10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Greensboro, North Carolina (Guilford County)
If you’re planning a trip to
Greensboro, North Carolina, or you’re local and looking for new ideas, you’re in the right place. Greensboro is one of those cities that quietly surprises you. It’s big enough to have plenty going on, but small enough that you don’t feel rushed or overwhelmed.
Below are
10 things to do in and near Greensboro in Guilford County that mix history, outdoor fun, local flavor, and family-friendly spots. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or staying a little longer, you’ll find something that fits your style.
1. Step Back In Time At The International Civil Rights Center & Museum
Right in downtown Greensboro, the
International Civil Rights Center & Museum sits inside the historic Woolworth’s building. This is where four Black college students started the famous sit-in at the lunch counter in 1960.
Inside, you’ll see:
- The original lunch counter and stools
- Powerful photos and videos from the Civil Rights Movement
- Guided tours that walk you through key moments in history
This isn’t one of those “walk-through-quickly” museums. The stories are emotional and eye-opening. I still remember standing by the counter and imagining the courage it took to sit there and not move. It hits differently when you’re in the exact place it happened.
If you’re traveling with kids or teens, this is a great chance to talk about history in a real, personal way—not just what they see in textbooks.
2. Relax And Explore At Greensboro Science Center
If you want something that mixes
zoo,
aquarium, and
science museum all in one, head to the
Greensboro Science Center. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Greensboro for families.
You’ll find:
- Outdoor zoo with red pandas, lemurs, meerkats, and more
- Aquarium with penguins and stingrays
- Hands-on science exhibits and a kids’ area
- SkyWild, a treetop adventure course for those who like a challenge
One of the best parts is that you can easily spend a half day here without getting bored. On a hot North Carolina day, going from the outdoor zoo to the cool aquarium feels like a nice little break.
Tip: Weekday mornings are usually calmer than weekends and afternoons.
3. Walk, Bike, Or Paddle At Country Park & Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
Love getting outside? Greensboro has a surprising amount of green space right in the city.
Country Park and
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park sit side by side, giving you miles of trails and history all in one area.
At
Country Park you can:
- Walk or bike around the lakes
- Let kids enjoy the playgrounds
- Have a picnic under the trees
Next door,
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park is a Revolutionary War battlefield. There are:
- Paved and natural trails
- Monuments and markers that explain what happened here in 1781
- A visitor center with exhibits and a short film
It’s an easy place to spend a couple of hours—some people come here to learn about history, others just enjoy a calm walk in the woods. Either way, it’s one of the best free things to do in Greensboro.
4. Enjoy The Outdoors At Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden & Bog Garden
If you like quiet, pretty places, these two nearby gardens in Greensboro are perfect.
Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden has:
- Beautiful flowers and landscaped paths
- Statues and a small bridge that’s great for photos
- Benches where you can sit and relax
Just a short walk or drive away is the
Bog Garden, a unique wetland area with an elevated boardwalk. You stroll right over the water and through the trees. You might spot ducks, turtles, and other wildlife if you walk quietly.
It’s the kind of place where you catch your breath, stretch your legs, and reset—especially after a busy day exploring Greensboro.
5. Eat And Shop Your Way Through Friendly Center & Friendly Avenue Area
If you’re wondering where to eat in Greensboro, start with the
Friendly Center area off Friendly Avenue. It’s a large open-air shopping and dining area that feels like a small town inside the city.
You’ll find:
- Plenty of chain restaurants you already know
- Local spots and dessert shops
- Big-name stores and smaller boutiques
It’s very walkable, and parking is simple. This is a good place to go in the evening when you’re not sure what you’re in the mood for. You can wander a bit, check out a few menus, and decide on the spot.
On cooler nights, sitting outside with a burger or a coffee and people-watching is half the fun.
6. Experience Local Flavor In Downtown Greensboro
Downtown Greensboro has changed a lot over the years, and now it’s a favorite hangout spot for locals and visitors.
Along Elm Street and the surrounding blocks, you’ll find:
- Local restaurants serving everything from Southern comfort food to tacos and sushi
- Coffee shops with cozy corners
- Breweries and bars with live music
- Murals and public art that make great photo backdrops
On some weekends, you might run into street festivals, outdoor music, or special events. Parking garages are spread around the area, and once you park, you can easily walk from place to place.
If you like to get a feel for the “soul” of a city, downtown Greensboro is where you’ll find it.
7. Catch A Show At The Steven Tanger Center For The Performing Arts
Looking for a night out? The
Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts is one of Greensboro’s newest stars. It hosts:
- Broadway touring shows
- Concerts and comedy acts
- Symphony performances and special events
The building itself is modern and impressive, and the sound quality inside is excellent. If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth checking the schedule ahead of time—you might be able to time your trip with a show you’ve been wanting to see.
Before or after the show, you can grab dinner or drinks downtown, all within a short walk or quick drive.
8. Visit The Greensboro Children’s Museum
If you’re traveling with younger kids, the
Greensboro Children’s Museum is a must-do activity near downtown.
Kids can:
- Play in a pretend grocery store, doctor’s office, and more
- Climb and explore the outdoor play structures
- Join hands-on activities and programs
The museum is built around the idea that kids learn best by doing. They can touch, climb, build, and pretend—all the things kids love to do anyway.
For parents, it’s a safe, contained space where little ones can burn off energy while you get a small break from planning the rest of the day.
9. Cheer With The Locals At A Greensboro Grasshoppers Game
Want a classic American evening? Grab a ticket to a
Greensboro Grasshoppers baseball game at First National Bank Field, right near downtown.
Minor league baseball has a laid-back, friendly vibe. You’re close to the action, tickets are usually affordable, and there’s often extra fun like:
- Fireworks nights
- Theme nights and giveaways
- Kids running the bases
Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, it’s a great way to enjoy a warm North Carolina evening. Get a hot dog, sit back, and soak in the atmosphere.
10. Explore Guilford County’s Trails And Parks Beyond The City Center
Once you’ve seen the main attractions in Greensboro, it’s worth exploring more of
Guilford County. Within a short drive, you’ll find parks and trails where you can stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air.
A few local favorites include:
- Lake Brandt – Great for kayaking, canoeing, and lakeside hiking trails.
- Lake Higgins – A quieter option with boat rentals, fishing, and peaceful views.
- Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway – A multi-use trail that’s perfect for biking or long walks.
If you like to balance your city time with nature, these spots around Greensboro are ideal. Pack some snacks, bring water, and enjoy a slower pace for a few hours.
Planning Your Trip To Greensboro, NC
Greensboro is easy to reach from other parts of North Carolina—roughly:
- 1.5 hours from Raleigh
- 1.5 hours from Charlotte
- About 45 minutes from Winston-Salem
Because many top attractions are close together, it’s a great weekend getaway spot. You can:
- Spend one day exploring downtown, museums, and local food
- Use another day for parks, lakes, and gardens
Whether you’re interested in
history, family activities, outdoor adventures, or good food, you’ll find plenty of things to do in and around Greensboro and Guilford County.
What Did We Miss? Share Your Greensboro Favorites!
Have you spent time in
Greensboro, North Carolina? Do you have a favorite local restaurant, park, or hidden gem that deserves a shout-out?
- Drop a comment below and share your go-to spots.
- If you know someone planning a North Carolina road trip, share this guide with them.
Your tips and stories help other travelers discover the best things to do in Greensboro and around Guilford County—and might even inspire their next adventure.
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