Top 11 Best Things to do in Greensboro if Under 21

Decades ago, when you talk of textiles and blue-collar workers, you usually think of Greensboro.

Greensboro was a city with an image of packed factories, mills, and industry structures.

But the years have been kind to the city. It changed significantly and grew into a location bustling with activities specifically related to sports.

The city saw stadiums, fields, and other athletic sports sprouting over the years.

Such growth and increase in establishments earned the city its nickname, “Tournament Town.”

Of course, there is more to Greensboro than sports.

A tremendous amount of history influenced the city and left it with different spots to visit. And as a tourist, you will only spoil yourself with numerous options to choose from.

There are artistic venues as well as green spaces. There are live performances and many historical sites. All these and more made Greensboro a significant tourist spot in the region.

The activities that you can do here are limitless. Even if you are here only for the weekend, there will always be something to do.

For boys and girls under 21 who want some activities for themselves, the city also always has something in store.

And to help you with that, we collected 11 of the attractions in Greensboro that you may want to try visiting.

Here they are.

1. Greensboro History Museum

Sitting right smack in downtown Greensboro is the Greensboro History Museum. The city’s First Presbyterian Church once owned the building.

With 17,000 square feet, this Romanesque Revival-styled structure boasts of its classical beauty even from the outside.

The building alone is already a beauty to behold.

The museum is home to artifacts and exhibits that present and preserve the historical information of the North Carolina Piedmont region.

All of the displays and exhibits showcase and celebrate the local culture and heritage of the region.

The displays mainly document the lives of the locals.

These locals were significant in the development and history of the city. Here, you will meet famous personalities from the Native American era to the Quakers and up to the Scots-Irish.

The museum also presents its visitors with opportunities to learn more.

You will also get to learn about the South’s textile manufacturing industry. You will see how the sector rose from its humble beginnings to what it is today.

The museum also houses displays that tell about the role of Guilford County during the Civil War. It further shows the beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement.

And while in the museum, you should never miss checking out how the city looked in the early 1900s.

2. Weatherspoon Art Museum

One of Greensboro’s major attractions is the Weatherspoon Art Museum.

Right smack at the University of North Carolina, this museum is home to one of the region’s most extensive modern and contemporary art collections.

The exhibits focus on American Art.

The museum also maintains an internationally-renowned program. The program includes more than 15 exhibitions yearly. There are also several educational activities for both children and adults alike.

The museum houses an extensive collection of more than 6,000 works and objects.

All these represent the principal art movements from the start of the 20th century up until the present time.

The most notable paintings on display are those by Willem de Kooning, Knox Martin, and Eva Hesse.

Andy Warhol also has his works displayed here.

We should also highlight that The Dillard Collection of Art on Paper is also in this museum. And if you want, you can see the Lenoir C. Wright Collection of Japanese Prints.

Admission to the museum is free.

3. Greensboro Natural Science Center

The natural center is perhaps one of the most enjoyable and eye-opening activities in the city.

The Greensboro Natural Science Center has four separate sections. It has more immersive and child-friendly exhibits.

The center also has a museum home to reptile and rattlesnake exhibits. There is also a zoo that is complete with swinging gibbons. There are super rare lemurs.

If you think of it, the center’s collection is vast.

And before we forget, do not miss out on the Time Warner Cable OmniSphere Theater.

There are also exciting films that tackle the mysteries of black holes and dinosaurs.

4. Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden

When all you want is to do some sightseeing and relaxation, the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden could be a perfect place for you.

The garden sits on 7.5 acres of land. The local community maintains the park.

In 1976, the garden opened to celebrate the country’s 200th foundation anniversary.

Most of the time, people know of the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden for its colossal bronze sculptures. People also relate the garden to its beautiful plants.

There is also a re-circulating, artificial stream. Its sight and its sounds provide a calm serenity to the vibe.

Not only that but there are a few other notable areas in the garden that you should visit.

For instance, try visiting the Sensory Garden.

This garden part allows you to interact with the landscape via your senses. Another section of the garden, Paver Plaza, lets you lend your name to the beauty of nature.

In summary, the garden provides its people with enough public spaces. There is also no admission charge.

5. The Greensboro Arboretum

In 1991, the greenhouse opened its beautifully maintained garden to the public.

The garden features 14 plant collections. The collections include local and foreign flora species. Exquisite gardens and structures like pathways, gazebo, and bridges complete the experience.

There are also areas with wind chimes that produce the most relaxing sound when you are in the garden.

The Greensboro Arboretum sits on a land area of 17 acres.

And the garden is a testimony to nature’s beauty. It is a gallery of greens and many other colors in the form of conifers, plants, and small trees.

The gardens also include hollies, roses, and butterflies.

Never miss out on the structures like the Tanger Family Wedding Gazebo, the Elena Marzulla Bridge, and the trio of oversized wind chimes that stand 23 feet tall.

6. Elsewhere Living Art Museum

The Elsewhere Living Art Museum is a quirky art gallery. It also serves as an educational facility where artists conduct workshops for some months.

Located at a former thrift store in downtown Greensboro, this spot provides visitors with a liberal range of exhibits and shows. These exhibits are in the museum throughout the year.

The point here is to have the visitors think about reclaimed and recycled materials differently.

The resident artists work hard to tell a different story out of the materials they gather.

Visit the museum to see how diverse, unique, and interesting the exhibits are.

7. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park

With about 200 acres, the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park welcomes approximately 200,000 visitors every year.

What attracts visitors to this park is its many natural ecosystems.

Visitors are apt to explore the park by bike or on foot. Several landscapes are interesting enough to have its visitors explore.

In one area of the park are displays and exhibits.

These displays and exhibits provide visitors with historical information about the park and its role in the area.

The Guilford Courthouse National Military Park was a site that commemorates the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. The event happened in 1781.

It was one of the most celebrated fights at the time. It was also the beginning of the campaign that would eventually lead to the Revolutionary War’s American victory.

The park is one of the key attractions when in Greensboro. It is also an ideal destination, especially for history buffs.

But if you want a good walk or an afternoon spent biking, coming here is not bad either.

Some statues honor the generals and revered personalities in the battle.

There are tours available to let you in on everything that happened at the time.

8. Gateway Gardens

At the entrance of the city is Gateway Gardens.

The attraction provides its visitors with a tranquil green space and a relaxing garden.

The garden sits at an area of about 11 acres. It is home to different individual parks and collections. Some of the most notable of these gardens are Heritage Garden, the Rain Garden, and the Great Lawn.

And if you come to visit the garden, you could also check out the Michel Family Children’s Garden.

When you visit the gardens, you can take advantage of the many educational programs and classes that they hold here.

Aside from these, some workshops tackle topics on gardening and a little bit of history. Plus, you will also be learning about botany.

The garden is open all year round.

9. Tate Street Coffee House

A few minutes of walking away from the university buildings is Tate Street Coffee House. This coffee house is right smack in all the happenings of College Hill.

The quaint coffee shop serves brews and oodles. They also serve the best homemade cakes and other pastries.

The coffee shop even has vegan sandwiches on its menu.

Tate Street Coffee House is popular with the University of North Carolina students.

It is common for you to see students here discussing, studying, or simply hanging around.

10. Wet n’ Wild Emerald Pointe

The Wet n’ Wild Emerald Pointe is another Wet n’ Wild franchise branch. This attraction is an amusement park with all types of activities and excitement.

The amusement park sits right at the edges of the city of Greensboro and is a popular place to visit among tourists. Even with teens and kids, the amusement park is a must-see.

Also, we should point out that Wet n’ Wild Emerald Pointe is one of the top 10 best waterparks in the US.

Who can blame the tourists?

Wet n’ Wild Emerald Pointe has plunge pools, rivers, rides, and waterslides.

Jacuzzi baths, pools, and many other water-themed attractions could provide you and your friends with the wild excitement only this park can.

Some of the unique rides include Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Horror. The Daredevil Drop is also an exciting ride you should not miss.

It is a reverse waterslide where you go down with your head first.

Would you dare?

Are you hungry?

If yes, you can grab some ice cream or a giant turkey leg, depending on which one you fancy.

There are many concession stands throughout the park. And so, after all that excitement, you will never go home with an empty stomach.

11. Antique Market Place

This place is an antique market where you can look for antique and vintage items by their name.

The market is on Burnt Poplar Road. It covers an area of about 45,000 square feet and boasts at least 150 dealers and vendors that sell antique and vintage wear.

Of course, going through antique items requires time.

But if you are up for it, there are many treasures to behold here.

The market is heaven for antique enthusiasts and will prompt excitement in the horde of quality antiques, collectibles, and vintage items for sale. The market even has vendors selling antique furnishings, too.

Aside from the antique wares, some vendors sell modern furniture and decor.

And so, if you are planning to furnish your room or your home, you can drop by Antique Market Place.

There are also special yard sales on specific schedules. During these yard sales, visitors can find exceptional bargains unavailable in other year parts.

And if you are not into buying antique items, you can spend an afternoon here walking through and admiring the wares for sale.

—

The city of Greensboro in North Carolina is a city filled with history.

Aside from a rich historical background, the city is also full of fantastic art, beautiful natural spots, sports, etc.

If you were to ask me about Greensboro, it would be hard for me to pin down the city in a brief description. It is because the city is more than your tournament city.

It can cater to visitors of all ages.

And so, whether you are 21, 50, or older, there will always be something for you.

We have already listed the attractions you should visit when under 21.

Do you have anything else you would like added to the list?

If yes, please let me know, and we can talk about it.