Chapel Hill, North Carolina is a Fun-Filled City

Chapel Hill is a lively city with many shopping, learning, and recreation options. From family friendly housing to excellent higher education from UNC Chapel Hill, this town is a dynamic and engaging place to live. Whether you're looking for a great job with a short commute, fabulous food, or the arts, you'll find it close to home. Here are some of the popular fun activities residents enjoy.

Carolina North Forest

If you are a hiker, enjoy mountain biking, and like to be in nature, this park is for you. The extensive network of trails offers something new each visit, and always leaves you something to discover when you come back. This hidden gem is not as frequented as other parks in the area, offering serenity to visitors. While the park is less developed, without bathrooms and picnic facilities, it is a great destination for hiking, dog walking, and mountain biking.

Bolin Park Greenway

For another running trail option, check out Bolin Park Greenway. It interconnects with other local parks and trails, so you can choose to explore just the one trail, or branch out and visit Umstead Park, the local Rose Garden at the community center, or stop in at the cafe at the end of the trail. The trail is paved, making it great for strollers, bicyclists, rollerblading and more. With beautiful trees, deer sightings, and easy access, this is one of the best places to get back in nature in Chapel Hill.

Cedar Falls Park

Cedar Falls Park has a diverse selection of activities, a little something for every park-goer. For sports clubs, they have large fields that are used for lacrosse, soccer, and softball games. The trail follows the river and immerses you in the woods. The large playground is great for children of all ages, and has both easy and challenging equipment options. With bathroom facilities on site, this park is great for a family day outing.

The Carolina Basketball Museum

On the UNC Campus, next to the Dean Dome, is a museum dedicated to the history and achievements of the UNC Tar Heel Men's Basketball teams throughout the years. From memorabilia and photographs, to an impressive trophy room, to an astonishing display showing the various three pointer shots made through the years, the museum is a perfect place for any college basketball fan to visit.

Ackland Art Museum

Located on the UNC campus, this small but mighty art museum is a favorite among visitors and local students alike. Free admission makes it an easy choice. With rotating exhibits and impressive permanent collection, the museum enhances an appreciation for the many cultures and artistic styles represented. The museum also offers events like guided lectures, sketching classes, and art workshops for children.

Spring Haven Farm

Get a dose of cuteness and the simple life at this friendly and welcoming farm! Spring Haven Farm has a variety of animals to interact with and many fun events for children and adults. In the autumn, pumpkin carving with goats is a tradition locals return to again and again. Zen hour with baby goats is a special, relaxing time that allows you to spend private time with the farm's cutest residents. Gem mining and axe throwing are two special activities they farm regularly hosts. The farm also hosts movie nights with the animals, murder mysteries, and a ren fair - all with the unique element of their furry farm animals being a part of things! For a family outing, date night, or solo adventure, this farm is one of the best places to go in Chapel Hill.

North Carolina Botanical Garden

This local botanical garden has free entry and is a great place to stroll and take in the sights of many unique plants and learn about the species represented.The garden has unique themed areas like a poison garden (located through a spiderweb gate) and a carnivorous plants section. A boardwalk trail winds through lush greenery, and there are sculptures that add to the ambiance. A giant chess board is another interesting feature of the gardens! On-site staff are always ready to help and answer any questions visitors have.

Morehead Planetarium

The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is located on the UNC campus. With a variety of events and learning experiences for children and adults, the planetarium is a pre-eminent science and educational center in Chapel Hill. The planetarium hosts field trips for the first part of the week, and open admission for the second half of the week and weekend. Adults and teens are welcome at events like the Science Lunches, where an expert presenter will discuss a current topic in science news. Families love the planetarium show and its fascinating presentation about the skies over Carolina. 

Chapel Hill Farmers Market

This farmers market features only locally produced items and goods. With a seasonal rotation of offerings and many repeat vendors, this is a great place to stop in and get your weekly shopping in. As a smaller farmers market, visitors love that you get to talk with the vendors more, don't feel rushed, and never have to fight crowds. From fresh seafood, to locally crafted cheeses, fresh baked goods, and in-season fruits and vegetables, this farmers market offers all the staples in a friendly, down-home atmosphere.