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Family bike rides & greenways around Raleigh
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Family bike rides & greenways around Raleigh

6 min read 7 places Last verified August 2026

Family rides live or die on the route: car-free paths, a destination treat, and gentle grades. Umstead's Reedy Creek entrance, the Black Creek Greenway and the American Tobacco Trail nail all three — here's how we ride them.

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Map & places

7 of 7 places mapped
Raleigh Popsicle Co.
4.7
(54 reviews)
Raleigh Popsicle Co.

Crabtree Valley Mall, 4325 Glenwood Ave Suite 1031, Raleigh, NC 27612

Raleigh Popsicle Co. offers a delightful selection of handmade, fresh fruit popsicles. Whether you're enjoying a cool treat on your own or sharing a fun moment with friends, our friendly atmosphere and attentive staff ensure a memorable experience. We also offer a unique bike cart service for events, bringing joy to any celebration.

🚘 Distance: 230.8 miles away

Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead
4.8
(350 reviews)
Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead

2139 Old Reedy Creek Road, Cary, North Carolina, 27513

The trailhead located between the Lake Crabtree dam and Old Reedy Creek Road provides access to the Black Creek Greenway, a 7-mile path that forms part of the East Coast Greenway. This scenic spot also connects to Umstead State Park, which features hiking, biking trails, and stunning overlooks of Lake Crabtree. Amenities at the trailhead include parking, restrooms, a bike repair station, and a small picnic shelter.

🚘 Distance: 232.6 miles away

Black Creek Greenway
5.0
(4 reviews)
Black Creek Greenway

2055 NW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27513

The Black Creek Greenway is a popular 7.1-mile path that spans from Lake Crabtree to Bond Park in Cary, North Carolina. This trail is part of the East Coast Greenway, offering both a scenic and functional route for walkers, bikers, and runners. Along the way, it connects to the White Oak Greenway, which extends to the American Tobacco Trail. Facilities include restrooms and a variety of accessible surfaces for different outdoor activities.

🚘 Distance: 233.8 miles away

Crank Arm Brewing Company
4.6
(535 reviews)
Crank Arm Brewing Company

319 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC, 27601

This craft brewery and tasting room in downtown Raleigh is known for its high-quality beers, including the award-winning American Belgo Whitewall Wheat, which earned a gold medal in 2018 and a bronze in 2016 at the Great American Beer Festival. The brewery fosters a love for beer and bikes, offering a cozy space for local beer enthusiasts to enjoy their brews.

🚘 Distance: 234.6 miles away

Cary Action Sports
4.7
(111 reviews)
Cary Action Sports

2040 NW Maynard Road, Cary, NC, 27513

Cary's Action Sports Park operates six days a week, weather permitting, offering a versatile course for all ages and skill levels. Visitors can use skateboards, inline and quad skates, non-folding scooters, and bikes without training wheels. The park also hosts special sessions such as RC Cars and Parkour events. A pro shop is available for equipment needs, and special hours are set aside for younger skaters, from noon to 1 p.m. on weekends.

🚘 Distance: 235.3 miles away

American Tobacco Trail - Wimberly Road Crossing
4.8
(32 reviews)
American Tobacco Trail - Wimberly Road Crossing

1017 Wimberly Road, Apex, NC 27523

The American Tobacco Trail stretches over 22 miles through North Carolina’s Triangle Region, passing through Durham, Chatham, and Wake counties, as well as the towns of Cary and Apex. This scenic rail-trail offers a peaceful route for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities, with connections to Lake Jordan and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land. 📱 For those exploring the Wake County portion, you can enhance your visit with mobile tours and educational programs available through Wake County Parks & Recreation. These interactive tours provide insights into the trail’s history, ecology, and wildlife. 👉 Take a self-guided mobile tour

🚘 Distance: 243.0 miles away

Raven Rock State Park
4.8
(3,453 reviews)
Raven Rock State Park

3009 Raven Rock Road, Lillington, NC, 27546

Located in Harnett County 40 miles southwest of Raleigh, Raven Rock State Park boasts the namesake 150-foot crystalline structure that overlooks the Cape Fear River. The trails along the bluffs that lead to the rock are dotted with beautiful wildflowers, including mountain laurel. Alternate hikes towards the river reward visitors with landmarks like Lanier Falls Rapids, Fish Traps Rapids, and the remains of the Northington Lock and Dam. Other accesses offer bridle trails, bike trails, and a campground with RV camping and camper cabins.

🚘 Distance: 259.8 miles away

Questions parents ask

Do we need our own bikes? +
American Tobacco Trail and most greenways are bring-your-own-bike. Cary Action Sports rents bikes and helmets by the hour for $15-$25. Raleigh Popsicle Co has a rental kiosk near the Neuse River Trail.
What is the easiest greenway for kids? +
Black Creek Greenway in Cary is flat and paved for 5 miles with minimal road crossings. Old Reedy Creek Road trailhead connects to a gentle loop through Umstead that is great for beginners.
Are greenways stroller-friendly? +
Black Creek Greenway and the American Tobacco Trail are fully paved and flat, perfect for jogging strollers. Umstead trails are gravel and dirt so a bike trailer works better than a stroller.

The best upcoming events you won’t want to miss

Parents Night Out: Kids Laser Tag Night
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Parents Night Out: Kids Laser Tag Night

at Battle House Laser Tag - Wake Forest, Raleigh
Four hours for them. Four hours for YOU. Drop the kids off at Battle House Laser Tag for a night packed with laser tag, pizza, a movie, and more laser tag. Meanwhile, you can go to dinner, catch a movie, run errands, enjoy a quiet house, or simply remember what it feels like to finish a sentence without being interrupted. Details Ages: 7 to 13 Time: 5 PM to 9 PM Price: $49 per child What's Included -4 hours total -Approximately 3 hours of Battle House Laser Tag -Large slice of pizza and a drink -Movie time during dinner, then more laser tag time For Parents: Four glorious hours where parents do not have to entertain anyone Reserve tickets at: https://ecom.roller.app/battlehousefayetteville/parentsnightout/en-us/products
221.1 mi $49
Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day
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Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day

Abbotts Creek Community Center, 9950 Durant Road, Raleigh, NC 27614
Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day is a free community event presented by PR Home Care for older adults, family caregivers, and families who want to plan ahead and connect with trusted local resources before a crisis occurs. Meet local professionals and learn about fall prevention, aging in place and home safety, dementia and caregiver support, planning, medication safety, home organization, and other resources that can support safer, more independent living. Aging in Place North Carolina will provide a featured presentation, “How to Safely and Comfortably Age in the Home You Love.” The event will also include community resources, giveaways, and complimentary light refreshments while supplies last. Free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome.
225.2 mi Free
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