Discover local family fun gems like tiger rescues, farm tours, and cozy soda shops for a perfect day out in Chatham County with the kids.
By Alison Grau | Photography by John Michael Simpson
Chatham County is brimming with ways to make family memories all year long, from bottle-feeding goats to bouncing off rainy-day energy. Whether your crew prefers wide-open pastures, splash-pad afternoons or cozy story times at the library, there’s no shortage of adventures designed to delight toddlers, teens and grown-ups alike. Consider this your go-to guide for getting out of the house and into the fun, right in your backyard – no long road trips required.
Out in the Country
A visit to Carolina Tiger Rescue is a rite of passage for any Chathamite and supports the organization’s mission of saving and protecting wild cats, both in captivity and in the wild. Choose from a variety of offerings, including public tours of the sanctuary or educational summer day camps, or sign up for a Tiger Tales tour, an engaging program for children including story time, an animal-themed take-home craft and an opportunity to see some of the most iconic resident animals up close.
Prefer a more immersive animal experience? Head to Old Mill Farm, an event venue, beer garden and agritourism farm, and the adjacent My Little Farmer, which focuses on early childhood farm education. This spring, My Little Farmer invites families to experience the magic of farm life through thoughtfully curated, hands-on programming designed with young children and their grown- ups in mind. Its signature drop-in farm classes, offered regularly for ages 1-4, encourage curiosity, connection and a love of animals through play-based learning.
Seasonal offerings at Old Mill Farm will expand with Easter programming, featuring bunny snuggles, Easter farm visits and exclusive collaborations with select studio photographers, creating one-of-a-kind spring portraits in a farm setting. In addition, Mini Rider Academy will be in full swing this spring, offering horseback riding lessons for ages 3 and up, enchanting “unicorn” encounters and a variety of pony ride experiences designed to introduce young riders to horses in a joyful, confidence-building environment.
Escape to the simple and peaceful country setting of Celebrity Dairy, a 300-acre working dairy farm with goats, chickens and the occasional peacock or barn cat. Break up your routine with a midweek farm-to-table lunch that includes a tour of the dairy and inn, and the chance to meet llamas and Alpine goats.
Enjoy a tranquil day at Fearrington Village with the family. Fuel up at The Belted Goat Cafe with fresh breakfast sandwiches, pop into Johanna Banana’s weekly story time at McIntyre’s Books, indulge in Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea at The Fearrington House Restaurant and don’t forget to stop by the Belted Barnyard to say hello to the adorable Belted Galloway cows.
Soak Up the Sun
Run, skip and play at the Knight Farm Community Park, featuring a playground, grill, pavilion and picnic tables that make for the perfect family outing. And when the weather heats up, cool down with a hop through the splash pad!
lessons and camps on Jordan Lake.
Whether you’re enjoying views of the wetlands from the trails, hiking alongside the lake or enjoying a peaceful afternoon of picnicking and bird-watching, Jordan Lake State Park is a local gem for outdoor enthusiasts. The park houses seven access areas that provide boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and swimming opportunities as well. Make a night of it and choose from the Jordan Lake’s more than 1,000 campsites to sleep under the stars and connect with nature in a whole new way!
For a Rainy Day
Flip, bounce and soar at Unify Athletics in classes designed for families of all ages. From toddlers finding their balance to teens chasing their dreams and adults building strength in yoga and fitness classes, there’s something for everyone. Coaches are prepared to accommodate a wide range of skills, learning styles and motivation factors to help build self-confidence, discipline and empathy.
Aja Rodgers practices on the balance beam at Unify Athletics’ former Durham location. The gymnastics center
relocated to Pittsboro in 2025.
Unleash your creativity with the Chatham County Arts Center, offering a variety of multidisciplinary programs with classes for early childhood, youth, teens and adults, like pottery and stained glass. These classes are a great way to build skills, have fun and even make new friends. Participants can choose from short workshops or extended six-week class sessions. This season, keep your eyes peeled for special spring art experiences designed for children and teens.
Relax with reading time, check out seeds and materials to start a home garden or join in for special programs at Chatham County Public Libraries. The three branches include Chatham Community Library in Pittsboro, Goldston Public Library in Goldston and Wren Memorial Library in Siler City. The libraries offer weekly meetings such as Lego Club, Family Story Time and Kaleidoscope, a playgroup designed for parents and caregivers with children up to five years old who do not attend preschool. The group provides a space for caregivers to connect with one another and build community.
Fuel the Fun
Skip the hassle of cooking and cleaning and take the family out for a kid-friendly meal that will leave you feeling full and fulfilled. Fearrington’s Roost Beer Garden is a relaxing way to spend an evening in the warmer months. The outdoor venue often features live music, setting the perfect soundtrack for dance, play and making new friends.
Grab a stacked cup of layered Italian ice and soft serve at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice at Northwood Landing, then go for a walk nearby at Wade Barber Park, a 2.5-acre wooded trail adjacent to the shopping center.
Historic downtown Pittsboro’s S&T’s Soda Shoppe has been serving up burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs and other favorites for more than 25 years. Be sure to check out its 32 flavors of ice cream in the form of oversized sundaes, floats and its iconic banana split, all great for sharing. Also downtown, Virlie’s Grill offers diner classics, featuring daily specials, homemade soups, salads and a kids’ menu. Its sandwiches have been voted among the Best of Chatham for several years in a row!
Just west of town, West End Kitchen offers elevated comfort food in a modern farmhouse setting and serves a family night menu every Wednesday with reliable favorites such as hot dogs, smash burgers, pepperoni pizza and chicken tenders with fries.
However you envision family time – muddy boots on the farm, sandy shoes by the lake or sticky fingers from an ice cream cone – Chatham offers plenty of simple pleasures that bring everyone together. So pack the sunscreen, grab the rain jackets and set out to explore!
