There's So Much To Do In & Around The Triangle This Summer
The weather is as gorgeous as the scenery in our stunning state, and we’re proud to call this place, “home”. From the mountains to the lakes and beaches, the parks and trails, to the sporting events and historical features, North Carolina is a great place to live, especially if you’re in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area!
This Summer there are countless things to do, see, learn, and experience, in and around The Triangle, if you live in the area or are just visiting!
Check out some of the events listed below to have a fun, exciting, and explorative Summer, with an inexpensive price tag.
(1). MOVIES
Free kids’ movies at locations all around the triangle. Six different programs. Many are free, all are cheap.
Here’s a list of free and cheap kids’ movies during the week.: https://tria...-kids-movies/
And for summer evening outings, here’s a list of free and cheap outdoor movies in the Triangle.: https://tria...ies-triangle/
(2). BIKING
Biking: American Tobacco trail is great for bikes. Tip from a parent: “The part below the mall is better for kids because of fewer crossroads.”
http://www.t...tobacco-trail
(3). HIKING
For stroller-friendly trails, check out our list of fun Triangle hikes with kids. :https://triangleonthecheap.com/fun-triangle-hikes-kids/
Looking for more of a challenge? Here’s our list of the 15 best hikes in the Triangle.: https://tria...the-triangle/
(4). BOWLING
Kids Bowl Free is a program that many bowling centers participate in. Sign your child up and he or she can bowl for free all summer. (Shoe rental may be required)
https://tria...mer-triangle/
(5). POOLS AND SPRAYGROUNDS
There are dozens of pools in the Triangle, many with very low prices, but to splash for free, your best bets are A.D. Clark Outdoor Pool in Chapel Hill and the free spraygrounds in Durham at East End Park, Edison Johnson, Hillside Park and Forest Hills. The outdoor pools in Durham–Forest Hills, Long Meadow and Hillside, are free all the time for residents up to 18 years old, and each also has a free day for everyone. Forest Hill’s free day is Tuesday, Hillside’s is Wednesday, and Long Meadow’s is Monday.
(6). GARDENS
The North Carolina Botanical Garden at University of North Carolina, Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University, and the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State are all free to visit and fun to explore. All also offer programs for kids, some free. You often have to sign up in advance for these programs and they can fill up quickly. You might need to pay to park at some of the gardens. Sarah P. Duke Gardens were included in this list of 55 stunning botanical gardens you need to visit before you die.
https://www....ical-gardens/
(7). ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK
North Hills Kids presents free activities for kids every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. from June 12th to August 14th (except for July 3rd), including Dan the Animal Man, Carolina Ballet, mascots and characters and much more. The activities take place at Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park,
https://tria...park-raleigh/
(8). FISHING
C.A.S.T. (“Catch a Sure Thing”) is a free fishing program at Jordan Lake. Kids will learn basic fishing techniques, and equipment will be provided. It takes place every Saturday from June 2nd to October 27th, with a few exceptions.
https://tria...-jordan-lake/
(9). MUSEUMS
With free admission to so many local museums, the possibilities are endless, but the NC Museum of Natural Sciences rates high with parents and kids. Kidzu Children’s Museum in Chapel Hill also has a “Pay What You Can” day, 1-5 p.m. the first Sunday of every month. CAM Raleigh is free the first Friday of the month from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.. Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is free every Thursday. Ackland Art Museum at UNC is always free to visit. Museum of Life + Science, in Durham, has frequently scheduled Community Days, where admission is free for Durham residents. For more details on these museums, and many more, see our list of free days at Triangle museums.
https://tria...rth-carolina/
(10). OUTDOOR CONCERTS
Here’s a list of free outdoor concerts all over the Triangle, where you can bring a picnic or splurge on food truck cuisine:
https://tria...rts-triangle/
(11). SURPRISING SCULPTURE
Visit Hillsborough’s Riverwalk and come across the amazing stickwork sculpture by Patrick Dougherty. It’s a life-size house made of sticks, with five towers surrounding a central tower through which visitors can see the sky. The artwork is called “A Sight to Behold” and it is.
(12). LIBRARIES
Area libraries offer a ton of free events. Everything from story times to puppet shows to magic shows to science activities to game nights for teens. They also hold summer reading programs to encourage kids to keep those books open throughout the summer. To see all that these library systems have to offer visit the websites of Chapel Hill Public Library, Wake County Public Library, Durham County Library and Orange County Library.
(13). EXPLORE HISTORY IN DURHAM
Duke Homestead is always free to visit, and once a month they hold free Family Days, specially themed events with lots of hands-on activities. It’s also free to visit Stagville State Historic Site, which is dedicated to teaching about enslaved people. Also free to visit is Bennett Place, the site of the largest troop surrender in the Civil War.
(14). FARMER'S MARKETS
Also check our list of Triangle farmer’s markets; some have programs specifically for children:
https://tria...mers-markets/
Indoor playground: If it’s rainy or too hot for outdoor playgrounds, try Greystone Recreation Center on Lead Mine Road in Raleigh. It’s a free indoor playground for ages 5-12 that includes a climbing structure and a rock-climbing wall. You might want to call ahead and make sure it hasn’t been rented out for a private event: 919-996-4848
(15). NATURE PROGRAMS IN WAKE COUNTY PARKS
The Wake County Parks, including Blue Jay Point County Park, Lake Crabtree County Park and more hold frequently scheduled nature programs, many free, all cheap. Historic Yates Mill County Park, home of the last operable water-powered gristmill in Wake County, offers a particularly robust schedule, with nature, history and arts programs for kids (and adults.) They even host country dancing. See the Wake County Parks & Recreation page for a list of all county parks.
(16). GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR INNER-ARTIST
Bring the kids (or the whole family) in for a painting class at Pinot’s Palette! We have some classes for 21+, some for the little ones, and some for the whole family!
June 28, Open Studio Class
Unlike our traditional step-by-step instructor-led art class with an art instructor on stage... Open Studio time is designed to give you more flexibility and freedom. This is your chance to decide what you'd like to paint!
Read more about this unique class and sign up here:
https://www..../event/241713
July 3 (Open studio)
Come in and celebrate over the July 4th holiday!
https://www..../event/246280
(*Additional 'Open Studio' classes are offered every month, so be sure to check the calendar for details!)
June 27 ‘No Prob-Lllama’ (6-8pm)
Creating this painting is no Prob-Llama! Fun for all ages, this little cutie is sure to create some giggles and an all around great time.
https://www..../event/241695
July 1, 'Swimming The Sea'Family Day!
You will "turtley" love this colorful sea turtle Swimming the Sea. Create this stunning paintings of a colorful, friendly turtle, swimming in a turquoise sea.
https://www..../event/246282
July 3, 'United We Stand'
In times of trouble we come together and Unite, Rescue and Rebuild. This painting is inspired by the resilience of the good people of our country. United We Stand. If you're looking for something fun to do around Independence Day, join us as we painting this lovely skyscape where the clouds have lined up to look like out Nation's flag!
https://www..../event/246155
July 13, 'King and Queen of Curls'
DATE NIGHT painting! Come in with your honey and paint one canvas as they paint the other. Push them together at the end of the class to make one painting!
https://www..../event/246256
MORE:
Even more things to do around The Triangle on the cheap this Summer!!!
https://tria...p.com/events/
We hope to see you soon for a class at our studio if you’re looking for something fun to do in or around the Raleigh-Durham area! We make the perfect event for everything from a fun and unique date night, an awesome girls’ night out experience, and we even offer private events! When you view our classes on our website, you’ll be viewing our schedule for our public classes, but you can also book a painting party with the guest list of your choice! Come in to celebrate a birthday, bridal shower, reunion, retirement, and more with friends and family, sharing their artistic sides, together. Make memories that will last a lifetime with a souvenir to treasure forever with one our classes.
*Learn more about our private parties, here:
https://www....ivate-parties
We also play host to tons of corporate events, too! Why not book your next work party or team building event with us? We offer several styles of paintings that incorporate team building strategies, encouraging the whole office to work together, creating a stunning world of art!
*Read more about corporate events, here:
https://www....porate-events
Finally, in addition to out studio parties, we offer mobile events, off-site! You choose the location and we’ll come to you with all of the supplies!
*Learn more about out mobile events, here: https://www....ainting-party
Share Even more, super fun things to do this Summer, anywhere you live! | View our full calendar here!