Bored kids? Here are 15 things to do this summer in the Fayetteville area
Cumberland County has a wide array of activities for its children and families to take advantage of, including many free and affordable options for families on a budget. From outdoor fun at the park or pool to inside at the spa or skate rink, there's plenty to keep your children entertained during the summer.
Here's a list of 15 family-friendly activities in the Fayetteville area to help fend off the summer doldrums this year.
Play around at a park
According to the Fayetteville Cumberland County Parks & Recreation website, there are 47 different park locations in the county from dog parks and trails to community parks. Park hours are typically from dawn to dusk and free to the public. A list of all the parks in Cumberland County is available at fcpr.us/parks-trails/parks.
Have water fun in the pool or splash pad
All 14 Parks & Recreation free splash pads operate daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The four pools will open on Memorial Day, May 27, according to a news release from city officials.
Splash Pads
Eastover Community Park: 2721 Ball Park Road, Eastover, 910-323-0707
E. Melvin Honeycutt Elementary School: 4665 Lakewood Drive, Fayetteville, 910-433-1435
Gilmore Therapeutic Recreation Center: 1600 Purdue Drive, Fayetteville, 910-433-1569
Gray's Creek Park: 5151 Celebration Drive, Hope Mills, 910-433-1015; Splash pads are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., (3 to 7 p.m. when school is in session).
J.S. Spivey Recreation Center: 500 Fisher St., Fayetteville, 910-433-1572
Kiwanis Recreation Center: 352 Devers St., Fayetteville, 910-433-1568
Lake Rim Recreation Center: 1455 Hoke Loop Road, Fayetteville, 910-433-1175
Linden Little River Community Park: 5010 Loop Road, Linden, 910-980-0119
Mable C. Smith Park: 1367 Shadbush Lane, Fayetteville, 910-433-1547
Massey Hill Recreation Center: 1612 Camden Road, Fayetteville, 910-433-1569
Myers Recreation Center: 1018 Rochester Drive, Fayetteville, 910-433-1570
Spring Lake Recreation Center: 245 Ruth St., Spring Lake, 910-433-1350
Wade Community Park: 4060 Church St., Wade, 910-485-3502
Willie J. Burnette Park: 4924 Markham St., Godwin, 910-980-1000
Pools
Ronnie “Chase” Chalmers Pool: 1520 Slater Ave., Fayetteville, 910-433-1137
Keith A. Bates Sr. Pool: 4945 Rosehill Road, Fayetteville, 910-433-1382
Lake Rim Aquatic Center: 2265 Tar Kiln Drive, Fayetteville, 910-433-1456
Westover Aquatic Center: 266 Bonanza Drive, Fayetteville, 910-433-1383
Explore your local library
There are eight public libraries in Cumberland County that feature arts and crafts classes, Mommy & Me meetings and various other activities on its calendar of events. The hours of operation for all libraries Monday, Tuesday and Thursday are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The Headquarters, Hope Mills, North Regional and Cliffdale Regional libraries are also open from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, according to the county’s website.
Headquarters Library: 300 Maiden Lane, Fayetteville, 910-483-7727 ext. 1351
Bordeaux Community Library: 3711 Village Drive, Fayetteville, 910-483-7727 ext. 1381
Cliffdale Regional Library: 6882 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville, 910-483-7727 ext. 1389
East Regional Library: 4809 Clinton Road, Fayetteville, 910-483-7727 ext. 1414
Hope Mills Community Library: 3411 Golfview Road, Hope Mills, 910-483-7727 ext. 1425
North Regional Library: 855 McArthur Road, Fayetteville, 910-483-7727 ext. 1436
Spring Lake Community Library: 101 Laketree Blvd., Spring Lake, 910-483-7727 ext. 1459
West Regional Library: 7469 Century Circle, Fayetteville, 910-483-7727 ext. 1481
Learn about the world at a children's museum
What it is: Fascinate-U is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1994 and is designed as a "mini-city" where children can pretend play different professionals in the community. This hands-on museum encourages children to learn through first-hand experiences and grow their imaginations. Prices start at $4 for children ages 1 to 15 and $5 for adults, with Fascinate-U members getting in free.
Location: 116 Green St., Fayetteville, 910-829-9171
Hours of operation: Fascinate-U is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The facility is closed on Monday.
More information: fascinate-u.com
Roller skate away the day
There are three roller skating rinks in Cumberland County, including one located on Fort Liberty. Here are their locations and hours of operation.
Round-A-Bout Skating Center: 115 Skateway Drive, Fayetteville, 910-860-8900. The center is open on Monday from noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday from noon to 4 p.m. and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m. and 8 to 11 p.m., Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Admission is $7 during the week and $12 on the weekends, with a $5 skate rental. Visit round-a-bout.com for more information.
Round-A-Bout Skating Center: 880 Elm St., Fayetteville, 910-484-4465. The center is open on Monday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m., Sunday from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and 7:30 to 10 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Admission is $7 during the week and $12 on the weekends, with a $5 skate rental if you need to rent out a pair of skates.
Cleland Ice and in-line Skating Rink: 3-1606 Reilly Road, Fort Bragg, 910-396-5127. The rink is open on Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday from 3 to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 7:30 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. The rink is closed on Thursdays. Admission cost includes skates and is $8 during the week and $10 on the weekend. For more information, visit liberty.armymwr.com/programs/cleland-ice-and-inline-skating-rink
More: Fun places civilians can visit on Fort Liberty
Watch a family-friendly movie
What it is: Omni Cinemas 8 is a movie theater in Fayetteville that hosts the summer kids shows 2024 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from June 4 through Aug. 15. Tickets are $4 for movies like "PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie" and "Minions: The Rise of Gru."
Location: 3729 Sycamore Dairy Road, Fayetteville, 910-487-5530
Hours of operation: Omni Cinemas 8 is open from 11:15 a.m. to midnight daily.
More information:omnicinemas.com
Putter around a mini-golf course
You can play a friendly game of mini golf at one of these Fayetteville locations.
Mountasia Golf & Games: 3729 Sycamore Dairy Road, Fayetteville, 910-487-6001. It is open on Friday from 3 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. This facility is closed every other day of the week. Prices for children 12 and under start at $5 for 18 holes and $8 for 36 holes, with adult prices for anyone 13 and older at $7 for 18 holes and $10 for 36 holes. Visit mountasiagolf.com for more information.
Putt-Putt Fun Center: 3311 Footbridge Lane, Fayetteville, 910-424-7888. It is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. Prices start at $5 for 3-to-9-year-old children for 18 holes, $9 for anyone 10 and older, and $5 for seniors who are 62 and older. Visit puttputt.com/fayetteville-nc for more information.
Fayetteville roots: Putt-Putt turns serious with 60th anniversary competition
Pirate Black Light Golf: 3729 Sycamore Dairy Road, Fayetteville, 910-864-1638. This center is open on Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. It is closed the rest of the week and prices start at $8 for children 8 and under for 18 holes and $10 for everyone else. Visit pirateblacklightgolf.com for more information.
Aim for a strike at bowling
Take your kid bowling at one of these local spots.
B & B Bowling Lanes: 3003 Fort Bragg Road, Fayetteville, 910-484-5179. This bowling alley is open Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to midnight, Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from noon to 11 p.m. Prices start at $4 per person per game until 5 p.m., and $4 for a pair of bowling shoes. On weekends, admission increases to $4.79 per game and $4.79 for shoes. For more information, visit bandblanes.com.
Dragon Lanes: Rock Merritt Ave. Building 4-2374, Fort Liberty, 910-907-2695. This bowling alley is open on Tuesday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to midnight and Saturday from 1 p.m. to midnight. The center is closed on Monday and Sunday. Prices start at $11 for one hour, $13 for an hour and a half, and $15 for two hours of bowling, with shoes included. Visit liberty.armymwr.com/programs/bowling for more information.
Main Event: 580 Cross Creek Mall, Fayetteville, 910-552-1780. This bowling alley is open on Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to midnight, Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Prices vary depending on the day, with the cost of $25 per lane per hour Monday through Thursday and $40 per lane per hour Friday through Sunday. Lanes have a five-person limit and shoe rentals are $5 per person. Visit mainevent.com for more information.
Lafayette Lanes: 3313 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, 910-222-2695. This bowling alley is open Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from noon to 11 p.m. Prices start at $5 per person per game until 5 p.m. and increase to $6 per person per game afterward, with Tuesday night being half-priced night with a $3 cost for a game. Shoe rentals are $5. From June 1 to Aug. 31, Lafayette Lanes is running a kid's special Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. where the cost for a game is $2 and shoe rentals are $2.
Bounce around a trampoline park
Burn off some energy and bounce your way to these trampoline parks around the city.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park: 361 Westwood Shopping Center, Fayetteville, 910-302-5400. It is open daily from 9 am to 9 p.m. A monthly membership costs $26 a month and includes unlimited jump times and an all-day pass is $30 for unlimited time, with a 90-minute jump pass at $23. For more information, visit skyzone.com/fayetteville.
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park: 2051 Skibo Road, Fayetteville, 910-218-0502. It is open Monday through Friday from 3 to 8 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Ticket packages start at $22, with the platinum package at $34, which grants access to all the different play zones in the park. For more information, visit urbanair.com/north-carolina-fayetteville.
JP's Jump Masters: 7005 Nexus Court, Fayetteville, 910-223-0200. It is open Monday from 3 to 6 p.m., Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 7 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from noon to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Prices start at $12 for an hour of jumping for children ages 3 to 5, and $15.50 for children six and older. For more information, visit jpsjumpmasters.com.
Surge Trampoline Park: 3333 North Main St., Hope Mills, 910-491-0605. They are open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. The park is closed Monday. Weekday prices start at $10 for one hour of jumping, and the cost is $14 for one hour of jumping on the weekend. For more information, visit surgefun.com/locations/fayetteville.
Climb the walls
Are you American Ninja Warrior material? Find out by testing your grip strength with these rock walls.
Triangle Rock Club: 5213 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, 910-868-7625. They are open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Prices start at $16 for children ages 4 to 11 and $23 for anyone 12 and older for two hours of climbing. For more information, visit trianglerockclub.com/fayetteville.
The Climbing Place: 436 West Russell St., Fayetteville, 910-486-9638. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 am. to 9 p.m. and closed on Sunday. Prices start at $15 for a day pass for anyone 13 and older, increasing to $20 with shoes and $23 with shoes and harness rental. For more information, visit theclimbingplace.com.
Fun at the garden
What it is: The Cape Fear Botanical Garden is an 80-acre garden founded in 1989. The garden offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults on its events calendar, which includes crafting suncatchers and bubble-blowing fun.
Location: 536 North Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville, 910-486-0221.
Hours of operation: Cape Fear Botanical Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. It is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
More information: capefearbg.org
Make a candle
Light up your days with a do-it-yourself activity that doubles as a keepsake with these candle-making programs in Cumberland County.
Hummingbird Candle Co.: 240 Hay St., Fayetteville, 910-223-6247. The candle-making experience is reserved for guests ages 7 and older, and prices start at $45 a person. It is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and closed Sunday through Tuesday. For more information, visit hummingbirdcandleco.com.
Scented Wicks Candle Bar: 3109 North Main St., Hope Mills, 910-339-1137. The candle-making experience is reserved for guests ages 10 and older, and prices start at $60 per hour from Monday through Thursday and increase on the weekend. It is open Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and closed from Sunday through Tuesday. For more information, visit scentedwickscandlebar.com.
More on Scented Wicks: Pour and sip: Bring your own booze candle-making bar opens in Hope Mills
Have a spa day
What it is: The Zoe Noelle Princess Spa was founded by 11-year-old Fayetteville native Zoe Noelle, who wanted to create a place where kids can experience a spa that promotes beauty, health and fun.
Location: 321 Hay Street Fayetteville, 910-500-3154.
Hours of operation: Zoe Noelle Princess Spa is open Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. The spa is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
More information: znprincessspa.com
More on Zoe Noelle: Fayetteville spa for kids plans second location: Meet the 12-year-old behind the business
Escape the room
Have an aspiring detective in the family? Watch them solve clues in these themed escape rooms.
Escapology: 2770 Freedom Parkway Drive Suite 4, Fayetteville, 910-302-6981. It is open Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Prices start at $44 for an escape room game, which features themed experiences, including a kid's escape room. For more information, visit escapology.com/en/fayetteville-nc
Escape Room Fayetteville: 3639 Sycamore Dairy Road, Fayetteville, 910-920-1781. It is open Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., Friday from 2 to 10:30 p.m., Saturday from 12:30 to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. It is closed from Monday to Wednesday. Prices start at $32 on Thursday and $35 every other day of the week. For more information, visit escaperoomfayettevillenc.com.
Xscape Factor: 136-A Bow St., Fayetteville, 910-676-8926. It is open Monday from 3 to 7 p.m., Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Prices start at $30 per person. For more information, visit xscapefactor.com.
Enjoy a zipline adventure
What it is: ZipQuest Waterfall & Treetop Adventure offers a variety of ziplining experiences from nighttime zipline, group ziplining and different courses to choose from, with prices varying depending on the adventure course you choose. Ziplining is available for anyone aged 8 and older, with those aged 8-15 accompanied by a parent.
Location: 533 Carvers Falls Road, Fayetteville, 910-488-8787
Hours of operation: It is open Friday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed Tuesday through Thursday.
More information: zipquest.com
Reporter Lizmary Evans covers growth and development for The Fayetteville Observer. You can reach her at LEvans@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Things to do with your kids in Fayetteville and Cumberland County NC
