The Great Outdoors

A group of tubers enjoy Labor Day floating on the lazy current of the Neuse River.
A group of tubers enjoy Labor Day floating on the lazy current of the Neuse River.
Teens shoot hoops during an early morning game at Davis Drive Park in Apex.
Teens shoot hoops during an early morning game at Davis Drive Park in Apex.
A child talks to ducks at Bond Lake.
A child talks to ducks at Bond Lake.
Children take to the park’s bike trails with dad in tow.
Children take to the park’s bike trails with dad in tow.
Women get a jump on the day during an exercise class at Davis Drive Park.
Women get a jump on the day during an exercise class at Davis Drive Park.
Sunrise foot traffic in Cary's Bond Park has gotten busy in recent months.
Sunrise foot traffic in Cary's Bond Park has gotten busy in recent months.
On warm days, Bond Lake is a refreshing destination for boating and swimming.
On warm days, Bond Lake is a refreshing destination for boating and swimming.
Harper, a Belgian Malinois, enjoys Bond Lake’s cool water while retrieving a ball for owner Mike Willoughby of Cary.
Harper, a Belgian Malinois, enjoys Bond Lake’s cool water while retrieving a ball for owner Mike Willoughby of Cary.
A group of runners beat the heat during an early morning run through Davis Drive Park.
A group of runners beat the heat during an early morning run through Davis Drive Park.
Siblings Mila and Zane Wilson find relief from the heat by racing their scooters through a sprinkler in a Raleigh neighborhood.
Siblings Mila and Zane Wilson find relief from the heat by racing their scooters through a sprinkler in a Raleigh neighborhood.
Kids angle for a whopper during a summer day at Bond Park.
Kids angle for a whopper during a summer day at Bond Park.
A stroller is the perfect spot for a quick nap.
A stroller is the perfect spot for a quick nap.
Friends socialize while keeping their distance on the boardwalk at Bond Park.
Friends socialize while keeping their distance on the boardwalk at Bond Park.
Whether they’re hanging out with friends, walking the dog or boating on the river, many area residents safely enjoy the outdoors and each other's company.
Whether they’re hanging out with friends, walking the dog or boating on the river, many area residents safely enjoy the outdoors and each other's company.

After being cooped up inside for far too long, most would agree the coronavirus pandemic has left us with a longing to get outside. Area residents are doing just that these days, and in record numbers. Whether it’s tubing down the Neuse River in Raleigh or exercising in a Cary park, people are stepping out for some much-needed fresh air.