Support Us Button Widget

Raleigh’s summer 2022 bucket list

sUNFLOWERS

The sunflower field in full bloom at Dix Park. | Photo by RALtoday

We are all for the idea of an endless summer. With the help of some of our readers, we put together a bucket list of 30 things to do in Raleigh to help you plan the perfect summer.

🚣 Outdoor adventures

  • Kayak at Lake Johnson
  • Downtown scooter art tour
  • Sunset picnic at Dix Park
  • Outdoor yoga class at the NCMA
  • Watch Raleigh’s Fourth of July fireworks show
  • Sunflower photoshoot at Dix Park (full bloom is mid-July)
  • Take a hike at Umstead State Park
  • Experience a sunset at Centennial Campus’ Lake Raleigh Recreation Area
  • Zip line at TreeRunner Raleigh Adventure Park
  • Ride an electric bike on the Greenway

🎲 Fun and games

  • Play bingo at The Longleaf Lounge
  • Crack codes at an escape room
  • Bouldering at Triangle Rock Club
  • Dance at the Architect, Ruby Deluxe, and Legends in the same night
  • Mini-golf at the ParTee Shack
  • Watch a movie at The Rialto Theatre
  • Race go-karts at Frankie’s Fun Park
  • Practice your aim at Crazy Axe
  • Try out disc golf (peep these eight courses)
  • Play soccer in City Plaza (micro pitch coming soon)

Bonus: More spots to play games

🍷 For the foodies

  • Tropical cocktails at The Ark Royal
  • Share a bottle at Short Walk Wine
  • Visit three local spots during Drink Up Week (July 25-31)
  • Dinner at Pooles Diner
  • Grab ice cream from Fresh Local Ice Cream
  • Cocktails at The Parlor at Heights House (reservations required)
  • Rent a Trolley Pub with a group of friends
  • Eat a reuben sandwich at Mitch’s Tavern
  • A French-bistro style meal at Jolie
  • Wine tasting at The Willard

For more recommendations: Check out local author Alli Hurley’s book, 100 Things to Do in Raleigh Before You Die.

More from RALtoday
Electric-assist bikes are coming to downtown Raleigh, and they can start and stop just about anywhere. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the road.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, or the next Tiger Woods, these 18 golf courses around Raleigh are sure to make for a good round.
The store finds vacant retail spaces and signs temporary leases to set up shop leading up to Halloween — but locations can change each year.
Sponsored
To help make your entire process at RDU as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to details on the airport’s 48 nonstop routes.
Raleigh’s favorite indie rock fest is celebrating 15 years in downtown, and while you need a wristband to see the headliners + many club shows, you can still have plenty of fun without a ticket. Here’s how to enjoy Hopscotch without a wristband.
Dig into delicious and nutritious vegan and vegetarian fare in every corner of Raleigh.
From the floral backdrop to the customized ring — we’re dreaming of having our own viral engagement in Oak City.
The Pack is back in Carter-Finley on Thursday, Aug. 28 — here’s what you need to know while rooting for NC State football this season.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.