Cary: 5 Days of Family Fun on a Budget!
Discover family fun in Cary - where adventure meets tranquility.
19 July 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Cary, located in the heart of North Carolina, offers a fantastic family-friendly trip with its plethora of activities and attractions. Families can enjoy exploring the beautiful Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, where they can hike along scenic trails and spot wildlife. Additionally, Cary boasts a variety of family-friendly amenities, such as parks, playgrounds, and cultural centers, ensuring a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into the conveniently located Comfort Suites hotel, where Southern hospitality is served with a side of sweet tea.
- Explore the vibrant downtown Cary, with its charming streets lined with unique boutiques and delicious eateries.
- Visit the beautiful Fred G. Bond Metro Park, where you can stroll the trails, rent a paddleboat, or have a delightful picnic by the lake.
- Get your adrenaline pumping at Rush Hour Karting, where you can channel your inner NASCAR driver and race against your family.
- Indulge in a mouthwatering dinner at The Mayton Inn's Verandah restaurant, where farm-to-table cuisine meets Southern flair.
- Start the day with a visit to the stunning Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, home to rare Eastern Hemlock trees and scenic trails.
- Immerse yourself in local culture at the Cary Arts Center, where you can catch a show, view unique exhibits, or enroll in an art class.
- Have a scrumptious lunch at La Farm Bakery, where you'll find freshly baked bread and delectable French pastries that will transport you to Paris.
- Spend the afternoon at the spectacular Koka Booth Amphitheatre, where live concerts and outdoor movies await amidst the picturesque setting of Symphony Lake.
- Enjoy an authentic Southern dinner at the quaint Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen, where classic comfort food meets modern twist.
- Embark on a thrilling adventure at the Triangle Rock Club, where you can challenge yourself on their indoor rock climbing walls.
- Take a break and enjoy a picnic at the enchanting Yates Mill County Park, surrounded by serene waterfalls and historic structures.
- Unleash your inner Einstein at the Marbles Kids Museum, where hands-on exhibits and interactive activities will keep your little ones entertained for hours.
- Treat your taste buds to dinner at Chuy's, a Tex-Mex joint serving up mouthwatering burritos, sizzling fajitas, and their famous creamy jalapeño dip.
- End the day with a family-friendly movie at the glamorous, vintage-style Cary Theater that offers a unique cinematic experience.
- Discover the hidden treasures of Bond Park's Sertoma Amphitheatre, where you can catch a live performance amidst the lush greenery.
- Savor a delightful lunch at The Pharmacy Café, a charming eatery tucked away in a historic building, serving up fresh sandwiches and homemade desserts.
- Connect with nature at the Stevens Nature Center, where educational exhibits and live animal encounters create an enchanting experience for all ages.
- Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the lush gardens and vibrant butterfly house at the beautiful J.C. Raulston Arboretum.
- Pamper your taste buds at AN, a trendy restaurant offering innovative Vietnamese cuisine infused with a modern twist.
- Begin the day with a visit to the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, where you can explore exhibits detailing Cary's fascinating past.
- Grab a quick and tasty lunch at Big Mike's BBQ, a local joint serving up traditional North Carolina-style barbecue that will have you licking your fingers in delight.
- Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Cary Heritage Museum, which showcases the town's rich heritage through interactive displays and artifacts.
- Bid farewell to Cary with a fabulous dinner at Herons, where you can indulge in elegant farm-to-fork dining amidst a serene lakeside setting.
- End your trip with a delightful treat from Goodberry's Frozen Custard, a local favorite where you can customize your dreamy dessert with various toppings and mix-ins.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Cary, United States by plane is to fly to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and then take a taxi or ride-share service to Cary.
Car
Driving to Cary is convenient as it is located near major highways like Interstate 40 and US Route 1. You can also rent a car from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
Train
Unfortunately, there is no train station in Cary, so taking a train is not an option.
Boat
Since Cary is located inland, taking a boat is not an option.
Bus
Taking a bus to Cary is possible by using Greyhound Bus Lines or Megabus. From nearby cities like Durham, you can take GoTriangle bus routes that connect to Cary.