Summer Bucket List in The Pines
The Pines Summer Bucket List: 15 Moore County Adventures
Summer in The Pines is too much fun to spend entirely in the air conditioning! Whether you have lived here for years, are new to Moore County or are visiting for the weekend, there is always another local place to discover.
Grab your family, your friends—or enjoy a solo adventure—and see how many of these Moore County stops you can check off before summer slips away.
How many can you complete?
☐ 1. Pick or Purchase Fresh Moore County Peaches
Nothing says summer in The Pines quite like a juicy local peach. Visit Kalawi Farm in Eagle Springs or another Moore County farm stand for fresh peaches, produce and seasonal treats.
Piney Challenge: Make a peach dessert—or eat one over the sink and call it lunch.
☐ 2. Cool Off at a local Splash Pad
Pack the towels and sunscreen for a refreshing afternoon at the Moore County Splash Pad in Carthage. Admission is free, and the splash pad is scheduled to operate daily from 10am–6pm through Labor Day in 2026. Check current splash-pad information.
☐ 3. Walk Around the Village of Pinehurst
Stroll beneath the trees, browse the local shops and pause near the Village Green. Don’t forget to snap a photograph beside the oversized golf putter!
Piney Challenge: Find a shop or restaurant you have never visited before.
☐ 4. Explore Reservoir Park
Walk the trails, play a round of disc golf, launch a kayak or enjoy the view at Reservoir Park in Southern Pines. It is one of Moore County’s favorite places for walking, paddling and picnicking.
☐ 5. Enjoy Ice Cream from a Local Shop
Summer needs at least one ice cream outing—preferably several! Visit a locally owned ice cream or sweet shop and order something more adventurous than your usual flavor.
Piney Challenge: Let someone else choose your flavor.
☐ 6. Visit Downtown Aberdeen
Explore the shops, restaurants, public art and historic railroad buildings in Downtown Aberdeen. Then relax beside Aberdeen Lake or take a walk around the park.
☐ 7. Take a Nature Walk at Weymouth Woods
Discover longleaf pines, sandy trails and native wildlife at NC State Park Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve in Southern Pines . Visit early in the morning for cooler temperatures and a peaceful start to the day.
Piney Challenge: Look for a red-cockaded woodpecker—but admire all wildlife from a respectful distance.
☐ 8. Discover a Treasure in Cameron
Spend an afternoon browsing the antique stores and locally owned businesses in the historic town of Cameron. You never know what unexpected treasure—or story—you might find.
☐ 9. Visit a local Museum or historical site
Step inside Moore County’s history, art and local stories by visiting a museum in The Pines. From historic homes and farms to literary, cultural and railroad exhibits, there is plenty to discover—and museums make a perfect rainy-day or beat-the-heat summer adventure.
☐ 10. Catch a Movie on a Hot Afternoon
When the temperature climbs, cool off with popcorn and a movie. Sunrise Theater offers a nostalgic moviegoing experience with both new releases and beloved classics, while Carolina Cinemas delivers the latest technology and comfort for enjoying today’s biggest films.
Piney Challenge: See an old favorite on the big screen—or choose a movie you know nothing about!
☐ 11. Spend an Afternoon in Robbins
Head north to Robbins, explore the community and visit Robbins Mill Pond Park or Bear Creek Trails. Pack a picnic, take a walk and enjoy a quieter corner of Moore County.
☐ 12. Find an Old-Fashioned Treat at Dunrovin
Stop by Dunrovin Country Store in Vass for homemade fudge, old-fashioned candy, ice cream, baked goods and plenty of unexpected finds. Bonus they have ice cream & an Amish Deli!
Piney Challenge: Choose a treat you remember from childhood.
☐ 13. Enjoy Live Music in The Pines
Pack a lawn chair and catch an outdoor concert, First Friday celebration or live performance at a local restaurant, brewery or community gathering. Explore The Pines Times Music Scene to find upcoming performances.
☐ 14. Visit a Moore County Farmers Market
Shop for locally grown produce, baked goods, flowers, handcrafted items and other seasonal finds. Introduce yourself to a vendor and learn where something was grown or made. There are many Farmers Markets throughout The Pines.
☐ 15. Try Something Completely New
Take a line-dancing class, play a short round of golf, visit an arcade, paddle a kayak, attend a workshop or order food from a truck you have never tried.
Summer adventures do not have to be far away. Sometimes the best memories begin with finally trying that local place you have passed a hundred times.
Make It a Piney Summer
How many stops can you complete?
- 1–5: Pinecone in Training
- 6–10: Piney Explorer
- 11–14: Moore County Adventurer
- All 15: Certified Summer Fun Expert in The Pines
Share your summer adventures and tag The Pines Times so we can follow along. Before heading out, confirm current hours, admission costs, weather closures and reservation requirements directly with each destination.
Looking for even more summer fun? Visit The Pines Times Events Calendar to discover festivals, concerts, markets, children’s activities, workshops and community events happening throughout Moore County.
Summer Bucket List Q&A
Is the Summer Bucket List only for families?
Not at all! These adventures are fun for families, couples, friends and solo explorers of every age.
Are all the stops located in Moore County?
Yes. The bucket list takes you around Moore County, including Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Carthage, Cameron, Vass, Robbins and Eagle Springs.
Are these activities free?
Several stops are free, including parks, walking trails and the Hillcrest Park Splash Pad. Other activities, food and attractions may have a fee. Check with each location before visiting.
Do I need to complete the stops in order?
Nope! Start anywhere, complete them in any order and skip anything that does not interest you. This is summer fun—not homework.
Where can I find more summer events in Moore County?
Visit The Pines Times Events Calendar for concerts, festivals, markets, workshops, children’s activities and other events happening throughout The Pines.
Are Sunrise Theater and Carolina Cinemas the same kind of experience?
Each offers something different. Sunrise Theater combines nostalgic charm with new releases and classic films. Carolina Cinemas offers the latest movie technology, comfortable seating and today’s biggest releases.
Should I confirm details before visiting?
Yes. Hours, admission prices, schedules and availability can change. Check directly with each destination before heading out—especially when weather may affect an outdoor activity.
How can I share my completed bucket-list stops?
Take photos during your adventures and tag The Pines Times on social media. We would love to see how you are making the most of summer in The Pines!
