Everybody loves getting something for nothing — free samples, free parking.
So for you bargain-hunters, we’ve compiled a list of some free (or mostly free) activities for you, your kids and anyone else you want to bring along!
LEARN SOMETHING
North Carolina Railroad Museum & New Hope Valley Railway
3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill (20 miles from downtown Cary)
Learn about railroad history, watch the outdoor G-Scale garden railroad, visit the outdoor North Carolina Railroad Museum, or view equipment in the railroad yard. Admission and parking are free. For a small fee, visitors can also take a one-hour ride on the New Hope Valley Railway. Trains operate several days a month and for special events throughout the year. triangletrain.com
Bald eagles at Jordan Lake
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area has the largest population of bald eagles in the eastern U.S., and now is the best time to see one. An eagle observation platform is on Martha’s Chapel Road, but arrive early morning or near dusk to increase your odds of spotting the birds. And don’t forget your binoculars! ncparks.gov/jordan-lake-state-recreation-area
LOOK AT ART
Town of Cary Gallery Exhibitions
The town presents regular art exhibitions from area and regional artists at its various facilities. These include the Cary Arts Center, the Cary Senior Center, Page-Walker Arts & History Center, and the Bond Park and Herb Young community centers. For information, call (919) 469-4061 or search townofcary.org
HEAR MUSIC
Wind Down Wednesdays at Waverly Place
575 New Waverly Place, Cary
Waverly Place in Cary hosts live music on the Promenade every Wednesday through July 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. All concerts are free and open to the public. Lawn chairs and well-behaved dogs are welcome. In addition to music, the venue has playgrounds for toddlers and big kids. The splash pad will also be open during concert hours.
Starlight Concerts
Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Cary
The Starlight Concert Series offers free family concerts throughout the summer in the garden area adjacent to the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic, but leave pets and alcohol at home. For information, call (919) 460-4963.
Cary Town Band Concerts
The band performs several free public concerts throughout the summer; carytownband.org
GET MOVING
Class acts
Holly Springs residents of all ages can sign up for monthly yoga classes held outside at the Womble Park Amphitheater throughout the summer. hollyspringsnc.us
If you live in Morrisville, you can learn line dancing at the Cedar Fork Community Center or tai chi at the Aquatic and Fitness Center. For information, call (919) 463-7110.
Take a walk
Western Wake has an impressive array of greenways and trails. In addition to these spots, the Town of Cary maintains a pedestrian-friendly guide at townofcary.org. A free Bike Hike Cary mobile app is also available from your favorite app store; just search keyword “bike hike Cary.”
American Tobacco Trail
1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex
triangletrails.org/american-tobacco-trail
Lake Crabtree County Park
1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville
wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree
Bass Lake Park
900 Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs
