Fun in the Sun – Budget-Friendly Activities in the Triangle

​Originally published in the Summer 2022 issue of Wake Living Magazine.

Warmer temps and longer days mean one thing in the Triangle – it’s time to plan some fun outdoor activities! While it’s always important to keep your budget in check, we also believe that your spending plan should allow for some for spring and summer fun. Luckily, the warmer months offer countless budget-friendly and free activities to enjoy the outdoors with your fellow Triangle friends and visitors.

Since 2007 there’s been a lot of buzz in Raleigh around the annual Beach Music concert series at Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park in the North Hills shopping center. These concerts draw crowds from all over the Triangle. What makes them a summer staple is the wide range of genres played throughout the series, offering something for all ages. Motown, Oldies, R&B and of course, Beach Music (a classic Carolina favorite) are all part of the experience. The best part? Attendees will enjoy pre-purchased tickets for only $5, or $10 day-of purchase.

The Triangle also offers a top-rated museum scene. The North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh incorporates outdoor events for visitors to take full advantage of the nice weather. Check out the outdoor amphitheater for outdoor concerts featuring both local and touring artists. On Saturday evenings, you can view outdoor screenings of box office hit films, too. For a free activity, enjoy the museum’s park with a picnic, or roam the many walking and biking trails. Inside, the museum offers lavish art exhibits, from European Renaissance to African American history for the perfect rainy-day activity.

Next, in the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, wonders abound for kids and adults alike, including a brand new “Life before Dinosaurs” exhibit unveiling this May, and popular permanent exhibits like “Wonders of North Carolina.” In Durham, the Museum of Life and Science touts “84 acres of open-ended science and nature experiences designed to spark imagination, creativity, and new ways of thinking about our world.”

Looking for a scenic summertime picnic? Visit the Raleigh Rose Garden or the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, home to one of the most diverse and largest collections of plants adapted for landscaping in the Southeast. Other free park options include Dorothea Dix Park, Pullen Park, River Neuse Trail, and the Historic Yates Mill County Park, to name a few. The Pullen Park train, carousel, and boating activities are always a big hit with kids, and tickets start as low as $1.50!

After a day in the sun, cool off at one of the many city pools and splash parks in the Triangle. Consider the Spraygrounds at Jack Smith Park in Cary or Taylor Street Park in Wake Forest. Raining outside? Visit the indoor pools at Pullen Park and Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center in Raleigh.

Concert-goers should also make plans to check out the biggest outdoor music venue in the Triangle at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek. Coastal members have exclusive access to enjoy more savings and perks, including early entry into the park by showing your Coastal debit or credit card to use the Coastal Fast Lane, exclusive pre-sale ticket opportunities, and a 10% discount off concession food and beverages when you use your Coastal card.

With all of these amazing activities available in our area, give yourself permission to budget for a little fun this summer. You deserve it!