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There’s a lot to do this summer in Durham including Bulls games, free concerts, movies, and yoga. The best part? A lot of it can be done on a budget.
Cheer on our Durham Bulls at DBAP
DBAP | Schedule | $8+
The Durham Bulls games are a summer must-do, even if it means melting in the stands or on the hill while you enjoy Bull Durham Beer. Check out the promotional calendar for upcoming events, which include Bark in the Park and Friday Night Fireworks.
Explore Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Durham is incredibly lucky to have this beautiful botanical garden. Named one of the top 10 public gardens in the U.S. by TripAdvisor, Sarah P. Duke Gardens is open every day of the year and is free to all! (Note: you may have to pay for parking depending on the time of day)
Adult and youth programs like nature storytime and urban farm tours are also available for free.
Bull City Mini Golf
Bull City Mini features a seven-hole, indoor-outdoor course with community-designed holes and a bar serving local beer, wine, and FROSÉ! The course extends outside onto the patio, flanked by an outdoor living room and sensory table for kiddos to enjoy before or after playing. (They really thought of everything!) Golf at Bull City Mini costs just $7 and kids under 5 are FREE. We are PUMPED to see an affordable activity brought to American Tobacco Campus by an awesome local couple, Julie and Ben!
Hike in Duke Forest
Duke Forest consists of over 7,000 acres of forested land and open fields in Durham, Orange, and Alamance. Hiking, running, and fishing is permitted. Horseback riding and mountain biking are permitted on gravel paths.
Play at one of Durham’s 65+ parks
There’s definitely not a shortage of parks in Durham, that’s for sure. You can find a splash pad at the Forest Hill’s park, a performance stage at Burch Avenue Park, and a community garden at Orchard Park. Check out all of Durham’s 65+ parks here.
Share a beer at a local brewery
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vibe or a millennial-centric patio, the city’s ever-expanding brewery scene has something for everyone. Some top picks: Bull City Burger and Brewery, Durty Bull, Fullsteam, Ponysaurus, Clouds Brewing, Barrel Culture, Beer Study. Check out our list of must-visit breweries here.
Spend an afternoon walking or biking along the American Tobacco Trail
Hop on American Tobacco Trail for 22+ uninterrupted miles. It was once a railroad track that was converted into a beautiful trail for biking, walking, and running. You can even ride horses on the trail!
Play at a splash pad or pool (kids are free!)
Summer is the perfect season to cool-off at outdoor pools & splash pads in the Durham. Kids can swim and splash for free this summer at Durham Parks and Recreation’s pools and spraygrounds. (Kids ages 0 to 18 are free) Learn more here.
Eat your way through Durham’s ice cream scene
Find classic soft serve at The Parlour (Vegan options available), pops at Locopops ($2.75) and handmade ice cream sandwiches at Rose’s. Stop by for the deliciousness that is Paleteria La Monarca Michoacana. See more local sweet spots to cool off
Check out some free concerts
Summer isn’t complete without some good outdoor concerts and Durham is packed with them. You can catch free concerts at American Tobacco Campus, Brightleaf Square, Durham Central Park, and Golden Belt Campus. Check out our complete guide to all of them here.
Hike at Eno River State Park
Eno River State Park consists of 4,200 acres of land and the river flows through Durham for 33 miles before ending up in Falls Lake. It’s only 10 miles from downtown Durham but it’s one of the best places in Durham to get away from it all. You can go canoeing, fishing, hiking, and even camp overnight. Be sure to snap a picture on the suspension bridge!
Hit Up a Farmers Market
There are few things as refreshing as a sunny morning in Durham, surrounded by fresh produce, colorful bouquets, hot coffee and the sound of a local musician wafting through the stalls at one of our many farmers’ markets. Check out our guide to farmers markets you need to visit this season.
Catch some free flicks
This summer you can catch free movies at various parks around Durham, with Rock the Park. Ponysaurus’s free movie series is a warm-weather staple. Nab a beer and some $1 snacks.
Go Patio Hopping
This time of year, there’s nothing better than enjoying dinner and drinks on an open-air patio. BOTB Picks: Guglhupf, Namu, The Durham Hotel, Unscripted, Foster’s, Parts & Labor, see them all here.
Get your yoga on
Stop by Durham Central Park on Saturdays for a free yoga class or start your day with a class on top of The Durham Hotel, $10 drop-in fee for locals.
There are so many great yoga studios in Durham like Community Power Yoga, Global Breath, Yoga off East, or warm up with hot yoga at Arrichion. We love doing yoga with La Vita Yoga at Bull City Ciderworks on Sunday mornings. Bonus: your class includes a cider afterwards.
Take a behind the scenes tour of DPAC
The second Monday of each month you have an opportunity to tour DPAC! Check out behind-the-scenes, where the stars prepare for show time and even the view from the stage. The tour begins at 11:00 a.m. and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Learn more here
Locopops Storytime
Locopops has a free storytime every Tuesday morning now! Head that way at 10:30 am for 30 minutes of air-conditioned fun.
Explore a museum
Here’s some to check out:
- Nasher Museum
- 21C Museum and History
- Durham Museum of History
Check out our guide to 5 Must-See Local Art Exhibits and Museums in Durham, NC here.
Play games, drink beer, and eat pizza at Boxcar
With a space spanning over 10,000 square feet, Boxcar Bar + Arcade includes a full bar (including 24 American craft drafts), 70+ arcade games, and a pizza kitchen. Draft beers are plentiful, and regular drink specials mean you’ll always have spare change for the arcade games.
Note: The space is dog-friendly and kids are allowed until 9pm
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