Destination: American Tobacco Campus

The American Tobacco Campus features lots of kid-friendly spaces, along with an outdoor concert series. There's a special concert for dads this Sunday.

Posted 12:06 a.m. Jun 17, 2011 — Updated 12:06 a.m. Jun 17, 2011

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

I was over at the American Tobacco Campus earlier this month for the drumming workshop that was part of its inaugural series for kids - Explore, Create, Move.

I was struck by just how kid friendly the space is. While there are mostly offices and restaurants (which all are family friendly), there also are some great places for kids to explore here. They can discover a dinosaur and alligator, cross a river on rocks or run around the lawn while you're waiting for a table or your food.

The four-part kids series ended earlier this month. There are plans for it to return in the fall or winter. But American Tobacco, which is owned by WRAL owner Capitol Broadcasting Co., also is host to a free outdoor concert and movie series through September.

The movies are documentaries on musical acts, which might appeal to families with teens. The concert feature a mix of styles. I'm told that the lawn is filled with people of all ages for the concerts and kids often go up front to dance.

This weekend for Father's Day, the campus will featuring its Pops for Pops concert from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. The Durham Community Concert Band and Durham Jazz Orchestra will play marches, show tunes, standards and more.

American Tobacco also is a gathering space on July 4 for its Red, White Blues and Bluegrass concert starting at 5 p.m. It closes with fireworks next door at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

For more on American Tobacco including details about the concerts and movies, click here for the website. And watch the video to see some of the kid-friendly spots.

Looking for other things to do with the kids? Check our park and playground reviews and list of Triangle family destinations.

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