Blue Ridge Pkwy

If you dont mind coming south a ways. Crabtree falls is a nice hike its just a little ways above Lynchburg va, and there is a campground (have not stayed there) nearby, Go further south and in Roanoke Va is a small zoo, Mill Mountain zoo that you may like. And at milepost 204 just above the Va/NC line is a small Alpaca farm, Peaceful Heart Alpaca's that always keeps a few very young ones by the small store so kids can see them. and just a few miles North of there you can stay at Fairy stone state park which has a large beach area, very gently sloping to allow the kids some water time. Canoes, kayaks, and hiking are good there too. Fairy Stone is about 20 miles off the parkway and also close to Philpott reservoir.