Gem Mining in Brevard, NC | Mountain Treasure Hunting
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Kid-Friendly Activities

From Transylvania County’s long and celebrated reputation as a summer camp destination to its variety of deeply fun ways for kids to learn and engage with the natural world, the young and young-at-heart will find much to delight in them.

 

Cabin Fever

If you’re considering a summer camp in North Carolina for your child, beeline to our neck of the woods. For over 100 years, kids from all over the country have arrived with sleeping bags and footlockers to spend their summer holidays at one of Transylvania County’s 17 noteworthy summer camps. Check out our Summer Camps page to learn more. 

Inside or Out

 

If you’re a fan of classic arcade games, you can introduce your kids to the fun and challenge of foosball, air hockey and Pac-Man at the White Squirrel Arcade, located in downtown Brevard. This family-friendly venue is perfect way to spend a rainy or not-so-rainy afternoon.

 Great indoor activities include gem mining, pottery making, and a full suite of fun and educational programs at the Transylvania County Public Library. Gorges State Park, Pisgah National Forest, and DuPont State Recreational Forest offer kid-friendly trails and museum-quality exhibits in their Visitor Centers.

Treasure hunters have been searching for gems for centuries, but true rock hounds know that Western North Carolina is the place to go for geological diversity. These old mountains of ours are home to close to 40 gems and minerals such as sapphires, garnets, rubies, and emeralds. Come test your luck and see what kind of treasure you can find! Just want to look? Be sure to visit the Mineral and Meteorite Museum at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. You won’t believe what else you’ll find there!

Check out local gem mines in Transylvania County:

Park It Here

Transylvania’s network of local parks – including Champion Park, Franklin Park, Silvermont, and the Parks and Rec Center – serves up traditional playground delights and athletic facilities. For those looking to perfect their back-side grabs and flip tricks, check out Tannery Skate Park and the skate park at the Transylvania Sports Complex, which also features an American Ninja Warrior-style fitness course.