Boxyard RTP: The Triangle’s must-visit spot for food, fun, and family outings

Located in the heart of Research Triangle Park, Boxyard RTP is one of the Triangle's most unique destinations for families, bringing together local food, shopping, entertainment, and community events inside a vibrant collection of repurposed shipping containers.

More than just a place to grab a meal, Boxyard RTP is a gathering space where families can spend an afternoon exploring local businesses, enjoying live music, discovering hands-on activities, attending seasonal events, and connecting with the creative energy that makes the Triangle special.

Here's what you'll find at Boxyard RTP:

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A welcoming atmosphere for families with outdoor spaces, activities, and something for all ages.
• 🍽️ Local food, drinks, and sweet treats including tacos, Korean BBQ, pizza, coffee, ice cream, craft beer, wine, and more.
• 🛍️ Unique shops and local entrepreneurs offering everything from toys, gifts and games to handmade goods and specialty products.
• 🎲 Games, maker experiences, and hands-on family fun including escape rooms, STEAM activities, and creative workshops.
• 🎶 Live music, markets, and community events happening throughout the year.
• 🐶 Dog-friendly outdoor spaces and Barkyard where four-legged family members can join the fun.
• 🎨 Public art and creative installations that celebrate the culture and talent of the Triangle.

Ready to explore? Plan your visit, View upcoming events, Explore vendors, or follow Boxyard RTP on Instagram and Facebook.

1. Why families love Boxyard RTP

One of the biggest challenges for family outings is finding a place that works for everyone. Parents want good food and a relaxed atmosphere, kids want something fun to do, and ideally nobody is asking, "Can we leave yet?" after 20 minutes.

That's where Boxyard RTP shines. Families can grab a meal, browse local shops, enjoy live music, check out a special event, play games, or participate in a hands-on activity - all in one place. The outdoor setting also makes it easy for kids to move around while parents relax and enjoy the experience.

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Activities and experiences for different ages
• 🍽️ Multiple dining options that make family meals easy
• 🎉 Frequent events, markets, and live entertainment
• 🌳 Open-air spaces perfect for gathering and exploring
• 🐶 A dog-friendly atmosphere with Barkyard
• 🛍️ Local shops and makers to discover together

2. Dine: local food, drinks, and sweet treats

One of the best things about Boxyard RTP is that everyone can order something different and still eat together. Whether you're stopping by for lunch, dinner, a coffee break, or a sweet treat, you'll find a variety of locally owned food and drink vendors in one walkable destination.

• 🌮 La Taqueria by Katsuji serves Mexico City-style tacos and other Mexican favorites.
• 🥩 Bulkogi offers Korean BBQ and Korean-inspired dishes that have become a Boxyard favorite.
• 🥗 Will & Well specializes in fresh salads, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices.
• ☕ Baekho Coffee & Ice Cream serves craft coffee, tea, lemonade, and local ice cream.
• 🍺 Fullsteam RTP serves North Carolina craft beer alongside fluffy square pizza, plus wine, cider, and craft cocktails.
• 🍷 RTP Uncorked offers wine tastings and a relaxing place to unwind.

The variety makes Boxyard especially convenient for families and groups. Kids can enjoy ice cream after a meal, parents can grab a coffee or local beer, and everyone can find something that fits their tastes without needing to visit multiple places.

3. Shop: discover local makers and entrepreneurs

Shopping at Boxyard RTP feels different from a typical retail center. Instead of big-name chains, you’ll find small, locally owned businesses and creative entrepreneurs offering products you won’t see everywhere else in the Triangle.

It's fun to walk around, see what's new, and support local businesses while you're there.

• 🕯️ Kindred Spirit – Handmade candles, fragrances, and eco-friendly home goods.
• 💄 Keisha Elise Cosmetics – The current PopBox featured business, showcasing clean beauty products designed to inspire everyday confidence, creativity, and self-expression.
• 📦 PopBox – A rotating retail space that gives local entrepreneurs a chance to test ideas and grow their businesses.

PopBox is especially fun to check out on repeat visits since the lineup changes, meaning there’s often something new to discover each season.

For families, it’s less about “shopping” and more about exploring - walking around, discovering local stories, and supporting small businesses that make the Triangle unique.

4. Play: games, creativity, and hands-on fun

Looking for more than a meal? Boxyard RTP offers plenty of opportunities for families to play, create, and explore together.

Families can test their problem-solving skills at Game On Escapes & More, browse games and puzzles at Guildhall Games, or get hands-on at The Makery, a STEAM-focused maker space where kids can build, create, and experiment through guided activities.

• 🧩 Game On Escapes & More – Interactive escape room experiences and family-friendly challenges.
• 🎲 Guildhall Games – Board games, puzzles, collectibles, and events for gamers of all ages.
• 🛠️ The Makery – A hands-on maker space featuring STEAM activities, workshops, and creative projects.
• 🎨 Family activities – Crafts, workshops, and special experiences often appear as part of Boxyard's event calendar.

These experiences help make Boxyard RTP more than a place to eat and shop. Kids can discover a new hobby, solve puzzles, build something with their hands, or simply enjoy trying something different during each visit.

5. Experience: live music, markets, and community events

There's usually something happening at Boxyard RTP. From live music and maker markets to fitness pop-ups and seasonal celebrations, events are a big part of what makes this destination feel so vibrant.

• 🎶 Live music and local performers
• 🛍️ Maker markets and pop-up vendors
• 🎉 Seasonal celebrations and festivals
• 💪 Fitness and wellness events
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly activities throughout the year

Planning a birthday, school outing, or group meetup? Boxyard RTP also offers private event spaces like The Pavilion and Top Box for larger gatherings. Learn more about event rentals.

Check the calendar before your visit - you might discover a special event that turns a quick stop into a memorable family outing.

6. Bring the dog: exploring Barkyard and outdoor spaces

One of the best things about Boxyard RTP is its outdoor atmosphere. The open-air layout makes it easy to grab a meal, enjoy an event, and spend time with family and friends.

Dogs are welcome too. Barkyard features separate play areas for large and small dogs, making it a fun stop for four-legged family members.

• 🐶 Dedicated dog park with separate play areas
• 🌳 Outdoor gathering spaces and seating
• 🎶 A great spot to enjoy events and live music outdoors

7. Art, culture, and creativity at Boxyard RTP

Creativity is woven throughout the Boxyard RTP experience. Beyond the shops, food, and events, you'll find public art, local performers, makers, and artists helping shape the community's unique character.

One highlight is Rebirth, a large-scale mural by Durham artist Gabriel Eng-Goetz that celebrates innovation, opportunity, and the diverse stories that make up the Triangle.

From murals and live performances to hands-on workshops and creative pop-ups, Boxyard RTP is a place where art and community come together.

8. Planning your visit to Boxyard RTP

Boxyard RTP is located at 900 Park Offices Drive, Durham, NC, in the heart of Research Triangle Park. Its central location makes it an easy outing from Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Chapel Hill, and Durham.

• 📍 900 Park Offices Drive, Durham, NC 27713
• 🚗 Free on-site parking
• 🐶 Dog-friendly outdoor spaces and Barkyard
• 📅 Check the events calendar before visiting

👉 View visitor information, directions, FAQs, and parking details

9. Why Boxyard RTP belongs on every Triangle family bucket list

Boxyard RTP is one of those places that's easy to come back to. Between the food, shops, activities, and events, there's usually something new to see or do.

No matter when you visit, there's a good chance you'll discover something new.

Ready to explore Boxyard RTP?
📅 View Upcoming Events
🍽️ Explore Vendors
📍 Plan Your Visit
📸 Follow Boxyard on Instagram
👍 Follow Boxyard on Facebook

Looking for more things to do in the Triangle? Explore our Raleigh Parent events calendar, browse more family attractions in the Triangle, or discover local dining and shopping spots.