Spring into action with these ten warm-weather activities

We as North Carolinians defrost from a long, frigid winter so there’s no better feeling than watching temperatures rise and activities prevail. The beginning of spring marks a rebirth of people’s adventurous spirits. So, here are ten ways to let that spirit shine.

1. Spend a day ziplining at Go Ape in Blue Jay Point Park.

$38 for ages 15 & under, $58 for everyone else.

The park boasts numerous rope ladders, 42 crossings, two tarzan swings, and five ziplines that are sure to delight thrill-seekers of any age. The courses are open most days of the week, making it easily accessible for people with restrictive schedules.

2. Walk around the North Carolina Art Museum or take a guided tour.

Price: Free!

For an art museum, this institution goes above and beyond by offering classes, specialty exhibits, and even a restaurant with a cafe. This museum is a true gem of North Carolina and is definitely worth a Saturday out!

3. Go to a Durham Bulls baseball game.

Price: $18 and up.

This minor league team puts on a great game, creating a fun night out for people of all ages. Their season runs from April 7 through September 5, 2016. While you’re there, consider exploring Durham’s Tobacco District and Burt’s Bees headquarters.

4. Attend a Music at the Park event held in Joyner Park’s beautiful amphitheatre.

Price: Free!

There are six of these small concerts happening over the course of April 24 through May 29, 2016. The artists performing need support from North Carolina citizens, so come on out and enjoy a picturesque night under the stars.

5. Take a trip to the North Carolina State Farmers Market.

Price: Free!

This huge farmers market encompasses everything the South represents. They carry an abundance of fruits and vegetables as well as baked goods, drinks, and everything in between. A day here is a day well spent, especially when you are able to connect with the vendors and explore the rich culture of Raleigh, N.C.

6. Participate in a Color Run.

Price: $39.99 and up per runner.

These 5k’s embody what it means to be truly happy and healthy, and spread the joy through dousing runners in paint. That’s right, a race where they throw paint on you. Referred to as the ‘Happiest 5k on the Planet,’ this run takes place once in Charlotte, on April 30, and once in Fayetteville on May 28.

7. Pig out at Downtown Raleigh’s annual Food Truck Rodeo.

Price: Free!

This event is composed of over 50 food trucks from all over the state of North Carolina. The spread covers half a mile of Downtown Raleigh, and spans over eleven city blocks.

8. Slip and slide through Downtown Raleigh with the help of a ‘Slide the City’ event.

Price: $10 per slide, or $20 for a triple slide.

This organization sets up a gigantic slip’n’slides that weave through the streets of cities all over the US, creating unique summertime experiences that not many can say they have had. Slide the City comes to town on June 11, 2016.

9. Channel your inner adventure-seeker at Charlotte’s US Whitewater Center.

Price: $44 for children, $49 for adults, plus extra for special activities.

With activities spanning from rafting class-five rapids to swinging through ropes course, a day at the Whitewater Center will undoubtedly be a day packed with adventure.

10. Last but not least, kick off summer by attending a country music concert at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre.

Price: Varies per concert.

Whether you are a country music fan or not, these concerts have proven to be loads of fun for people of all ages. Kenny Chesney, the first of many artists to grace the Walnut Creek stage this summer, is coming on May 21. Grab your tickets and get your Southern pride on!