6:00 PM
Budget Town Hall w-Apex Elected Officials
Apex Senior Center
The Peak of Good Living
Things to Do in Apex with Kids
Apex lives up to its official motto — this really is the peak of good living for families. The historic downtown is adorable, the community events are next-level (seriously, the Apex PeakFest is a whole thing), and the small-town feel with big-town amenities is exactly what a lot of Triangle families are looking for.
32upcoming events
6+family venues
4local guides
Known officially as the Peak of Good Living, Apex is a fast-growing town in southwestern Wake County that perfectly blends small-town charm with modern family amenities. The walkable historic downtown — complete with local ice cream shops, boutiques, and a beloved hardware store — hosts some of the Triangle's best community events. Apex Nature Park and the Beaver Creek Greenway give families easy access to outdoor adventure, while the Apex Center provides year-round swimming, fitness, and youth programs. Families here enjoy top-rated Wake County schools, a tight-knit community feel, and quick access to Jordan Lake for beach days and kayaking.
“Historic downtown Salem Street plus the Pleasant Park splash pad. Block off the last Saturday of October — the Apex Halloween Parade is the real deal.”
Top Things to Do with Kids in Apex
Places I'd actually take my kids in Apex.
Apex Nature Park
Beautiful park with paved and natural trails, a large playground, disc golf course, and open meadows. The trail system connects to the larger Apex greenway network.
FreeAll ages
Historic Downtown Apex
One of the most charming downtowns in the Triangle. Local ice cream at The Pharmacy, shops, and restaurants along Salem Street. The whole town comes out for PeakFest in May.
FreeAll ages
Apex Community Center & Pool
Year-round recreation center with an indoor pool, gymnasium, and classes for kids. Summer swim lessons and camps are popular — register early.
All ages
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Just a short drive from Apex, Jordan Lake offers sandy beaches, kayak and paddleboard rentals, fishing, and hiking trails. The Seaforth and Vista Point areas are best for families.
All ages
Beaver Creek Greenway
Paved multi-use trail running through Apex, connecting parks and neighborhoods. Great for family bike rides, jogging strollers, and after-school walks.
FreeAll ages
Apex PeakFest
Apex's signature May festival taking over downtown Salem Street with live music, food trucks, carnival rides, and a huge kids' zone. One of the Triangle's best annual family events.
FreeAll ages
This Week in Apex
View All Events →5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Apex United Methodist Church VBS
100 S Hughes St.
$20
6:00 PM
Behavioral Health Community Workshop - FREE TO ALL
Apex Senior Center
Free
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Apex Farmers Market at The Depot
220 N Salem St
Free
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Meadow Melody Makers at Kelly Road Park
1609 Kelly Rd.
Free
9:30 AM
Memorial Day Ceremony in Apex
Apex
Nina's picks in Apex
View All →
Free Things to Do in Apex
All Free Events →6:00 PM
Behavioral Health Community Workshop - FREE TO ALL
Apex Senior Center
Free
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Apex Farmers Market at The Depot
220 N Salem St
Free
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Meadow Melody Makers at Kelly Road Park
1609 Kelly Rd.
Free
7:00 pm
Rhythm and Reels at the Apex Nature Park Amphitheatre
2600 Evans Road
Free
Guides for Apex Families
Insider tips and local intel for families in Apex
Seasonal
When Do Triangle Pools & Splash Pads Open for Summer 2026? (Opening Dates Guide)
A local mom's guide to when public pools and splash pads open for the 2026 summer season in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, and the Triangle — Memorial Day weekend openings, daily-vs-weekend schedules, and what to know before you go.
8 min read
FamilyLast-Minute Summer Camps with Spots Still Open in the Triangle (2026)
Mid-May 2026 and still scrambling for summer camp? A local mom's guide to where to find last-minute openings, walk-up camps, and weekly drop-in options in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill.
9 min read
FamilyTriangle Pool Pass Buying Guide 2026: Where to Swim All Summer (and What It Costs)
A local mom's complete guide to public pool passes in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, and the rest of the Triangle for summer 2026 — costs, opening dates, which pools are best for which ages, and how to save money.
10 min read
Food & DrinkBest Farmers Markets in the Triangle: A Family Guide (2026)
The best farmers markets in Raleigh, Durham, Carrboro, Cary, and beyond — with hours, what to buy, and tips for taking kids.
6 min read
Apex Family Landmarks
Apex Nature Park
Historic Downtown Apex
Beaver Creek Greenway
Apex Community Park
Jordan Lake (nearby)
Apex Center (community rec center)
Neighborhoods to Explore in Apex
Historic Downtown
Charming main street with local shops, restaurants, and community festivals.
Beaver Creek
Shopping and dining hub with trails and the Beaver Creek greenway nearby.
Sweetwater
Popular family neighborhood in western Apex with pools and community events.
Salem Village / Haddon Hall
Established neighborhoods close to downtown with a strong community feel.
Quick Facts for Apex Families
Population
~75,000
School District
Wake County Public Schools
Closest ER
WakeMed Cary Hospital
Nearest Target
Target — Beaver Creek Commons
Library
Apex Community Library (Middle Creek branch nearby too)
The Vibe in Apex
Small-town charm with real community spirit. The kind of place where the whole town shows up for the Christmas parade. Families here love their downtown and their neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best things to do with kids in Apex NC?
- Historic downtown Apex is perfect for a family stroll with ice cream shops and local boutiques. Apex Nature Park has great trails and a playground. The Apex Center offers swimming, gymnastics, and indoor play. Jordan Lake is a short drive for beach days and kayaking.
- What family events happen in Apex?
- Apex hosts some of the best community events in the Triangle — PeakFest in May is the big one, plus the Christmas parade, outdoor movie nights in the park, and regular farmers market. The Town of Apex Parks & Rec runs seasonal programs for all ages.
- Is Apex NC a good place for families?
- Apex has been named one of the best places to live in NC multiple times. It combines small-town character with access to the entire Triangle. Schools are part of top-rated Wake County, and the community is genuinely tight-knit.
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