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Active Adult Trips

Adult Programs


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Overview One-Day Trips Overnight Trips 2025 Social Outdoor Active Recreation (SOAR) Read and Go/Watch Programs Active Adult Programs 2025 Trip Brochure Frequently Asked Questions and Policies Active Adult Program Announcements

Sign-up for the Yearly Trip Registration so you don't miss out on our trips.

Overview

The Active Adult Program staff organizes numerous trips throughout the year. In addition to monthly one-day and seasonal multi-day trips, the Active Adult Program partners with the Outdoor Recreation Program to offer Social Outdoor Active Recreation trips. Trip fees are designed to cover program expenses.

Patrons are required to register for the Yearly Trip Registration for the respective year, before signing up for any of the Active Adult Program Trips. Once a patron is registered, future trip information will be sent as it becomes available.  

  1. RecLink Registration
  2. In person at any of the Active Adult Centers or Call-in at any Active Adult Centers

Frequently Asked Questions

two active adults smiling

One-Day Trips

Our one-day trips offer a fantastic opportunity to explore incredible destinations without the need for an extended getaway. These trips are open to all adults but geared towards 50 and older, so invite your friends for a day of adventure and discovery.

Learn more about One-Day Trips

group of people at a geyser

Overnight Trips

Our multi-day trips provide the perfect chance to explore stunning destinations and make lasting memories. These trips are open to all adults, regardless of where you live, so invite your friends to join the adventure. Don’t have a travel companion? No problem! We can assist you in finding a roommate.

Start planning your next getaway with our exciting lineup of trips. Whether you're seeking breathtaking landscapes, rich history, or vibrant cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone.

Learn more about Overnight Trips

people in front of a raft

Social Outdoor Active Recreation (SOAR)

The Social Outdoor Active Recreation (SOAR) program offers exciting, adventure-filled trips designed for adults 50 and older. In partnership with the Outdoor Recreation Program, we provide unforgettable experiences that encourage exploration, connection, and fun. No special skills are needed—just an adventurous spirit and a willingness to try something new!

Whether you're looking to challenge yourself, meet like-minded adventurers, or check off bucket-list experiences, SOAR is your gateway to thrilling outdoor activities. Join us and embrace the adventure!

Learn more about SOAR!

people with a book and author

Read and Go/Watch Programs

Read and Watch – is a book club for those who want an adventure from a chair. Read a book, have a discussion then watch the movie based on the book.

Read and Go - is a book club with a twist. Read books based in NC or written by NC authors, have book discussion and then go on a trip planned with the author based on the book.

2025 Read and Go Flyer
Learn more about Read and Go/Watch

One-Day Trips

Please note that there are no dates or costs for our trips on this list. Once a trip is ready for registration a detailed trip flier will be added to the trip description. To receive the trip fliers automatically when the trips are available for registration, sign up for the Yearly Trip Registration.

May - Duke Gardens

Sarah P. Duke Gardens is a 55-acre botanical garden in the heart of Duke University. The gardens feature four distinct areas: the original Terraces and their immediate surroundings, known as the Historic Gardens, including the Mary Duke Biddle Rose Garden and historic Roney Fountain; the H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, a representation of the flora of the Southeastern United States; the W.L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, devoted to plants of eastern Asia; and the Doris Duke Center Gardens, including the new Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden.
Postponed until 2026

August - In Your Back Yard

Discover the dynamic essence of North Carolina in Raleigh, where history, culture, and innovation converge. Experience a captivating mix of adventures, from delving into the behind-the-scenes workings that drive the city to uncover the hidden gems that define Raleigh's unique charm.
Trip Information Coming Soon

September - Wilson, North Carolina: Whirligig Park

Whirligig Park in Historic Downtown Wilson is home to the playful, recycled sculptures made by Vollis Simpson. These sculptures spin in the wind and bring joy to all who visit.
Trip Information Coming Soon

October - Haunted Raleigh

Immerse yourself in the haunting history of Raleigh as you uncover the stories of the spirits that linger. Learn about their past and the mysteries that keep them tied to the city.
Trip Information Coming Soon

November - Charlotte, North Carolina: Billy Graham Library

Step into the 40,000-square-foot Billy Graham Library and explore the remarkable life and legacy of “America’s Pastor.” This immersive experience takes you on a journey through Billy Graham’s transformation from a humble farm boy to a global ambassador of God’s love. Nestled on 20 beautifully landscaped acres in Charlotte, N.C., just a few miles from his childhood home, the barn-shaped library offers an inspiring blend of history, faith, and reflection.
Trip Information Coming Soon

December - Selma, North Carolina: Rudy Theatre Christmas Jubilee

Get into the spirit at a family-friendly theater with a musical journey through your favorite holiday songs and scenes.
Trip Information Coming Soon

Overnight Trips 2025

Athens and the Greek Islands
October 7 - 15, 2025

Grab your friends and join us for an unforgettable adventure to Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini! This 9-day journey will immerse you in the rich history, stunning beauty, and vibrant culture of Greece. In Athens, explore iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Olympic Stadium, Plaka, and Syntagma Square. Then, discover the charm of Mykonos, including a guided tour of the historic island of Delos. Finally, experience the breathtaking beauty of Santorini with a visit to a local winery for a tasting, a stroll through the enchanting Oia Village, and panoramic views that will leave you in awe.

Relax as you travel between islands on scenic ferry rides and enjoy a carefully curated itinerary that highlights the very best of Greece. Roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations are included, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.

For questions or to register, contact Carmen Rayfield at 919-996-4734 or carmen.rayfield@raleighnc.gov

Social Outdoor Active Recreation (SOAR)

Fall - Day on Falls Lake

Enjoy a relaxing paddle on Falls Lake at Forest Ridge Park. 
Additional Information
Trip Registration

Read and Go/Watch Programs

A group of active adults posing with a book recently read as part of a program

The Read and Go trips are related to a book that was read and discussed within the Read and Go program. These trips are open to everyone however, individuals registered in the Read and Go program have the first opportunity to register.

Are you interested in going on a trip full of adventure, intrigue, love or sorrow without leaving the comforts of your chair? The Read and Watch program will center on reading a book that has been made into a movie. We will have a book discussion and then enjoy watching the movie!

2025 Read and Go Flyer
Register for Read and Go/Watch

Murder in the Market by Jeane Joyner – Mystery and Suspense

As over 75,000 people converged on High Point for the October market, rumors of a planned disruption began to surface. With vague threats ranging from demonstrations to mass violence, no one knew what to expect. Amid the chaos, Beth and Tomeka, co-owners of Concierge Business Services, find themselves unexpectedly at the center of the storm. As Bryce and Evan get drawn into Beth’s world while preparing for the market, they soon realize that fate has a much bigger role to play than they anticipated.
Additional Information
Trip Registration

Joey: How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others Learn to See by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley – True Story

Joey, a blind Appaloosa, was once a show horse, admired for his strength and beauty. But after an injury ended his career, he endured abuse and neglect until a rescue group found him near death. Brought to Hope Reins, a ranch dedicated to helping children heal through caring for rescued animals, Joey’s journey of trust and healing began. Despite the ranch's financial struggles, they took him in, believing in the power of love and hope. Together, Joey and the children would learn that, no matter how broken we are, we are never forgotten.
Additional Information
Trip Registration

Active Adult Programs 2025 Trip Brochure

Frequently Asked Questions and Policies

Have questions about our trip? Check out the FAQ flyer to get your questions answered. 

Reservation Policy

Trip reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis with payment and completed registration form. Note: Spaces are only reserved when a deposit/payment has been received.

Cancellation Policy

To withdraw from a trip, it must be submitted in writing via letter or email to the Active Adults Program Manager. All day trips follow the Raleigh Parks Refund Policy unless money is incurred by the department. Full or partial refunds are subject to non-refundable expenses incurred by the Department. Multi-Day trip withdrawals follow the tour operator’s cancellation policy. Note: "No shows" for trips will receive no refund.

Payments/Deposits

Deposit and balance due dates for trips will be indicated on each trip itinerary. Registration can be made online thru RecLink, in person or mail in with check or credit card. One-day trips require full payment with reservation. No reservations are held without payment, and "early" registration is not allowed.

Transportation

Charter motor coach or a Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department bus or van. Type of vehicle will be noted on trip itineraries. Smoking/Vaping is not allowed on charter buses or Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources vehicles. Rest stops are made periodically during trips.

Departure Site

All trips will depart from the Anne Gordon Center for Active Adults, 1901 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh 27608, unless otherwise noted.  Cars may be parked here overnight.

Seating

We are unable to reserve seats on vehicles for special needs, such as motion sickness. Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis on the day of the trip. Seat rotation may be used on multi-day trips.

Escorts

A full or part-time Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department employee escorts all trips.

Active Adult Program Announcements

 

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Contact

 

Allie Crawford Program Director
allie.crawford@raleighnc.gov
919-996-2151

Carmen Rayfield Program Manager
carmen.rayfield@raleighnc.gov
Walnut Terrace Center
919-996-4734

Brian Philpot Center Director
brian.philpot@raleighnc.gov
Anne Gordon Center for Active Adults
919-996-4724

Jimmie Overton Center Director
jimmie.overton@raleighnc.gov
Five Points Center for Active Adults
919-996-3287

Tawnie Gong Assistant Center Director
tawnie.gong@raleighnc.gov
Five Points Center for Active Adults
919-996-4733

Department:
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
Service Categories:
Parks Programs
Related Services:
Active Adult Program

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