The best things to do in Johnston County

10 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Johnston County’s best · Restaurants · Shopping · Nightlife · Beauty · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Arts & Culture · Bakeries & Sweets · Home & Garden · Pets

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Entertainment · 10 places · showing the latest additions first

Johnston County Country Club brings a true links vibe with an Ellis Maples-designed 18-hole course that’s open to the public and known for…

694 Country Club Rd (Smithfield)

5-hour rounds. Grab your clubs this week, then cool off by the pool or mix in some tennis for the full hometown reset.

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Cardinal Country Club serves up a scenic, player-friendly 18-hole championship course with smooth Bermuda greens and no houses crowding…

363 Parrish Memorial Rd (Selma)

Cardinal Country Club serves up a scenic, player-friendly 18-hole championship course with smooth Bermuda greens and no houses crowding your swing. Quick hop from Goldsboro, it's a laid-back, semi-private, member-owned spot with tournaments and socials if you want more than just a solo round.

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Rainbow Lanes Family Fun Center keeps weeknights interesting with classic lanes, glow-in-the-dark Cosmic Bowling, and bumper lanes that…

850 NC 42 (Clayton)

Rainbow Lanes Family Fun Center keeps weeknights interesting with classic lanes, glow-in-the-dark Cosmic Bowling, and bumper lanes that keep kids smiling. Queue up a game of billiards between frames, grab something from the snack bar, and enjoy a 100% smoke free hang that’s easy to rally friends for.

From the Johnston County newsletter, August 7, 2026

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The Farm at 95

Entertainment

Plotting a wedding, corporate bash, or a reunion that won’t feel cramped, The Farm at 95 brings polished country charm with huge banquet…

215 Batten Rd (Selma)

Plotting a wedding, corporate bash, or a reunion that won’t feel cramped, The Farm at 95 brings polished country charm with huge banquet space, outdoor pavilions, and even a concert venue. Peek at their events calendar this week, then let the farmland backdrop do the heavy lifting.

From the Goldsboro newsletter, August 5, 2026

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From the pool and splash park to the double gym for pickup hoops, indoor track, racquetball courts, and a legit pottery studio, Smithfield…

600 M Durwood Stephenson Pkwy (Smithfield)

From the pool and splash park to the double gym for pickup hoops, indoor track, racquetball courts, and a legit pottery studio, Smithfield Recreation & Aquatics Center keeps the whole crew moving, creating, and de-stressing, with group and water fitness plus Tigershark Aquatics swim lessons.

From the Johnston County newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Riverwood Golf Club

Entertainment

Public venue offering 27 holes of golf with sand traps, bunkers, and a halfway house.

400 Riverwood Dr (Clayton)

Public venue offering 27 holes of golf with sand traps, bunkers, and a halfway house.

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Family-friendly course that's playable for all skill levels, featuring bunkers and golf carts.

585 Reedy Creek Rd (Four Oaks)

Family-friendly course that's playable for all skill levels, featuring bunkers and golf carts.

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Scenic suburban golf club along a river, offering challenging greens & a pro shop.

918 Birkdale Dr (Clayton)

Scenic suburban golf club along a river, offering challenging greens & a pro shop.

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Indoor playground featuring slides, a ball pit and a toddler-friendly zone.

231 Guy Rd (Clayton)

Indoor playground featuring slides, a ball pit and a toddler-friendly zone.

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Challenging rooms with themes such as airship, spaceship and wizard, for groups to solve puzzles and escape.

41 Technology Dr A (Garner)

Challenging rooms with themes such as airship, spaceship and wizard, for groups to solve puzzles and escape.

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