Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center, 5908 Buffaloe Rd, Raleigh www.raleighnc.gov/parks 919-996-5600

Three story water slide, lazy river, water vortex, water basketball and volleyball – Need we say more? But there is more - a tot play area and of course lap lanes. This new aquatic center is open year round. Come and enjoy this indoor playground.

Durant Nature Preserve, 8305 Camp Durant Road, Raleigh www.raleighnc.gov/parks 919-870-2871

The Nature Preserve is located on 237 acres in North Raleigh. Enjoy hiking, the bird and butterfly gardens, picnic pavilion, playground, nature programs, and over 5 miles trails for hiking or mountain biking.

E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest www.wakeforestnc.gov 919-435-9560

This 117 acre park features several restored log cabin and farm buildings, 3 miles of paved trails, garden and areas to sit back and enjoy the view. The 1000 lawn seat amphitheater plays hosts to music events such as the popular Six Sundays in Spring series.

Eno River State Park, 6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham www.ncparks.gov 919-383-1686

The Eno River flows through 3900 acres of natural areas. In some parts it is a gentle stream in others very swift. Fishing, canoeing,and miles of hiking trails can all be enjoyed in the park.

Falls Lake State Recreation Area, 13303 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest www.ncparks.gov 919-676-1027

Falls Lake boasts a 12,000 acre lake and 26,000 acres of woodlands for hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and swimming. Enjoy picnic areas and even a sandy beach. The park is part of the state's Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Greenway trails, and amphitheater. At the center is Bond Lake where you can enjoy fishing or rent a boat.

Hemlock Bluff's Nature Preserve, 2616 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary www.townofcary.org 919-387-5980

This park is a 150 acre preserve bordering Swift Creek and provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The Stevens Nature Center provides information about the Preserve and its habitat and inhabitants.

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, 280 State Park Road, Apex www.ncparks.gov 919-362-0586

Enjoy boating, hiking, camping, picnicking, swimming, and fishing at this 12,000 acre lake. You might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle!

Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville www.wakegov.com 919-460-3390

Located on 215 acres next to Lake Crabtree, visitors can spend their day fishing, canoeing, sailing, hiking and playing volleyball. Boat rentals area available. For something different, bring a GPS device and go Geocaching.

Pullen Park, 520 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh www.raleighnc.gov/parks 919-831-6468

Pullen Park has something for everyone, amusements such as a carousel, train ride, and pedal boats. The Pullen Arts Center, aquatic center, playgrounds, and athletic courts are all favorites at the park.

William B. Umstead State Park, 8801 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh www.ncparks.gov 919-571-4170

Located in the heart of the Triangle, this park offers over 5500 acres of camping, fishing, boating, hiking trails and even horseback riding trails. An escape from the everyday.