Active Adult Trips

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Possible Overnight trips for 2027

Here are the trips we are looking at for 2027

• Chicago
• West Coast - California, Oregon, or Washington
• Civil Rights Trail
• Winter Holiday Trip - Charleston and Savannah or Charlotte, NC

Social Outdoor Active Recreation (SOAR)

Paddle and Play
Thursday, Aug. 27

The Active Adult Program is partnering once again with the Raleigh Parks Outdoor Recreation Team for another exciting day on the water! Join us at one of Raleigh’s scenic lakes for kayaking and paddleboarding in a fun and supportive environment. Open to adults of all skill levels, this experience includes safety instruction, hands-on guidance, skill-building tips, and all necessary equipment—just bring your adventurous spirit and get ready for a refreshing day outdoors.
Additional Information
Trip Registration

A Day on the Lake
Friday, Sept. 25

Join the Raleigh Parks Outdoor Recreation Program for a fun-filled day at a local lake. Enjoy a guided kayaking and/or paddleboarding adventure while enjoying the water and making memories with friends!
Additional Information
Trip Registration

Hiking and Whitewater Trip - Bryson City, NC
Postponed Until 2027

Travel to the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains for a fun-filled getaway featuring adventure, relaxation, and friendship. Raleigh Parks Outdoor Recreation staff will guide us on several easy hikes to breathtaking waterfalls and scenic overlooks. For those seeking a little extra excitement, you’ll also have the option to experience a guided whitewater rafting adventure.

Read and Watch

Feb. 22: Three Bags Full – by Leonie Swann

Something is terribly wrong in the quiet Irish village of Glennkill—George the shepherd has been found dead with a spade pinning him to the ground! His beloved flock of sheep, who spend their evenings listening to George read aloud, are determined to discover who killed him. Led by Miss Maple, the cleverest sheep in Glennkill, this unusual team of detectives sets out to investigate the crime. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of suspicious villagers, including a frightening butcher, a mysterious newcomer, and a rather sinister priest. With sharp observations, quirky personalities, and plenty of unexpected twists, these woolly detectives prove that solving a murder is no small feat—even when you see the world from four legs!

May 24: The Thursday Murder Club – by Richard Osman

In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved crimes; together they call themselves the Thursday Murder Club. When a local developer is found dead with a mysterious photograph left next to the body, the Thursday Murder Club suddenly finds themselves in the middle of their first live case. As the bodies begin to pile up, can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer, before it's too late?

June 28: Remarkably Bright Creatures – by Shelby Van Pelt

After losing her husband and living for decades with the mystery of her son’s disappearance, Tova Sullivan finds comfort in her night-shift job at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. There, she forms an unlikely friendship with Marcellus, a grumpy but remarkably intelligent giant Pacific octopus. What Tova doesn’t know is that Marcellus has uncovered clues about the night her son vanished. Determined to help his unlikely human friend, Marcellus must use his wit and ingenuity to reveal the truth. This heartwarming and unforgettable story explores friendship, loss, hope, and the surprising connections that can change our lives.

July 26: The Housemaid – by Freida McFadden

Working for the wealthy Winchester family seems like the perfect opportunity, but behind their elegant home lurks a disturbing world of secrets, lies, and manipulation. As the housekeeper grows fascinated by Nina’s seemingly perfect life and her troubled husband, she discovers that appearances can be dangerously deceiving. One forbidden mistake changes everything, and soon she finds herself trapped behind a locked attic door. But the Winchesters have no idea who they’ve invited into their home—or what she’s capable of. Some secrets are worth killing for!

Oct. 25: Project Hail Mary – by Andy Weir

Ryland Grace awakens millions of miles from Earth with no memory of who he is or why he’s there. His crewmates are dead, and a mysterious threat is pushing humanity toward extinction. With time running out, Ryland must piece together his forgotten mission and solve an impossible scientific puzzle before it’s too late. Alone in the vast darkness of space, he faces a terrifying question: Is he truly the last hope for humanity, or is something else out there?

Read and Go

March 22: Ash Woven – by Karee Van Wert

Ash Woven is a deeply moving memoir about family, ancestry, and the strength it takes to face life’s most difficult moments. Tracing a family’s roots back more than 250 years, the story explores generations of service, sacrifice, faith, and courage—and how the experiences of those who came before us can guide us through our own struggles.

When profound loss and unexpected challenges reshape family life, the family discovers that resilience is more than simply enduring hardship. By drawing on their ancestors’ stories and leaning on one another, parents and children find comfort, renewed purpose, and the strength to move forward together. Through grief, reflection, and shared experiences, they discover that healing is not a journey taken alone, but one strengthened by love and family connections.

At its heart, Ash Woven is a powerful reminder that our legacy is not just found in history books or family trees, but in the courage, compassion, and determination we carry into our everyday lives. This inspiring memoir celebrates the enduring bonds between generations and the remarkable ability of families to rise from hardships stronger than before.

Sept. 27: Dan River Intrigue – by Jeane Joyner

Following her Uncle Glen’s advice, Allie opens Let’s Read Bookstore in Danton. When Maddox Stapleton arrives to supervise implementation of his foundation’s grant, there is instant chemistry between the two. But Bess, the receptionist at Glamorous You Spa and Salon and Allie’s friend, is also interested in the handsome entrepreneur. And Bess is known for getting what she wants.

The pending marriage of Bess’s recently widowed father, the downward spiral of Glen’s health, and unexpected mayhem on Main Street change the rural town from a community seeking to attract tourists to a place of intrigue. For Allie, life seems to be a pendulum swing with good experiences followed by disturbing ones.

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