Things to do in Cary, Raleigh, Apex this Summer 2014
School is Out! Now What?
Keeping kids busy for the entire summer, unless you attend one of our local year round schools, can be a challenge. And pretty expensive too.
Here are some ideas for free and low cost activities in Cary, Raleigh, and Apex this Summer 2014. And also a few favorite Summer Camps in the area.
Free Activities
Cary Public Parks - The Town of Cary offers many Parks throughout the town along with an expansive Greenway system for walking and biking.
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve - A nice shady place to take a hike and enjoy the outdoors. Some of the scenery will surprise you! Check Calendar for events and activities.
Waverly Place Events - Not only are there many shopping and dining options at this new remodeled Cary center, they also offer a weekly Farmers Market and weekly events. Check the Calendar for upcoming events. There is also a splash pad so bring a change of clothes.
RDU Observation Park - This little known park sits in the private aviation section of the airport, but is open to the public. There is a watchtower where the kids can see private planes landing and taking off and hear radio tower calls. There is also a pretend runway. More Info.
Downtown Apex - Take a stroll down historic Main St and get an old fashioned ice cream cone.
Duke Gardens - Bring a picnic, a ball, Frisbee and lawn toys for a fun morning out. During the summer on weekends they also have activities scheduled so check the Events Calendar.
JC Raulston Arboretum - At NC State - Beautiful gardens to enjoy with a picnic. Large grassy areas for getting some energy out and lots of nooks and crannies to explore. More Info.
NC State Farmer's Market - Browse the abundant fresh produce stands in a huge shaded pavilion and savor unique NC made products in the building shops.
NC State Fairgrounds - The weekend flea market is a fun way to spend a morning. There are both permanent indoor vendors and outdoors too. Check the Calendar for ongoing events.
Low Cost Activities
Cary Creative & Reuse Center - Make your own creations at the shop or buy materials to take home. Making upcycled art is a fun and creative way to learn about the environment and let imaginations run wild. Read more about classes here and support a great cause.
Cary Parks & Recreation - There are tons of low cost camps and activities to keep little ones busy throughout the summer. The recently remodeled Cart Arts Center offers wonderful art, theater and dance classes for all ages. See this Summer's SchoolzOut Catalog for more info.
Fred G. Bond Metro Park - Rent a paddle boat or canoe at Bond Lake. Ride or walk the many trails. Enjoy the large, partially shaded playground or hit some balls on one of several baseball fields.
Pullen Park - Enjoy the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the US. Ride tickets are only a few dollars and the park was recently refurbished.
Jordan Lake Beach - Just a short drove out Hwy 64 you can take the kids for a swim at the lake and play in the sand. There is also a playground area.
Paint Your Pot - Spend a nice afternoon in the A/C making a fun keepsake. See Calendar for special Summer Camp activities.
Summer Concerts at Koka Booth Amphitheater - View Summerfest Schedule. Kids 12 and under are free for lawn seating.
Marbles Kids Museum - Well worth getting an annual pass for this wonderful Children's museum in downtown Raleigh. The kids will never tire of it and it's in the A/C!
Museum of Natural Science - This museum is a real gift to the City. If you haven't been to the new wing, you must go this summer. You could easily spend a few hours here, so luckily there is a nice snack bar and a cafe. Don't miss the butterfly exhibit. Programs and Info.
Summer Camps
Cary Acedemy
Town of Cary Summer Camps
Triangle Area YMCA
Raleigh Summer Camps
Cary Summer Camps
This should keep everyone busy for the Summer and you get to explore some of the great things our area has to offer. Have fun and stay cool!
