Raleigh Summer Bucket List: 13 Fun Ideas to Make the Most of Summer 2025

Eats and SipsThings to Do
Written By Thrive Co

Summer in North Carolina hits different! There’s so many opportunities to get outside, cool off, and try something new. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, here's your ultimate summer bucket list — complete with local gems, prices, and tips to make it happen!

#1 Go Swimming at the Eno River Rock Quarry

Images from Thriving in Raleigh

Cool off with a dip in this scenic swimming hole surrounded by forest and rocky cliffs. It’s about a 1.5-mile hike to reach it, but totally worth it. NOTE: Use caution when swimming here. The swimming hole is 25-60 feet and drops off immediately. Bring life jackets and/or floats.

DISCLAIMER: We do NOT recommend for children or those who are not strong swimmers.
📍 Location: Eno River State Park – 4950 Howe St, Durham, NC 27705
💸 Price: Free

#2 Catch a Summer Concert

Images from Thriving in Raleigh

It’s hot. Ice cream is cold. You do the math. Here are some local scoop spots that hit every craving! Our Recommendations:

  • Two Roosters Ice Cream
    Creative, seasonal small-batch flavors.

    • Greystone Village: 7713 Lead Mine Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615

    • Person Street: 215 E Franklin St, Raleigh, NC 27604

    • Lake Boone Trail: 4025 Lake Boone Trail STE 130, Raleigh, NC 27607

    • Golden Belt: 800 Taylor St Suite 9-100, Durham, NC 27701

    • The Factory: 1839 S Main St, Wake Forest, NC 27587

    • Waverly Place: 575 New Waverly Pl Suite 107, Cary, NC 27518

  • Howling Cow Dairy Education Center & Creamery
    Farm-to-cone ice cream made from NC State’s own cows — super creamy and super fresh.

    • Address: 100 Dairy Ln, Raleigh, NC 27603

  • Andia’s Ice Cream
    Over-the-top shakes, award-winning flavors, and a family-run shop that goes big on creativity.

    • West Cary: 10120 Green Level Church Rd #208, Cary, NC 27519

    • Southeast Cary: 1008 Ryan Rd, Cary, NC 27511

    • Raleigh (Iron Works): 2201 Iron Works Dr Suite 129, Raleigh, NC 27604

    • Durham (Can Opener Food Truck Park): 205 S Gregson St, Durham, NC 27701

  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
    Wild flavors, cute branding, and super smooth texture.

    • Village District: 2014 Cameron St, Raleigh, NC 27605

    • Durham: 908 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701

#4 Go Paddleboarding or Kayaking at Falls Lake

Images from Thriving in Raleigh

One of our favorite lakes to pack up the inflatable paddleboard and hit the water is Falls Lake. Just a short drive (25 min) from Raleigh. It covers 5,035 acres along the shores of 12,410-acre Falls Lake.

📍13304 Creedmoor Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587

💸 $10 per vehicle

#5 Attend an Outdoor Movie Night

left image from Raleigh NC Gov | right image from CBS

Family-friendly movie nights pop up all summer long with food trucks, music, and community vibes.
📍 Location: Moore Square (Raleigh), Downtown Cary Park. Click each location to view their event schedule.
💸 Price: Free

#6 Visit Fantasy Lake Adventure Park

Images from Fantasy Lake Adventure Park

A massive water park with inflatables, slides, and floating obstacle courses. They also offer scuba diving, pickleball, and more!
📍 Location: 3601 Quarry Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587(30 min from Raleigh)
💸 Price: $40+

#7 Try Ziplining or Rope Courses at TreeRunner Adventure Park

Images from TreeRunner Adventure Park

A treetop ropes and zipline course with challenges for all ages and forested mini-golf!
📍 Location: 12804 Norwood Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
💸 Price: $35–$48 per person

#8 Sunset Rooftop/Patio Cocktails

right image from Wye Hill | left image from Level 7

Nothing says summer like golden hour views and a refreshing drink in hand. These Raleigh rooftops and patios are perfect for catching the breeze, people-watching, and sipping your favorite cocktail.

Our Recommendations:

  • Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing
    One of the best views in Raleigh, hands down — with craft cocktails, seasonal bites, and a patio that overlooks the city skyline.

    • Address: 201 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603

  • Level7 Rooftop Bar
     Sleek, modern rooftop located atop the AC Hotel in North Hills. Great for upscale drinks, tapas, and sunset vibes.

    • Address: 101 Park at North Hills St, Raleigh, NC 27609

  • The Willard Rooftop Lounge
     Classy, scenic rooftop bar near Glenwood South with elevated cocktails, small plates, and a mix of skyline and treetop views.

    • Address: 9 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603

#9 Support Your Local Farmers at the Market

left image from Visit Raleigh | right image from Canva Gallery

Shop local produce, flowers, meats, baked goods, and artisan products while enjoying the community atmosphere.
📍 Locations:

#10 Visit a Local Winery

Images from Thriving in Raleigh

Sip and savor your way through summer at these Triangle-area wineries:

  • ZincHouse Winery & Brewery
    A 21+ winery on 87 scenic acres with craft beer, in-house wines, live music, food trucks, and sweeping vineyard views.
    📍 Address: 6225 Wake Forest Hwy, Durham, NC 27703

  • Hinnant Family Vineyards
    One of NC’s largest muscadine vineyards (100+ acres), offering sweet and dry wines, vineyard tours, and tastings in a laid-back, family-run setting.
    📍 Address: 826 Pine Level‑Micro Rd, Pine Level, NC 27568

  • Cloer Family Vineyards
    A charming micro‑winery with a cozy tasting room and picnic-friendly grounds—great for small group visits and local-style wine experiences.
    📍 Address: 8584 Perry Rd, Apex, NC 27523

#11 Book a Pool Day with ResortPass

left image from Hyatt | right image from StateView Hotel

No pool? No problem. ResortPass lets you enjoy hotel pools and amenities like you're on vacation — without the overnight stay.

  • The StateView Hotel
    A lakeside pool on NC State’s Centennial Campus, perfect for a peaceful, upscale summer day. Includes towel service, food & drink options, and a beautiful setting.

    • Address: 2451 Alumni Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606

    • Starting at: $40 for a day pass

  • Unscripted Durham
    A retro-style rooftop pool right in the heart of downtown Durham with music, drinks, and weekend vibes. Great for a more lively, social scene.

    • Address: 202 N Corcoran St, Durham, NC 27701

    • Starting at: $15 for a day pass

#12 Go Tubing Down the River with Tar River Life

Images from Tar River Life

A 2–3 hour lazy river float perfect for groups and summer fun. They provide tubes or kayaks, shuttles, and life jackets.
📍 Location: 3240 Sledge Rd, Bunn, NC 27508 (about 40 min from Raleigh)
💸 Price: $20+ per person

#13 Rent a Pontoon for a Day on the Lake

Images from Canva Gallery

Cruise, swim, and relax with friends on a rented pontoon at one of the area’s scenic lakes.

Whether you're floating down a river, sipping wine in the sun, catching live music, or just grabbing a scoop of ice cream — there's something so magical about summer in the Triangle.

So grab your calendar, rally your friends, and start checking off these sunny adventures.

Tag us in your adventures @thrivinginraleigh. 🌸 Happy Summer!

Thrive Co
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