Enjoy Every Moment of Spring Break in Clayton
Spring Break is approaching for Johnston County Public Schools, and the Town of Clayton is ready with plenty of free, family-friendly ways to make the most of it. From Monday, April 6 through Friday, April 10, families can enjoy time off by getting outside, exploring local parks, and discovering new activities close to home.
Best of all, many of these experiences are completely free, making it easy to plan a fun-filled week without going far or spending a lot.
A great place to start is Clayton Community Park (1075 Amelia Church Road) where a modern playground – made possible by the 2019 Parks and Recreation Bond – offers swings, climbing walls, and slides for kids of all ages. Over at East Clayton Community Park (1774 Glen Laurel Road), Harmony Playground provides an inclusive space where children of all abilities can play together. Municipal Park (325 McCullers Street) and other neighborhood parks also offer plenty of room to run, explore, and enjoy the outdoors. And if your family includes a four-legged friend, East Clayton Dog Park (2027 Glen Laurel Road) is the perfect spot to let them join in on the fun.
While you’re at East Clayton Community Park, be sure to check out the newest StoryWalk® feature, The Not-So Great Outdoors by Madeline Kloepper. As you follow the trail, each stop reveals a new page of the story, where a young camper learns that bugs, mud, and outdoor surprises might not be so bad after all. It’s a fun and interactive way to turn storytime into family time while enjoying the fresh air.
From there, families can keep the momentum going with even more ways to enjoy Clayton’s natural spaces. The Clayton Riverwalk on the Neuse offers a scenic four-mile trail that’s perfect for walking, biking, or simply taking in the view along the river.
Spring Break is also a great opportunity to explore Clayton’s growing public art scene. The 2026-2027 Sculpture Trail features new installations throughout the Town, including interactive pieces that are especially engaging for kids. It’s an easy (and free) way to add a creative twist to a stroll through downtown or local parks. Learn more at TownofClaytonNC.org/SculptureTrail.
As families make plans for the week, it’s also a good time to check in with Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library, which is currently operating from its temporary location (446 East Second Street) as renovations near completion. While the library prepares to move back to its main facility (100 South Church Street), a few temporary service changes are underway.
The following dates have already passed:
Upcoming changes to keep in mind:
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April 9: Library programs move to alternative locations, primarily The Clayton Center
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April 20: Library closed to the public
Before the transition, visitors are encouraged to take advantage of available resources, including the Library of Things. Families can check out outdoor activity kits, lawn games, puzzles, and even seeds from the Seed Library to start a garden at home. It’s perfect for extending the fun beyond Spring Break.
Even after your visit, the library offers plenty of ways to stay entertained from home. With a library card, residents can access a wide range of free digital resources, including eBooks and audiobooks, movies and TV shows, digital magazines and newspapers, and online learning tools. It’s a great option for rainy days or winding down after time outside. Explore everything available at ClaytonLibraryNC.org/DigitalMedia.
From playgrounds and trails to public art and digital discoveries, Clayton makes it easy to fill Spring Break with simple, meaningful moments. For more ideas and additional opportunities, visit townofclaytonnc.org.
