Summer is Heating Up in Chatham County

With the kids out of school, summertime becomes a never-ending search for fun, budget-friendly activities. This June, Chatham County has no shortage of activities for the whole family.

As temperatures are on the rise outside, make your next cool summer adventure be any one of these Chatham County activities. Fun for the entire family!

1. Visit with the Coolest Cats of Summer at the Carolina Tiger Rescue:

Take the opportunity to meet some of the world’s most endangered species with either a daytime public tour or a twilight tour with the Carolina Tiger Rescue! If watching Animal Planet isn’t enough for you, spend some quality time with these tigers, lions, bobcats and ocelots! Oh my! Learn more about these amazing creatures the rescue stories that bring many of these animals to the Carolina Tiger Rescue.

If spending a day “in the wild” in the summer heat doesn’t sound appealing, twilight tours are also offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings (April-October). Available to participants ages 13 and older, tour guides will let you experience a sanctuary empty of other visitors and volunteers!

Daytime Public Tours
Where: Carolina Tiger Rescue
When: Fridays: 10 a.m.; Saturdays: 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. (11 a.m. tour when available); Sundays: 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. (11 a.m. when available)
Price: Adults: $18; Youth 4-12: $11; Children 3 & Under: Free

Twilight Tours
Where: Carolina Tiger Rescue
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings (April-October)
Price: Adults: $28
Find out more: To reserve your tickets, please visit the site here.

2. Take a Walk Through Local Art Exhibitions:

On the third Friday of every month throughout the summer, the North Carolina Arts Incubator, along with several additional studio exhibitions will open their doors to showcase fine art ranging from mediums including ceramic, sculpture and paint. In the heart of downtown, the Third Friday ArtWalk brings together local artists and live music for a night filled with music, art, food and drinks.

Come out and enjoy the community as they celebrate their creativity through a display of local art!

Where: NC Arts Incubator, Historic Downtown Siler City
When: June 3-July 8, 2016, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Price: FREE
Find out more: To find our more about local bands and food trucks visiting the Third Friday ArtWalk, please visit the site here.

3. Cast a Line at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area:

Catch a Sure Thing (C.A.S.T) is a program designed for children ages 6 to 12 to teach basic fishing skills, such as baiting and hooking. This program is geared towards beginners- no experience necessary! Registration is limited, so make sure to RSVP before gearing up.

If you have already mastered fishing, the Aquatic Adventures program uses nets, guidebooks and some muddy adventures to learn about life under the pond.

Where: Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
When: June 4 – September 26, 2016, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Price: Varies
Find out more: To register or to RSVP, please visit the site here.

4. Kick Start a Fit Summer with Chatham County Libraries:

Every Wednesday, the Chatham County Library will host CCL Wellness Wednesdays for Kids! This free activity will offer karate lessons, Zumba, yoga and dance parties to children looking to stay active during the summer. Every Wednesday will offer something different!

Where: Chatham County Library
When: Wednesdays, June 22-August 10, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Price: Free
Find out more: Call (919) 545-8085 for more information!

5. Grab a Snack and Enjoy the Sounds of Bluegrass Music

Located between Goldston and Pittsboro at the corner of Reno Sharpe Store Rd. and Goldston-Pittsboro Rd., Reno Sharpe’s store was founded in the 1880s as a place to trade goods, cash checks or to catch up with old friends.

Now officially closed, Reno opens up the store twice a month, on first and third Saturday mornings for Gospel and Bluegrass music and a taste of southern style cooking. Grab a cold one and enjoy the surroundings of good friends, good food and a great community!

Where: 5889 Pittsboro Goldston Road, Bear Creek, NC 27207
When: June 4 – July 12, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Price: Donations accepted
To find out more: For more information, please visit the site here.