By Amanda Lehmert, Communications Specialist, City of Greensboro
No time — or money — to take a family vacation this summer? No problem. If you’ve got an afternoon or a whole week off, Greensboro Parks and Recreation has enough low-cost or free entertainment and adventure to get the most out of your family staycation.
For the Culture Kids
You probably think about green grass and playgrounds when you think of parks and recreation, but Greensboro’s department offers a wide array of cultural programs as well.
Our Music for a Sunday Evening in the Parks (MUSEP) concert series offers a free, live concert at a different park everySunday all summer long. It’s a laid back environment, where kids can run around and kick a ball while parents dance or just relax and listen to local bands. Bring your a picnic dinner to round out the evening. Concerts begin June 4.
Or how about taking in a play? The Drama Center will perform “The Tempest” June 28-30 at Barber Park. Admission is free, although donations are welcome. It’s a low-risk way to introduce the kids to Shakespeare.
For Adventure Addicts
In the last year, Greensboro has added two great new park features for kids and adults who love a fast ride: the Keeley Park Pump Track and the Latham Skate Park.
The pump track is a continuous loop of dirt hills and berms perfect for your bike. It’s meant to be ridden continuously without pedaling — but don’t worry, you’ll still get quite a workout.
There’s also a track for beginners of any age. And unlike our many amazing mountain biking trails, this is small enough that you can squeeze some fun into as little as a hour.
Greensboro’s also got two awesome new skate parks. The biggest is the Latham Skate Park, just off the Latham Park Greenway next to Greenhill cemetery.
We’ve got street features for grinding, cement bowls and vert walls. Bring your skateboard, inline skates, scooter or BMX bikes. All wheels are welcome.
Both facilities are free and open from dawn until dusk. Just remember to bring your pads and helmets.
For Those Muggy, Miserable Days
OK, we get it. Summer is hot. You might not want to go out and work up a sweat.
We’ve got the cure for that, too. The City has outdoor pools at Lindley, Peeler, Windsor and Warnersville Recreation Centers open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. It costs only $2 to enter, or $1 for children under 13.
Each pool is also free one day a week under our Pool Pals program. Check out our brochure for details.
Another no-cost option to cool off: the Keeley Park and Barber Park Spraygrounds. They’ll get you wet, and you don’t have to know how to swim to enjoy it.
If water really isn’t your thing, try a leisurely walk in the Bog Garden. It’s shady and features tons of wildlife. It’s perfect for little kids you want to introduce to nature hikes.