Free Guided Tours of the North Carolina State Capitol

Experience the joy of literacy combined with the beauty of nature during our May StoryWalks series across Wake County Parks. This engaging program invites children and families to read a featured book page by page while exploring scenic walking trails. It is a fantastic way to encourage outdoor exercise and foster a lifelong love for reading in an immersive environment. Whether you are visiting Beech Bluff, Crowder, Harris Lake, Oak View, Yates Mill, or Sandy Pines, you will find delightful stories paired with the fresh air and stunning landscapes of our local parks. The featured books this month include titles such as I Love Strawberries, Finding Wild, and Be Nice to Spiders, among others. Each location offers a unique path and narrative experience tailored for young readers to enjoy throughout the month of May. We encourage families to visit these locations during park hours to participate in this free, active educational experience. Grab your comfortable walking shoes, pack some water, and head out to your nearest participating park to enjoy a wonderful literary adventure with your family today.

Join us at the W.D. Hill Recreation Center for Total Tot Time, an engaging and complimentary program designed specifically for children ages birth to five and their dedicated caregivers. This vibrant initiative provides a safe, welcoming environment where families can bond through active play, socialization, and discovery. Whether your little ones are racing through tunnels, balancing on balance beams, or participating in energetic group games like parachute play and tag, there is always something exciting to explore during these sessions. Our program is held every Monday and Wednesday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., running through May 20, 2026. The primary goal is to foster meaningful developmental growth by encouraging interaction between parents and children while helping toddlers build essential social skills alongside their peers. This drop-in opportunity requires no advanced registration, making it the perfect flexible activity for your busy weekly schedule. We invite you to bring your children to experience the joy of movement and community at this wonderful local resource. Come play with us and create lasting memories in a setting that celebrates early childhood exploration and connection.

Welcome to Toddler Nature Time, a premier outdoor program designed specifically for toddlers and their caregivers. This engaging initiative provides an immersive environment where little ones can explore the wonders of the natural world through a series of safe, relaxed, and age-appropriate experiences. Our program encourages curiosity and sensory development by offering a variety of structure-free activities and creative crafts tailored for children aged zero to three years old. We understand the busy schedules of families, which is why our program is designed with flexibility in mind. Participants are invited to drop in at any time throughout the scheduled session to participate at their own pace. This unique approach ensures a stress-free experience for both parents and children, fostering a supportive community of nature enthusiasts. We invite you to join us for an enriching morning of discovery. Please secure your spot by registering online in advance or with our friendly instructor upon your arrival. Note that children under one year old are welcome to attend completely free of charge and do not require prior registration. We look forward to seeing you and your little explorer outdoors.

Experience the joy of literacy combined with the beauty of nature during our May StoryWalks series across Wake County Parks. This engaging program invites children and families to read a featured book page by page while exploring scenic walking trails. It is a fantastic way to encourage outdoor exercise and foster a lifelong love for reading in an immersive environment. Whether you are visiting Beech Bluff, Crowder, Harris Lake, Oak View, Yates Mill, or Sandy Pines, you will find delightful stories paired with the fresh air and stunning landscapes of our local parks. The featured books this month include titles such as I Love Strawberries, Finding Wild, and Be Nice to Spiders, among others. Each location offers a unique path and narrative experience tailored for young readers to enjoy throughout the month of May. We encourage families to visit these locations during park hours to participate in this free, active educational experience. Grab your comfortable walking shoes, pack some water, and head out to your nearest participating park to enjoy a wonderful literary adventure with your family today.

Join us at the W.D. Hill Recreation Center for Total Tot Time, an engaging and complimentary program designed specifically for children ages birth to five and their dedicated caregivers. This vibrant initiative provides a safe, welcoming environment where families can bond through active play, socialization, and discovery. Whether your little ones are racing through tunnels, balancing on balance beams, or participating in energetic group games like parachute play and tag, there is always something exciting to explore during these sessions. Our program is held every Monday and Wednesday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., running through May 20, 2026. The primary goal is to foster meaningful developmental growth by encouraging interaction between parents and children while helping toddlers build essential social skills alongside their peers. This drop-in opportunity requires no advanced registration, making it the perfect flexible activity for your busy weekly schedule. We invite you to bring your children to experience the joy of movement and community at this wonderful local resource. Come play with us and create lasting memories in a setting that celebrates early childhood exploration and connection.

Experience the vibrant energy of the Shuffle lunch break concert series hosted by Hub RTP. Every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., we invite you to step away from your desk and immerse yourself in high quality live performances featuring a new artist in residence each month. Whether you are looking to revitalize your midday routine or simply enjoy great music in the fresh air, this series offers the perfect professional escape for the local community. The series runs throughout the spring and fall months, providing a consistent soundtrack to your work week. Mark your calendars for our grand opening on March 4, 2026, where the first 100 attendees will receive a delicious free ice cream treat. Located at 3151 Elion Drive in the heart of Research Triangle Park, this event is entirely free to attend. Bring your colleagues, grab some lunch, and join us to support local talent while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. We encourage you to navigate to the venue early to secure your spot and make the most of your midday break with us.

Experience an inclusive and welcoming environment at Marbles Kids Museum during our upcoming Sensory Friendly Playtime and movie events. Designed specifically for children with special needs and their families, these sessions provide a calmer, quieter atmosphere that allows every child to explore and enjoy the museum exhibits at their own pace. Admission is completely free, ensuring accessibility for all members of our local community to engage in meaningful play. In addition to museum exploration, guests are invited to attend our special Lights Up Sounds Down movie presentation in the IMAX theater. This feature is tailored to be comfortable and engaging for all participants. We are also excited to host various partner organizations in our lobby who are available to offer support and resources. Please note that while the event is free, pre-registration is required to secure your spot. Join us on our upcoming dates to enjoy this supportive experience with your loved ones. Visit our website today to complete your registration and prepare for an unforgettable visit filled with learning and fun.

Experience the magic of the Marbles museum in a calm and welcoming environment designed specifically for children with disabilities and their families. This sensory friendly playtime offers a unique opportunity to explore the exhibits during quieter hours, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors. We strive to create an inclusive space where every child can engage with our interactive displays at their own pace without the typical noise or overwhelming sensory input found during regular operating hours. Your visit begins with a complimentary movie screening in our IMAX theater featuring lights up and sound down adjustments to promote a relaxing atmosphere. Partner organizations will be stationed throughout the museum to provide specialized assistance and support for your family during the event. This monthly gathering is a wonderful way to connect with the community while enjoying high quality entertainment. Please note that while this event is free to attend, registration on our official website is required to secure your spot. Join us for an upcoming session and discover why our sensory friendly evenings are a favorite among local families. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Unleash your inner artist at Marbles Artrageous, an inviting creative space where imagination knows no bounds. This program is designed to inspire visitors of all ages to explore their artistic potential by experimenting with a diverse array of materials and innovative techniques. Whether you are a budding painter or a seasoned creator, you will find endless opportunities to express your unique perspective while crafting original works of art in a supportive and collaborative environment. Our sessions are thoughtfully structured to encourage hands-on exploration and artistic discovery. By engaging with various artistic mediums, participants can develop new skills and build confidence in their creative abilities. The experience is included with your museum admission, making it a perfect addition to your visit. We invite you to join us this week for an unforgettable session of creativity and self-expression. Come ready to get messy, experiment with new ideas, and take home a masterpiece of your very own creation. Plan your visit today and join our vibrant community of makers as we celebrate the joy of art through interactive play and experimentation.