Top Attractions for Groups in Cary
Cary is home to numerous museums, outdoor spaces, and historical sites just waiting to be explored. Here are some of the best places for your group to check out during your time in town.
NC Museum of Art
Boasting an impressive permanent collection and regularly changing exhibitions, the NC Museum of Art is a must-see for any art lover visiting the Triangle. Works range from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary multimedia installations. Outside, your group can take a peaceful stroll through the art museum’s 164-acre Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, featuring site-specific sculptures along woodland paths and trails. Guided tours are available with advanced booking for groups of 10 or more.
Booth Amphitheatre
By day, the tiered lawn of Koka Booth Amphitheatre provides panoramic views of downtown Cary. By night, it transforms into an open-air performing arts venue. From live concerts to theater productions and dance performances, Booth Amphitheatre hosts a diverse lineup of family-friendly entertainment. Many events are free or low cost, making this a budget-friendly group activity.
WakeMed Soccer Park
North Carolina Football Club and North Carolina Courage call WakeMed Soccer Park home. With a seating capacity of over 10,000, this premier venue hosts professional soccer matches from March through October. Catch an exciting game with your crew and feel the energy of fans cheering from the bleachers. Tour packages are available for groups.
Page-Walker Arts & History Center
Step back in time with a visit to the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. Housed in Cary’s oldest remaining home, this cultural hub provides an intriguing glimpse into the town’s roots through exhibits and educational programs. Group tours can be arranged by appointment, taking you through rooms furnished with period artifacts. Outside, stroll through the historic gardens and grounds.
USA Baseball National Training Complex
Calling all baseball fans! The USA Baseball National Training Complex spans over 100 acres just outside downtown Cary. Equipped with four major league-caliber fields, batting cages, bullpens, and other top-notch amenities, it serves as the official training center for USA Baseball. Consider booking a behind-the-scenes group tour for a one-of-a-kind insider’s look.
Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival
Every August, the streets of downtown Cary come alive for the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival. Now in its 47th year, this popular event draws talented artisans from across the region to showcase their works, including pottery, paintings, jewelry, textiles, and more. Enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the day. Entry is free, making this a budget-friendly group activity.
Jordan Lake
At 13,900 acres, Jordan Lake offers countless recreational opportunities including swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking along nearly 300 miles of wooded shoreline. Groups can book educational eco-tours and ranger-led activities through the US Army Corps of Engineers. There are also 12 public access areas with picnic shelters perfect for group gatherings.
Walnut Creek Wetland Center
Managed by the Town of Cary, this scenic wildlife sanctuary features a lodge with educational displays, observation decks, and over 7 miles of trails winding through pine forest, wetland, and marsh habitats. Guided tours are available for groups focused on topics like plant identification, wildlife tracking, and wetland ecology.
Cary Arts Center
Promoting creativity for all ages, the Cary Arts Center offers a full calendar of classes and camps in pottery, painting, dance, photography, and more. Groups can register for hands-on clay workshops or book private spaces like the ceramics studio for special events. Public art exhibitions showcase local talent.
William B. Umstead State Park
Covering over 5,500 acres just outside Cary, Umstead State Park provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including 22 miles of hiking trails, a bridle trail for horseback riding, mountain biking paths, and a picturesque lake for fishing and paddling. Rangers lead educational group programs on topics like wildlife and nature exploration.
Cary Theater
First opened in 1946, the historic Cary Theater in downtown hosts indie and foreign films on its main screen, along with big blockbusters in the adjoining Mayton Twin Theater. Beyond movies, this cultural hub offers concerts, comedy shows, live broadcasts, and other community programming perfect for date nights or group nights out.
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
Protecting 148 acres of rare Appalachian hemlock forest, this scenic nature preserve offers over 3 miles of hiking trails, a creekside boardwalk, and ruins of an old mill dam. Groups can register for ranger-led programs like birding hikes catered for various skill levels. There’s also a 99-foot tall scenic overlook tower.
How to Get Around Cary
When it comes to navigating Cary with a group, you have several convenient transportation options to choose from. Consider the pros and cons of each to determine the best fit for your itinerary and budget.
Public Transportation
GoCary is the local public bus system in Cary, with routes operating daily except Sundays. However, buses generally run every 30-60 minutes, so they may not be the most time efficient option for large groups with a packed sightseeing schedule.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis like Uber and Lyft operate throughout Cary and surrounding areas. While convenient for individuals or small parties, booking multiple vehicles to coordinate transportation for a large group can get complicated and pricey. Be sure to thoroughly assess costs when budgeting for your trip.
Charter Buses
For seamless transportation around Cary, charter buses are often the best choice for large groups. When you reserve a private motorcoach with Cary Party Bus Company, you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to build a custom itinerary tailored to your group’s needs and interests. Our experienced team knows the area well, so you can sit back and focus on the fun instead of logistics. Charter buses provide ample room for all your passengers and their gear, as well as amenities like climate control, entertainment systems, and restrooms onboard. Costs are affordable when divided among the group, especially for long distances. Plus, you’ll avoid parking challenges and traffic jams. Simply hop on and off at each stop on your agenda.
Ready to Get Started?
With kid-approved museums, a vibrant downtown scene, and plenty of outdoor recreation, Cary has something special to offer every group. Use this guide to start planning your visit, then get in touch with Cary Party Bus Company when you’re ready to book transportation. Our team is available at 984-208-0198 to answer questions, provide quotes, and reserve the perfect charter bus or minibus for your next big Cary adventure!