Active Family Weekend: Sports and Outdoors in the Triangle
Some families need to MOVE on the weekends. If your kids have endless energy (or you are trying to tire them out enough to sleep before 8 PM), this itinerary is for you. Two days of active adventure using the Triangle's incredible outdoor infrastructure.
Saturday: Trail + Water
8:00 AM — Umstead State Park Morning Hike
Start early at Umstead State Park. Enter from the Reedy Creek entrance (Cary side) or the Harrison Avenue entrance (Raleigh side).
Best trails for families:
Pack water and snacks. The park has restrooms at the main entrances but not on the trails.
Time needed: 90 minutes to 3 hours depending on trail choice
10:30 AM — Snack Break
Refuel at the car with packed snacks, or drive 5 minutes to Great Harvest Bread Company in Cary for fresh bread and pastries.
11:00 AM — Lake Crabtree County Park (Morrisville)
Drive 10 minutes to Lake Crabtree for completely different terrain. Options:
Cost: Boating rentals $10-15/hour. Park entry free.
1:00 PM — Lunch at Corbett's Burgers (Cary)
Drive 10 minutes to Corbett's for burgers and milkshakes. You have earned it. The hand-mixed sodas are great for rehydrating with a treat.
2:30 PM — Triangle Rock Club (multiple locations)
Indoor rock climbing for the whole family. They have auto-belay routes for beginners, bouldering walls for all levels, and kids' areas. Staff will get everyone set up even if you have never climbed before.
Cost: Day pass ~$20/person including shoes. Kids as young as 4 can climb. Locations: Morrisville, Raleigh, Fayetteville Street
4:30 PM — Cool Down at a Park Playground
Hit a big playground to let kids self-direct their energy:
6:00 PM — Dinner at Neomonde (Raleigh) or Grilling at Home
Keep dinner simple after an active day. Mediterranean wraps at Neomonde are quick and filling, or fire up the grill at home with protein and veggies.
Sunday: Wheels + Play
9:00 AM — American Tobacco Trail
The American Tobacco Trail is a paved rail-trail that stretches from downtown Durham south to Apex. Pick a section and ride:
Bring bikes from home or rent from a local shop. The trail is also great for scooters, inline skating, and running.
Time needed: 60-90 minutes
10:30 AM — Brunch at Rise (Durham)
Biscuit sandwiches and donuts at Rise on S Duke Street. Quick service and fuel for more adventure.
11:30 AM — Eno River State Park
Drive to Eno River State Park for a different kind of outdoor experience. The river trails are rockier and more adventurous than Umstead. On warm days, the river has wading spots that kids love. Few's Ford is the best access for family hiking — the 2-mile loop is engaging with river crossings and rock scrambles.
Bring: Water shoes, towels (if wading), bug spray
1:30 PM — Lunch at Cosmic Cantina (Durham)
Drive-through burritos at Cosmic Cantina — cheap, huge, and fast. Eat in the car or take them to a park.
2:30 PM — Wheels Fun Park (Durham) or Frankie's Fun Park (Raleigh)
For more structured active fun:
Cost: Varies by activity, $8-15 per activity or combo deals available
4:30 PM — Wind Down
Head home. Everyone should be thoroughly tired. If you still have standing children, I am impressed and slightly concerned.
Gear Checklist
More Guides You'll Love
Mom Tip
If the kids are melting down, there's a nearby park or splash pad that usually saves the day. Trust me.