Unforgettable Summer Attractions That Won’t Break the Bank

1 River Jam at the US National Whitewater Center

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Located about 20 minutes northwest of Uptown Charlotte, the US National Whitewater Center is an outdoor recreation center and athletic training facility for whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, aerial sports, mountain biking and more. Featuring the world’s largest and most complex recirculating artificial whitewater river, the USNWC is an adrenaline rush for true adventurers. But for those who prefer to spectate, head to River Jam on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights May through September for live musical performances at this one-of-a-kind outdoor venue. Grab a craft beer and dinner from the food trucks onsite as you enjoy acts ranging from funk to Americana to bluegrass. Pre-event activities including the River Jam Run, open water swim and yoga.

Cost: Free; $12 parking fee.

2 Bicycle Loaner Program at Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail

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Created nearly 200 years ago to help facilitate trade and transportation to the west, the 7.2-mile Roanoke Canal used to connect Roanoke Lake to the town of Weldon. Today, the canal’s original path is a hiking and biking trail filled with a variety of wildlife and flora, as well as remnants of the original early-1800s culverts, bulkheads and aqueducts. Also located along the trail is the Roanoke Canal Museum, which is filled with exhibits about the history of the Roanoke River Valley and the construction of the canal. Visitors can pick up a free loaner bicycle and trail map at the museum at mile marker 1.5 or at Riverside Mill, a renovated and restored early-1900s cotton mill that was originally powered by the Roanoke Canal and now houses an eclectic collection of shops.

Cost: Adults, $4 for museum; Children 8 and under, free; Bicycle rentals and trails, free.

3 Sliding Rock

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Located in the heart of Pisgah National Forest between Brevard and Asheville, Sliding Rock is nature’s own 60-foot water slide that's been entertaining kids and kids at heart for years. Take the plunge into this 11,000-gallon-per-minute river of refreshingly chilly water down the flat sloping boulder, ultimately landing in an 8-foot-deep watering hole. If the thrill isn’t your pill, there are two observation platforms where you can watch all the action. Lifeguards are on duty and changing rooms are available Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Cost Memorial Day through Labor Day: $5 per person (cash or check only); Children under 3, free; Offseason admission is free but donations are appreciated.

5 Fort Fisher State Historic Site

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Fort Fisher was a pivotal bastion during the Civil War. Although only 10% of the original fortress remains today, along with a restored section of the palisade fence, Fort Fisher State Historic Site remains one of the most revered Civil War landmarks in our state. Visitors can walk along the same mounds that were patrolled by soldiers, take a tour along the batteries, and inspect a reconstructed and fully operational cannon (often fired during special events). Surrounded by centuries-old live oaks, lush nature trails and stunning stretches of shoreline – plus the only coquina outcrop on the North Carolina coast – Fort Fisher is a must-see for Civil War and nature buffs alike.

Cost: Free.

6 Linville Caverns

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It’s easy to explore the subterranean world of NC’s Blue Ridge Mountains at Linville Caverns, the only show caverns in our state. Offering tours deep inside Humpback Mountain in Pisgah National Forest since 1937, these natural limestone caverns are highlighted by majestic stalactite and stalagmite formations, as well as an underground stream. Guided tours in the year-round, 52-degree underground playground make it a great way to beat the summer heat and include cavern history and lore – including tales of Civil War deserters who hid out in the caverns – as well as the geology of the formations. From late fall until early spring, hibernating tricolored and little brown bats hang from the ceiling and add to the otherworldliness of the caverns.

Cost: Adults, $13; Seniors, $12; Children, $11; Children 4 and under, free.

7 Pullen Park

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As the first public park in North Carolina and the fifth-oldest operating amusement park in the US, Pullen Park is a Raleigh landmark. The amusement park is a big family draw with its 1911 carousel, kiddie boats, miniature CP Huntington train and pedal boats around Lake Howell. The park also features a children’s amphitheater, an Olympic-sized aquatic center for lap and recreational swimming, plus an arts center offering programs in pottery, jewelry making, painting, bookmaking and more. Theatre in the Park also puts on acclaimed productions, and local and seasonal foods and beverages are available at Pullen Place Café.

Cost: Free admission; Rides, $2 per person.

8 Wright Brothers National Memorial

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National parks and memorials help preserve the special places and stories that have helped make America what it is today. The Wright Brothers National Memorial celebrates Orville and Wilbur Wright and the world’s first powered flight in 1903. Featuring the 60-foot granite monument originally dedicated in 1932, markers indicating the actual spots where the brothers first took flight and landed, a reproduction of the 1903 Wright Flyer, a bronze replica of the flyer, reconstructed 1903 camp buildings and a newly renovated visitors center with fresh exhibits, this historic landmark embodies the fabric of America’s history.

Cost: Adults, $10 (good for seven consecutive days from date of purchase); Children 15 and under, free.

• Beyond the Guidebook: The First Flight

9 North Carolina Zoo

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The NC Zoo is situated among 2,600 wooded acres and is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo. With more than 1,500 animals from more than 250 species, the zoo is composed of North American animal kingdom neighborhoods, the Africa region and a glass-domed building housing desert animals. And in 2026, the Asia region – which is expected to include tigers, red pandas, Komodo dragons and more – will become the newest exhibit. Make your zoo experience even more personal by planning your day around the feeding times, available online. The zoo also features hiking trails, paddleboats, picnic areas, snack bars, restaurants (don’t miss the fried chicken at Billy D’s) and gift shops.

Cost: Adults, $15; Seniors, $13; Children, $11; Children 2 and under, free.

• Beyond the Guidebook: North Carolina Zoo

10 Military History and Outdoor Fun

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Jacksonville – home to US Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune – invites visitors to celebrate in this patriotic military town with budget-friendly options for coastal fun and reflection. At Lejeune Memorial Gardens and the Freedom Fountain, stroll the gardens and reflect on the soaring memorials honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. This patriotic city also takes advantage of Jacksonville’s access to water and outdoor activities. Choose from saltwater or freshwater fishing or kayaking in New River, Wilson Bay or Hammocks Beach State Park.

Cost: Lejeune Memorial Gardens and Freedom Fountain, free.