By TMoM Team Member Suzy Fielders

What can you find on this Summer Bucket List Directory? Waterparks, outdoor adventures, arts, animals, day trips, and more! Babies, teens, and everyone in between – we’ve got ideas to keep your family entertained all summer long in the Triad and beyond!

Details on each venue can be found by clicking on its name. 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!

Click a heading to go directly to that section:

Animal and Farm Adventures
Outdoor Extreme Adventures
Outdoor Adventures for All Ages
Outdoor Entertainment while you sit and enjoy
Water Adventures
State & Local Parks, Playgrounds & Gardens
Children’s Museums and Historical Museums
Indoor Inflatables, Climbing Adventures, Go Karts, Laser Tag, and Arcades
Escape Rooms
Specialty Cinemas & Book Stores
Arts & Crafts
Tourist Spots & Shopping

1. All-A-Flutter Butterfly Farm – Butterfly Farm & tours (schedule visit in advance), High Point NC
2. Aloha Safari Zoo – educational zoo & sanctuary, Cameron NC
3. Buffalo Creek Farm and Creamery – farm, store, and small group tours, Germanton NC
4. Carolina Raptor Center – environmental education center, Huntersville NC
5. Conservators Center – animal conservancy, Burlington NC
6. Divine Llama Vineyards – while at a winery plenty of families frequent here on the weekends for llamas & food trucks, East Bend, NC
7. Duke Lemur Center – diverse collection of lemurs , Durham, NC
8. Greensboro Science Center – aquarium, museum, zoo, Greensboro NC
9. Hill Ridge Farms – farm, train rides, hay rides, Youngsville NC
10. Homeland Creamery – farm, tours, ice cream, hayrides, Julian NC
11. Lazy Five Ranch – animal park, petting zoo, Mooresville NC
12. Mill Mountain Zoo –  regional park and zoo, which has other great tourist spots nearby, Roanoke VA
13. Mrs. Cottontail & Friends – Bunny Burrow
    Address: 5748 Remington Drive Winston-Salem, NC  27104
    Contact: Christi Eley at 336-766-1444
    Description: The Bunny Burrow is a magical space where bunnies live and play!  We open our doors for small groups (up to four at at time) for special Cottontail & Cuddle visits.  This is a a very special opportunity to have one-on-one time with adorable bunnies.  It’s perfect for a family outing, a special play date, a small birthday celebration, a surprise visit for a loved one or a relaxing, calming experience.  We can customize the visit for your needs – we can make it a celebration with bunny costumes, education with fun bunny facts, healing with calming meditation.  Perfect for all ages – children, teens, families and adults!
14. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher – aquatic wildlife, dive shows, animal encounters, outdoor adventures, Kure Beach NC
15. NC Zoo – animals galore, Asheboro NC
16. Piedmont Environmental Center – nature trails and small animal exhibits, High Point NC
17. Providence Farm – story time on Saturdays & group field trips, McLeansville, NC
18. Purple Alpaca Farm – farm tours, educational classes, events, arts, Boonville, NC
19. Reptile Museum – Turtle, snake, and lizard Reptile Rescue Center, Kernersville, NC
20. Sea Life Aquarium –  indoor aquarium with interactive experiences, activity trail, and soft play area, Concord, NC
21. Tiger World – animal conservation and educational center for exotic animals, Rockwell, NC
22. Virginia Safari Park – drive-through zoo just a few hours north of the Triad, Natural Bridge VA
23. Western North Carolina Nature Center – over 60 species of animals, Asheville NC
24. Winterpast Farm – farm and petting zoo, Wake Forest NC
25. Wise Acres Farm – open year round with different U-pick options & animals, Indian Trail NC
26. Zootastic Park – animal park, Troutman NC

1. ACE Adventure Center – rafting, zip-lines, fishing, horseback riding, kayaks, Oak Hill WV
2. Beanstalk Ziplines – zipline, rock climb, ropes course, disc golf, playgrounds, biking, Morganton NC
3. Carolina Ziplines – zipline tours for the whole family, Westfield NC
4. Carowinds – amusement park and water park, Charlotte NC
5. Fairgrounds Skate Park – ramps, quarter pipes, grinding rails, & bank ramps for skateboarders, W-S NC
6. Gorge Zipline – zipline canopy adventure, Saluda, NC
7. Hawksnest Zipline – ziplining in the mountains, Seven Devils, NC
8. High Gravity Adventures – aerial adventure course, Blowing Rock NC
9. Kersey Valley – high ropes course, zip-lines, laser tag, axe throwing and more Archdale NC
10. Navitat Adventures – zip-lining adventures and experiences in Asheville NC
11. Paintball Central – paintball and airsoft, Sedalia NC
12. Richland Creek Zip Line Canopy Tour – 14 station zipline with over a mile and a half of cable, Asheboro NC
13. Sky Valley Zip Tours – zip lines, cliff jumping, swinging bridge, Blowing Rock NC
14. Sky Wild – treetop adventure at Greensboro Science Center, Greensboro NC
15. US National Whitewater Center – whitewater rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding, zip lines, ropes course, Charlotte NC
16. Wilderness Alpine Coaster – outdoor 5 – 7 minute coaster ride, Banner Elk NC
17. Triad ECO – Segway Tours/Excursions & PaddleBoarding (@ 3 lakes)
18. PEDEGO – Electric Bike Rentals/Tours

• See our list of Strawberry Farms here and Day Trip Directory here! Scroll down for more outdoor fun!

1. Adventure Landing – Putt Putt, Bumper Boats, arcade, W-S NC
2. Bur-Mil Park Par 3 Golf Course – enjoy golf if you have kids who may not make it for 18 holes, Greensboro NC
3. Carowinds – amusement park and water park, Charlotte NC
4. Celebration Station – arcade, bumper boats, mini golf, batting cage, go-karts, Greensboro NC
5. General Dan Tubing Co – tubing down the Dan River, Danbury NC
6. Glamping Unplugged – immerse in nature and unplug, Deep Gap NC
7. Grandfather Mountain – wildlife, swinging bridge, trails, nature museum, Linville NC
8. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – train ride excursions through the smoky mountains, Bryson City, NC
9. Hebron Rock Colony – Beautiful outdoor hiking spot, Boone/Blowing Rock NC
10. Hill Ridge Farms – farm, train rides, hay rides, Youngsville NC
11. Hillside Dan River Tubing – tube down the Dan River, Walnut Cove NC
12. Ingram’s Farm – pick your own berries, High Point NC
13. Linville Caverns – explore caverns, Marion NC
14. Millstone Creek Orchards – pick your own fruit, apple barn, activities, Ramseur NC
15. Patterson Farm – pick your own strawberries, Mount Ulla NC
16. Recreation Acres – all-inclusive, one-of-a-kind playground, King NC
17. Reed Gold Mine – underground tunnels with guided tours, visitor center, picnic area, gold panning, Midland NC
18. Rudd Farm – pick your own berries, Greensboro NC
19. Sliding Rock – natural mountain waterfall in Pisgah National Forest, Asheville NC
20. Smiley’s Golf and Learning Center – driving range, miniature golf course, W-S NC
21. Softgolf – full swing golf played with foam balls hit into twelve inch holes using three clubs, a driver, wedge and putter, W-S NC
22. Summerfield Farms – visit the farm & market and check the website for fun summer events, Summerfield NC
23. The Speedpark – offers Go Kart Tracks, Mini Golf, Fun Slide, Bungee Jump, Spider Web, game room, and ice skating, Concord NC
24. Three Bears Acres – recreational farm with kids activities, Raleigh NC
25. Triad ECO Adventures – segway tours, paddleboarding, trolley tours, electric-Bike rentals/tours, W-S NC
26. Tweetsie Railroad – amusement park, train rides, Blowing Rock NC
27. Virginia Creeper Trail – easy biking trail great for families, almost all downhill, Damascus, VA
28. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park – family-friendly campground, pool, fishing ponds, activities for kids, Asheboro NC
29. Zaloo’s Canoes – canoeing, kayaking, tubing, Jefferson NC

• See our list of local wineries HERE!

1. Blackmon Amphitheater – outdoor music and events all summer long, Mount Airy NC
2. Burlington Royals Baseball – take the family out for a classic game at the ballfield, Burlington NC
3. Childress Vineyards – winery, bistro, outdoor events, Lexington NC
4. Eden Drive-In – drive-in movie theater, Eden NC
5. Greensboro Grasshoppers Baseball – enjoy a baseball game with the family, Greensboro NC
6. Grove Winery – winery, concerts, art classes, outdoor events, Gibsonville NC
7. Hi Toms Baseball – enjoy an evening at the ballfield with the family, Thomasville NC
8. High Point Rockers Baseball – take the family out for a classic game at the ballfield, High Point NC
9. JOLO Winery – winery with plenty of events and entertainment, Pilot Mountain NC
10. RayLen Vineyards & Winery – winery that hosts lots of events and live entertainment, Mocksville, NC
11. Winston-Salem Dash Baseball – take your family to a ball game and enjoy the kids play area with bounce houses, W-S NC

• See our list of Watering Holes HERE and Splashpads HERE!

1. Belews Lake – boating, fishing, jet skiing, wake boarding, other water sports, Belews Lake, NC
2. Bullhole (River Park at Cooleemee Falls) – swimming hole, Cooleemee, NC
3. Carowinds Carolina Harbor Water Park  – giant water slides and wave pools to large play structures and a three-acre kids’ area, Charlotte NC
4. Carrigan Farms – swim, jump, and play in the quarry, Mooresville NC
5. Great Wolf Lodge – indoor waterpark, MagiQuest, Concord NC
6. Lake Mackintosh Park & Marina – paddleboats, kayaks, fishing, playgrounds, sailing, row boats, Burlington NC
7. Lake Norman – swimming, boating, kayaking, Lake Norman, NC
8. Ray’s Splash Planet – indoor water park, Charlotte NC
9. Saltshaker Marine – rent a pontoon boat for the family, Mooresville, NC
10. Shacktown Falls – wading, swimming, waterfall –  Yadkinville, NC
11. Splashparks and Water Slides – click the link to find a great list of all Triad NC locations
12. Tanglewood Park Aquatic Center –  swimming pool, slides, lazy river, Clemmons NC
13. US National Whitewater Center – whitewater rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding, zip lines, ropes course, Charlotte NC
14. Wet ‘n Wild – waterpark, Greensboro NC
15. Winston Waterworks – pool, lazy river, sprayground, water slide & water playground, Winston-Salem, NC
16. Zaloo’s Canoes – canoeing, kayaking, tubing, Jefferson NC

• Visit our list of Favorite Local Playgrounds, Parks & Walking Trails HERE! Visit our Hiking Trails Directory HERE. 

1. Bailey Park & Long Branch Trail – grassy lawn (pet friendly) with outdoor events, and an urban greenway that runs along WF Innovation Quarter, W-S NC
2. Bog Garden at Benjamin Park – walkways, greenery, Greensboro NC
3. Burlington City Park – amusement area, walking trails, aquatics facility, greenway, Burlington NC
4. Cascades Preserve – hiking trails and creek, Kernersville, NC
5. Chimney Rock State Park – hiking and attractions, Chimney Rock NC
6. City Lake Park – playground, carousel, mini golf, train rides, pool, water slides, Jamestown NC
7. Crowder’s Mountain State Park – fishing, canoeing, camping, rock climbing, bouldering, museum-quality exhibits, Kings Mountain NC
8. Dan Nicholas Park – water play, playground, mini golf, carousel, gem mining, aquarium, mini train, Salisbury NC
9. Davie County Community Park – largest splashpad in NC, football stadium, playground, ninja course, walking trails, baseball/softball fields, Mocksville, NC
10. Hanging Rock State Park – swimming, hiking, canoes, Danbury NC
    
11. Hebron Rock Colony – hiking and park, Blowing Rock NC
12. Horizons Park – dog park, disc golf course, shelters, playground, trails, Rural Hall NC
13. Keely Park – splash pad, playgrounds, trails, Greensboro NC
14. Lake Mackintosh Park & Marina – paddleboats, kayaks, fishing, playgrounds, sailing, row boats, Burlington NC
15. Lake Norman State Park – bike trails, camping, beach & bath house, Troutman NC
16. LeBauer Park and Center City Park – music, exercise, playground, food trucks, events, Greensboro NC
17. Muddy Creek Greenway/Jamison Park – family friendly trail to walk, ride bikes, roller skate, W-S NC
18. Natural Bridge State Park – caverns, trails, natural bridge, Rockbridge Center, water activities, Natural Bridge VA
19. Old Salem – museums and gardens, W-S NC
20. Pilot Mountain State Park – trails, camping, climbing, canoe trail, camping, rock climbing and rappelling, Pinnacle NC
21. Pisgah National Forest – hiking, waterfalls camping, Asheville, NC
22. Pullen Park – kiddie rides, train, pedal boats, aquatic center, art center, Raleigh NC
23. Quarry at the Grant Park – open fields to run & play, beautiful quarry overlook, W-S NC
24. Recreation Acres – all-inclusive, one-of-a-kind playground, King NC
25. Rendezvous Mountain State Park – hiking, forestry center, talking tree trail, Purlear, NC
26. Salem Lake – walking trails, boats, fishing, W-S NC
27. Sliding Rock – natural water slide with plenty of waterfalls nearby, Pisgah National Forest by Asheville NC
28. Southside Recreation Center – playground, picnic, splashpad, High Point NC
29. Stone Mountain State Park – camping, hiking, climbing, fishing, picnicking, horseback riding, Roaring Gap NC
30. Tanglewood Park –  swimming pool, golf, soft golf, playgrounds, picnic, gardens, tennis, Clemmons NC
31. Triad Park – disc golf, shelters, picnic areas, playgrounds, trails, rock climbing playground, Kernersville NC
32. Village Park – splashpark, train rides, carousel, playgrounds, Kannapolis NC
33. Virginia Creeper Trail – easy biking trail great for families, almost all downhill, Damascus, VA
34. W Kerr Scott Damn and Reservoir – camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, bird watching, Wilkesboro NC
35. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park – family-friendly campground, pool, fishing ponds, activities for kids, Asheboro NC

1. Asheville Museum of Science – experiential science learning and exploration, toddler area, Asheville NC
2. Carolinas Aviation Museum – exhibitions and the actual plane from “The Miracle on the Hudson,” Charlotte NC
3. Charlotte Nature Museum – discover animals, plants and more, Charlotte NC
4. Children’s Museum of Alamance County – interactive children’s museum, Graham NC
5. Denton Farmpark – historical park, general store, grist mill, full-size steam train, events,  Denton NC
6. Discovery Place – interactive children’s museum, Charlotte NC
7. Discovery Place Kids – interactive children’s museum, Huntersville NC
8. Fascinate You – children’s hands on museum for all ages, Fayetteville NC
9. Greensboro History Museum – historic buildings, museum, gardens & cemetary Greensboro NC
10. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park – visitor’s center, live action theatre, trails, Greensboro NC
11. Hands On – Children’s Museum with interactive exhibits (currently closed for renovations), Hendersonville NC
12. High Point Museum – historical park, exhibits, High Point NC
13. International Civil Rights Center & Museum – museum and teaching facility devoted to the struggle for civil and human rights, Greensboro NC
14. Kaleideum Downtown – interactive children’s museum, W-S NC
15. Kaleideum North – interactive science museum, exhibits, planetarium, W-S NC
16. KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum – numerous exhibits, discovery garden, and more, Rutherfordton NC
17. Korner’s Folley – museum, home tours, Kernersville NC
18. Marbles Kids Museum – interactive children’s museum, Raleigh NC
19. Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum – interactive children’s museum, edible schoolyard, Greensboro NC
20. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center – interactive museum and planetarium, Chapel Hill NC
21. Moses Cone Memorial Park & Manor – manor house, walking trails, horseback riding, Bass Lake, Blowing Rock NC
22. Museum of Anthropology – dedicated to the study of global cultures, W-S NC
23. Museum of Life and Science – interactive science museum, exhibits, live animals, Durham NC
24. NASCAR Hall of Fame – interactive attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR, Charlotte, NC
25. NC Museum of History – museum, exhibits, Raleigh NC
26. NC Museum of Natural Sciences – exhibits, programs, and field experiences, Raleigh NC
27. NC Transportation Museum – exhibits, train rides, Spencer NC
28. Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum – hands-on exhibits, climbing, water play, outdoor adventure zone – High Point NC
29. Old Salem – museums and gardens, W-S NC
30. Reynolda House Museum of American Art – museum, home tours, gardens, W-S NC
31. Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art – museum, WS-NC
32. Winston Cup Museum – experience the fabulous Winston Cup Series era of NASCAR, W-S NC

Indoor Inflatables, Climbing Adventures, Sports, Go Karts, Laser Tag, Arcades, & More

1. Bouncin’ Around – indoor inflatables and arcade room, Burlington NC
2. Bowlero Major League – bowling in W-S & Greensboro NC
3. Boxcar Bar + Arcade – arcade games, pet friendly, bar area, children welcome when accompanied by a parent before 9pm, Greensboro NC
4. Bumper Jumpers – indoor playground, Greensboro NC
5. Camel City BBQ Factory – fun restaurant with an attached game/arcade room, W-S NC
6. Chuck E Cheese’s – indoor arcade, Concord, Winston-Salem & Greensboro NC
7. Cliff Hangers – indoor climbing facility with speed climbing, intro classes, yoga, fitness, Café, kid’s climbing area, Mooresville NC
8. Code Ninjas – kids learn to code and build video games, High Point NC
9. Dave & Buster’s – Family-friendly chain offering a sports-bar-style setting for American food & arcade games, W-S NC
10. First Hand Climbing – indoor rock climbing for all ages, Winston-Salem NC
11. Galaxy Fun Park – go karts, trampoline park, ropes course, soft play, laser tag, Raleigh NC
12. Get Air – trampoline park and ninja course, High Point NC
13. Greensboro Ice House – indoor ice skating, Greensboro NC
14. iFLY Indoor Skydiving – indoor sky diving, Charlotte, NC
15. Jump-N-Fun – indoor inflatables, Greensboro NC
16. Laser X Burlington – “The Family Zone” with laser tag fun for all ages, Burlington NC
17. Level Up – ninja warrior obstacles, indoor rock climbing, obstacle courses, Thomasville, NC
18. Mad Splatter – pottery and canvas design, splatter zone and more, Greensboro NC
19. Notasium– Indoor play area where kids get to bounce, slide and play large kid-friendly musical instruments, Durham NC
20. Q’s Corner – Indoor Play Gym for all ability levels including mental and physical challenges, High Point NC
21. Reboot Arcade Bar – authentic 1980’s arcade, featuring over 60 classic arcades and pinball, W-S NC
22. Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park – indoor trampolines & multiple attractions, W-S & Greensboro NC
23. Round 1 Bowling & Amusement –  bowling, billiards, darts, karaoke, arcade, kid zone, Greensboro NC
24. Skateland USA – Roller skating, Greensboro, Winston-Salem & Clemmons NC
25. Sky Wild – challenge ropes course, part of Greensboro Science Center, Greensboro NC
26. Sky Zone – trampoline park, Greensboro NC
27. Spare Time – bowling, arcade, laser tag, Greensboro NC
28. Surge Trampoline Park –  Maincourt, Battlebeam, Ninja Course, Laser Maze, Climbing wall, W-S NC
29. Tap that Axe – Indoor axe throwing for ages 13+ (with adult), Clemmons NC
30. The Pit – go-karting, laser tag, rock climbing, arcade, bumper cars, mini golf, Mooresville NC
31. TopGolf – climate-controlled hitting bays, restaurant & bars, rooftop terrace with fire pit, over 200 HDTVs, Charlotte NC
32. Velocity 360 Fun Zone – trampolines, obstacle course, playgrounds, Greensboro NC
33. We Rock The Spectrum – kids indoor gym, open play and parties – Kernersville NC

1. All in Adventures – Raleigh, NC
2. Breakout – Greensboro NC
3. Kersey Valley Escape Room – Archdale NC
4. Room 5280 – Greensboro NC
5. Total Escape – Winston-Salem NC

1. a/perture cinema – Unique movie theater, W-S NC
2. Bookmarks – independent bookstore in downtown which hosts many community events, Winston-Salem NC
3. Carolina Theatre – concerts, plays, and classic movies on the big screen, Greensboro NC
4. Eden Drive-In – drive in movie theater, Eden NC
5. Historic Earle Theatre – Movies, Concerts, Presentations, Mount Airy NC
6. Lexington Cinema 8 – movies and drive-in, Lexington NC
7. McKay’s – buy & sell used books, video games, electronics, music, Greensboro & W-S NC
8. Scuppernong Books – bookstore featuring fiction and poetry along with a children’s section, cafe, and many events, Greensboro NC
9. Wonderland Bookshop -independent, children’s bookshop with many fun storytimes and events, Greensboro NC

1. AR Workshops – DIY workshop studio, Winston-Salem and Greensboro, NC
2. ArtQuest Studios at Greenhill Center – create art, Greensboro NC
3. Distractions Art Studio – a guided do-it-yourself art experience, High Point, NC
4. GreenHill Studios – all ages can paint, draw, and create, Greensboro NC
5. Hammer & Stain – DIY Studio, Dobson NC
6. Little Blank Canvas – children’s art studio, High Point NC
7. Painted Grape – craft & paint studio for kids and adults, Burlington NC
8. Mad Splatter – pottery and canvas design, splatter zone and more, Greensboro NC
9. Sew Happy Studios – private and group classes for kids and adults, High Point NC
10. Uncorked Masterpiece – private and group classes for kids and adults, Winston-Salem, NC
11. Wine and Design/Art Buzz Kids – kids painting parties, Greensboro, W-S & Jamestown NC

1. American Girl Store – explore the shop and bistro and then walk around the mall, Charlotte NC
2. Biltmore – estate, winery, tours, shops, Asheville NC
3. Black Mountain Chocolate – visible chocolate factory and kitchen, W-S NC
4. Bowman Gray Stadium – NASCAR short track racing, W-S NC
5. Camp North End – dining, nightlife, shopping, Charlotte NC
6. Concord Mills Mall – shopping, dining, movie theater, Concord, NC
7. Friendly Center – shopping & dining, Greensboro, NC
8. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park – Revolutionary War battlefield and museum, Greensboro NC
9. Hanes Mall – shopping, dining, & indoor playground, Winston-Salem, NC
10. 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
11. Mast General Store – do some fun shopping while your kids peruse the candy barrels and classic toys, W-S NC
12. Musten & Crutchfield – food market with glass bottled soda, old-fashioned candies, local meats and produce, Kernersville, NC
13. Mystery Hill – fun and educational tour of optical illusions, Blowing Rock NC
14. Priddy’s General Store – a general store where time stands still, Danbury NC
15. Reynolda Village – shops & restaurants, Winston-Salem, NC
16. Shallowford Farms Popcorn – gift shop, processing plant, tours, Yadkinville NC
17. Thruway Center – shopping & dining, Winston-Salem, NC
18. Toys & Co – toy store with play items set up, events as well, Greensboro 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.

Related Links:
Triad Area Hiking Trails
Local Watering Holes
Triad Area Strawberry Farms
Splash Pads & Water Slides
99 Ways to Reply to I’m Bored
Summer Camps in the Triad
Favorite Parks, Playgrounds & Walking Trails
Event Calendar
Day Trips
What to do with your Preschooler this Summer

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