Hoping to end the summer with a bang? Here are things for the entire family to do in Alamance County

Jordan Massey, Times-News
·3 min read

Summer is coming to a close, and many families are preparing to send their children back to school. Even though the school season is approaching, there are still opportunities to enjoy family-friendly activities right here in the community.

Below is a list of events/locations in the Alamance County area that is suitable for children and family-friendly fun.

Concert in the Park

The Burlington Recreation and Parks Special Event Division is hosting a Concert in the Park event on August 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. This event is free and will take place at the Jimmy Combs stage in Burlington City Park and the headlining act is Part Time Party Time Band, a musical group from the Piedmont Triad area of NC.

A family walks by the tulip sculpture by Casey Lewis on display at Burlington City Park.
A family walks by the tulip sculpture by Casey Lewis on display at Burlington City Park.

There will be no food vendors for this event, so attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic of their own, including chairs and blankets. There will also be a dance floor, and no alcohol is permitted, making the event family-friendly for those who desire to bring children.

Children's Museum of Alamance County

The Children's Museum of Alamance County is located in Graham and "is the place where children and adults learn about themselves," according to their website. For the summer, the museum is hosting FUN Friday events.

The Children's Museum of Alamance County on 217 S Main St. in Graham, NC.
The Children's Museum of Alamance County on 217 S Main St. in Graham, NC.

These events are described as "a special theme, story, or craft," where they celebrate "holidays, bizarre or wacky days, observances, or special events" and put a unique spin on the day for the children. They occur on Fridays from 10:30 am to 12 pm.

Some upcoming FUN Friday events include International Tiger Day (07/29), National Lighthouse Day (08/05), and World Elephant Day (08/12). Infants under the age of one are able to get in for free, but admission for everyone else is five dollars plus NC state tax.

Library Adventures

The North Park Library, which is a part of the Alamance County Public Libraries system, is hosting three upcoming children's events at its location. These events include an ACPL County Scavenger Hunt, a Family Fort Building Night, and an Escape the Library Event.

The scavenger hunt will take place from July 28 to August 1 and will take place in three parts over the upcoming weekend. Participants can retrieve a game board to "discover hidden treasures, trivia, and history" with a self-guided travel itinerary.

The family fort building night will occur on August 4 from 5 to 6 p.m. and is designed for elementary school-age children. The library will provide supplies for children to build their own fort. The children will also get the opportunity to eat s'mores, read books, and do some "backyard science."

Their "Escape the Library" event will take place on August 11 from 4 to 5 p.m. and is intended for teenagers, according to their website. The escape room event requires pre-registration and allots 30-minute slots for groups of up to six to complete the challenge.

Hiking enthusiasts welcome

Several hiking trails of various lengths are available at Cedarock Park. Wind your way to the waterfall for a relaxing summer afternoon.
Several hiking trails of various lengths are available at Cedarock Park. Wind your way to the waterfall for a relaxing summer afternoon.

Alamance County is home to many hiking and walking trails perfect for the outdoor enthusiast.

From Cedarock Park to the Haw River Trail, several trails in the county parks lead to beautiful water views, begging you to sit and relax at the water's edge.

If you want to swim, swing through Graham on your way to the Swepsonville River Park.

Paddleboarding and river access points are also available at many of the county's parks.

For details about the parks, trails, and other activities, look to Alamance Parks for guidance.

Take a walk on the wild side

Over 70 species live at the animal park, from foxes and tigers to wolves and lemurs. Tour guides will introduce you to the animals and tell you more about each species as you walk through the grounds.

Open Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to sunset, the park offers public tours during the day and at twilight, an education room, special events, and unique private tours catered to visitors' interests.

Check out the Conservator's Center website for details on what to expect as you plan your visit.

This article originally appeared on Times-News: Things to do in Alamance County before the end of summer