Summer is filled with big adventures for little ones — from splashing in the water and exploring nature to storytimes, crafts, playgrounds, and family fun. Fortunately, families in Burlington, Hillsborough, Graham, Mebane, Elon, and surrounding communities can find plenty of FREE and affordable ways to keep babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and young children active, engaged, and making memories all summer long.

From splash pads and pools to libraries, indoor play spaces, museums, nature programs, storytimes, and summer reading adventures, we've rounded up some of the best activities for children ages 0–6 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 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.

Community Storytimes & Early Literacy Programs

• Parkside Stories & Art combines storytime with a hands-on art activity inspired by the featured book. Best for ages 2–10.
• Book Buddies Storytime at Children's Museum of Alamance- a weekly museum storytime bringing books to life through engaging read-alouds and activities.
• Storytime at Alamance Partnership for Children for a free monthly storytime on the second Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. 
• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library – Free monthly books mailed to Alamance County children from birth to age 5.
• Free Book Friday (Triad Goodwill) – Children and teens ages 0–18 can pick out a free book every Friday throughout the summer.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Nice Places to Explore, Learn, & Play

• The Children's Museum of Alamance County in Graham - offers hands-on learning and imaginative play for kids.
• Animal Park and Conservation Center in Burlington - gives families an up-close look at wildlife and conservation.
• 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.
• 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 Get Messy and Creative

• 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. 

Playgroups, Movement & Social Fun

• Mini Movers in Burlington - Young children under age 5 and their caregivers can enjoy active play, sensory activities, simple crafts, and opportunities to make new friends. Free program held June 26, July 31, and August 28 from 10 AM–12 PM at the Sertoma Building at North Park.
• Toddler Town in Gibsonville - A themed playgroup for toddlers featuring movement, activities, crafts, and snacks. Sessions are held the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at 10 AM with themes like dinosaurs, messy science, pirates, superheroes, and more. Ages toddler-preschool.

Learning & Outdoor Exploration

• Nature Explorers Playgroup in Burlington – Children birth to age 5 and their caregivers can enjoy outdoor adventures, nature-themed activities, hands-on exploration, and play in a welcoming outdoor learning environment. Meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 10–11:30 a.m. Free, with snacks provided.
• Sprouts Summer Classes — Nature-based stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery for ages 2–5 with caregivers.
• Safety Town in Mebane — Interactive safety education for rising kindergarteners covering fire, water, pedestrian, and home safety.
• 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. 

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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