Last updated: 2026 | By Sarah Marchwiany

Burlington is one of those Triad cities that’s easy to overlook — it sits between Greensboro and the Triangle, isn’t the largest city in Alamance County, and doesn’t always make the top of the weekend outing list. That’s a mistake. Burlington has a gorgeous historic city park with a century-old carousel, one of the best county parks in the Triad, a beloved local bakery that’s been perfecting glazed donuts since 1943, working farms, a riverfront community beloved by families, and enough to fill a very satisfying family day without a long drive or a big budget.

Here’s everything your family needs to know for a great day in Burlington.

Drive time from Greensboro: Approximately 25 minutes via I-40 East
Drive time from Winston-Salem: Approximately 45 minutes via I-40 East

Start the Morning Right

Paul’s Pastry Shop — A Burlington Institution Since 1943

Address: 822 S Church Street, Burlington, NC 27215 Phone: (336) 226-4757

If you’re starting a Burlington family day and you skip Paul’s Pastry, you’re doing it wrong. This downtown Burlington bakery has been making fresh, warm glazed donuts and donut holes since 1943 — more than 80 years of the same recipe, the same craft, and the same early morning line of people who know exactly what they came for.

Beyond the glazed classics, Paul’s carries a full range of donut varieties plus cookies and cakes. It’s the kind of place that immediately becomes a family tradition. Go early — they sell out.

Burlington City Park — The Heart of Burlington Family Fun

Address: 1333 Overbrook Road, Burlington, NC 27215 Phone: (336) 222-5030 Website: burlingtonnc.gov

Burlington City Park is the anchor of any Burlington family day, and it earns that role completely. Located in the heart of the city, the park packs an impressive range of amenities into one beautiful green space — and the combination of a historic carousel, a train ride, and a full amusement area makes it one of the most complete family parks in the entire Triad.

The Historical Dentzel Carousel is the star of the park and genuinely worth the visit on its own. Hand-painted animals, an old-time organ, and the kind of beauty and craftsmanship that reminds you carousel artistry was once taken very seriously. Whether you ride it or just watch, it’s a treat.

The train ride is another reliable hit for younger kids — a classic open-air loop through the park that delights every age under eight and most adults if they’re honest.

Additional park features:

Extensive playground and courtyard amusement area
Five athletic fields
Twelve lighted tennis courts
Year-round aquatics facility (seasonal pool programming)
Walking track

The Burlington Carousel Festival is held annually at Burlington City Park in early May — amusement rides free all weekend, carnival rides for a $10 wristband, Kids Play Zone with cornhole, life-size Jenga and Connect Four, and live music and activities. One of the best free family events in the Triad calendar. Mark it on yours.

See our complete Burlington City Park guide for the full picture including seasonal programming and aquatics details.

Cedarock Park — Burlington’s Natural Gem

Address: 4242 R. Dean Coleman Road, Burlington, NC 27215 Phone: (336) 570-6759 Website: parks.alamancecountync.gov Admission: Free App: Locatify SmartGuide App (free self-guided tours available)

If Burlington City Park is the most fun, Cedarock Park is the most beautiful. And it’s completely free.

<cite index=”13-1″>Cedarock Park is a 500-acre nature park established in 1975, situated in the foothills of the Cane Mountain Range with gently rolling terrain, an abundance of plant and wildlife species, and beautiful views of Rock Creek and its tributaries.</cite> It draws more than 150,000 visitors annually — and most Triad families who discover it become regular returners.

The big draws for families:

Waterfall and old mill dam — <cite index=”16-1″>The park features a picturesque waterfall over an old mill dam, with an old grist mill dating to the early 1800s along Rock Creek (only the dam remains).</cite> The waterfall is modest but genuinely beautiful, especially in spring when the surrounding forest is lush.

Historic Cedarock Farm — A self-guided tour of the Cedarock Historical Farm covers the home and outbuildings of a family that settled here in the 1830s.</cite> The original house, farm buildings, and even the outhouse are preserved — a fascinating living history experience for school-age kids.

Hiking trails for every level:

Rock Creek Trail — Follows Rock Creek through beautiful forest with creek crossings and wooden bridges. Views of the waterfall over the old mill dam. Historic dam and gazebos along the route.
Spoon Branch Trail — <cite index=”18-1″>An easy 1.8-mile trail with an elevation gain of 137 feet, taking about 30–60 minutes to complete. Two loops with a connector to the trailhead, views of the creek throughout, and spectacular views of the waterfall over the old mill dam.</cite> The best family hiking option in the park.
Curtis Mill Trail — A paved trail starting from the Wellspring Disc Golf Course parking area, leading down to Rock Creek downstream of the old mill dam. Good for strollers and younger kids.
Equestrian Trail — A 6-mile dedicated horseback riding trail with creek crossing and wooden bridges.

Other Cedarock amenities:

Two disc golf courses (Wellspring and another course) — free to play
Playgrounds
Picnic shelters and gazebos
Fishing ponds
Basketball and volleyball courts
Horse facilities

Tip: Download the Locatify SmartGuide App before your visit for a free self-guided tour of both Cedarock Park and the nearby Glencoe Mill Village. Trail signage within the park can be limited — take a photo of the map at the trailhead entrance before you head in.

Get Hiking! Program: Burlington Recreation and Parks offers free guided hikes at Cedarock Park throughout the year. Small group, all ages welcome (minors must be accompanied by an adult). Registration required. Check burlingtonnc.gov for the current schedule.

Farms and Pick-Your-Own

Buttermilk Creek Farm

Address: 1905 Gwyn Road, Burlington, NC 27217 Phone: (336) 212-1997 Website: buttermilkcreek.net Instagram: @buttermilkcreek | Facebook: Buttermilk Creek Farm Season: July through early August Hours: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 6am–12pm (check website/social before visiting — hours vary by what’s ripe)

A family-owned pick-your-own farm north of Burlington growing blueberries, blackberries, peaches, vegetables, and flowers. Beloved by regulars for the quality of the fruit and the warmth of the owners. Always check their Instagram or website before making the drive — they don’t open until July and exact dates vary each season.

Haw River Fruit Company — Graham

Location: Graham, NC

Fruit and pick-your-own experiences in the Graham area. Check current availability and hours on their social media before visiting as seasonal hours vary.

Apple Farm — Gibsonville

Location: Gibsonville, NC

Apple picking in the Gibsonville area. Check local listings for current season details and hours.

Blueberry Thrill Farm — Gibsonville

Address: 6938 Eaglesfield Road, Gibsonville, NC 27249 Phone: (336) 449-7246 Website: blueberrythrillfarm.com Instagram: @blueberrythrillfarm Hours: Wednesday & Saturday 7am–12pm (seasonal — always check social media for exact opening dates)

A second-generation family farm established in 1982, located in Gibsonville about halfway between Burlington and Greensboro. Pick-your-own blueberries, blackberries, apples, and pumpkins. Pre-picked peaches available seasonally. The farm also offers cut flowers, muscadines, and ticketed Saturday farm tours during blueberry season where families can meet the pigs, chickens, and goats.

Season by crop: Blueberries (late May–mid-July) | Blackberries (late June–August) | Apples and pumpkins (fall) | Muscadines (early Sept–mid-Oct)

Follow @blueberrythrillfarm on Instagram for the most current availability — they post when each crop is ready.

Other Alamance County Farms

See our Pick-Your-Own Farms Directory for more options throughout the Triad.

Saxapahaw — The Riverfront Village Worth a Detour

Address: Saxapahaw, NC 27340 (approximately 15 minutes southwest of Burlington via Alamance Road) Check out our post: Day Trip to Saxapahaw NC: Family-Friendly Things to Do Along the River

Saxapahaw is one of the most genuinely charming small communities in the Triad — a revitalized textile mill village on the Haw River that has become a beloved destination for families who want something beautiful and unexpected.

Saturdays in Saxapahaw (May through August) — Free Saturday programming featuring performances by local bands, a farmers market, handmade arts and crafts, and activities for children. Admission is free; donations are appreciated. One of the best free recurring family events in the Burlington area.

Saxapahaw General Store — The beating heart of the community. Fresh local food, coffee, artisan goods, and one of those genuinely special small-town gathering places that feels like it could only exist exactly where it does. Stop for lunch or a snack after exploring the riverfront.

Saxapahaw Island Park — A beautiful riverside park with walking trails, open meadow space, and Haw River access. Excellent for a slow family afternoon with picnic. See our Best Swimming Holes & Watering Holes in NC guide for the Haw River watering hole angle.

Kayaking and tubing — The Haw River at Saxapahaw is popular for tubing and kayaking. Check with local outfitters for rental options during peak summer season.

Where to Eat in Burlington NC

Paul’s Pastry Shop — Breakfast / Morning Stop

822 S Church Street, Burlington, NC 27215 | (336) 226-4757 Glazed donuts since 1943. See the morning section above. Non-negotiable first stop.

Zack’s Hot Dogs — Lunch Downtown

Address: 201 W Davis Street, Burlington, NC 27215 Phone: (336) 226-4746 Website: https://zackshotdogs.net/

Zack’s has been serving hot dogs in downtown Burlington since 1928 — nearly 100 years of the same simple, perfect formula. The Touloupas family serves great food fast. Two dogs, mustard, slaw, and chili, with fries and a bottled Coke is the move. A genuine Burlington institution and exactly the kind of place a family day trip should include.

Blue Ribbon Diner — Classic Diner Lunch or Dinner

Locations:

2465 South Church Street, Burlington, NC 27215 | (336) 570-1120
1004 Mebane Oaks Road, Mebane, NC 27302 | (919) 563-7020 Website: bestfoodintown.com

Classic diner feel, great comfort food, and endless fries. The Apple Jack Chicken (served on a bun, with a salad, or with southern-style vegetables) is a strong recommendation. Whether it’s chicken, a hamburger, fried pickles, or a homemade milkshake — Blue Ribbon satisfies.

Saxapahaw General Store — Lunch in the Village

A natural lunch stop if Saxapahaw is on your itinerary. Fresh local food, coffee, and artisan goods in a beautiful riverfront setting.

Lake Mackintosh Marina & Boat Club — Waterfront Option

Address: 2704 Huffman Mill Road, Burlington, NC 27215 Phone: (336) 538-0896

For families who want a waterfront meal or a paddle boat afternoon, Lake Mackintosh offers picnic sites, fishing, paddle boat and row boat rentals, sailing, and a clubhouse overlooking the lake. A more relaxed, outdoor alternative to a sit-down restaurant.

More Things to Do in Burlington NC with Kids

Children’s Museum of Alamance County

One of the best children’s museums in the Triad and a top rainy-day pick for Burlington families. Hands-on exhibits for multiple age groups. See our Children’s Museum of Alamance County guide for details.

Alamance Battleground State Historic Site

Website: ncparks.gov

A free state historic site commemorating the Battle of Alamance (1771) — the first battle of the American Revolution in North Carolina. Small gift shop and museum, walking tour of key battle spots, and genuine history for older kids and parents.

Burlington Athletic Stadium — Sock Puppets Baseball

A Burlington Sock Puppets game at Burlington Athletic Stadium is one of the best cheap family outings in Alamance County. Tickets and concessions are remarkably affordable, parking is free, and the atmosphere is genuinely fun. Minor league baseball at its best — fireworks nights are especially popular. Check milb.com for the current schedule.

Painted Grape

For a creative afternoon, Burlington has Painted Grape that offers walk in painting crafts.

Lake Mackintosh Park — Outdoor Recreation

Paddle boats, row boat rentals, fishing, picnic sites, shelters for rental, sailing, and a clubhouse overlooking the lake. A solid outdoor option for families who want water access without the beach drive. 2704 Huffman Mill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.

Cedarock Disc Golf — Free

Two disc golf courses at Cedarock Park — Wellspring and a second course — both free to play. Just bring your own disc. A great add-on to a Cedarock Park visit for older kids and teens.

Animal Park NC (near Burlington)

A wildlife experience featuring wild cats, wolves, and other animals in a more immersive setting than a traditional zoo. Popular with families for the up-close animal encounters. Check animalparkNC.com for hours and pricing. Check out or blog: Day Trip Idea: The Conservators Center

Sample Burlington Family Day

8:30am — Paul’s Pastry Shop for glazed donuts and donut holes 9:30am — Burlington City Park — carousel, train, playground 11:30am — Zack’s Hot Dogs for lunch downtown 1:00pm — Cedarock Park — Spoon Branch Trail hike, waterfall, historical farm tour 3:30pm — Saxapahaw Saturdays (if May–August) or Saxapahaw Island Park and General Store 5:30pm — Drive home

Total cost: Paul’s Pastry ~$10–15 for the family. City Park rides (small fee). Cedarock Park free. Zack’s ~$15–20 for the family. Saxapahaw General Store lunch ~$20–25. One of the most affordable and genuinely memorable family day trips in the Triad.

FAQs About a Family Day Trip to Burlington NC

How far is Burlington NC from Greensboro?

Approximately 25 minutes via I-40 East. From Winston-Salem, approximately 45 minutes. An easy half-day or full-day trip from anywhere in the Triad.

What is Burlington City Park known for?

The Historical Dentzel Carousel — a hand-painted, century-old carousel with an old-time organ — is the centerpiece. The park also has a train ride, extensive playground, five athletic fields, twelve lighted tennis courts, and a year-round aquatics facility. The annual Burlington Carousel Festival in early May draws families from across the Triad.

What is Cedarock Park in Burlington NC?

Cedarock Park is a free 500-acre county park south of Burlington with hiking trails, a waterfall over an old mill dam, a self-guided historical farm tour, two disc golf courses, fishing ponds, playgrounds, and picnic shelters. The Spoon Branch Trail (1.8 miles, easy) is the best family hiking option. More than 150,000 visitors annually — one of the most underrated outdoor destinations in the Triad.

What are the best restaurants in Burlington NC for families?

Paul’s Pastry Shop (glazed donuts since 1943) for breakfast, Zack’s Hot Dogs (since 1928) for a classic downtown lunch, Blue Ribbon Diner for a full comfort-food meal, and the Saxapahaw General Store for a beautiful riverfront lunch option are the top family-friendly picks.

What is Saxapahaw NC and is it worth a visit?

Saxapahaw is a revitalized textile mill village on the Haw River about 15 minutes southwest of Burlington. The Saxapahaw General Store is a beloved local gathering place. Saturdays in Saxapahaw (free, May–August) features live music, a farmers market, crafts, and kids’ activities. Saxapahaw Island Park has walking trails and Haw River access. Genuinely worth a visit and a natural addition to a Burlington day trip.

Is Burlington NC good for a family day trip from Greensboro?

Absolutely — Burlington is one of the most underrated family day trip destinations in the Triad. The combination of Burlington City Park (historic carousel and train), Cedarock Park (free 500-acre nature park with waterfall), Paul’s Pastry Shop, Zack’s Hot Dogs, Iseley Farms, Saxapahaw, and the Children’s Museum of Alamance County can fill a genuinely excellent full day for less than most families would spend at a paid attraction.

Looking for more Burlington and Alamance County content? See our Fun Things to Do in Burlington NC with Kids, Burlington City Park guide, Best Parks & Playgrounds in Burlington NC, Triad Area Strawberry Picking Farms, and our Haw River Swimming Holes guide.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter for the best of the Triad delivered every week.