Marbles Sensory Friendly Playtime

Escape the urban grind and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of William B. Umstead State Park. We invite families, teens, and curious adults to participate in the Curious Minds Trail Adventure, a self-guided scavenger hunt designed to highlight the hidden wonders of the Piedmont East Science Trail. As you traverse the scenic hiking paths and observe the tranquil manmade lakes, you will search for native wildlife and unique flora, such as the marbled salamander and the intriguing Jack-in-the-Pulpit. This experience offers a perfect way to connect with the environment while enjoying a refreshing outdoor retreat just minutes from downtown Raleigh. To join this digital quest, simply download the Actionbound app on your smartphone and scan the park QR code to begin your journey. This scavenger hunt is completely free and requires no registration, allowing you to explore the park at your own pace between April 1 and April 30, 2026. Whether you are fishing by the water or hiking the extensive trail network, this adventure provides an engaging and educational way to experience the beauty of our local state park.

Embark on an educational journey through the scenic beauty of Wake County this April with the return of our popular StoryWalk series. Designed to combine the joy of reading with the refreshing experience of a nature walk, this program offers families a wonderful way to explore local trails while engaging with inspiring literature. Each designated park features a unique children book displayed page by page along the path, allowing you to walk, read, and connect with your surroundings in a meaningful way. From the American Tobacco Trail to Lake Crabtree and beyond, you can discover diverse titles like Mae Among the Stars and Compost Stew in beautiful outdoor settings. Whether you are looking for a weekend outing or an after-school adventure, these installations provide a perfect opportunity to get active while fostering a love for storytelling. We invite you to visit one of our participating park locations throughout the month to experience these literary trails firsthand. Grab your walking shoes, gather your family, and enjoy a vibrant outdoor experience that celebrates literacy and nature in perfect harmony.

Join us for an exciting morning of learning and fun at the North Hills Kids Earth Day and Play event. Designed specifically for preschool-aged children, this engaging session invites little ones to explore nature and celebrate our planet through creative activities. Our series returns to the vibrant Commons green turf space, offering a perfect outdoor setting for young minds to connect with the environment. This interactive gathering fosters curiosity and play, ensuring an energetic start to your Tuesday morning. This event is part of our ongoing spring series, running weekly from April 7 through May 12, 2026. Activities are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage families to arrive promptly between 9:30 and 11 a.m. to secure their spot. Admission is entirely free, making this an accessible way for our local community to enjoy quality time outdoors together. Please visit the North Hills website to view the full event schedule and plan your visit. We look forward to welcoming your family for a wonderful experience filled with discovery and joyful play.

Celebrate Earth Day this year by expanding your perspective beyond our own planet. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences invites you to a fascinating presentation that explores the search for life in the vast cosmos. During this event, we will examine various planets and moons where life could potentially exist, placing our home world in a broader context among the stars. We will also discuss the scientific endeavors required for humanity to become a true spacefaring civilization and delve into the age-old quest to determine if we are truly alone in the universe. This engaging session will be led by Dr. Rachel Smith, Head of the NCMNS Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Lab. You have two opportunities to join us for this insightful discussion, as sessions are scheduled for 10:30 AM or 2:00 PM. This is a unique opportunity to interact with a leading expert in the field and deepen your appreciation for our place in the universe. Please mark your calendars and join us at the museum to participate in this enlightening scientific journey.

Celebrate Earth Day with an extraordinary journey through the cosmos at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. We invite you to join Dr. Rachel Smith, Head of the Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Lab, for a thought provoking presentation on the search for life beyond our home planet. This engaging session explores the fascinating scientific quest to identify planets and moons where life might flourish, while contextualizing Earths unique place among the stars. You will gain insight into the ongoing efforts toward becoming a spacefaring civilization and our persistent, fundamental desire to know if we are truly alone in the vast universe. This event is designed for curious minds eager to blend planetary science with environmental appreciation. Whether you are a space enthusiast or simply looking for an educational way to honor our planet, this presentation promises to inspire and challenge your perspective on existence. We offer two convenient session times at 10:30AM or 2:00PM. Please join us at the museum to participate in this enlightening discussion. We look forward to seeing you there to contemplate the wonders of space and the future of humanity.

Join us at the historic Pope House Museum in Raleigh for an engaging monthly literary experience known as Evelyn's Book Club. This unique program honors the legacy of Evelyn Pope, a dedicated college librarian who possessed a deep passion for diverse literature ranging from classic works to contemporary masterpieces. Our gatherings provide a welcoming space for community members to convene and explore meaningful narratives, with a primary focus on celebrating Black writers and stories centered on the Black experience. Whether we are diving into thought-provoking fiction or insightful non-fiction, our sessions feature guided discussions designed to spark connection and reflection among all participants. This enriching program is open to adults aged eighteen and older who are eager to broaden their perspectives and engage in thoughtful conversation. While participation is entirely free, registration is required to join our inclusive circle of readers. We invite you to explore our upcoming reading schedule featuring notable titles and authors. Please visit our website to secure your spot today and consider purchasing an optional book bundle to enhance your experience. We look forward to welcoming you to the museum for these special sessions.