Photo: beth allen
Photo: Bull King
Photo: Sue Powers
Hagan-Stone Park
★4.7(1,914 reviews)FreePark
🕑 3-5 hours for a typical visit; plan for a full day if combining multiple activities like swimming, fishing, and hiking, or if camping overnight👶 Best for ages 2-14. Toddlers and preschoolers enjoy the playground and shallow creek areas for splashing, while elementary-aged kids love fishing at the lake, exploring the hiking trails, and swimming during summer months. Teens appreciate the camping opportunities and more challenging trail options.🧡 Saved by 24 families
About
Hagan-Stone Park is a 409-acre natural playground in Greensboro that offers families everything from swimming and fishing to hiking and camping. With its well-maintained trails, creek access for wading, playground areas, and seasonal swimming pool, this highly-rated park provides the perfect setting for both quick afternoon outings and full-day outdoor adventures that won't break the bank.
Highlights
- ✓Seasonal outdoor swimming pool perfect for cooling off on hot summer days
- ✓Lake fishing with easy access for kids to catch bass, catfish, and sunfish
- ✓Multiple hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty levels
- ✓Creek access with shallow areas ideal for wading and nature exploration
- ✓Well-equipped playground areas and open spaces for running and picnicking
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early (by 9 AM on weekends) during summer to secure picnic shelter spots near the pool and avoid afternoon crowds.
- 2.Bring water shoes for creek exploration,the rocky bottom can be slippery but the shallow water is perfect for young kids to safely play.
- 3.Pack a fishing pole and basic tackle; the lake is stocked and you'll find bait available on-site, making it easy for first-time kid anglers.
- 4.Don't miss the nature trails near the creek,they're stroller-friendly and offer great opportunities for spotting wildlife and teaching kids about local ecosystems.
- 5.Visit the park office first to grab a trail map and ask about any ranger-led programs or nature activities scheduled during your visit.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and outdoor play. Visit on weekday mornings for the quietest experience, or Saturday mornings if you want to participate in organized activities. Summer weekends are busiest due to pool access but offer the most amenities.
What to Know
Admission and parking are free, making this an excellent budget-friendly option. The park has restrooms and picnic areas throughout, but food is not sold on-site, so pack snacks and lunch. The swimming pool operates seasonally (summer months only) with a small admission fee.
Seasonal Notes
The swimming pool typically operates Memorial Day through Labor Day only. Spring brings beautiful wildflowers along the trails, while fall offers spectacular leaf-peeping opportunities. Some trails may be muddy after heavy rain, and the park occasionally closes during severe weather. Winter visits are quieter but facilities are limited.
Nearby Eats
Head to Acropolis Greek Taverna (10 minutes away) for family-friendly Mediterranean fare including kid-approved chicken tenders and gyros, or grab pizza at Pino's Italian Restaurant, a local favorite with a casual atmosphere perfect for hungry families after a day outdoors.
More Activities Near Greensboro
Park
Lindley Park
Free
Lindley Park is a charming neighborhood oasis in Greensboro offering families a perfect blend of active play and relaxation. With well-maintained playgrounds, shaded walking paths, and plenty of open green space, it's an ideal spot for everything from toddler playdates to family picnics and outdoor concerts at the amphitheater.
Park
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
★4.8Free❤️241
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park offers families a perfect blend of history and outdoor fun on its sprawling Revolutionary War battlefield. Kids can explore scenic walking trails, discover towering monuments, and learn about the pivotal 1781 battle through interactive exhibits at the visitor center, all while enjoying plenty of space to run and play in this beautifully maintained park.
Park
City of Greensboro - Country Park
★4.7Free❤️106
Country Park is a sprawling 276-acre family paradise in Greensboro that truly has something for every member of your crew. From toddlers splashing in the water features to teens shooting hoops on the basketball courts, this beloved community park combines natural beauty with fantastic recreational amenities. With its extensive trail system, multiple playgrounds, and shaded picnic areas, it's the perfect destination for families who want to spend quality outdoor time together without breaking the bank.
Ice Cream
Polliwog's Organic Ice Cream
$
Polliwog's Organic Ice Cream is a beloved Greensboro destination where families can indulge in creative, organic ice cream flavors while kids enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. The outdoor seating area provides plenty of space for little ones to move around while parents relax, and the friendly staff are known for being patient with indecisive young ice cream enthusiasts sampling multiple flavors.