Summer is the perfect time for tweens and teens to try something new, stay active, get creative, and spend time with friends. Whether they're into sports, art, gaming, movies, volunteering, outdoor adventures, or just looking for something fun to do, there are plenty of opportunities around Burlington, Hillsborough, Graham, Mebane, Elon, and surrounding communities.

From basketball and hiking to art classes, teen nights, summer reading programs, movies, and volunteer opportunities, we've rounded up some of the best activities and events for tweens and teens across Alamance and Orange counties 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 Public Libraries host events Monday through Saturday across all four branches and throughout the community, including gaming, crafts, STEM activities, anime, summer reading challenges, volunteer opportunities, and special programs designed for older kids and teens. Plus, libraries are great places to read, study, use computers, meet friends, and explore new interests. Be sure to check out the ACPL Summer Reading Program and the ACPL ZOOM Pass Program, which offers FREE passes to popular attractions like the North Carolina Zoo, Sylvan Heights Bird Park, the Animal Park at the Conservators Center, Studio 1 Theatre, and more.
• Orange County Public Library also offers a full lineup of teen-friendly events, summer reading activities, volunteer opportunities, and programs throughout the summer. While the Hillsborough Branch is located within our Macaroni KID area, families can also enjoy events at the Carrboro Branch and other Orange County Library locations.
• Gibsonville Public Library, teens can participate in six weeks of Summer Reading fun featuring movies, trivia, creative activities, special events, and a community-wide scavenger hunt. It's a great place to relax, connect with friends, discover new books, and stay engaged all summer long.

Hangouts & Social Events

• SPIN Student Night at Dream Center in Burlington provides space for  where middle and high school students can connect with friends, games, activities, worship, and special events. Held Wednesdays from 6–8 p.m. throughout the summer, with select nights taking place at Burlington United games.
• Teen Nights at North Park Pool Teens ages 13–18 can enjoy an evening of swimming, music, games, and fun with friends at North Park Pool. Held on select Fridays from 7–9 p.m. (June 12 & 26, July 10 & 24). Free, but registration is required.
• Intergenerational Summer Book Club in Gibsonville Teens ages 13+ and adults 55+ can connect through a six-week book club at the Gibsonville Community Center. Tuesdays, July 7–August 11, 3–5 p.m. at Gibsonville Community Center. Free; book provided. Call 336-449-7241 to register.
• Nancy Drew Book Club (Ages 9–12) Calling all young detectives! Join fellow readers for six weeks of mystery, friendship, and adventure as you explore the world of Nancy Drew. Participants will be loaned a copy of the featured book. Tuesdays, July 7–August 11, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.  Gibsonville Community Center, 314 Tenth Street, Call 336-449-7241 (space is limited)

Indoor Play Options to Burn Off Energy:

• 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 and  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.

Nice Place to Explore, Learn, & Play: 

• 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.

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.
• Recovery Clay Studio Teen Night in Graham - teens can get creative with hands-on clay projects, explore new artistic techniques, and connect with other teens in a fun and supportive studio environment.
• Middle School Fine Art Tuesdays in Burlington - young artists can explore drawing, colored pencils, mixed media, and more during this six-week fine art series at Burlington Artists League inside Holly Hill Mall.
• Teen Film Making Workshop at Gibsonville Public Library - Middle and high school students ages 13-18 have six weeks, every Thursday from June 22- Aug 1st to write, design, film, and edit a short movie before the Summer Reading wrap-up celebration.
• Teen 2 Teen Video & Theatre at Thataways Youth Center in Burlington - a creative program for teens ages 13–19 who are interested in video production, acting, and making a positive impact in their community. Participants collaborate to create original videos and theatrical productions that explore real-life issues facing today's teens. Program meets Mondays, 7pm - 8:30 pm and is free. 

Indoor and Outdoor Recreation

• Teen Trails Youth ages 10–17 can explore local parks and trails on guided hikes throughout Alamance County. 
• Teen Hoops Free pick-up basketball nights at Fairchild Community Center on June 5 & 19 and July 17 & 31 from 6–9 p.m. All skill levels welcome.
• Gibsonville Community Center Open Gym middle school, and high school students can enjoy dedicated basketball open gym times throughout the week all summer long. Most sessions are held Monday–Thursday from noon–2 p.m. (elementary/middle school) and 2:30–4:30 p.m. (high school), with additional Saturday opportunities.
• Saturday Open Gym in Burlington - Mayco Bigelow Community Center and Fairchild Community Center offer free Open Gym on Saturdays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., providing a fun place for youth to stay active and connect with friends.
• Haw River Splashers in Swepsonville - offers small-group nature experiences for children ages 4–12 that combine outdoor play, animal encounters, and environmental exploration. Children will splash, explore, and discover the natural world through interactive activities designed to encourage curiosity, confidence, and a love of nature. 
• Flag Football @ Alamance Dream Center – Middle and high school students are invited to enjoy free flag football every Wednesday from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at the Alamance Dream Center. Open to all skill levels, this welcoming program offers a fun way to stay active, build teamwork, make new friends, and learn the game—no previous football experience is required.

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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