Free things to do in Apex: greenways and the American Tobacco Trail, parks and the splash pad, library story times, free town events and downtown history.

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. Facts come from the Town of Apex parks, greenways and special events pages, Wake County and N.C. State Parks.

A lot of what Apex does best costs nothing: more than 22 miles of town greenway, a dozen parks, a free splash pad, a regional library and a busy calendar of free town events. Here is the list, with what needs a pass or permit marked. Questions about town programs go to Apex Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources at 919-249-3402.

Free, all year

  • Town parks, playgrounds and greenways
  • The American Tobacco Trail
  • Eva Perry Regional Library
  • Window shopping and the depot on historic Salem Street

Trails and greenways

  • Town greenways, more than 22 miles, open sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. See our walking and biking trails guide.
  • The American Tobacco Trail, more than 22 miles from Apex to Durham. Wake County’s section is open 8 a.m. to 30 minutes before sunset. A section is closed for repairs through the end of October 2026 (county notice).
  • Apex Community Park, 2200 Laura Duncan Road: about 3 miles of paved and natural trail around the lake.

Parks and play

  • Pleasant Park, 3400 Pleasant Plains Road: the Enchanted Forest playground, and the free Splashlantis splash pad from late May to September.
  • Apex Nature Park, 2600 Evans Road: paved paths with environmental education stations, an amphitheater and a disc golf course.
  • Outdoor pickleball courts at several town parks, first come, first served for all ages, according to the town.
  • What costs money: the dog parks need an annual pass ($30 for one resident dog), and fishing or boating at Apex Community Park lake needs a town permit. See our dog-friendly guide and parks and trails guide.

Free town events, 2026

From the town’s event pages:

Date Event Where
Nightly through Oct. 31, 6 to 9 p.m. Tour of Frights Decorated homes across town
Friday, Oct. 16, 5 to 8 p.m. Fall Harvest Night The Depot parking lot, 220 N. Salem St.
Oct. 23-31 Scarecrow Row Apex Community Park
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 5 to 7 p.m. Spooky Tails, for dogs Apex Nature Park
Friday, Oct. 30, 5 to 9 p.m. Witches Night Out Salem Street
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 9:30 a.m. Veterans Day Ceremony Service Memorial, Saunders and North Salem streets
Friday, Nov. 20, 5 to 8 p.m. Jazz and Jive Night The Depot parking lot
Sunday, Nov. 29, 2:30 to 5 p.m. Kid’s Holiday Craft Fair The Halle, 237 N. Salem St.
Friday, Dec. 4, 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony Town campus, 73 Hunter St.

More through the year: the free Bunny Trail Egg Hunt in March (registration required) and the town’s Fourth of July celebration. See our seasonal pages for Halloween, Thanksgiving, the holidays and Easter.

Library

Eva Perry Regional Library, 2100 Shepherd’s Vineyard Drive, 919-387-2100, and Middle Creek Community Library, 111 Middle Creek Park Ave., are Wake County public libraries in Apex. Eva Perry runs baby, toddler and family story times and adult programs such as yoga and tai chi; see the events list.

History downtown

Walk the Apex Historic District along Salem Street: the 1914 Apex Union Depot and its red Seaboard caboose at 220 N. Salem St., the 1912 former Town Hall that is now The Halle, and the brick storefronts rebuilt after the 1911 fire. The Halle is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. See our downtown guide and history and landmarks guide.

Nearby

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, west of Apex, is free for day use outside its fee season; N.C. State Parks charges a vehicle fee daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on weekends and holidays in April, May and September (park page).

Related: kids’ activities, things to do this month and things to do this weekend.

Frequently asked questions

What is free to do in Apex this fall?

The town’s Tour of Frights, Scarecrow Row, Spooky Tails and Witches Night Out are free in October 2026, Jazz and Jive Night on Nov. 20 is free, and the Dec. 4 tree lighting is free.

Is the Apex splash pad free?

Yes. Splashlantis at Pleasant Park is free for all ages. It is open late May through September and closed the rest of the year.

Are Apex parks free?

Yes, town parks and greenways are free to visit. The dog parks need an annual pass, and fishing or boating at Apex Community Park lake needs a town permit.

Does the Apex library have story times?

Eva Perry Regional Library, 2100 Shepherd’s Vineyard Drive, is a Wake County public library with baby, toddler and family story times. Check its events list for any program that needs registration.