Thurs., 7pm (Doors open 6:30pm)
Triangle Environmental Symposium
The Halle Cultural Arts Center
$5 / event
Thurs., 7pm (Doors open 6:30pm)The Halle Cultural Arts Center$5 / event
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.
94upcoming 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 →6-8pm
Silent Disco: Neon Nights
Halle Cultural Arts Center
From $10
6-8pmHalle Cultural Arts CenterFrom $10
Sat., 8-11pm
Saturday Night Live Music w/ Sayer McShane Band!
Peak of the Vine
Free
Sat., 8-11pmPeak of the VineFree
Sat., 8-11pm
Tribute Night: Imagine Dragons, Red Hot Chili Peppers & Van Halen
The Backyard Bar NC
Free
Sat., 8-11pmThe Backyard Bar NCFree
Sun., 1-2:30pm
Pottery Painting with Cozy Panda
Southern Peak Brewery
$19.10
Sun., 1-2:30pmSouthern Peak Brewery$19.10
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Free Youth Writing Workshop
Eva Perry Regional Library
Free
6:30 PM - 8:30 PMEva Perry Regional LibraryFree
Nina's picks in Apex
View All →Free Things to Do in Apex
All Free Events →Thurs., noon-1pm
Brown Bags to Building Bridges (B4) Series - The Planning Department
The Halle Cultural Arts Center
Free
Thurs., noon-1pmThe Halle Cultural Arts CenterFree
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Free Youth Writing Workshop
Eva Perry Regional Library
Free
3:00 PM - 5:00 PMEva Perry Regional LibraryFree
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Toddler Storytime
Eva Perry Regional Library
Free
9:30 AM - 10:00 AMEva Perry Regional LibraryFree
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Apex Farmers Market at The Depot
220 N Salem St
Free
9:00 am - 12:00 pm220 N Salem StFree
Guides for Apex Families
Insider tips and local intel for families in Apex
Outdoors
Blackberry Picking Near the Triangle (2026): The Best U-Pick Farms for Late-Summer Berries
A local mom's guide to blackberry picking near Raleigh, Durham, and the Triangle in 2026: when blackberries are ripe, the best u-pick farms (Apex, Creedmoor, Raleigh, Zebulon), what to wear, how to pick with kids, and what to make with your haul.
7 min read
SeasonalFourth of July Fireworks and Events in the Triangle: A Parent's Guide
Where to watch fireworks and celebrate the Fourth with kids across Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Apex, Wake Forest and more, plus honest heat and crowd tips.
9 min read
SeasonalJuneteenth in the Triangle 2026: Family Celebrations & Events (June 19)
A local mom's guide to celebrating Juneteenth with kids in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Apex in 2026. Find family festivals and historic sites.
7 min read
OutdoorsStrawberry Picking near Raleigh-Durham: Best U-Pick Farms in the Triangle
Real-mom guide to the best u-pick strawberry farms near Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill. Get exact addresses, honest tips, and kid advice.
7 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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Raleigh is the Triangle's family powerhouse.