The Perfect Saturday in Cary with Kids
Cary does not get the same buzz as Raleigh or Durham, but honestly? For a family Saturday, it might be the most underrated spot in the Triangle. World-class parks, great food, and way less stress with parking and crowds. Here is our go-to itinerary.
8:30 AM — Breakfast at Ashworth Drugs
Start your day at Ashworth Drugs in Downtown Cary. This is an old-fashioned lunch counter inside a pharmacy and it has been open since 1957. The pancakes and egg sandwiches are simple and delicious, and the kids love sitting at the counter on the swivel stools. Cash or card accepted.
Parking: Free street parking everywhere in downtown Cary. It is never a problem.
9:15 AM — Downtown Cary Park
Walk across the street to Downtown Cary Park. This park is gorgeous — a big interactive fountain splash pad (seasonal), climbing structures for different age groups, a skate area, and wide open green space. The splash pad is the best free water play in the Triangle, hands down. Restrooms are clean and well-maintained.
Stroller access: Perfect. The whole park is paved and accessible.
10:30 AM — Fred G. Bond Metro Park
Drive 5 minutes to Bond Park, Cary's flagship park. This place is massive — 310 acres with a lake, trails, playgrounds, and a boathouse. Rent a kayak or paddleboat at the Bond Park Boathouse (seasonal, about $8-12/hour). The Sycamore Creek Trail is an easy loop great for kids on bikes or scooters. Multiple playground areas are scattered throughout.
12:00 PM — Lunch at Corbett's Burgers & Soda Bar
Drive 5 minutes to Corbett's Burgers & Soda Bar on Kildaire Farm Road. Their burgers are excellent and the hand-mixed sodas and milkshakes are a huge hit with kids. The atmosphere is retro and fun. If you want something different, La Farm Bakery in Cary's Parkside Town Commons has incredible sandwiches and pastries.
1:15 PM — Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
Head to Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, a 10-minute drive. The Stevens Nature Center has free exhibits about local wildlife that kids enjoy. The trails wind through rare Eastern Hemlock trees on the bluffs — it feels like you have been transported to the mountains. The main loop is about 1 mile and manageable for kids 4 and up. Strollers are tough on these trails, so plan for carriers for little ones.
2:30 PM — Page-Walker Arts & History Center
Swing back to downtown Cary and visit the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. This restored Victorian hotel has rotating art exhibits and local history displays. It is small and free, making it a nice 20-minute stop. The grounds are pretty for photos.
3:00 PM — Treat Time at Annelore's German Bakery
Walk down to Annelore's German Bakery for strudel, Black Forest cake, or German cookies. This bakery is a Cary treasure. Everything is made from scratch and the flavors are incredible. Kids love the pretzel rolls.
3:30 PM — Cary Arts Center or WakeMed Soccer Park
If your kids are into art, check the schedule at the Cary Arts Center for drop-in workshops. For sports fans, drive 5 minutes to WakeMed Soccer Park — even without a game, the fields are great for pickup play and the surrounding trails are fun to explore. Check the NC Courage and NC FC schedules; games are affordable and exciting for kids.
5:00 PM — Early Dinner at Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen
If the family is hungry, stop at Lucky 32 on Maynard Road for farm-to-table Southern food. They have a solid kids menu and the portions are generous. The shrimp and grits are a must-try. If you want something faster, Mythos Greek Taverna in Waverly Place has great gyros and the kids can share spanakopita.
Budget Breakdown
Rainy Day Alternatives
Seize the Clay pottery painting studio in Cary is great for rainy afternoons. The Cary Theater shows movies at discount prices. And the Stevens Nature Center at Hemlock Bluffs is fully indoors.Why Cary Is an Underrated Family Destination
Here is the thing about Cary that newcomers miss: the infrastructure is incredible. The parks are immaculately maintained, the greenway system connects half the town by paved trails, free parking is everywhere, and the town invests heavily in family programming. Raleigh and Durham get the attention, but Cary is where many Triangle families spend most of their weekends because it just works. The crowds are smaller, the parking stress is nonexistent, and the quality of the parks and facilities rivals anything in the region. If you have not explored Cary with kids, you are missing out on some of the best family infrastructure in North Carolina.Cary Restroom and Access Notes
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