Hillsborough Travel Guide – Kid’s Edition
March 21, 2023
While parents might enjoy strolling along Hillsborough’s historic streets, taking in the centuries-old architecture, and savoring the delectable award-winning cuisine, kids may have a different definition of fun. Welcome to our Hillsborough Travel Guide – Kid’s Edition, where everyone is included in the fun!
Orange County Public Library
137 W Margaret Lane Hillsborough NC 27278
The Orange County Public Library’s main campus is in the heart of downtown Hillsborough. From story time to hands-on activities, the library offers events and programs for all ages. View their monthly calendar for more details!
Orange County Historical Museum – Kids Corner
201 N Churton St Hillsborough NC 27278
The Kid’s Space at the Orange County Historial Museum offers a fun learning environment for those aged 3-7. Little ones can explore Orange County’s history with various interactive activities, arts, and crafts. The Museum is open 7 days a week from 11 am until 4 pm and is always free to the public.
Park Play & Green Spaces
Hillsborough offers miles of paved walking trails, numerous parks, and plenty of green space for open play! Have a picnic, wander through nature, or slide and swing the day away. Click here for a full list of parks and recreation spots.
Eno River Farmers Market
144 E Margaret Lane Hillsborough NC 27278
Shop and play at the Eno River Farmers Market every Saturday. Browse the local farm stands and vendors while the kiddos enjoy activities or fun at River Park. Each week is a new adventure at the downtown Farmers Market Pavillion! Follow their social for the latest updates and upcoming schedule of events. The Eno River Farmers Market is open year-round – December through March (10 am – 12 pm) and April through November (8 am – 12 pm)
Farms and Gardens
Cuddle with goats or pick your own berries, Hillsborough farms provide endless fun for families! View a full list of farm visit opportunities here. Be sure to check back each season as new events, such as movie nights with goats, u-pick flowers, and arm visits day change regularly.
Sweet Treats & Food
Looking for a sweet snack or family friendly-meal, dine with us! Whether you choose to kick back with some homemade ice cream or share a slice of za’, Hillsborough offers the flavors that will satisfy your hunger at any age.
Choose your Menu:
Last Fridays and Art Walk
Join us every last Friday of the month for a free town-wide celebration of everything arts! Last Fridays and Art Walk includes poets, dancing, music, makers booths, and more – all hosted by the Hillsborough Arts Council. View details and the upcoming schedule here.
Kid-Friendly Annual Festivals
Mark your calendars, Hillsborough’s annual festivals are a must-do!
Revolutionary War Living History Day – March – Every year, the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough invites the public to experience the local history of the American Revolution with a day of family-friendly events. With live reenactors, dancers, historic tours, interactive activities, and collaborative events throughout town, everyone can enjoy this day.
River Park Concert – April – River Park Concert is a free downtown outdoor live music event for all ages celebrating local music and art. Hosted by the Triangle Music Alliance
Hog Day – September -A two-day festival for BBQ Pork enthusiasts. Featuring the best NC pulled pork around, live music, one-of-a-kind and handcrafted gifts, home decor, emergency vehicle displays, face painting, and bounce houses for the kids, then Hog Day is the place for you!
Handmade Parade: October (bi-annual) – the Hillsborough Handmade Parade is a grassroots community participation celebration organized by the Hillsborough Arts Council. This Mardi Gras-style street parade is completely created by the community and includes wild costumes, giant puppets, stilt walkers, marching bands, and much more.
Spirits Tour – October – Hillsborough, the oldest town in the Triangle, has a long history full of mayhem, mystery, and… murder?! Join the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough (with help from the Orange Community Players) for the annual Spirits Tour through the downtown historic district, where you may encounter some ghoulish former residents!
Solstice Lantern Walk – December -Create your own paper lanterns and walk along the Eno River to celebrate the solstice in this one-of-a-kind community event!
Orange County Sportsplex
101 Meadowlands Drive Hillsborough NC 27278
From summer camps to indoor ice skating, the Orange County Sportsplex is a great pit stop on your next family outing to Hillsborough! Offering a variety of classes, clinics, and clubs throughout the year, the Sportsplex also welcomes day passes and open play. Hit the ice, cannonball into the pool, or shoot some hoops – fun for all at the Sportsplex.
Amenities offered:
- Indoor basketball courts
- Indoor pickleball and volleyball courts
- Outdoor turf area that houses soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, and flag football
- Indoor ice skating and hockey
- Indoor pool
- Fitness
- Childcare
- Party Rooms