Wake Forest, NC is located in the northern part of the state and offers more than just a great place to visit.
With a vibrant community, endless activities, and incredible restaurants, Wake Forest is one of the best places in North Carolina to spend your time away from home.
There are many attractions here that will keep you busy for days on end. Wake Forest has a rich history and is home to several historic homes, churches, and other places that have been around for hundreds of years.
1. Visit the Factory
if you love visiting Malls and Shopping centers and one of the top things to do in your mind, then you should definitely visit this place.
This Shopping mall is perfect for Lunch, Dinner, and some shopping, an overall great place for kids and adults alike. T
he Factory features a wide variety of entertainment options including movies, bowling, go-karts, and mini golf. They also have an arcade with over 150 games!
There are plenty of places to eat, shop, and play. The ice skating rink is large enough so that you don’t have to worry about getting in someone’s way while they’re trying to skate.
The bowling alley is also very nice with lots of lanes and good service.
I highly recommend this place if you’re looking for something fun to do on a weekend afternoon or evening!
You can go for various sports such as gymnastics, a soccer field, an ice arena, virtual golf, a gym, and overall a shopping mall with boutiques, a spa, and whatnot.
Address: 1839 S Main St, Wake Forest, NC 27587
website: The Factory
Location/map
2. Get Fresh produce at Wake Forest Farmers Market
The Wake Forest Farmers Market is a great place to get fresh produce and other local goods.
Located in downtown Wake Forest, this market offers a wide variety of products including flowers, plants, baked goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade jams and jellies, soaps, candles, and much more.
The market also has live music, children’s activities, and food trucks on site. It is a great place to spend the day with your family!
Opening Hours: The Wake Forest Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 8:00 am until noon.
website: www.wakeforestmarket.org
Address: 235 S Taylor St, Wake Forest, NC 27587, United States
Map:
3. Spend the Day at the E. Carroll Joyner Park
E. Carroll Joyner Park is a great place to spend the day with your family. This park offers plenty of outdoor activities including a playground, tennis courts, walking trails, and more.
It has an amphitheater where plays and concerts are held throughout the summer months, as well as other special events like the Fourth of July fireworks show.
There’s also a basketball court, baseball field, and playground area for kids to play on.
You can also bring your dog along if you choose! The park is located behind Wake Forest Town Hall on North Main Street.
Opening Hrs: open daily from dawn to dusk.
Address: 701 Harris Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587, United States
Map:
4. Go to Wake Forest Renaissance Centre
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre is a multi-venue center for the arts, with two theaters and a gallery.
The Renaissance Centre is located on the campus of Wake Forest University. The building was constructed to house the university’s administration offices, but it also serves as a meeting place for students, faculty, and staff.
The building includes multiple dining options, including Einstein Bros Bagels and Starbucks Coffee.
There are performances and exhibits from all around the world; check out their website for more information on what’s happening during your visit.
Events: www.wakeforestrencen.org
Address: 405 Brooks St, Wake Forest, NC 27587, United States
5. Go to Hill Ridge Farms with Your Kids
Take your kids to visit Hill Ridge Farms for some farm fun! This is perfect for people looking for outdoor fun activities with kids and families.
The farm has an amazing petting zoo, pony rides, farm animals, a pumpkin patch and so much more! You can even have your picture taken with Santa Claus at this fun family attraction.
Visitors can take Train rides, and hayrides around the property or feed their favorite animals from an open window inside the barns.
There is also an animal nursery where kids can learn more about farm life from staff members who will even let them help out with chores like feeding or milking the animals!
Location: 703 Tarboro Rd, Youngsville, NC 27596, United States
Opening Hours:
Open Wed-Fri 10am-5:30pm
Open Sat 10am-5:30pm Play Park
6. Sample Craft Beers at the White Street Brewing Company
The White Street Brewing Company is a great place to enjoy some delicious craft beers.
Thanks to its delicious craft beers and deluxe service, the White Street Brewing Company is able to produce a line of wonderful classic beers.
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing lager or a hearty stout, the White Street Brewing Company has something for everyone.
The brewery offers a variety of different beers on tap, as well as a full menu of food options.
The brewery also has a large outdoor seating area where you can enjoy your beer and food while taking in the beautiful scenery.
The White Street Brewing Company is a great place to hang out with friends and family.
So next time you’re in the mood for a great drink, be sure to check out the White Street Brewing Company!
Reservations: www.whitestreetbrewing.com
Website: 218 S White St, Wake Forest, NC 27587, United States
7. Take a stroll in Downtown Wake Forest
Downtown Wake Forest has plenty of unique shops, restaurants, and bars that make it a great place to spend some time on any day of the week!
Wake Forest’s downtown area is packed with boutique shops if that’s your thing to do.
They sell everything from furniture pieces to clothing and accessories. The shops are small and intimate, so you’ll really get to know the owners and their staff.
Whether you are looking for a locally owned coffee shop or want to grab something delicious at one of our many restaurants, there is something for everyone in Downtown Wake Forest!
Location/Map:
8. Have fun at Smith Creek Soccer Park
Smith Creek Soccer Park is a 17-acre facility that houses three full-size soccer fields, a playground, and a picnic shelter. There are also picnic tables and charcoal grills available for use.
The park is open daily from dawn to dusk. Management prohibits Alcoholic beverages and Smoking is limited to parking areas only.
Make sure you do not bring personal grills (gas and/or charcoal) as it is also prohibited. In case you have dogs, they must be on a leash.
Address: 690 Heritage Lake Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587, USA
9. Know about Local History at Wake Forest Historical Museum
The Wake Forest Historical Museum is located in the original Wake Forest Depot, and it houses artifacts from the town’s past.
The museum offers exhibits on Wake County history, including information about Native American tribes, the Civil War, and the railroad era.
Visitors can also explore the museum’s collection of documents and photographs that relate to local history.
The museum hosts special events throughout the year, including educational programs for children and adults alike.
The Wake Forest Historical Museum is located at 519 North Main Street in the Town of Wake Forest. It includes both the historic Calvin Jones House and the main museum building.
10. Visit Calvin Jones House, one of the First Settlers of Wake Forest
This house is also within Wake forest historical Museum. If you are in wake forest you should definitely give a visit to the Calvin Jones House.
The Calvin Jones House is the oldest home in Wake Forest, NC. It’s also the first home of Stealey Hall in the former Wake Forest College.
It was built in 1820 and has been restored to its original condition. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been renovated to reflect life in the early 19th century.
The house has been restored and is open for tours on Saturdays from 1-4 pm and Sundays from 1-3 pm from April through December.
11. Have fun at Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Falls Lake State Recreation Area is a great place to visit. It is located about 20 minutes from Wake Forest and has many activities for everyone to enjoy.
It is spread over 5000 acres of area in Durham and Wake Counties area.
There are several hiking trails that range in difficulty, canoeing on the lake, camping, and much more!
The park opens at 8 am every day of the week except Christmas Day and closes at 21:00 Hrs.
There are also cabins available to rent if you want to stay overnight.
Falls Lake is perfect during the summer months because it’s not too hot and there’s plenty of shade under the trees by the lake.
Address: 13300 Creedmoor Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587, United States
12. Get Spooked at the Haunted Forest at Panic Point
If you’re looking for a Halloween scare, check out the Haunted Forest at Panic Point!
Located about 24 miles north of Raleigh, the forest is a popular destination for families, couples, and groups of friends looking to get their spook on.
This is a must-visit place specially during Halloween, they have around 6 different stations.
Food is good and affordable and is a must place for families with kids, this is one of the most rated places for things to do in the wake forest area. The Haunted Forest is a popular destination during the Halloween season, but it’s worth visiting year-round.
The forest features more than a dozen attractions, including a haunted house and a corn maze. You can also ride on a hayride or take part in one of the many other activities offered at Panic Point.
Address: 2808 Cedar Creek Rd, Youngsville, NC 27596, United States
Reservations: http://www.raleighhauntedhouse.com/
13. Explore Nature at the Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park
This is a Natural 157.6-acre park on a lake, with meadows, fields, play areas, trails & office with exhibits.
The Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve is a great place to go for a walk or hike.
There are several trails available throughout the park, including a nature trail, which takes visitors around some of Wake Forest’s most beautiful natural areas.
The preserve also features an observation tower that gives visitors a panoramic view of the area.
Address: 5229 Awls Haven Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614, United States
Opening Hours: Tuesday- Saturday: 10 am – 8:30 pm
Sunday: 1 – 8:30 pm
Free Parking: Yes Dogs Allowed: Yes, but must be on a leash
14. Learn Art and History in One Place at the Little House Museum & Gallery
The Little House Museum & Gallery is a great place to learn about art and history.
The house itself is a historic landmark, and the art galleries and history exhibits are just minutes away from Wake Forest University.
The pieces of antique and contemporary art are very well displayed, and the head to the two historical galleries is very informative.
I would highly recommend this museum to anyone interested in learning about art and history.
15. Know History at Wake Forest Museum of Anthropology
The Wake Forest Museum of Anthropology is located on the campus of Wake Forest University and offers a variety of exhibits, events, and educational programs.
The museum is dedicated to the study and interpretation of human cultures, with an emphasis on those cultures of the southeastern United States.
The museum’s collections include more than 12,000 artifacts from around the world. The museum also offers a variety of public programs, including lectures, workshops, and family-friendly events.
Final Thought
Wake Forest is a beautiful place with so much to do. Whether you love nature and history, or just want to explore the great outdoors, Wake Forest has something for everyone.
The city is also home to many great restaurants and bars that offer amazing food and drinks. If you are looking for a new place to visit in North Carolina, then Wake Forest should be high on your list of options.
Thanks for reading our guide to things to do in Wake Forest, NC. We hope you enjoyed it, and we wish you a wonderful time exploring this beautiful area!
If you have any questions or would like to share your own tips with us, feel free to reach out anytime .
