Hey Triad moms, dads, and caregivers! Are you looking for exciting ways to spend quality time with your kids without emptying your wallet? Whether the goal is burning off weekend energy, filling those long summer afternoons, or finding enriching after-school activities, High Point offers a plethora of free and cheap options for families. No matter the day of the week, affordable adventures await right here in our community. Get ready to explore our guide and discover how to enjoy High Point with your kids on a budget!

Things to do in High Point with Kids

High Point City Lake Park

Make High Point City Lake Park your first stop for budget-friendly fun! This expansive park is a local treasure, offering a little bit of something for everyone. There are multiple playground structures and picnic shelters galore, with lots of shady trees sprinkled throughout. In addition to the free amenities, several attractions can be enjoyed with a small fee. These include a miniature train, a carousel, and a putt-putt course. For a more low-key, relaxing experience, consider the scenic lake tours conducted by pontoon boat for just $2.50 per person.

The park’s brand-new aquatic center is more like a small water park with three water slides, a splash pad, and a lazy river. Access to the aquatic center is $15 per person, with discounts available for younger children and High Point residents. Admission to the park itself is free, and while some activities have a fee, it’s easy to enjoy a day here without spending much at all. It’s hard to beat the value offered at High Point City Lake Park!

High Point Library Children’s Programs

Don’t overlook the incredible resources available at our local libraries! The High Point Public Library in particular boasts an exceptional children’s section that goes far beyond just books. Here, you’ll find cozy reading nooks perfect for snuggling up with a story, along with engaging puzzles and toys to spark young imaginations. My daughter loves the educational games on the kids’ computers, and there’s even a dedicated area for playing video games!

The library offers an assortment of free programs, including weekly storytimes tailored for younger children. Throughout the year, you can also find seasonal programs like captivating puppet shows and music hours, plus free craft days and even yoga classes. They even offer free passes to explore other attractions in the area! The library provides an ideal rainy day outing that can lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and exploration.

Growing High Point Farmers Market

If your library visit falls on a Saturday morning, you’re in the perfect spot to explore the Growing High Point Farmers Market. Held weekly in the library parking lot, the Market is a great way to connect with the community. Support the group’s mission to increase accessibility and availability of local produce, while also teaching your kids about where their food comes from – And letting them meet the people who grew it!

Coop and Creek

Tucked away at 4670 Sandy Camp Rd, High Point, NC 27265, Coop and Creek is an immersive, family-friendly urban farm that blends hands-on learning with pure fun. Open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, the farm offers general admission ($12 per person, with one free adult per child), giving visitors unlimited snuggles with baby goats, bunnies, chicks, and opportunities to gather free‑range eggs straight from the coop. The property features a goat playground, creek kitchens, vegetable gardens, and a charming “Coop Town” play village that encourages exploration and imaginative play. Beyond drop‑in visits, Coop and Creek hosts thoughtfully designed events—field trips for students, birthday and community gatherings, and even rustic weddings in scenic outdoor spaces. After a full day of farmyard fun, visitors can relax in the farm store with fresh‑squeezed lemonade, local crafts, antiques, and, of course, a dozen farm‑fresh eggs to take home.

Free Things to Do in High Point

Piedmont Environmental Center

For an exciting outdoor adventure, head to the Piedmont Environmental Center, where admission is absolutely free! The Center offers several miles of wooded trails, perfect for nature walks, scavenger hunts, or birdwatching. Inside, a small nature hub offers free exhibits and occasionally hosts low-cost family events, like bug nights and wildlife talks. Be sure to bring water bottles and comfortable walking shoes – you’ll likely want to explore more than you initially planned! Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits inside, while outside, the whole family can enjoy over 11 miles of nature trails. During the warmer months, don’t miss the beautiful butterfly garden!

High Point Museum

Children can learn about local history in an interactive way when you take a step back in time with a visit to the High Point Museum. Admission is free, and the museum is filled with engrossing exhibits that will captivate both kids and adults. The adjacent Historical Park is populated with authentic log buildings, and hosts reenactments highlighting traditional crafts and old-timey cooking. It’s hands-on, educational, and budget-friendly—what more could you ask for?

Please Note: The High Point Museum is currently undergoing some renovations but is expected to reopen in August 2025. During this time, the Historical Park will remain open to visitors, and all scheduled park programs will continue as planned.

Oak Hollow Lake and Marina

Oak Hollow Lake offers another beautiful spot for a peaceful family outing. The tranquility of the lake provides a calming escape, even with energetic little ones in tow. There’s no charge to relax on the grassy banks or take a stroll along the trails. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, paddle boat rentals are available for a small fee, offering a fun way to experience the lake up close. Oak Hollow Lake is a wonderful place for older kids who appreciate the outdoors and the calm of nature.

Free and Cheap Kids Activities Near High Point

Armstrong Park

Located just outside downtown High Point, Armstrong Park serves as a welcome oasis. It features a shaded playground, perfect for sunny afternoons, as well as tennis courts and a walking path. What makes this park stand out is the quiet, relaxed vibe—it’s rarely crowded, making it an ideal spot for families who want to let their children explore freely without the hustle and bustle of larger parks.

Bicentennial Greenway

The Bicentennial Greenway is a great option if you’re considering exploring local greenways and trails! This paved path stretches for miles, offering a safe and scenic route for walking, biking, or riding scooters with the kids. Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views as you get some exercise together. With access points at both Armstrong Park and the Piedmont Environmental Center, it’s easy to incorporate into your day in High Point. It’s a healthy and completely free way to spend quality family time.

The Art Gallery at Congdon Yards

Art-loving families should check out The Art Gallery at Congdon Yards (TAG). Admission to the gallery is free, and the exhibits change out regularly, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. My family’s favorite spot, however, is the community art space: Open from 12-5 pm each weekday, it’s an amazing place for your children to unleash their creativity! Here you’ll find all sorts of crafty stuff, from crayons and markers to Legos to sewing and weaving on prepared easels.

Local Events and Festivals

High Point knows how to throw a community event! Throughout the year, the city hosts a variety of free family-friendly festivals, including the High Point Holiday Festival Parade, summer concert series in the park, and outdoor movie nights. To catch live music, food trucks, and dedicated kids’ events—all without paying an entry fee, check the city’s calendar, and for even more community events follow our local events calendar.

By taking advantage of the many free and affordable resources our community offers, you can enjoy plenty of exciting adventures in and around High Point while staying on a tight budget. From outdoor explorations in our beautiful parks and along scenic trails to fascinating historical sites and enriching library programs, High Point provides numerous affordable options for creating meaningful family memories close to home, without breaking the bank. Prepare to uncover the budget-friendly fun that High Point has to offer. So, gather your little ones and get ready to explore! And consider signing up for our weekly newsletter so you never miss out on the fun.