The wheels on the Chapel Hill Transit buses go round and round. Why don’t we use them more often as a kid-friendly way to get around town?
Recently I found myself looking for things to do with my two year-old before it got too hot outside. With our car at the mechanic, I finally had a chance to try some kid-oriented bus outings.
Why take the bus?
The Chapel Hill Transit bus system is a wonderful resource for those entertaining young children. They’re free, air conditioned, and go all over town. Best yet, lots of young kids love just being on the bus. Looking at all the new people, not having to be in a car seat, watching the driver and their big steering wheel; it’s as if the bus ride itself is the destination and the journey.
Maybe, like me, you didn’t connect the bus with child-like joy, or maybe you take the bus for your commute and don’t want to think about buses again outside of work. I encourage you to take another look at this wonderful town resource. There are plenty of adventures you can have right near home.
Easy Bus Trips for Kids
Here are a few mostly free, kid-oriented, bus trips that you can take with little one(s). All are accessible from somewhere downtown Carrboro or Chapel Hill. But, since the bus routes spider out from downtown too, you may find one that goes to the bus stop closest to your house.
A practical note: Most buses are “kneeling” buses, which means the driver can lower them or extend a ramp for easy stroller access.
NS Route: Southern Village Parks and Restaurants
How to get there: Take the NS line south to its terminus at Southern Village Park and Ride.
What to do: Walk to the playground at Southern Community Park, run around the basketball courts, or go on a walk through the Fan Branch woods. Once you’re all a bit tired, head back to Southern Village for lunch or snacks at Weaver Street or Rasa Malaysia (my two favorites in the plaza).
Community Park and Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen (CL/D/F Routes)
How to get there: Take the CL, D or F routes from either downtown or along the Ephesus Church, Franklin St or 15-501 areas in Chapel Hill. Get off either at the Community Park (Barret Rd and S Estes), University Place, or Estes and Franklin St.
What to do: Play at the playground (check out the bocce ball courts and rose garden too), then walk along Bolin Creek to Franklin St. Skip the line of cars waiting at Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen, go up to the walk-in window, and order a delicious breakfast/brunch/lunch. Enjoy your biscuits along the creek, or walk back to the park to catch your bus home.
Pro tip: Go on a Saturday morning (or Tuesday afternoon if skipping Sunrise Biscuits is acceptable) to combine this trip with a trip to the Chapel Hill Farmer’s market.
University Lake (JFX/CM/F Routes)
How to get there: Take the JFX, CM or F lines to the end of the line at the Jones Ferry Park and Ride. From there, walk south along the quiet University Lake Rd towards University Lake.
What to do: For the more adventurous or energy-laden families out there, pack a picnic and enjoy the scenery, walk along the trails, or rent a boat to boat around the lake. University Lake (run by OWASA) has rowboats, canoes, and kayaks available for reasonable rates ($4.50 for canoe or rowboat), with discounts for locals. Life jackets are required and provided.
Note: University Lake is only open on the weekends from March – October.
