We are halfway through summer in Mount Airy and if you're like me, you're looking for fun things to do with the kids! Even better if it's FREE! I've pulled together a list of the top 8 Free Things To Do in and around Mount Airy to get the wiggles out and have good old fashioned family fun. Most of these activities are outside, which means it's the perfect opportunity for plenty of summer picnics. So grab your hat and some comfy shoes and check out the free fun Mount Airy has to offer!
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1. Pilot Mountain State Park
1792 Pilot Knob Park Road
Pinnacle, NC 27043
336-444-5100
Visitor Center Hours: October - February 8:00am -4:00pm, March - September: 9:00am - 5:00pm/ Mountain Section, River Section, and Campground Gate all have various hours. See website for details.
Pilot Mountain State Park is the perfect adventure day with the family. We recently took our extended family and had a wonderful time! We first stopped at the Visitor Center for a map and they were very helpful in telling us where to go with children. The bigger kids loved the challenge of the climb. There are lots of rock and steps when hiking around the Big Pinnacle (the larger knob you can see from the road). The views were amazing and we took lots of cool pictures. Bring water and snacks for your hike!
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2. Splash Pad at Dobson Square Park
110 S Crutchfield St, Dobson, NC 27017
336-356-8962
Monday-Tuesday 8:00am - 8:00pm
Wednesday 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Thursday - Sunday 8:00am - 8:00pm
The Splash Pad at Dobson Square Park is a great way to cool down on a hot day! It's fenced in and has benches in the shade. Kids of all ages will love playing in the water. They do not allow food or drinks within the splash pad area, but there are picnic tables nearby. The splash pad is located within a 2.5 acre park that also offers a playground and walking path.
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3. Northwest Regional Public Libraries
There are several branches scattered throughout our region that are a part of the Northwest Regional Public Libraries system. In addition to books, each branch offers a variety of resources, services, and programs. They each offer programs for children of all ages. Check out the Macaroni Kid Event Calendar for story times and kid activities, or just go when they are open to select your next read! Find your closest branch on the website.
Northwest Regional Public Libraries website
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4. Horne Creek Farm
308 Horne Creek Farm Road
Pinnacle, NC 27043
Tuesday - Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Ever wonder what farm life was like in the early 1900s? The Hauser family farm operated at this location over 100 years ago. Kids can learn about the history through this hands on experience. You can visit livestock while you're there, along with poultry, dogs, and cats. There are places to picnic and a visitor center with restrooms. (Please do not bring your pet).
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5. Movies in Dobson Square Park
110 S. Crutchfield St. Dobson, NC 27017
336-356-8962
3rd Friday every month May - September
Take your blankets and lawn chairs for family movie nights at the park! On the third Friday of each month May- September, Dobson Square Park is showing movies we all know and love. Movies begin at dusk.
May 21: The Croods: A New Age
June 18: Onward
July 16: Raya and the Last Dragon
August 20: Trolls World Tour
September 17: Abonimable
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6. Playground at Armfield Civic Center in Pilot Mountain
873 W 52 Bypass Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
336-368-2012
My kids LOVE this playground! It's new, fenced in, and they love everything about it. There is a larger structure for big kids and a smaller structure for little kids, plus swings! There are picnic tables and benches placed throughout. I love that there are giant trees close by, so mama can sit in the shade while the littles jump, play, climb, and run. This park also has a paved walking trail and bathrooms available.
There are several other playgrounds in our community too. This one just happens to be a family favorite!
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7. Go fish!
Take your kids fishing on the river. Public fishing spots in our area are open at Fisher River Park, Tumbling Rock Reservoir, and Hamlin Ford (592 Hamlin Ford Road in Dobson), Mountain Park River Access (803 Zephyr Mountain Park Road in State Park, Birch Station River Access (116 Greenwood Circle in Elkin), Highway 268- East River Access (2520 N.C. 268 in Pilot Mountain, and the Bray Ford River Access (2308 Rockford Road in Dobson).
You will likely find Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish, and Bluegill. Children under 16 do not need a fishing license to fish. Check ncwildlife.org for rules and regulations.
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8. Hanging Rock State Park
1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, Danbury, NC 27016
336-593-8480
Hours vary depending on season - check website.
We love a good family hiking day. Each kid gets their own pack to carry their many snacks and water. They love the adventure and exploration of the climb. Hanging Rock has lots to do - some activities have a small fee, but hiking, mountain biking, and enjoying a picnic are all free. Free swim is also available from 5:00pm - 5:45pm. Don't forget to see the waterfalls at the Lower Cascades Access (2143 Hall Road Westfield, NC 27053). They are stunning.
Hanging Rock State Park website
