Summer is all about sunshine, laughter, adventure, and making memories with your kids — but keeping everyone entertained for weeks can get expensive fast. Luckily, families in Burlington, Hillsborough, Graham, Mebane, Elon, and surrounding communities have plenty of FREE and affordable ways to stay cool, active, creative, and connected all summer long.

From splash pads and pools to libraries, movies, skating, bowling, reading programs, indoor play spaces, and adventure passes, we’ve rounded up some of the best local family fun happening across Alamance and Orange County this Summer 2026. 

When those North Carolina temperatures rise, these local water spots are perfect for cooling down while the kids burn off energy.

Area Splash Pads/Water Parks 

• Splash Pad at Mebane Community Park - FREE and open every day of summer
• Splash Park at Burlington City Park - FREE but reservations required & set hours
• Sprayground at Keeley Park in McLeansville - FREE and open every day of summer

Pools & Aquatic Centers

• North Park Pool in Burlington - family-friendly outdoor pool with kiddie splash areas, diving boards, beach-style entry, and swim spaces for multiple ages. Reservations are recommended and summer pool passes are available.
• Northeast Park Aquatic Center in Gibsonville - features a beach-entry pool, toddler slide, spray features, and diving boards. Pool party rentals and concession stands are available.
• Orange County SportsPlex Aquatic Center in Hillsborough - indoor aquatic center with lap swimming, recreation pools, toddler-friendly water areas, and swim lessons. Great option for rainy days or year-round swimming.

Free &/or Cheap Kids Movies 

Looking for an affordable indoor activity? Local theaters are offering budget-friendly kids movie series all summer long.

• Graham Cinema in downtown Graham - shows kids movies for just $2 every Wednesday, June 11 - August 20 at 10am and 1pm
• Alamance Crossing's Theater in Burlington - shows kids movies (with a kiddie combo) for $7.50 every Wednesday at 10am
• Turner Theatre at Elon University (Elon)  Families can also enjoy FREE summer movie screenings, popcorn is included. 

Local Libraries 

• Alamance County Libraries have events going across all 4 of their libraries and in the community every Monday through Saturday all summer long. Plus, you can go to their space to enjoy reading a book, coloring, playing on the computer, enjoying the kids toys and puzzles, etc. SO much fun to be had with our local libraries! Plus, check out their summer reading program here. 
• Don’t miss the ACPL ZOOM Pass Program, where families can reserve FREE passes to popular local attractions like the North Carolina Zoo, Children’s Museum of Alamance County, Sylvan Heights Bird Park, Animal Park at the Conservators Center, Putt-Putt Fun Center, Studio 1 Theatre, and more — a great way to enjoy budget-friendly summer adventures on a first-come, first-served basis!
• Orange County Libraries also have incredible events with options all summer long and so many things to enjoy in the AC in addition to books. While the only library officially located in our Macaroni KID territory is the one in downtown Hillsborough, it isn't too far to check out their events at the Carborro branch as well. They also have a wonderful summer reading program you can check out here. 
• Gibsonville Public Library: Enjoy six weeks of Summer Reading fun with storytimes, family activities, movies, trivia, a scavenger hunt, and special events like the Dino Petting Zoo. The library is also a great place to read, play, explore, and learn all summer long. View the summer reading program here.

Indoor Play Options to Burn Off Energy:

• Kiddy Town in Burlington - an indoor playground with events and classes too.
• Everyday Kids Community Center in Burlington - inclusive indoor play space open to the public weekdays.
• Bouncin' Around at Holly Hill Mall in Burlington - indoor party zone with inflatables, arcade, games and more.
• Ground Zero Laser Tag in Elon - laser tag, virtual reality, battle ball, and rage room.
• Lazer X - The Family Zone in Burlington - an exciting lazer tag, lazer maze, arcade entertainment facility.
• Broadway's Family Fun Center in Burlington - a large selection of arcade games for kids and adults of all ages.
• Buffalo Lanes Family Bowling Center in Mebane - bowling and arcade available.
• Orange County Sportsplex in Hillsborough - one way to keep very cool is to try their indoor ice skating. 
• Putt-Putt Fun Center in Burlington - Offering mini golf, arcade games, and indoor/outdoor fun.
• Roll-A-Bout Skating Center in Burlington - Affordable weekday summer skating program with indoor skating.
• Bizi Kids in Burlington- combines supervised indoor play with flexible drop-in childcare, giving children a fun place to learn and explore.

Nice Place to Explore, Learn, & Play: 

• The Children's Museum of Alamance County in Graham - offers hands-on learning and imaginative play for kids.
• African-American Cultural Arts & History Center in Burlington - celebrates local history, culture, and art.
• Animal Park and Conservation Center in Burlington - gives families an up-close look at wildlife and conservation.
• Textile Heritage Museum in Burlington - showcases the area’s rich textile and mill history.
• Alamance Battleground in Burlington - brings Revolutionary War history to life.
• The Mebane Train Display in Mebane - is a fun stop for kids who love trains.
• Gibsonville Garden Railroad in Gibsonville - features charming outdoor model train displays.
• Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum & State Historic Site in Sedalia - shares the inspiring story of a pioneering educator and historic school.
• Cedarock Historical Farm in Burlington - lets families explore historic farm life and outdoor fun.
• Orange County Historical Museum- in Hillsborough - offers dedicated space for children ages 3–7, interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, arts, and crafts.

Spaces to Create:

• Painted Grape Open Studio in Burlington - offers families drop-in Open Studio hours. Open Fridays from 3–9 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. and 6–9 p.m., and Sundays from 1–5 p.m. 
• Artists in Parks: Children ages 9+ and adults can explore nature-inspired art projects while learning new creative techniques.

Get Outside & Explore

• Teen Trails: Youth ages 10–17 can explore local parks and trails on guided hikes throughout Alamance County. 

Summer Programs & National Deals:

Families can stretch their summer budgets even further with these national and local programs:

• Planet Fitness High School Summer Pass: teens ages 14–19 can work out FREE all summer.
• Lowe’s Kids Workshops: Monthly free building workshops where kids create and take home projects.
• Home Depot Kids Workshops: Another favorite for hands-on building fun.
• Youth on Course: Affordable golf memberships for kids ages 6–18.
• Pizza Hut BOOK IT!: Kids can earn FREE personal pan pizzas through reading programs.
• Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program: Kids in grades 1-6 earn a FREE book.
• National Geographic's Summer Programs: This series of projects and crafts hopes to inspire families to get outside and explore.
• Kingdom Kids Summer Book Club at Things Above Bookstore (Graham): Kids can earn prizes, movie tickets, gift card entries, and discounts on books.

Summer Meals for Kids 

• ABSS Summer Food Services Program: Free summer meals for children ages 2–18 at multiple Alamance County locations,  June 15 – August 13

• Out of the Garden Project’s Fresh Mobile Market: provides free fresh food and groceries to qualifying families across the Piedmont Triad.

If you visit any of these locations, be sure to let them know Macaroni KID Burlington-Hillsborough sent you!

Did we miss one of your favorite local spots to cool off, explore, or play this summer? Email shavons@macaronikid.com — we’d love to add it to the guide.

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