25+ Best Things to Do with Kids in Raleigh

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A bustling city with incredible restaurants, innovative breweries, and awesome museums, Raleigh has plenty of things to do with kids, too! Enrich and engage your kids with educational and interactive exhibits, explore the outdoors, or have some indoor family fun

Whatever you’re looking to do, Raleigh is a fantastic city for families! In this article, we’ll list some Raleigh museums, kid-friendly hiking, additional outdoor activities, and other fun things to do with kids in Raleigh.

Here’s how we’ve organized this guide:

Annual Kid-Friendly Events
Museums in Raleigh
Outdoors with Kids in Raleigh
Games and Entertainment Spaces

The NC Museum of Art ranks high among our favorite things to do with kids in Raleigh.

Whether you’re a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, we’re leaving no detail behind. If you live in the Raleigh area and are wondering, “What are the best things to do with kids near me?” we think this NC travel guide will help you out!

Annual Events for Kids in Raleigh

Sunflowers Field Raleigh NC Dorothea Dix Park Image

Raleigh hosts some incredible annual kid-friendly events, from festivals to the NC State Fair. Here’s our list of the best events you should try to plan your trip around!

Minor League Baseball (April-September): The Holly Springs Salamanders kick off their season in May.
Spring: This is when strawberry picking begins. Hunt’s and Page are two great farms in Raleigh. Our guide covers them, along with a few more Wake County options.

Independence Day Celebrations (July): Wake County’s July 4th celebrations occur on and around July 4, with each town celebrating our nation in style!
Sunflowers in Raleigh (July): Ever seen a field filled with sunflowers? What if I told you those sunflowers would later be turned into biofuel? Not only are the Raleigh Sunflowers a must-see event, but they also end up going to a great cause. While they typically do bloom in early July, keep your eyes peeled to our social media for updates!

The North Carolina State Fair (October): Have you ever had deep-fried Oreos? The NC State Fair highlights the best of our state and has for over 150 years! The largest annual event in the state attracts over 1 million visitors and features incredible food, rides, music, and entertainment!
NC State Football Games (August to December and Maybe January): The NC State Wolfpack kick off their football season in August.
Carolina Hurricanes Games (October to April and Beyond): Take warning at Lenovo Center (formerly PNC Arena) with the Carolina Hurricanes and their NHL foes. The season starts in October, and if the Canes make another playoff run, the fun won’t end until May or June.
NC State Men’s and Women’s Basketball (November to April): The NC State Men and Women start conference play in December, but the season gets going in November.
Christmas Events (November and December): Christmas in Wake County is a special time, with parades, Christmas lights, and more celebrations!
The RINK (late-November to January): One of our favorite places to take the kids in Raleigh during winter, the RINK at Red Hat Amphitheater gives you and the kids some space to skate, with plenty of space to stretch your legs, hang out with friends and family, and enjoy winter in the city!

The Best Museums for Kids in Raleigh

Here are a few of the city’s best museums, which also make for great things to do with kids in Raleigh.

Marbles Kids Museum

Address: 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Website

Looking for hours of fun? Marbles Kids Museum is in the middle of downtown and arguably one of the best things to do with kids in Raleigh! An admission fee is required, but it is a good price for a full day of fun.

There are exhibits and activities for everyone, with hands-on interactive exhibits and 3D IMAX theater that make learning come to life for older kids and play areas for the younger ones!

North Carolina Museum of Art

Address: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC
Website

Things to Do in North Carolina NC Museum of Art Raleigh

Art museums aren’t typically considered great kid-friendly activities, but at the North Carolina Museum of Art, you can bring the kids! From its fun outdoor movie series to its colorful and engaging exhibits, there are so many reasons kids love the NCMA.

Walking the trails at the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park is one of our favorite things to do with kids in Raleigh. The outdoor sculptures are inviting to kids of all ages, and it’s a great way to be outdoors while learning!

You can also bring your bike and ride some of the trails here, forming part of Raleigh’s Art to Heart Trail. It runs from the NC Museum of Art through many of Raleigh’s best-known attractions.

North Carolina Museum of History (reopening Fall 2028)

Address: 5 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC
Website

a crossroads exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Natural History

Right next to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the North Carolina Museum of History. With permanent exhibits and rotating ones, we always find something new to do and learn here.

Also inside is the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to icons like Michael Jordan, Richard Petty, and many more famous athletes from this state.

There are also quite a few exhibits dedicated to Black history in North Carolina, which is an important reason to visit year-round.

NC Museum of Natural Sciences

Address: 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC
Website

The NC Museum of Natural Sciences‘ multiple floors guide you through the history and ecosystems of North Carolina, with real fish tanks, a collection of snakes, and more!

The exhibits are engaging and perfect for children of all ages. It’s hard to believe this is a free museum because it’s truly an outstanding experience! Don’t forget to come back for the amazing events they host as well.

Outdoors with Kids in Raleigh

These outdoor spaces in Raleigh (and nearby) are perfect for you and the kids.

Dorothea Dix Park

Address: 1030 Richardson Dr, Raleigh, NC
Website

The largest park in Raleigh, Dorothea Dix Park, is a great place to get outdoors with kids! The 308-acre park features rolling hills and open spaces that overlook the skyline.

One of our favorite things to do at Dorothea Dix is to pack a picnic, fly a kite on a windy day, and search for the five Thomas Dambo Trolls. These trolls are hidden across Dix Park and crafted entirely from reclaimed wood, barrels, and branches. Be sure to visit in the summer too, when their beautiful sunflowers are in full bloom!

The new playground at Dorothea Dix Park (known as Gipson Play Plaza) has quickly become one of Raleigh’s most exciting additions for families. 18+ acres, the space is designed for all ages and blends imaginative play with thoughtful design.

One of the areas we spend the most time in is the water play. The multilevel water feature includes a replica mill, cascading water, and tubes to move and manipulate the flow. Designed with universal accessibility in mind, the entire area is connected by ADA-friendly pathways. Gipson Play Plaza is one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the Southeast, and one of our most recommended activities for families visiting Raleigh.

For more about Dorothea Dix Park, check out our interview with Kate Pearce for NC Travel Chat!

Downtown Cary Park

Address: 327 S. Academy St., Cary, NC
Website

The long-awaited Downtown Cary Park offers an awesome experience for families and anyone who visits. Play structures, botanical gardens, and much more await.

New Hope Valley Railway

Address: 3900 Bonsal Rd, New Hill, NC
Website

The New Hope Valley Railway is one of North Carolina’s best-kept secrets for family-friendly things to do near Raleigh. Often called the “Triangle’s Train,” this historic attraction offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the golden age of rail travel.

Operated by volunteers, the New Hope Valley Railway is dedicated to preserving and sharing North Carolina’s rich railroad heritage. Climb aboard vintage locomotives and passenger cars for a scenic journey through Wake County’s piney woodlands.

The relaxing ride showcases the natural beauty of Central North Carolina while giving passengers an authentic glimpse into historic railroading.

Throughout the year, the railway hosts a variety of themed train rides and seasonal events that make every visit special.

One of the most popular experiences is the festive Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express, where children can join Santa Claus on a magical mission to find his missing reindeer. This holiday train ride is filled with joy, storytelling, and interactive fun, making it a must-do Christmas activity for families.

Page Farms

Address: 6100 Mt Herman Rd, Raleigh, NC
Website

We’ve made Page Farms an annual tradition during the fall to look for pumpkins, but Page Farms offers family fun in the spring and summer, too.

Join them for strawberry picking in the spring, blackberries in the summer, and pumpkin picking in late summer/early fall, and say hello to the farm animals!

Prairie Ridge Ecostation (currently closed for renovations)

Address: 1671 Gold Star Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607
Website

If you are looking for outdoor play in Raleigh, Prairie Ridge Ecostation is the place to be! An extension of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the Ecostation has an outdoor classroom, plant garden, and programs for nature-based exploration.

Free and open daily, this is one of the best things to do with kids in Raleigh!

Pullen Park

Address: 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC
Website

Pullen Park has been a staple among the kids’ activities in Raleigh since 1887. With playgrounds, wide green spaces, a mini train, and the original 1911 carousel, Pullen Park is also one of the world’s oldest operating amusement parks!

If you want fun things to do in Raleigh with kids, Pullen Park is one of our first picks!

RDU Observation Park

Address: W International Dr, Morrisville, NC
Website

Do you have an airplane-loving kiddo? Then, the RDU Observation Park is for you! Overlooking the 10,000-foot runway near Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s Air Traffic Control Tower, kids can watch as the planes take off and land.

There’s also a sandbox to play in while in between flights. Bring your own toys and enjoy the excitement of flight!

Sassafras All Children’s Playground

Address: 3808 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC
Website

a park and playground in Raleigh to visit with kids

While there are plenty of playgrounds in Raleigh, we think that the Sassafras All Children’s Playground at Laurel Hills Park is one of the best.

The 3.5-acre playground is inclusive for children of all ages and abilities, featuring zip lines, climbing structures, and playground equipment that guarantees a fun day!

Shelley Lake Park

Address: 1400 W Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC
Website

We’ll find ourselves at Shelley Lake Park at least once a week during many parts of the year. The paved trail loops 2.2 miles around the lake, providing a refreshing mix of shade and sun.

The biggest appeal of Shelley Lake for our kiddo is the bridge where many ducks and turtles congregate. We always bring a snack, sit on the bridge, and count the turtles as they swim by!

Shelley Lake also features among our favorite hiking trails in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill!

Umstead State Park

Crabtree Creek Access and Visitor Center Address: 8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC
Reedy Creek Access Address: 2100 N. Harrison Ave., Cary, NC

Getting outside is a must for us! At Umstead State Park, there’s a variety of kid-friendly trails. We recommend searching for the chainsaw art on the Multi-Use Trail!

The chainsaw art is a 25-foot fallen oak tree that has since become home to carvings of wolves, owls, and more!

It can be difficult to find, but we list directions here. The MUT is flat and easy for children of all ages!

Games and Entertainment

We mentioned Carolina Hurricanes and NC State Wolfpack games in our Events section above. These are places to play games and entertain yourself (and the kids) in Raleigh year-round!

Boxcar Bar + Arcade

Address: 330 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC
Website

Located in Downtown Raleigh, Boxcar Bar + Arcade is a great place to bring kids! With plenty of room and hundreds of games, this arcade offers both new and classic titles for children and parents alike. From air hockey to Mario Kart, great memories are made with a little friendly competition.

Note that only visitors 21 or older are allowed after 9:00 pm.

Frankie’s Fun Park

Address: 11190 Fun Park Dr, Raleigh, NC
Website

We aren’t ashamed to say that we first visited Frankie’s Fun Park when I was 40 weeks pregnant, so *technically* we were there with a child! Frankie’s is a fun-plex of arcade games, mini-golf, go-karts, laser tag, and batting cages, perfect for a day of adventure and action.

Parking is ample and easy. You can spend the whole day playing and eating at their indoor restaurant!

Greystone Recreation Center

Address: 7713 Lead Mine Rd, Raleigh, NC
Website

In the heat of summer or on a rainy day, it’s always hard to find fun things to do with kids in Raleigh. Greystone Recreation Center is the answer to that struggle!

The first of its kind in the city, the playground features 9,600 square feet of indoor play space, a rock climbing wall, and even classrooms. The best part–it’s all free!

ParTee Shack

Address: 6231 Triangle Plantation Dr, Raleigh
Website

ParTee Shack isn’t just mini golf, it’s an entire family entertainment center right here in Raleigh (and Greensboro!) And these aren’t your average mini-golf courses, either. They are packed with imaginative challenges like a skateboard maze, testing your skills with cornhole, and even soaring through a zipline!

For those craving high-energy competition, there is a VR laser tag arena that delivers an immersive, action-packed experience for up to six players.

ParTee Shack also features six duckpin lanes- a fast-paced twist on the traditional game that’s perfect for players of all skill levels. This is the perfect thing to do with older kids in Raleigh!

Spin Art Raleigh

Address: 8204 Tryon Woods Dr #116, Cary, NC
Website

a spatter paint wall at spin paint in Raleigh

an example of spin art with pink, purple, and green paint

Spin Art Raleigh is the perfect thing to do with kids in Raleigh! It is an immersive art experience where you can get messy and creative. They have spin art tables and a splatter room. It is open by appointment only- so secure your time and choose your experience!

TreeRunner Ropes Course

Address: 12804 Norwood Rd, Raleigh, NC
Website

Have a kid who loves to climb? Then you need to check out the TreeRunner Ropes Course! This aerial adventure park has over 70 obstacles, ropes courses, and zip lines at various difficulty levels.

Accessible for children as young as 4 years old, spend some time with your kids up in the trees!

United Skates of America

Address: 2901 Trawick Rd, Raleigh, NC
Website

Kick it old school with some classic roller skating at United Skates of America, a place so large that it can accommodate up to 500 skaters! Teach your younger kids to rollerblade here, or let your older kids show off their skating skills.

If you are looking for a deal, check their schedule for special admission-priced days, especially on Mondays!

What are Your Favorite Things to Do with Kids in Raleigh?

There are plenty of free and fun things to do with kids in Raleigh! Enjoy the outdoors at Umstead State Park, climb the walls at Greystone Recreation Center, or spend a day playing at Marbles Museum.

We hope you enjoy spending time as a family in Raleigh, whether you explore the outdoors or have a fun go-kart competition!

If you’re based in the area or visit our Capital City often, we’d love to know about your favorite things to do with kids in Raleigh. Let us know here in the comments section and keep the conversation going!