There are a plethora of outdoor activities for everyone to choose from in North Carolina this summer. Explore a variety of unique places where the whole family will enjoy the picturesque scenery and a ton of recreational activities. Enjoy this guide of fun things to do with your kids outdoors in Durham this summer.
Swim in a 14,000-Acre Lake
Don your swimsuits, grab a towel and head to Jordan Lake State Recreation Area just outside of Apex at 280 State Park Rd. Swim, fish, or enjoy a tranquil boat ride. The park is open year-round and offers families 4,558 acres of woodlands along the shores of the lake to pursue a range of outdoor experiences for the whole family.
At the park, you’ll find picnic areas, both primitive and RV campsites, and seven clean, public beaches. Launch your boat from a number of ramps and cruise the lake. Stroll along 14 miles of hiking trails or take the kids down the Children’s Nature Trail that’s an easy, brief hike perfect for family outings. Hikers will follow the long boardwalk down to a large pond. Keep your eyes open for bald eagles, ospreys, blue herons, turkeys, and black vultures.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Escape to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens on the historic Duke University Campus in Durham at 420 Anderson St. Discover the meaning of “floral bliss” at this 55-acre botanic gardens founded in 1934. Meander through 5 miles of pathways, through four distinct gardens. Explore the Historic Gardens first, then browse the H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants that covers 6.5 acres of rolling woodland terrain.
Finish your family’s tour with the W.L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum that touts 18 acres of plants that are native to Southeast Asia, including irises and ginger lilies, and then visit the Doris Duke Center Gardens. The walk takes 1.5-hours or take the trolley if you have youngsters and grandparents in tow.
Go Hiking at Hemlock Bluffs
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve in Cary is the ideal place for a family hike. Trek through cool patches of rare Eastern Hemlock trees at 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd. The park offers access to 3 miles of mulched nature trails that are easy for the kids to traverse. The paths lead to scenic overlooks and provide excellent bird and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Before your hike, stop at the Stevens Nature Center. The kids will love the center’s interactive and educational nature exhibits. Why not sign up for one of Hemlock Bluff’s environmental education programs hosted throughout the year? Designed for all ages, Night Animals, Nature Detectives, and Wild Warriors all top the calendar of fun events this July at the park.
Pack up some sunscreen and bug spray, and head into the great outdoors with the family today. Discover a new adventure at one — or all — of these great places for active families this summer. Bond over a campfire or share a stroll through the woods. No matter what you choose, get out there, and make lasting memories.
Image via Pixabay
Connect with us
