Huge thanks to Lindsey of And The Kitchen Sink for guest posting on frugal-friendly tips for traveling to Greensboro.

I have lived in Greensboro my entire life. There’s just something about this city that keeps calling me home. In my years of living here, I have visited and experienced almost everything there is to do here. There’s so much to do here you couldn’t possibly do all of it in a day, in my opinion these are the best bangs for your buck!

Attractions

Greensboro Science Center

A lot of this sciences are geared toward younger audiences, I would be lying to you if I told you that I didn’t go to the Science Center for my 19^th birthday. This is personally one of my favorite places in Greensboro, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area. Greensboro’s Science center is the only facility in the whole state that offers an accredited science museum, zoo, Omnisphere theater, and aquarium all in one place.
Science Museum- The museum has exhibits that range from fossils and dinosaur footprints, extreme weather galleries, small reptiles, even an educational exhibit filled with interactive displays that take you on a tour of the body’s main systems. From now until June 5^th you can see the exciting bodies revealed exhibit.
Animal Discovery- The Animal Discovery has everything from Nile Crocodiles, Gibbons, Lemurs, and Tigers. There is a special portion of the Animal Discovery Zoo (one of my personal favorites) called Farm’s Petting Zoo. You have the chance to get up close to farm animals such as alpacas and donkeys, and can even pet sheep and goats.
Omnisphere Theater- The OmniSphere Theater can transport you anywhere in the universe with its realistic 3D experience. However, these tickets are not included in the general admission price, tickets range from $3-5.
Aquarium- The newest addition to the Greensboro Science Center is the “Sciquarium”. Here you can pet stingrays and nurse sharks, see sharks, penguins, otters, and other exotic fish.
Your ticket purchase includes admission to the museum, zoo, and the aquarium.

Prices:

Adults- $12.50
Children (3-13)- $11.50
Children (2-and under)- Free

Discounts:

Greensboro Residents- $1 off general admission
Military- $1 off general admission (with a valid military ID)
College Students- $1 off general admission (with a valid college ID)

Wet N’ Wild Emerald Pointe

Wet n’ Wild Emerald Pointe is the 12^th largest water park in the US and is located right in Greensboro, North Carolina. Hands down, this is one of the best water parks I’ve been to. There are over 36 water rides and attractions that are perfect for all ages. Relax and float down the “Lazee” river, take a risk and slide down the nearly vertical Daredevil drop, take the family to relax at Splash Island where there are rides more suited to smaller children, or enjoy intertube slides for the whole family such as Runaway Raft.
I’m going to tell you how to enjoy this wonderful water park for $10 a person. There are a limited number of vouchers available (usually to the first 1,000) click here to register for your chance to win. Tickets normally range about $50 dollars a person, so I’m sharing a local secret with you that will save you hundreds.
There is one day every year where Wet N’ Wild holds an event called Outta School-Into the Pool. It is hosted by a local radio station from the area where anyone with a voucher gets in between 10am-6pm for just $10. A portion of the proceeds go directly to the Salvation Army and the Boys and Girls Club. Keep an eye on Wet N’ Wild’s event page, as they tend to announce where you can find a $10 off general admission coupon at places such as Chick-fila and Krispy Kreme.

NC Zoo

The zoo is not actually in Greensboro, but it’s worth the drive. The NC Zoo is split up into two “continents,” with Africa and North America each taking about two to three hours to tour. The North America section has exhibits that range from the dry desert to the rocky coast. Here you can see polar bears, gorillas, bison, and more. The Africa section has exhibits that include lions, elephants, even rhinos. Beware that the food is pricey inside the zoo, but you can bring your own food and set up a picnic at one of the tables.
During a day trip to the zoo, we witnessed a celebration for the lion cubs’ birthday. The zoo keepers set up papier-mâché animals for the lion cubs to attack and play with.
Your admission includes entry into both the Africa and North America sections as well as the Aviary.
Adult-$15
Children (2-12)- $11
Children (2-under)- free

Discounts-

AAA- $1 off admission
NC Residency Discount- $1 off admission

Lazy 5 Ranch

I have so many memories of field trips to the Lazy 5 Ranch. The Lazy 5 Ranch is a privately owned exotic animal drive thru park offering a 3.5 mile safari. You can view over 750 animals from six different continents at the Lazy 5 Ranch. You can see the animals through the safety of your own car, or call ahead for horse drawn wagons. Wagon rides are about $2-5 dollars additional to admission. You can purchase animal feed for $3 and feed the animals as you ride through your safari adventure. Lazy 5 Ranch does not take debit or credit cards. They only accept cash!

General Admission:
Adults-$11
Children (2-11)- $8

Dining

Here are some of Greensboro’s classics that can only be found in Greensboro, NC, all are $20 or less!

Hop’s Burger Bar

This place is hands down the best burger you’ll have in Greensboro. Hop’s has Certified Angus Beef, local produce, and Goat Lady cheese. Hop’s has Burgers come in either six or half pound sizes, and you can choose from a huge selection of French fry flavors. There are two house-made patty options for vegetarians a nutty patty and a mushroom cauliflower.
Average price- $10

Stamey’s BBQ

This is one of the best BBQ places for your buck in Greensboro. Growing up, before I was vegetarian, my dad would always take me and my sister here for hot dogs. Time and time again we’d blow that waitress’ mind when my sister and I would each order 3.

George W. Bush shakes the hand of a patron at Stamey’s barbeque in Greensboro, N.C., during a lunch with community leaders Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2006. White House photo by Paul Morse

Average Price- $10

Yum Yum’s Better Ice Cream

Yum Yum’s serves two things: hot dogs and ice cream. This old-school, cash-only, family-run parlor has been around since 1906
Average Price- $3-5

Maxi B’s

Maxi B’s is a locally owned bakery where cakes are served by the slice in a café setting. Maxi B’s has over 15 different types of cakes at any given time with rotating flavors, and sells any sweets that are improperly cut as well.
Average price- $4
Living in Greensboro is simply easy. There’s a large selection of food, culture, and attractions, plus there’s always something going on here. This is my home, and there are so many wonderful memories here. Greensboro isn’t always the cheapest place to live, fun comes with a price tag. I’ve experienced all of these attractions, eaten at all of these restaurants.
If you are thinking of visiting Greensboro, and you want to spend your money well, these are the things you don’t want to miss!

About Lindsey: Lindsey is a born and raised southern girl who dreams of the day she can quit her day job to blog fulltime. She is the creator of And the Kitchen Sink, a lifestyle blog focusing on budgeting, organizing, travel, and more. Read more about her exciting adventures at And The Kitchen Sink.