Family Attractions
Free Family Activities
Enjoy budget-friendly fun with free family activities throughout Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
Wake Forest Historical Museum
414 N. Main Street, Wake Forest, NC, 27587
The new museum, located behind the historic Calvin Jones House, combines modern architecture with a nod to the past. The space is designed to resemble a nineteenth-century barn and features high windows, exposed beams, and climate-controlled areas to protect the museum’s valuable exhibits. The museum includes an auditorium, exhibit hall, library, and the Edwin G. Wilson Reception Gallery, named in honor of Wake Forest University Provost Emeritus, Edwin G. Wilson.
🚘 Distance: 218.7 miles away
Triangle Land Conservancy
520 S Duke St, Durham, NC 27701
Explore scenic nature preserves featuring shaded forest trails, peaceful creeks, wetlands, wildlife habitats, open meadows, and beautiful seasonal landscapes across the Triangle. Triangle Land Conservancy preserves offer free year-round access to some of the region’s most relaxing and less-crowded outdoor spaces for hiking, nature walks, and exploration.
🚘 Distance: 224.6 miles away
Greystone Recreation Center
7713-55 Lead Mine Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27615
Step into this groundbreaking 9,600 square-foot indoor recreation center, featuring a cutting-edge indoor playground perfect for ages 5-12. The facility showcases a challenging rock climbing wall, professional dance/fitness studio, and versatile meeting spaces. With its climate-controlled environment and rubber-surfaced play area, this center provides year-round recreation regardless of weather conditions.
🚘 Distance: 227.4 miles away
Triangle Town Center
5959 Triangle Town Blvd., Raleigh, NC, 27616
The Triangle Town Center Play Area is a delightful indoor space for little ones, complete with soft play features and parent seating. Located near Dillard’s, it also offers train rides nearby for extra fun. Open seven days a week.
🚘 Distance: 227.5 miles away
North Carolina Museum of Art
2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC, 27607
The North Carolina Museum of Art redefines cultural education through innovative programs and immersive experiences. Our pioneering 'flipped museum' model combines digital engagement with in-person exploration, while our bilingual take-home activity kits bring artistic discovery directly to families. Through compelling exhibitions and collaborative learning opportunities, we're making art accessible to diverse communities across North Carolina, fostering creativity and cultural understanding for visitors of all ages.
🚘 Distance: 232.1 miles away
Andrew Johnson Birthplace Historical Marker
123 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, North Carolina
Visit the historical marker at 123 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, near the North Carolina Capitol. Learn about the state’s rich history at this central downtown location.
🚘 Distance: 233.3 miles away
Saint Augustine’s University
1315 Oakwood Ave, Raleigh, NC, 27610
Built in 1895 by Saint Augustine’s University students, this Gothic-style chapel is a testament to history and craftsmanship. Made of native granite, it houses a unique bishop's chair and serves as a significant cultural landmark on campus.
🚘 Distance: 233.5 miles away
Oakwood Cemetery
701 Oakwood Ave, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Historic Oakwood Cemetery is more than a resting place—it's a living history museum. Visitors can explore its scenic grounds, take themed tours on topics like Civil War history and monument art, or enjoy free self-guided tours. Open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.
🚘 Distance: 233.7 miles away
Historic Oak View County Park
4028 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27610
The StoryWalk® Project invites families to enjoy children's books while exploring nature. Featured at several Wake County park locations, StoryWalk® displays pages of a book along a park path, creating an interactive and educational experience. Visitors can engage in this self-paced activity while walking and enjoying the outdoors. Each month, different books are highlighted at various parks, making each visit a unique adventure for kids and families.
🚘 Distance: 233.9 miles away
North Carolina Executive Mansion
200 N. Blount St., Raleigh, NC, 27601
The North Carolina Executive Mansion, home to the state governor, is a historic gem and community gathering space. Known as the 'people's house,' it hosts public tours, seasonal events, and serves as an elegant venue for special occasions.
🚘 Distance: 233.9 miles away
North Carolina State Legislative Building
16 W. Jones St., Raleigh, NC, 27601
As the home of the North Carolina General Assembly, the Legislative Building is a hub for state governance. Visitors are welcome year-round to observe the legislative process or take free self-guided tours, with scheduled 30-minute guided options available.
🚘 Distance: 234.0 miles away
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
11 West Jones St., Raleigh, NC, 27601
Prairie Ridge offers a nature-rich environment, featuring a native plant garden, an arboretum, ponds, and trails through both prairie and forest areas. The park also hosts a Nature PlaySpace for children, where nature-based activities like Nature Stories and PlayDays take place. With opportunities for citizen science participation, Prairie Ridge is a hub for learning and outdoor discovery. Visitors can also explore the Planet Walk, a scaled model of the solar system along the park’s trails.
🚘 Distance: 234.1 miles away