Chapel Hill is a college town in North Carolina. The University of North Carolina is here and home to the Tarheels basketball team. The friendly town offers visitors plenty of attractions that will appeal to all ages. The University campus is where many of them are located including the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum. Historic Franklin Street is a fun place to spend an afternoon with its coffee shops, restaurants, and shops. The Morehead Planetarium & Science Center and the Kidz Children’s Museum are also located off of Franklin Street. Keep reading to see our list of 17 fun family things to do in Chapel Hill.
1. Stroll along the historic Franklin Street
Historic Franklin Street is the main thoroughfare running through downtown Chapel Hill. It is considered to be a popular meeting place for both residents and college students. Franklin Street is the center of most of the festivals and cultural activities held throughout the year. Here you will find boutique shops, antique stores, diners, bars, and music venues lining both sides of the street. The Carrboro Arts Center and Chapel Hill’s Morehead Planetarium and Science Center are also located here.
Franklin Street
Address: Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
Website: Franklin Street
2. Appreciate the fresh blooms at the North Carolina Botanical Garden
The North Carolina Botanical Garden is on a mission to educate the public about the sustainable relationship between plants and people. When visiting the center you will be immersed in different themed gardens, such as one devoted to flowering plants, one for herbs, and others. Enjoy the tranquility of the nature paths that take you through various habitats. The Forest Theater is a stone amphitheater that is used for live performance and a lovely place for a wedding.
North Carolina Botanical Garden
Address: 100 Old Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Website: North Carolina Botanical Garden
Opening hours Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun:1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
3. Browse through the Louis Round Wilson Library
The Louis Round Wilson Library is located on the University of North Carolina’s Chapel Hill campus. It was the main library up until 1984 and now houses a number of special collections. They have five collections that contain rare books, documents, pictures, videos, audio recordings, and artifacts. They are arranged around five themes, such as the Southern Historical and Southern Folklife collections. The library is open to the public and has plenty of books to help you while away an afternoon.
Louis Round Wilson Library
Address: 200 South Rd, Chapel Hill, NC.
Website: Louis Round Wilson Library
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 1pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
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4. Enjoy jogging or cycling on the Morgan Creek Trail
The Morgan Creek Trail is found near the Community Center Park. It runs for less than a mile through scenic areas and ends at Merritt’s Pasture. The large, open grassy area is owned by the town and used as park space. Morgan Creek Trail is concrete making it easy for biking and hiking. Other trails are connected to it, such as the Fan Branch Trail.
Morgan Creek Trail
Address: Morgan Creek Trail, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Website: Morgan Creek Trail
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Catch a show at the Memorial Hall
Memorial Hall is located in the center of the University’s campus. It is the largest venue for Carolina’s performing arts program. Originally built in 1883 for graduation ceremonies and basketball games, the hall is now used for live shows. the venue hosts musicals, plays and touring dance companies. Check the website to see what shows are available while you are visiting Chapel Hill. Tickets for events are available up to 90 minutes before the show starts.
Memorial Hall
Address: 114 E Cameron Ave, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Website: Memorial Hall
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
6. Treat yourself at Weaver Street Market Southern Village
Weaver Street Market is a community-owned grocery store specializing in organic and natural foods. They sponsor many events to bring residents together, such as free music performances from June through September. All of their produce comes from local farms and they only sell food that is fresh and healthy. Be sure to stop by the bakery to see what kind of tempting treats they have available.
Weaver Street Market
Address: 716 Market Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Website: Weaver Street Market
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
7. Admire the wide-ranging collection at Ackland Art Museum
Ackland Art Museum is a combination art museum and class activity. Most of the artwork displayed correspond to the courses offered by the University, where the museum is located. Throughout the week they offer community events and classes, such as yoga, kid’s arts and crafts programs in the summer, and other hands-on art-related events. Some of their collections are permanent while others are only available to see for a limited time.
Ackland Art Museum
Address: 101 S. Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Website: Ackland Art Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
8. Sample the local craft beers at Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery
Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery has been a local favorite since opening in 1996. They craft their own beers and spirits on site. From the rooftop patio, you can enjoy a panoramic view of downtown Chapel Hill. The menu features American food made from fresh, local ingredients. when visiting Top of the Hill be sure to start your meal with their signature Lizard Chips. Sliced pickles and jalapenos are dipped in a housemade beer batter and deep fried till golden brown, then served with a chipotle ranch dipping sauce.
Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery
Address: 100 E Franklin St #300, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Website: Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery
Opening hours: 11am - 2am (daily)
9. Taste the Bobo Chili Cheeseburger at Al’s Burger Shack
When all your site seeing makes you hungry then grab a bite at a local favorite, Al’s Burger Shack. The casual eatery specializes in burgers, hot dogs and real milkshakes. All of the recipes use fresh, local ingredients so you know it will taste good. All of their specialty sauces and toppings are made in house. The locals are crazy about the Bobo Chili Cheeseburger; an all-natural beef patty smothered in chili then topped with American cheese, slaw, and mustard.
Al’s Burger Shack
Address: 516 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC
Website: Al’s Burger Shack
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm (closed on Sun)
10. Have fun in the sun at Southern Community Park
Southern Community Park is a huge nature park with picnic area and sports facilities. The park features a new fitness area with outdoor fitness equipment. It has three athletic fields, a disc golf course, basketball court, and an inline hockey court. Enjoy a peaceful stroll along one of the many marked nature trails. The park also has a playground for the kids and two areas just for your dogs.
Southern Community Park
Address: 1000 Sumac Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Website: Southern Community Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
11. Visit the Carolina Basketball Museum
Visit the Carolina Basketball Museum for a fun afternoon exploring the history of the University of North Carolina’s favorite sport. You will find exhibits that feature player’s statistics, photos, jersey’s, and other memorabilia. At the beginning of the tour is a short video about the history of the Universities basketball program and the kids will love the interactive exhibits.
Carolina Basketball Museum
Address: 450 Skipper Bowles Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Website: Carolina Basketball Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed on Sun)
12. Go golfing at UNC Finley Golf Club
UNC Finley Golf Club is home to the Tarheels men’s and women’s golf teams. The 18-hole course was built in 1949 and designed by George Cobb. The golf club offers private lessons, a fully stocked store, and a clubhouse. After chasing your ball around the course stop by the Naismith Grill for some lunch. Kids eat for half price on the weekends.
UNC Finley Golf Club
Address: 500 Finley Golf Course Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Website: UNC Finley Golf Club
Opening hours: 7:30am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 58 USD
13. Enroll in a cooking class at Southern Season
Southern Season is a food lover’s paradise. They opened in 1975 and started by selling gourmet food, wines, and gifts. They now offer a restaurant on-site and cooking classes for all ages. During the summer they run kids camps for little foodies where they can learn basic cooking skills and even make handmade pasta. Some of the classes offered are Basic Knife Skills, Around the World in 4 Days, and Kids in the Kitchen.
Southern Season
Address: 201 S Estes Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Website: Southern Season
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 9pm; Sun 10am - 6pm
Price: 65 USD
14. Travel back in time at the Old Chapel Hill Cemetery
The Old Chapel Hill Cemetery sits in the heart of the University campus. The burial site is registered on the list of Historic Places. The first person to be buried here was George Clarke, a student who died in 1798. since the cemetery was built before the Civil War, it was segregated according to race. Ellington Burnett was the first African-American to be buried here in 1853. Wandering among the headstones you get a glimpse into the history of Chapel Hill.
Old Chapel Hill Cemetery
Address: 405 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Website: Old Chapel Hill Cemetery
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
15. Buy fresh at Chapel Hill Farmers' Market for your next meal
Chapel Hill Farmers’ Market was founded by Farmers of Orange, a state non-profit organization created for local farmers by local farmers in 2008. All of the vendors featured at the market live within 60 miles (96km) of Chapel Hill. The market is open two days a week and you will find local fish, fruits, vegetables, baked goods, farm goods like eggs and butter, and crafts on sale.
Chapel Hill Farmers' Market
Address: 201 S Estes Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Website: Chapel Hill Farmers’ Market
Opening hours: Tue: 3pm - 6pm; Sat: 8am - 12pm; (closed on Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, & Sun)
16. Have a fun-filled afternoon at Spring Haven Farm
Spring Haven Farm is family owned and located outside downtown Chapel Hill. The owners believe in sustainable farming practices and that caring for animals enriches our lives. They do not have specific visiting hours, instead, they offer event throughout the year, so check out the website for specific times. Some of the more popular events are Goat Infused Yoga, Movies with Goats, and Goat-a-Gram. The kids will love petting and feeding the goats, horses, and pigs. (Hours and pricing listed is for Movies with Goats)
Spring Haven Farm
Address: 5306 Homer Ruffin Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Website: Spring Haven Farm
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 6:30m - 10pm (closed from Sun - Thu)
Price: 10 USD
17. Laugh your heart out at The PIT Chapel Hill
The PIT is Chapel Hill is a comedy club. Have you ever wanted to try stand-up comedy? The PIT has open mic nights on Wednesdays and Fridays so you can see if you have what it takes. If you don’t, no worries. They offer comedy and improv classes for all ages. Just drop-in and take your first class for free. Be sure to check out the website and see who is performing during your visit to Chapel Hill.
The PIT
Address: 462 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Website: The PIT
Opening hours: 6:30pm - 12am (daily)
Price: 10 USD
Chapel Hill: a family-friendly destination
Chapel Hill offers its visitors plenty of fun attractions, 16 parks, and many tasty restaurants that the whole family will enjoy. Kids of all ages will enjoy the many interactive attractions and they may not realize they are learning at the same time. North Carolina is a friendly state that provides modern amenities that are surrounded by natural beauty.