Nature Activities — Water Activities

  • Brodie Recreation Center
     Duke University, East Campus, Buchanan Drive (behind Art Museum)
    (919) 613-7515
     Map | Driving Directions
  • Campus Hills Park
     2000 S Alston Ave
    (919) 560-4444
    Includes adult softball field, grills, lights, picnic facilities, play grounds, large recreation center, and water fountains.
     Map | Driving Directions
  • Downtown Durham YMCA
     215 W Morgan St
    (919) 667-9622
     Map | Driving Directions
  • Duke University Taishoff Aquatic Center
     Duke University West Campus, Whitford Dr
    (919) 684-6028
    One Olympic-size pool: 25 yards, 8-lane with 7 foot lanes and depth tapering from 4.5 feet at each end to a depth of 7 feet in the center. Custom-built stainless starting blocks, ample spectator seating, an 8-lane Omega electronic timing system, and full 8-lane display board. This facility includes one of the few indoor, 10-meter towers in the Southeast, as well as five and seven-meter platforms. Also has 2 one-meter and 2 three-meter springboards, equipped with maxiflex boards. The separate diving well measures 66 feet by 42 feet with a depth of 17 feet. (swimming, diving)
     Map | Driving Directions
  • Edison Johnson Recreation Center
     500 W Murray Ave
    (919) 560-4270
     Map | Driving Directions
  • Forest Hills Park
     1639 University Drive
    (919) 560-4355
    Includes greenway access, grills, picnic facilities, play grounds, small recreation center, restrooms, large shelters, soccer fields, spary ground, tennis courts, and water fountains.
    Map | Driving Directions
  • Frog Hollow Canoe & Kayak Service
     5435 Guess Rd
    (919) 949-4315
    Kayak and canoe rentals, guided individual and group tours. Open W-F, 10am-6pm; Sa-Su, 9am-6:30pm. Advance reservations needed; no walk-in traffic.
     Map | Driving Directions
  • Irwin R. Holmes Sr. Recreation Center at Campus Hills Park
     2000 S Alston Ave
    (919) 560-4355
     Map | Driving Directions
  • Jordan Lake Wetlands/State Recreation Area
     Along NC 54 and NC 751
    (919) 362-0586
    Five impoundment areas ranging from 50 to 2,000 acres providing habitats for waterfowl including ducks and Canadian geese. Bird-watching (duck-hunting, December and January).
     Map | Driving Directions
  • L.T. Walker Complex
     NC Central University, 1801 Fayetteville St
    (919) 530-5315
    North Carolina Central University athletic complex with seating for 1,500. Includes swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, water polo, basketball, volleyball, fencing, gymnastics, wrestling, and handball.
    Map | Driving Directions
  • Lake Michie Recreation Area
     2303 Bahama Rd
    (919) 477-3906
    Picnic area/shelters, hiking trails, primitive camping ($12-$17), bird-watching, and rock hounding. Open F-Su, 6:30am-6pm, mid-March through mid-November. Park access is free; fee for camping, boating, and fishing.
     Map | Driving Directions
  • Lakewood YMCA Family Center
     2119 Chapel Hill Rd
    (919) 493-4502
     Map | Driving Directions
  • Little River Lake & River Lake
     Orange Factory and Old Blalock Rds
    (919) 477-7889
    Recreational fishing and boating. Fee charged for boating and fishing. Park access free. Open F-Su, 6:30am-7pm. Canoeing/sailing. March 1 - December 23.
     Map | Driving Directions
  • Long Meadow Park
     917 Liberty St
    (919) 560-4355
    Includes basketball courts, greenway access, grills, lights, picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, small shelters, water fountains, and a youth baseball field.
     Map | Driving Directions
  • REI
     6911 Fayetteville Rd, Ste 109
    (919) 806-3442
    Outdoor gear for sale or rent: Camping, Climbing, Cycling, Paddling, Skiing and Snowboarding clothing and accessories, Travel, Men's Clothing, Women's Clothing, Kids' Clothing, Footwear, Books and Maps.
     Map | Driving Directions
  • Rollingview State Recreation Area at Falls Lake
     I-85 N. to U.S. 70 Bypass. Exit at NC Hwy 98 & follow signs to Rollingview
    (919) 676-1027
    Bird-watching, boating/sailing, boat launches, recreational activities, swimming, beaches, water skiing, windsurfing, as well as 115 tent & trailer campsites. Gates open daily 8 am-8 pm. Admission: $5 per car, $3 for senior citizens 62 years of age or older, $10 per bus charged daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day; charged on weekends and holidays in April, May and September. Camping fees: $10-$40.
     Map | Driving Directions
  • Wafting the Eno River
     5101 N Roxboro St, West Point on the Eno City Park
    (919) 471-3802
    Daily guided trips on inflatable “wafts” led by Durham native and naturalist "River Dave" Owen. Daylight and moonlight trips offered for individuals, families, or groups. $13 per person. Reservations required. Open May - September.
     Map | Driving Directions
  • Water World Marine Services, Inc.
     135 S Miami Blvd
    (919) 596-8185
     Map | Driving Directions