Apex · Wake County, NC

Free things to do in Apex

Scout analyzed 41 Apex places and surfaced the ones that actually fit free.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$35

Typical visit

1.3 hr

Scout-verified spots

Outdoors

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Jordan Lake offers a full day of outdoor activities with swimming, hiking, and boating. Expect to spend $7-15 on entrance or parking fees, making it an affordable option for families or solo adventurers.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$7–$15 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Sports & Social Cary

This is a good spot for catching a game, grabbing a casual meal, or drinks with friends. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and about $20-45 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsSports

$20–$45 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Middle Creek School / Park

This park is suitable for a free, active outing, with disc golf, athletic fields, and a playground. Plan for 2-3 hours and combine it with a picnic or a nearby casual meal.

OutdoorsSportsWellness

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Mission Market

Mission Market is good for a casual breakfast or lunch, potentially followed by browsing local goods. Expect to spend $10-25 per person for a visit of under an hour, fitting well into a relaxed weekend outing.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Apex Nature Park

Apex Nature Park is suitable for a free 2-3 hour outdoor visit for families, dog owners, or disc golf enthusiasts. It provides trails, a dog park, and picnic areas, making it a good main activity or a multi-hour stop on a weekend.

OutdoorsAnimalsSports

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Villages Of Apex South

Myra Cafe

Myra Cafe is a casual spot for a meal that fits well into a daytime itinerary, like a lunch stop during errands or a casual weekend brunch. Expect to spend 45-90 minutes and about $10-$25 per person.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$10–$25 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Beaver Creek Crossings

Mad Splatter Apex - Pottery, Splatter, and Canvas Paint Studio

Mad Splatter is an indoor art studio good for a 1.5-hour creative session, suitable for families or solo outings. Expect to spend $20-40 per person on pottery, splatter painting, or canvas art.

ShoppingArtsWellness

$20–$40 typical1 hr visiteasy parking

Beaver Creek Crossings

Uptown Cheapskate Apex

Uptown Cheapskate is a good stop for a solo shopping trip or a casual outing with friends, offering a chance to find secondhand designer items. Expect to spend about an hour browsing and potentially $10-$50 per person on clothing and accessories.

ShoppingRelaxedPlayful

$10–$50 typical1 hr visiteasy parking

Nightlife

Salem Street Pub

Salem Street Pub is a good spot for a casual family meal or an easygoing outing with friends, offering pub grub and drinks. Plan to spend 1-2 hours for a meal and a drink, costing around $15-35 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Beaver Creek Crossings

Sweet Talk Cafe

Sweet Talk Cafe is a solid stop for a casual coffee, light bite, or a quick work session. Expect to spend under an hour and under $15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

mezeh

Mezeh is a good stop for a casual, quick and affordable Mediterranean meal, suitable for lunch or dinner. It typically takes less than an hour and costs around $10-20 per person.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$10–$20 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Mezcalito Apex

Mezcalito Apex is a reliable choice for a casual meal, suitable for families or a relaxed date night. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $15-35 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Beaver Creek Crossings

Massage Envy

Massage Envy is suitable for a solo wellness appointment or as a gift for a special occasion. A typical massage lasts about an hour and costs between $80-$150 per person.

WellnessRelaxedQuiet

$80–$150 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Family

Apex Community Park Playground

This playground is ideal for a free family outing, allowing kids to play for an hour or two. It pairs well with a picnic or a walk in the surrounding park.

OutdoorsPlayfulRelaxed

$0 typical1 hr visiteasy parking

Chapel Ridge

Turkish Coffee Lady Apex, NC

This coffee shop is suitable for a quick solo stop or a relaxed chat with a friend, offering unique Turkish coffee and pastries. Expect to spend under $15 per person for about an hour.

FoodShoppingViews

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Family

Happy Feet Planet Clayton

Happy Feet Planet is a suitable spot for a family outing with young children, likely involving some animal interaction and play. Expect to spend a couple of hours and around $10-25 per person.

AnimalsOutdoorsRelaxed

$10–$25 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Fratelli's Delicatessen

Fratelli's Delicatessen is a good spot for a casual, affordable lunch or dinner for families or individuals. Expect to spend about an hour and $10-25 per person on a meal.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$10–$25 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Cassidy

Osteria G

Osteria G is suitable for an evening meal, especially a date night or celebratory dinner, typically lasting 1.5 hours and costing around $40-75 per person. It could pair with a quiet drink before or after.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$40–$75 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Hunter Street Park

Hunter Street Park is suitable for a casual outdoor activity like walking or playing sports, especially on a sunny day. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and it is free to enter, good for pairing with a picnic or a nearby coffee shop.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Family

Whole Brain Escape

Whole Brain Escape is an indoor amusement center, likely an escape room, perfect for an hour of team problem-solving. Expect to spend $30-$40 per person; it can be paired with dinner or other Apex activities.

ArtsAdventurousPlayful

$30–$40 typical1 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Daniel's Restaurant & Catering

Daniel's is a solid choice for a casual Italian meal with family or a relaxed date, likely costing $20-40 per person for an hour or so. It could pair well with a movie or local shopping before or after.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$20–$40 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Kelly Road Park

Kelly Road Park is a good free option for a family outing or a solo walk, typically lasting 1-2 hours. It's best paired with good weather for outdoor play or relaxation.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Crowder County Park

Crowder County Park is good for a free family outing or solo walk, offering trails, a playground, and a pond. Expect to spend 2-3 hours enjoying the outdoors, perhaps paired with a picnic.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Shopping

Beaver Creek Commons

Beaver Creek Commons is a large outdoor shopping center suitable for errands, dining, and general shopping for an hour or two. Expect to spend $20-$100 per person depending on purchases, with easy parking.

ShoppingFoodRelaxed

$20–$100 typical1 hr visiteasy parking