As the first day of the summer approaches, our excitement is building for all the warm-weather adventures ahead! Healthy Balance is one of Chatham Park’s core pillars, and with an abundance of nearby activities, amenities, and nature, it’s the ideal setting to create a balanced lifestyle for your entire family. From cooling off in the splash pad to getting your game on at Paddles Swim & Pickleball and enjoying live entertainment at the Philip H. Kohl MOSAIC Family Commons, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun in the sun!

In this blog post, we’ll be your guide to the best activities in and around Chatham Park this summer!

Splash Pad & Playgrounds
If you haven’t checked out Knight Farm Community Park yet, it’s the perfect time to take a walk to Vineyards at Chatham Park and spend an afternoon at the splash pad! It runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend and is a great way for the little ones to cool off during the hot summer days. Spread out across 10 acres, Knight Farm Community Park also features a whimsical playhouse, a dragon-shaped climbing gym, and a natural playground with tree trunk balance beams and rock gardens. Plus, there is a multi-use field for sports, a walking path that spans the perimeter of the park, and a dog park. If you need a break from the sun, retreat to the covered pavilion with a picnic table lunch! 

Paddles Swim & Pickleball
Paddles Swim & Pickleball is a private swimming and pickleball club located in Vineyards at Chatham Park. Play until your hearts content on eight courts (including four with night lights) and then take a dip in the six-lane competition-style pool (swimming lessons available) and zip down the curvy blue slide. Or if you would prefer to kick your feet up and relax instead, bask in some Vitamin D on one of our comfortable lounge chairs or picnic tables, grab a snack from the nearby concession stand, or bring your little ones for a splash in the kiddie pool. Memberships are available for residents and non-residents, so make sure Paddles Swim & Pickleball Club is on your list this summer.

Live Music & Events
MOSAIC at Chatham Park hosts a wide array of family-friendly outdoor events throughout the summer months, most of which offer free admission. Every Friday (except July), residents can gather on the Philip H. Kohl MOSAIC Family Commons event lawn for a live movie or concert. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy plenty of local food, beverages, and other concessions. MOSAIC also offers farmers markets, wellness events, and more for the whole family to enjoy all season long. See their 2024 event schedule HERE.

Outdoor Dining
With so much to do and see in and around Chatham Park, you’ll undoubtedly build an appetite for delicious local cuisine. Outdoor patio dining is available at numerous restaurants including Hops & Berry Taproom (MOSAIC at Chatham Park), Havoc Brewing Company (downtown Pittsboro), and Mi Cancun (Penguin Place in Chatham Park), and don’t forget to swing by S & T’s Soda Shoppe or Circle City Ice Cream (both located in downtown Pittsboro) if you’re looking for something cold and sweet. 

Community Trails
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a sunny run, a breezy bike ride, or an afternoon walk with your furry friend, Chatham Park has it all! Maintaining an active lifestyle is easy with walking/biking trails and greenways that are accessible from Chatham Park – and continue to grow far beyond. When the 30+ miles of greenways and bike trails are completed, they will connect neighbors and neighborhoods, creating even more opportunities to Live, Work, Play, and Learn in our community. View our complete trail map  HERE. 

Hiking, Fishing, Kayaking, & More
Lace on your most trusted tennis shoes or hiking boots because Jordan Lake State Park has 15 miles of beautiful hiking you won’t want to miss. The area is also great for pitching a tent, paddling down the river, reeling in a fish, and spotting a bald eagle. Jordan Lake State Park Visitor Center is just 15 minutes from Chatham Park.

Additionally, the Lower Haw River is a fun excursion just 10 minutes from Chatham Park! Visitors can access the Lower Haw River to canoe or kayak from multiple points including the Bynum Beach Canoe Access, the Robeson Creek Canoe Access, and others. A little over an hour away from Chatham Park, you can journey into the wetlands at Haw River State Park. Venture onto the boardwalk surrounded by swamps, try your luck at a round of disc golf, and cap off a great summer day with a delicious sunset picnic. Whether you’re looking to spend a whole day out, or just an afternoon, there are options for all!

North Carolina Zoo
Just a short 45-minute drive to Asheboro, NC, you will find the North Carolina Zoo, which is one of the world’s largest natural habitat zoos including 1,700 animals (more than 250 species) that have plenty of room to roam on a whopping 2,600 acres. Their dedicated team of experts provide exceptional, compassionate care to their animals, leading efforts globally to protect wildlife and wild places because they believe nature’s diversity is critical for the collective future. By planning a fun day trip to the zoo, you’ll be supporting their mission and efforts of protecting endangered species and habitats.