By Rachel Hoeing
We had such a great response to last year’s Summer Bucket list, that we decided to do it once again with even more exciting venues! I have compiled a “bucket list” below that you can bookmark on your phone or computer and use it throughout the summer to explore and discover new adventures throughout the Triad area and beyond!
In order to keep this list as concise as possible, details on each venue will be found by clicking on its name. This will take you to either a TMoM blog or the venue’s website for more information. I have noted the location for each idea so that you can easily tell if this will be a quick stop, day trip, or weekend excursion. Please check hours and dates that each business is open before making the trip. You can also use our Community Event Calendar and Directories page to find additional events, playgrounds, parks, day trips, summer camps and more!
Without further ado … your 2017 Summer Bucket list!
- a/perture cinema – Unique movie theater, W-S NC
- ACE Adventure Center – rafting, zip-lines, fishing, horseback riding, kayaks, Oak Hill WV
- Adventure Landing – Putt Putt, Bumper Boats, arcade, W-S NC
- Air Fun Trampoline Park -Wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball, basketball dunk lanes, Zorbs, Greensboro NC
- All-A-Flutter Butterfly Farm – Butterfly Farm & tours (schedule in advance), High Point NC
- Aloha Safari Zoo – educational zoo & sanctuary, Cameron NC
- AMF Bowling Lanes – bowl in W-S & Greensboro NC
- American Girl Store – explore the shop and bistro and then walk around the mall, Charlotte NC
- An Originals By You – Paint your own pottery studio, W-S NC
- Angel Touch Salon – pedicure chairs for kids, W-S NC
- ArtQuest Studios at Greenhill Center – create art, Greensboro NC
- Babyland General – home of the Cabbage Patch Kids, Cleveland GA
- Beanstalk Ziplines – zipline, rock climb, ropes course, disc golf, playgrounds, biking, Morganton NC
- Biltmore – estate, winery, tours, shops, Asheville NC
- Black Mountain Chocolate – chocolate factory, W-S NC
- Bog Garden at Benjamin Park – walkways, greenery, Greensboro NC
- Bouncin’ Around – indoor inflatables and arcade room, Burlington NC
- Bowman Gray Stadium – NASCAR short track racing, W-S NC
- Breakout – live escape game where you and your friends/family try to crack codes, find clues, and escape, Greensboro NC
- Bumper Jumpers – indoor playground, Greensboro NC
- Bur-Mil Park Par 3 Golf Course – great way to enjoy golf if you have family members who may not make it for 18 holes, Greensboro NC
- Burlington City Park – amusement area, walking trails, aquatics facility, greenway, Burlington NC
- Burlington Royals Baseball – take the family out for a classic game at the ballfield, Burlington NC
- Camel City BBQ Factory – fun restaurant with an attached game room, W-S NC
- Carolina Raptor Center – environmental education center, Huntersville NC
- Carolina Ziplines – zipline tours for the whole family, Westfield NC
- Carowinds – amusement park and water park, Charlotte NC
- Celebration Station – arcade, bumper boats, mini golf, batting cage, go-karts, Greensboro NC
- Center City Park – music, exercise, food trucks, events, Greensboro NC
- Charlotte Nature Museum – discover animals, plants and more, Charlotte NC
- Children’s Museum of Alamance County – interactive children’s museum, Graham NC
- Childress Vineyards – winery, bistro, outdoor events, Lexington NC
- Chimney Rock State Park – hiking and attractions, Chimney Rock NC
- Chuck E Cheese’s – indoor arcade, Concord, Winston-Salem & Greensboro NC
- City Lake Park – playground, carousel, mini golf, train rides, pool, water slides, Jamestown NC
- Cliff Hangers – indoor climbing facility with speed climbing, intro classes, yoga, fitness, Café, kid’s climbing area, Mooresville NC
- Color & Coffee – painting parties, walk-ins, W-S NC
- Conservators Center – animal conservancy, Burlington NC
- Crowder’s Mountain State Park – fishing, canoeing, camping, rock climbing, bouldering, museum-quality exhibits, Kings Mountain NC
- Dan Nicholas Park – water play, playground, mini golf, carousel, gem mining, aquarium, mini train, Salisbury NC
- Denton Farmpark – historical park, general store, grist mill, church, plantation house, blacksmith shop, log cabin, full-size steam train, events, Denton NC
- Discovery Place – interactive children’s museum, Charlotte NC
- Discovery Place Kids – interactive children’s museum, Huntersville NC
- Eden Drive-In – drive-in movie theater, Eden NC
- Edward McKay Used Books and More – books, video games, electronics, Greensboro & W-S NC
- Emerald Hollow Mine – gen mining, Hiddenite NC
- Epicentre – dining, movies, bowling, nightlife, shopping, Charlotte, NC
- Fairgrounds Skate Park – ramps, quarter pipes, grinding rails, & bank ramps for skateboarders, W-S NC
- Frankie’s Fun Park – amusement rides, mini golf, laser tag, fun house, arcade, go carts, Raleigh NC
- Galaxy Fun Park – go karts, tampoline park, ropes course, soft play, laser tag, Raleigh NC
- Game Over Comics – Comic Books, video games, Magic the Gathering, Pokemon and More, Burlington NC
- GameT1me – more gaming systems than you can imagine, all under one roof, plus board games, lock-ins, parties, Clemmons NC
- Geeksboro – unique cinema and coffeehouse, Greensboro NC
- Get Air – trampoline park and ninja course, High Point NC
- Gnarwall Bouldering Gym – bouldering training facility for beginners to elite, Pfafftown NC
- Gorge Zipline – zipline canopy adventure, Saluda, NC
- Grandfather Mountain – wildlife, swinging bridge, trails, nature museum, Linville NC
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – train ride excusions through the smoky mountains, Bryson City, NC
- Great Wolf Lodge – indoor waterpark, MagiQuest, Concord NC
- Greensboro Children’s Museum – interactive children’s museum, edible schoolyard, Greensboro NC
- Greensboro Grasshoppers Game – enjoy a baseball game with the family, Greensboro NC
- Greensboro History Museum – historic buildings, museum, gardens & cemetary Greensboro NC
- Greensboro Ice House – indoor ice skating, Greensboro NC
- Greensboro Science Center – aquarium, museum, zoo, Greensboro NC
- Grove Winery – winery, concerts, art classes, outdoor events, Gibsonville NC
- Guilford Courthouse National Military Park – visitor’s center, live action theatre, trails, Greensboro NC
- Hanes Mall – shopping, food court, trampoline area, toddler play area, mini rides in play areas, W-S NC
- Hanging Rock State Park – swimming, hiking, canoes, Danbury NC
- Hebron Rock Colony – hiking and park, Blowing Rock NC
- Hi Toms Baseball – enjoy an evenign at the ballfield with the family, Thomasville NC
- High Gravity Adventures – aerial adventure course, Blowing Rock NC
- High Point Museum – historical park, exhibits, High Point NC
- Hill Ridge Farms – farm, train rides, hay rides, Youngsville NC
- Homeland Creamery – farm, tours, ice cream, hayrides, Julian NC
- Horizons Park – dog park, disc golf course, shelters, playground, trails, Rural Hall NC
- IKEA – Fun shopping day for kids of all ages, but if yours are too little, they will love the child drop off play area, Charlotte NC
- Ingram Farm – pick your own berries, High Point NC
- International Civil Rights Center & Museum – museum and teaching facility devoted to the struggle for civil and human rights, Greensboro NC
- Jump-N-Fun – indoor inflatables, Greensboro NC
- Kaleideum Downtown – (formerly the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem) interactive children’s museum, W-S NC
- Kaleideum North – (formerly SciWorks) interactive science museum, exhibits, planetarium, W-S NC
- Keely Park – splash pad, playgrounds, trails, Greensboro NC
- Kersey Valley – high ropes course, zip-lines, lazer tag and more Archdale NC
- KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum – numerous exhibits, discovery garden, and more, Rutherfordton NC
- Kinetic Heights – Ninja Warrior Course, warped wall, Parkour training area, indoor high ropes course, Charlotte, NC
- Korner’s Folley – museum, home tours, Kernersville NC
- Lake Mackintosh Park & Marina – paddleboats, kayaks, fishing, playgrounds, sailing, row boats, Burlington NC
- Lake Norman State Park – bike trails, camping, beach & bath house, Troutman NC
- Laser Tag of Archdale – laser tag, arcade, Archdale NC
- Laser X Burlington – “The Family Zone” with laser tag fun for all ages, Burlington NC
- Lazy Five Ranch – animal park, petting zoo, Mooresville NC
- Level Up – ninja warrior obstacles, indoor rock climbing, obstacle courses, Thomasville, NC
- Linville Caverns – explore caverns, Marion NC
- Little Blank Canvas – children’s art studio, High Point NC
- Marbles Kids Museum – interactive children’s museum, Raleigh NC
- Marketplace Cinemas – $2.50 movies all day, Winston-Salem NC
- Mast General Store – do some fun shopping while your kids peruse the candy barrels and classic toys, W-S NC
- Millstone Creek Orchards – pick your own fruit, apple barn, activities, Ramseur NC
- Monkey Joe’s – indoor inflatable play Raleigh NC
- Morehead Planetarium and Science Center – interactive museum and planetarium, Chapel Hill NC
- Moses Cone Memorial Park & Manor – manor house, walking trails, horseback riding, Bass Lake, Blowing Rock NC
- Muddy Creek Greenway – family friendly trail to walk, ride bikes, roller skate, W-S NC
- Museum of Anthropology – educational museum dedicated to the study of global cultures, W-S NC
- Museum of Life and Science – interactive science museum, exhibits, live animals, Durham NC
- Mystery Hill – fun and educational tour of optical illusions, Boone NC
- NASCAR Hall of Fame – interactive entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR, Charlotte, NC
- Natural Bridge State Park – caverns, trails, natural bridge, Rockbridge Center, water activities, Natural Bridge VA
- NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher – aquatic wildlife, dive shows, animal encounters, outdoor adventures, Kure Beach NC
- NC Museum of History – museum, exhibits, Raleigh NC
- NC Museum of Natural Sciences – exhibits, programs, and field experiences, Raleigh NC
- NC Transportation Museum – exhibits, train rides, Spencer NC
- NC Zoo – animals galore, Asheboro NC
- Old Salem – museums and gardens, W-S NC
- Omni Homestead Resort – hot springs, hiking, segway tours, spa, zip-lining, horseback riding, golf, biking, pools, tennis, fishing, kids club, Hot Springs, VA
- Paintball Central – paintball and airsoft, Sedalia NC
- Patterson Farm – pick your own strawberries, Mount Ulla NC
- Piedmont Environmental Center – nature trails and small animal exhibits, High Point NC
- Pigtails and Crewcuts – make getting a haircut an adventure at this amazing kids salon, Greensboro NC
- Pilot Mountain State Park – trails, camping, climbing, canoe trail, camping, rock climbing and rappelling, Pinnacle NC
- Pink Spa Nails – nail salon with kids services, Greensboro NC
- Pisgah National Forest – hiking, waterfalls camping, Asheville, NC
- Psycho60 – interactive, real life and immersive escape room adventure, Kernersville NC
- Pullen Park – kiddie rides, train, pedal boats, aquatic center, art center, Raleigh NC
- Reboot Arcade Bar – authentic 1980’s arcade, featuring over 60 classic arcades and pinball, W-S NC
- Reynolda House Museum of American Art – museum, home tours, gardens, W-S NC
- Richland Creek Zip Line Canopy Tour – 14 station zipline with over a mile and a half of cable, Asheboro NC
- Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park – indoor trampolines, W-S & Greensboro NC
- Rudd Farm – pick your own berries, Greensboro NC
- Salem Lake – walking trails, boats, fishing, W-S NC
- Saltshaker Marine – rent a pontoon boat for the family, Mooresville, NC
- Sea Life Aquarium – indoor aquarium with interactive experiences, activity trail, and soft play area, Concord, NC
- Shallowford Farms Popcorn – gift shop, processing plant, tours, Yadkinville NC
- Sharkey’s – kids haircuts and glamour parties, Greensboro & Burlington NC
- Skateland USA – Roller skating, Greensboro, Winston-Salem & Clemmons NC
- Skate South – Roller skating, High Point NC
- Sky Wild – challenge ropes course, part of Greensboro Science Center, Greensboro NC
- SkyZone – trampoline park, Greensboro NC
- Sliding Rock – natural water slide with plenty of waterfalls nearby, Pisgah National Forest by Asheville NC
- Smiley’s Golf and Learning Center – driving range, miniature golf course, W-S NC
- Southside Recreation Center – playground, picnic, splashpad, High Point NC
- Spare Time – bowling, arcade, laser tag, Greensboro NC
- Splashparks and Water Slides – click the link to find a great list of all Triad NC locations
- Stone Mountain State Park – camping, hiking, climbing, fishing, picnicking, horseback riding, Roaring Gap NC
- Summerfield Farms – visit the farm & market and check the website for fun summer events, Summerfield NC
- Surge Trampoline Park – Maincourt, Battlebeam, Ninja Course, Laser Maze, Climbing wall, W-S, NC
- Tanglewood Park – swimming pool, golf, playgrounds, picnic, gardens, tennis, Clemmons NC
- Ten Little Monkeys – indoor entertainment facility with bounce houses, slides, obstacle course, W-S NC
- The Escape Room – locked in a room for 1 hour and must figure out how to get out, Ages 13+, W-S NC
- The Mad Platter – pottery and canvas painting, Greensboro NC
- The Pit – go-karting, laser tag, rock climbing, arcade, bumper cars, mini golf, Moorseville NC
- Three Bears Acres – recreational farm with kids activities, Raleigh NC
- Tiger World – animal conservation and educational center for exotic animals, Rockwell, NC
- Toys & Co – toy store with play items set up, events as well, W-S & Greensboro NC
- Triad Eco Adventures – segway tours, paddleboarding, W-S NC
- Triad Park – disc golf, shelters, picnic areas, playgrounds, trails, rock climbing playground, Kernersville NC
- Tweetsie Railroad – amusement park, train rides, Blowing Rock NC
- US National Whitewater Center – whitewater rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding, zip lines, ropes course, Charlotte NC
- Virginia Creeper Trail – easy biking trail great for families, almost all downhill, Damascus, VA
- W Kerr Scott Damn and Reservoir – camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, bird watching, Wilkesboro NC
- Western North Carolina Nature Center – over 60 species of animals, Asheville NC
- Wet ‘n Wild – waterpark, Greensboro NC
- Wine and Design/Art Buzz Kids – kids painting parties, Greensboro & Jamestown NC
- Winston Cup Museum – experience the fabulous Winston Cup Series era of NASCAR, W-S NC
- Winston-Salem Dash Baseball – take your family to a ball game and enjoy the kids play area with bounce houses, W-S NC
- Winterpast Farm – farm and petting zoo, Wake Forest NC
- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Camp – camping and water activities, Marion NC
- Zaloo’s Canoes – canoeing, kayaking, tubing, Jefferson NC
- Zootastic Park – animal park, Troutman NC
Be sure to bookmark this page, or click on the “Directories” icon on the homepage of our website to find this list when you need it.
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Related Links:
Splash Pads & Water Slides
99 Ways to Reply to I’m Bored
Summer Camps in the Triad
VBS in the Triad
Swim Clubs & Pools
Favorite Parks & Playgrounds
Event Calendar
*This list was compiled through research and/or reader referrals, but please note that Triad Moms on Main does not necessarily endorse the persons or businesses represented in our directory.