The Triangle is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the US, boasting an abundance of museums, festivals, parks, lakes, and in door amusement centers, there is something to please even the most discerning kids. From hands-on exhibits at Marbles Kids Museum and larger-than-life movies at Wells Fargo IMAX Theatre to the historic carousel and train at Pullen Park, the Raleigh area offers family attractions and activities for kids of all ages.
Active families can enjoy year-round outdoor recreation in North Carolina’s state capital area, and you’re sure to learn a little while you’re there. Turn fun time into learning time at the Nature Research Center (a wing at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences), or better understand the past at one of the area’s historic sites like Historic Yates Mill County Park. It’s never to early to plant the seed of lifelong learning! What’s more, many of the areas attractions are free.
Scroll below to find fun things to do with kids in tow.
Adventure Landing 3311 Capital Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27604 Area: North Raleigh Phone: 919.872.1688 Visit WebsiteThe area’s best place to play with three miniature golf courses, speedway go-karts, extreme laser tag, an interactive video arcade, batting cages and a full-service snack bar. A great place for groups and fun for all ages. Convenient location, open every day.
Arts Together 114 St. Mary’s St. Raleigh, NC 27605 Area: Downtown Raleigh Phone: 919.828.1713 Visit Website
Arts Together is Raleigh’s only non-profit multi-arts school. Arts Together offers a rich blend of classes in art, dance, drama, voice, Pilates and yoga for ages 3 through 18 and adults. Arts Together offers a daily preschool designed around the arts as the basis for kindergarten readiness. As Raleigh’s community school for the arts, Arts Together also has the distinction of nurturing the only area dance program focusing its curriculum around modern dance, with offerings for preschoolers through dance professionals. Located just shy of downtown Raleigh on Saint Mary’s Street, we are conveniently situated less than a block from Hillsborough Street and across from Saint Mary’s School
BugFest (September) 11 W. Jones St. Raleigh, NC 27601 Area: Downtown Raleigh Phone: 919.733.7450 Visit Website
The nation’s largest bug-centric festival celebrating all things buggy happens each September at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Featuring events like the Roachingham 500 and Café Insecta, where local chefs cook up some tasty treats featuring–you guessed it–bugs, mixed with educational programming, music and entertainment, this event is a family favorite.
Capital City BMX 516 Dennis Ave. Lions Park Raleigh, NC 27604 Area: Downtown Raleigh Phone: 919.834.4269 Visit Website
Open to the public, the BMX Track races are organized according to age groups and skill levels, enabling everyone to compete fairly. Raleigh’s BMX program is sanctioned by the American Bicycle Association. Free admission for spectators. Hours vary; call for details.
Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts (formerly Progress Energy Center) 2 E. South St. Raleigh, NC 27601 Area: Downtown Raleigh Phone: 919.996.8700 Visit Website
Guests can experience the culture of Triangle living. From the intimate Kennedy Theater where innovative theatrical productions take place, to the grandeur of the performances in Raleigh’s Memorial Auditorium, Raleigh’s artists captivate and entertain audiences from both near and far.
Durant Nature Park 8305 Camp Durant Rd. Raleigh, NC 27614 Area: North Raleigh Phone: 919.870.2871 Visit Website
This 237-acre nature park offers five miles of trails, a playground, picnic areas, nature activities and rental facilities. Program and rental information available by calling the park office. Free admission. Hours: Daily, 8am-sunset.
Grand Slam USA 4500 Western Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27606 Area: West Raleigh/N.C. State Univ/PNC Arena Phone: 919.233.7522 Visit Website
This indoor sports facility offers two basketball courts, several batting cages, video games and a concession stand. Located near NC State University.
Open Monday – Sunday 10:00am -10:00pm
Haywood Hall House and Gardens 211 New Bern Pl. Raleigh, NC 27601 Area: Downtown Raleigh Phone: 919.832.8357 Visit Website
John Haywood, the state’s first elected treasurer, built this Federal-style frame house in 1799. It is the oldest house on its original site within the city limits of Raleigh. The house museum contains family portraits, original furnishings and a permanent doll collection. Admission is free but donations are gladly accepted. Haywood House is open on Thursdays 10:30am-1:30pm (Mar.-Dec.)
Jump! Zone Cary 2723 N.C. Hwy. 55 Cary, NC 27519 Area: Cary Phone: 919.249.7320 Visit Website
Bounce houses are popping up everywhere, and Jump! Zone is the Triangle’s largest indoor inflatable play facility. They also have other interactive games and free Wifi, making this a great place for the kids to play while the busy student mom gets work done.
Kazoom Children’s Theatre 431 Peace St. Raleigh, NC 27601 Area: Downtown Raleigh Phone: 919.829.0822 Visit Website
Kazoom Children’s Theater in Raleigh is Puppetry Theater for younger children. The Gabardine Sisters perform shows every Wednesday and Thursday at 10:00 am and 11:00 am. If you have a budding performer, they will love that this is a participatory theater and most audience members get a chance to star in the show, but for the more reserved kid, there is plenty of singing and dancing to be had without stepping on stage. Additionally, each show has exciting musical puppet numbers and a variety of interactive guest puppets. You never know who’ll visit the theater!
Marbles Kids Museum 201 E. Hargett St. Raleigh, NC 27601 Area: Downtown Raleigh Phone: 919.834.4040 Visit Website
If you child attends public school in Wake county, it’s highly likely they’ll visit Marbles via school field trip, but Marbles is also a delight to visit without chaperoning a group of 15 school kids. Marbles Kids Museum delivers purposeful play in a big way! Children imagine, discover and learn in dozens of interactive exhibits, daily educational programs, and other special events. $5 museum admission. Hours: Tues.-Sun., 9am-5pm
Wells Fargo Imax Theater at Marbles 201 East Hargett St. Area: Downtown Raleigh, 27601 Phone: 919.882.IMAXThis theater is North Carolina’s only giant 3-D movie screen. Both children and parent can enjoy the captivating experience that makes you feel as if you are part of the movie. The theater offers feature films, documentaries, and kids movie series at varying price ranges. but the are discounted tickets for both students and children so be sure to have your I.D. on hand.
Millbrook Exchange Pool 1905 Spring Forest Rd. Raleigh, NC 27615 Area: North Raleigh Phone: 919.872.4130 Visit Website
Millbrook’s main pool is covered by a fabric tension structure which accommodates year round swimming . During the summer season the wading pool and spray ground are open for use. There is also a tennis center, ball fields, and a dog park.
Monkey Joe’s 6220 Glenwood Ave. Ste. 104 Raleigh, NC 27612 Area: North Raleigh Phone: 919.510.6979 Visit Website
Kids love Monkey Joe’s inflatable play center. They have wall-to-wall inflatable slides, jumps, and obstacle courses will keep your kids active, happy, and entertained. There is also a Mini Monkey Zone, which is a separate play area for toddlers.
Museum Park at North Carolina Museum of Art 2110 Blue Ridge Rd. Raleigh, NC 27607 Area: West Raleigh/N.C. State Univ/PNC Arena Phone: 919.839.6262 Visit Website
The Museum Park consists of 164 acres, and its trail system leads visitors through natural areas and to more than a dozen commissioned works of art. Designed for walking, cycling and jogging, the paved trails connect to the Capital Area Greenway system. Free admission. Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset.
North Carolina Museum of Art 2110 Blue Ridge Rd. Raleigh, NC 27607 Area: West Raleigh/N.C. State Univ/PNC Arena Phone: 919.839.NCMA Visit Website
This museum is truly a North Carolina gem and is one of the premier visual arts museums in the Southeast. The museum features a dramatic new gallery building, home to a world-class collection including more than 30 Rodin sculptures and a center for special exhibitions. Open daily; admission is free.
North Carolina Museum of History 5 E. Edenton St. Raleigh, NC 27601 Area: Downtown Raleigh Phone: 919.807.7900 Visit Website
Explore North Carolina’s past and learn about its people. See exhibits highlighting the state’s military history, decorative arts, sports heroes and more. Special programs include craft demonstrations, music concerts and family events. Open daily; admission is free.
North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame 5 E. Edenton St. Raleigh, NC 27601 Area: Downtown Raleigh Phone: 919.807.7900 Visit Website
Located in the North Carolina Museum of History, the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame exhibits personal items donated by approximately 360 inductees. Learn about these sports legends and the impact of sports in the state. Open daily; admission is free.
North Carolina State Fair (October) 1025 Blue Ridge Rd. Raleigh, NC 27607 Area: West Raleigh/N.C. State Univ/PNC Arena Phone: 919.821.7400 Visit Website
The State Fair, which takes place in October, is the largest annual event in the state. The 11-day fair features livestock, agricultural attractions, arts and cultural exhibits, an amusement midway, and each night, a nationally acclaimed musical guest.
Pullen Park 520 Ashe Ave. Raleigh, NC 27606 Area: West Raleigh/N.C. State Univ/PNC Arena Phone: 919.996.6468 Visit Website
This beautiful park offers recreational opportunities for everyone. It includes a 1911 Gustave A. Dentzel Menagerie Carousel, C.P. Huntington train ride, community center, boat rentals, arts center, ball fields, tennis courts, picnic shelters, playground, outdoor cafe and Theatre in the Park. Home of the TVLand “Andy & Opie” statue! Free admission; small fee for amusement rides. Hours vary;
State Farmers Market, Raleigh 1201 Agriculture St. Raleigh, NC 27603 Area: West Raleigh/N.C. State Univ/PNC Arena Phone: 919.733.7417 Visit Website
More than fresh vegetables, it’s a family adventure. Considered one of the nation’s best and most modern markets, visitors enjoy 75 acres of indoor/outdoor specialty shops, restaurants and garden center, with fruits, vegetables, meats, and gift products from across the state. Free admission. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 5am-6pm; Sun., 8am-6pm.