If you’re looking for things to do in Fayetteville, NC, you’re in the right place.
Fayetteville is a city with great museums, fun events, interesting sights, and much more. What’s great is that there are incredible activities for all ages and interests. From learning about history to seeing a show to playing games, there’s a large variety of activities you can choose from when you’re in the city.
If you’re planning a trip to the city and you’re wondering what to do in Fayetteville, this guide got you covered. In this guide, I included the must-see sights, attractions, fun activities, and more!
Best Things To Do in Fayetteville, NC
Visit the Airborne & Special Operations Museum
The Airborne and Special Operations Museum is one of the best museums in Fayetteville. It’s all about the U.S. Army. At the museum, you can learn about the Special Operations and the Airborne division of the Army, as well as the U.S. Army in general.
You can find all kinds of exhibits at the museum that are about certain military operations or other topics.
The museum’s exhibits cover a period of about 80 years and are very diverse. For example, you can see military vehicles, gear, photos, and much more.
The exhibits at the museum also include wax sculptures that depict certain operations of the military, which makes the exhibits very immersive.
Address: 100 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Learn About History at the Museum of the Cape Fear
The Museum of the Cape Fear is a museum where you can learn about local history and culture with a focus on the history and culture of Southern North Carolina at this place.
At the museum, you can find a lot of different exhibits that cover many parts of Cape Fear’s history.
There are permanent exhibits and temporary exhibits.
One of the permanent exhibits that you can see at the museum is the “Early Exploration and Settlement” exhibit, and there is an exhibit about the Civil War as well.
Besides that, sometimes, there are temporary exhibits that are at the museum for several months only, so visiting the museum can also be a great thing to do in Fayetteville if you’ve already been to the museum before and know the permanent exhibits. These exhibits focus on a very specific part of the region’s history.
Address: 801 Arsenal Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28305
Go to a Performance at the Cameo Art House Theatre
The Cameo Art House Theater is a wonderful theater that you can find at 225 Hay Street in the city of Fayetteville.
The theater is located inside a historic building that dates back to the year 1914.
You can go here for independent films, foreign-language movies, and all kinds of other movies.
There are also performances that take place at the historic theater. For example, you can sometimes go here to attend comedy shows. Attending a performance here is also one of the most fun things to do at night in Fayetteville.
Address: 225 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Go to the Fayetteville State University Planetarium
The Planetarium of Fayetteville State University is a place where you can see interesting shows through which you can learn about the universe.
The shows that you can see here are projected on a 30-foot dome using 10 4K projectors. What’s amazing about this planetarium in Fayetteville is that it has very clear projections. The planetarium has the highest number of pixels per square inch in the world.
During each show at the planetarium, there is an astronomer and you can ask all the questions about the universe you might have.
Visiting the planetarium is also one of the best things to do with kids in Fayetteville as there are many shows that are suitable for all ages.
Address: 1200 Murchison Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Visit the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum
The 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum is an interesting museum that you can find in Fort Liberty.
At this museum, you can learn about the history of the 82nd Airborne Division, and it covers the whole history of the division from the year 1917 to the present.
The museum covers the customs and traditions of the 82nd and honors veterans. Moreover, you can learn about the division’s operations in World War I, the Vietnam War, and several other wars and military operations.
There are exhibits with weapons, uniforms, personal items, and lots of other objects. Furthermore, the collection of the museum includes vehicles and historic aircraft.
Address: 5108 Ardennes St, Fort Liberty, NC 28310
Visit the JFK Special Warfare Museum
The JFK Special Warfare Museum is a museum that covers the military as well and you can find it at Fort Liberty.
At this museum, you can learn about the history of the Special Forces, and other regiments. The museum focuses on the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School.
The exhibits cover many military operations in history, including Operation Desert Storm. Furthermore, from weapons to military gear to photographs, you can find all kinds of objects at the museum.
Address: 2815 Ardennes St, Fort Liberty, NC 28307
See the Market House
The Market House is a historic landmark in Fayetteville.
It is a historic market house and town hall that dates back to the year 1838 and was in use till the beginning of the 20th century. In the past, goods, livestock, and enslaved people were sold here.
It is now a National Historic Landmark.
Get Ice Cream at The Mad Hatters Ice Cream Shop
The Mad Hatters Ice Cream Shop is an ice cream store that can be great to visit if you’re looking for fun things to do in Fayetteville.
At this ice cream store, you can get delicious flavors of ice cream. There are several flavors to choose from, and there are some flavors that are in rotation, which means that you can try a new flavor every time you go here.
The flavors that you can choose from are very unique. For example, you can get “The White Rabbit”, which is vanilla ice cream without sugar. The flavor that is called “The Chesire Cat” is a great one as well. This flavor tastes like cotton candy.
In addition to that, the ice cream store has a unique decor.
Address: 1405 Hope Mills Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28304
Do a Guided Tour of the 1897 Poe House
The 1897 Poe House is a historic home that you can find in the city of Fayetteville. The house was built at the end of the 19th century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The house was built by the businessman and owner of the Poe Brick company, Mr. E.A. Poe, and it was the home of him and his family.
You can do a guided tour of the house on several days of the week. During these tours, you can learn about life at the beginning of the 20th century and about various historical events that took place at the time.
This tour is one of the free things to do in Fayetteville, but there is a suggested donation of 2 dollars per adult and 1 dollar per child.
Address: 206 Bradford Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28305
Attend an Event at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden
The Cape Fear Botanical Garden is a garden that was founded in the year 1989. The garden can be found close to the Cape Fear River and near downtown Fayetteville.
The Cape Fear Botanical Garden is home to a variety of specialty gardens with beautiful flowers and plants. There are also historic structures at the park.
Lots of events take place at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. These events can be great to check out if you’re wondering what to do in Fayetteville.
For example, there are special seasonal events, such as events in the period leading up to Halloween.
There are also yoga events and other events during which you can exercise, as well as many other types of events.
In addition to that, there are events that are great to attend with children, such as story time events.
Address: 536 N Eastern Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Bowl at B & B Bowling Lanes
B & B Bowling Lanes is a bowling alley that is located in Fayetteville.
The bowling alley has many bowling lanes and it is possible to bowl here every day of the week.
In addition to that, the bowling alley has a small arcade with games.
There is also a snack bar with many food options. From burgers to pizza to desserts, you can get it here.
You could also join a league at the bowling alley. There are leagues for all ages and skill levels and these are great to join if you want to bowl a lot.
Address: 3003 Fort Bragg Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Attend a Show at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre
The Cape Fear Regional Theatre is a performing arts theater with a history that goes back to the year 1962. The theater was founded by a group of local actors.
The Cape Fear Regional Theatre is a complex of three stories with a main stage that has a capacity of 300 people.
Throughout the year, many events take place at the theater, including great family musicals. Every season there are five shows and going to a show here is a very fun activity in Fayetteville.
In addition to that, it is possible to take classes at the theater for all ages. Through these classes, it is possible to learn to act and improve your acting skills. The classes last several weeks.
Address: 1209 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28305
Go to an Event at Segra Stadium
The Segra Stadium is a large stadium with a capacity of 9,900 and 4,600 fixed seats. The stadium is a great venue for a variety of events.
First of all, the Segra Stadium is the home field of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, which is a team that competes in Minor League Baseball, and it can be fun to see a game of the team here.
In addition to that, other events that take place here include concerts and festivals.
Address: 460 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Go to the Omni Family Amusement Center
The Omni Family Amusement Center makes for a great thing to do in Fayetteville for the whole family.
There are many attractions at this center. For example, there is an indoor miniature golf course where you can play black light mini golf.
There is also an outdoor miniature golf course where you can play mini golf.
In addition to that, the center has an arcade where you can play more than 100 exciting games.
The Omni Family Fun Amusement Center also has a snack bar where you can get ice cream and various other food items and drinks.
Adjacent to the center, you can find Omni Cinemas, a movie theater where can see the latest movies.
Address: 3729 Sycamore Dairy Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Go to the Fayetteville History Museum
The Fayetteville History Museum is a museum that you can find inside a historic railroad depot. At the museum, you can find all kinds of exhibits that relate to the history of the city.
The museum covers a large period in time, from prehistory till the 20th century.
You can also find historic vehicles and aircraft at the museum through which you can learn about the history of the area.
The museum is located in downtown Fayetteville at 325 Franklin Street.
Address: 325 Franklin St, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Visit the Fascinate-U Children’s Museum
Facinate-U Children’s Museum is a fun museum that you can visit with kids. The museum is a non-profit organization that you can find in downtown Fayetteville.
At the museum, you can find all kinds of hands-on exhibits through which children can learn about the world in a fun way through creative role-playing.
The several exhibits of the museum together form a mini city where children can learn about different types of professional careers.
For example, one of the exhibits of the museum is a post office where children can learn about mail delivery.
There is also a farm where children can learn about farming and the origin of food. Furthermore, children can learn about different farm animals through this exhibit.
Another fun exhibit is the grocery store exhibit where children can shop for fresh produce, use the cash register, and do much more.
Address: 116 Green St, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Attend an Event at the Crown Coliseum
The Crown Coliseum is an indoor stadium that is part of the Crown Complex.
The stadium opened in 1997 and has a capacity of 10,000 seats. There are two other venues at the complex that have a capacity of 4,500 and 2,500 seats.
Lots of events take place at the Crown Coliseum and attending an event here is one of the best things to do in Fayetteville.
There is an ice floor, such that ice shows and ice hockey games can take place here.
Furthermore, you can attend concerts, dance shows, and a variety of other events at the Crown Coliseum. There are also seasonal events.
You can find various concession stands and bars at the venue, so you can get food and drinks here while attending a show.
Address: 1960 Coliseum Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28306
Play Games and Have a Drink at Stop Button Bar
The Stop Button Bar is an arcade that was opened in 2016 by army veterans, and the arcade can be found close to Fort Liberty.
The arcade is open every day of the week and is a free-to-play arcade.
There are many different games to play at the arcade. For example, there are classic arcade games, such as Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac-Man, and Space Invaders.
There are also fighting games, modern arcade games, and racing games. In addition to that, there is a rotating selection of 8 pinball machines, from the 1960s till the present.
Besides a great selection of games, Stop Button Bar also has a great selection of beverages to enjoy when you go here.
Address: 4251 Legion Rd #127, Hope Mills, NC 28348
See a Show at the Gilbert Theater
The Gilbert Theater is a community theater that you can find on Green Street that is more than 25 years old.
The theater was founded in the year 1994 and you can find the theater on the second floor of the Fascinate-U Children’s Museum.
Lots of theatrical productions take place at the theater, including contemporary and classical ones. In the past, the theater produced great shows by famous playwrights as well as local up-and-coming writers.
Address: 116 Green St, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Visit the Gillis Hill Farm
The Gillis Hill Farm is a ninth-generation family farm of the Gillis Family that you can find in Fayetteville. The family has lived and worked the farm for more than 200 years, and the farm is still owned and operated by the family.
You can go to the farm and do a tour of the historic grounds which can be great if you’re looking for activities in Fayetteville.
There are also animals and you do a variety of other farm activities.
The farm also has an ice cream shop where you can get delicious homemade ice cream and baked goods.
Address: 2701 Gillis Hill Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28306
Play an Escape Game at Escape Room Fayetteville
You can go to Escape Room Fayetteville to play a fun escape game when you are in the city of Fayetteville.
An escape game is an interactive and immersive game that you play with several other players. You are locked in a room that you have to escape from within 60 minutes by finding clues and solving puzzles.
There are different escape rooms that vary in difficulty and theme.
One of the games that you can play here is the “Zombie Escape” room during which you have one hour to escape before the zombies will be there.
There is also a “Golf Rush”-themed escape room that is about the Yukon region in the year 1897.
Address: 3639 B Sycamore Dairy Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Visit the North Carolina Veterans Park
The North Carolina Veterans Park is a park that you can find in downtown Fayetteville. This is a state park that is dedicated to military veterans from all branches of the Armed Services.
At the park, you can find various monuments that honor those who sacrificed a lot.
Furthermore, there is a visitor center where you can see various small exhibits related to the Armed Services.
Go to Surge Adventure Park
Surge Adventure Park in Fayetteville is an indoor trampoline park where you can find many fun attractions.
There is a large trampoline area with wall-to-wall trampolines, as well as a trampoline area with sloped where dodgeball can be played.
Furthermore, there is a ninja obstacle course, there is a trapeze area, there is a place where you can jump in a pit with foam blocks, and there are several other attractions. There is also an arcade area with various fun games to play.
Surge Adventure Park is a great place to go with children, and there is also a softplay area for younger children.
Address: 3333 N Main St, Hope Mills, NC 28348
See a Movie at Omni Cinemas 8
Omni Cinemas 8 is a wonderful movie theater that you can find at 3729 Sycamore Dairy Road.
At this movie theater, you can see the latest movies as well as independent films. Sometimes there are also special events that take place at Omni Cinemas 8.
Seeing a movie here is a comfortable experience as there are heated and reclining seats.
You can also get great concessions at the movie theater, including fresh popcorn.
Furthermore, there is an arcade that’s also great to check out if you’re looking for things to do in Fayetteville.
Address: 3729 Sycamore Dairy Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Attend the International Folk Festival
The International Folk Festival is an annual festival that takes place in downtown Fayetteville. The festival has been taking place for more than 45 years.
At the festival, which lasts 3 days in total, you can enjoy incredible food and see amazing performances, and the festival starts with the Parade of Nations.
There are several stages where you can enjoy live music, see dance performances, go to storytelling events, and enjoy a variety of other activities.
Have Fun at Sky Zone Trampoline Park
The Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Fayetteville is a fun place to visit as you can find lots of attractions there. The trampoline park is located at 361 Westwood Shopping Center.
There is a freestyle jump area where you can find a court of wall-to-wall trampolines that you can jump on.
Furthermore, there is a section at the trampoline park with a trapeze and a swing.
Other attractions that you can find here include a ninja obstacle course, a parkour area, an air court, and a zip line.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park is a great place to visit with kids, but the park is great for all ages, there is no age limit.
Experience Indoor Skydiving at Paraclete XP Indoor Skydiving
Paraclete XP Indoor Skydiving is a place where you can experience indoor skydiving that you can find near Fayetteville. You can find the largest indoor skydiving wind tunnel in the country here where you can float on a stream of air.
Indoor skydiving is like skydiving, but instead of jumping out of an airplane, you do it inside a vertical chamber where large fans blow air into the chamber from below. You can hover over this air and fly.
Almost anyone can do this and it can be a great activity for the whole family. When you go here, you first get instructions before experiencing the flight and there is a flight instructor next to you in the tunnel that will assist you.
Address: 190 Paraclete Dr, Raeford, NC 28376
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What To Do in Fayetteville Tips
When you want to do several of the activities on this list, I recommend making an itinerary before going to the city instead of deciding what to do in Fayetteville after arriving there. That way, you can more efficiently make use of your time and do a lot in one day.
Fayetteville Things To Do Map
I hope this guide helped you decide what to do in the city! As you see, there are many things to do in Fayetteville, NC.