdoor family pursuits you can try locally centre on the sports hub at J Burt Gillette Athletic Complex (15 minutes), with clmbing frames to keep younger children happy, and plenty of room for the family to let off energy running around the ball field. For some adult downtime, you can try golf at FarmVille (25 minutes) or Greenville (half an hour), or swim in the Pamlico river off Goose Creek State Park (an hour and 15 minutes) – and for a change of pace, brush up in your Civil War history among the fortifications and cannons at Fort Branch Confederate Earthen Fort Civil War Site (45 minutes), site of battle enactments during winter months.