Make some core memories during your Moore County summer. Whether you’re new here or need accountability to do the things you keep saying you’ll do as a family, this checklist we’ve produced with the help of Henry Orthodontics will keep you on track. Scroll down for a version that’s printable!
Explore the Great Outdoors:
:: Go to a First Friday or Live After 5: These events both have activities, live music and food trucks for the whole family.
:: Catch a movie in the park: The town of Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Vass host free outdoor movie nights — just bring bug spray and picnic blankets or chairs. Watch for updates from Downtown Park, Aberdeen Lake Park and Sandy Ramey Keith Park.
:: Go to a farmers market: There are plenty of farmers markets in Moore County. Here is where to fill your tote in Southern Pines and Pinehurst.
:: Visit the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens: Find picturesque spots, see statues, flowers and more along the trail.
:: Visit Weymouth Woods: Take a guided bird watching hike, a night hike, or just visit our very own state park on your own two feet. The attached discovery center has an oversized microscope and other activities for hot or rainy afternoons. Pack bug spray. Bonus: Visit the oldest known living longleaf pine.
:: Play a round at the Toptracer at Talamore Golf Resort: It’s like Topgolf but outside. Play interactive games for all ages at the range. A lane starts at just $40. Home on the range.
:: Watch a baseball game at the Sandhills Bogeys’ ballpark: Opening day is June 2. Take them out to the ballllll game.
:: Spend a day at the NAV’s sports course: Give yourself a family field day with open fields, an obstacle course and more at the National Athletic Village.
:: Visit a Farm: Bonus points if you pick your own blueberries, strawberries, flowers, etc.
:: Walk the gardens at the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities: From ponds to fountains, there’s a feature here for everyone. The grounds are open from dawn to dusk.
Enjoy the Great Indoors:
:: Paint pottery at the 9th of September: Make a core memory and bring home a keepsake.
:: Visit Discovery Place in Rockingham: The children’s museum is a short drive from Moore County — if you’re lucky, your kids will catch a nap there and back.
:: Sign up for a class at My Gym Sandhills: From parent-and-me to big kids’ activities, there’s something for everyone to tumble about.
:: Register for Kids Bowl Free: Kids 2-14 receive two free games to use before 5 p.m. each day at
Sandhills Bowling Center through September (shoe rental not included). Add a family pass or assume your role as coach and mentor.
:: See a movie for cheap: Through Aug. 29, bring your minis to summer camp at Carolina Cinemas Sandhills 10. Select movies are just $2 a ticket. Also, take advantage of showings on Tuesdays when all movie tickets are just $7, all day long.
Attend a Fun Event or Camp, or Get Ready for Class:
:: Middle School Speech and Debate Camp: Hosted by the Pinecrest Speech and Debate Team, this camp for rising 6th to 9th graders offers a wide range of activities to help kids find their voice. Get the talking points.
:: Storybook Saturday: Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities is creating its first Kids’ Book Club for ages 4-12, which meets from 10:30-noon on July 15. It’s only open to 12 kids, so don’t just bookmark it — make sure to rsvp.
:: Tour a Little Preschool: Take a look at Rugg Rats, which just added a 1-year-old class to its lineup of classes for ages 2-5, offered from two to five days each week. Ease some of the ‘sponserberleries of life and email ruggrats407@gmail.com to see space availability for the upcoming school year.
Try New Food and Drink:
:: Get breakfast at the Harness Track Restaurant: The portions are big, the blueberry pancakes are a gem and you may even see some horses out and about training. Find it off the beaten track.
:: Visit Ben’s Ice Cream: There’s more than homemade ice cream and fresh produce, there’s also a giant slide and a bounce pillow. Make a day of it.
:: Eat at a food truck: Stop by Red’s Corner, complete with a playground, bar and rotating trucks for endless variety. Have a snack.
:: Get a slushee from James Creek Cider House: You’ll find non-alcoholic options for the kids and you, and even a giant game of Connect Four. Sip and play.
Discover / Do Something Unique:
:: Volunteer with U.S. Kids Golf: Volunteers are needed for the foundation’s upcoming Red, White & Blue Invitational, World Championships and World Teen Championships. Volunteer at a variety of courses, for a variety of roles. More info here.
:: Find a little free library: Take a book, leave a book.
:: See a big fish tank: Stop by Henry Orthodontics and take a look at the office’s aquarium. Curious about braces for your kids or yourself? Schedule a consult.
:: Go thrift shopping: Pop some tags. Bonus points if you make a family montage. Not sure where to go? See our list, and some tips and tricks.
:: See some murals: Explore Carthage and scan the QR code at each stop for a video and history, or drive out to Cameron and see what’s left of the painted barns art project. Here’s a windshield guide.
:: Go see the Aberdeen caboose: Restored by the Sandhills Central Railroad Club, this landmark includes a few mannequins in historical poses. The nearby depot includes a miniature village with a model train, with occasional events scheduled. Call for info.
:: Take a tourist photo with the Pinehurst Payne Stewart statue: Strike a pose.
:: Explore Dunrovin Country Store: This could take half a day. Seriously. With what seems like endless rooms filled to the brim you’re sure to find something chuckle-inducing. There’s also a wildlife sanctuary out back with animals like parrots, monkeys and more. Oh, and gem mining.
Let us know what’s on your to-do list at itsthesway.com. Want a physical copy so you and the fam can keep track? Print it out here.
