NC Museum of Natural Sciences BugFest

Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day is a free community event presented by PR Home Care for older adults, family caregivers, and families who want to plan ahead and connect with trusted local resources before a crisis occurs. Meet local professionals and learn about fall prevention, aging in place and home safety, dementia and caregiver support, planning, medication safety, home organization, and other resources that can support safer, more independent living. Aging in Place North Carolina will provide a featured presentation, “How to Safely and Comfortably Age in the Home You Love.” The event will also include community resources, giveaways, and complimentary light refreshments while supplies last. Free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome.

North Hills Kids returns for a vibrant autumn season in 2026, offering a series of engaging, themed activities designed specifically for toddlers and babies. Held every Tuesday morning from September 22 through October 27, these sessions run from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at The Commons in Raleigh. Each event is carefully curated to provide an interactive and stimulating environment for young children, making it the perfect outing for local families looking to enjoy the crisp fall air while participating in creative, play-based learning experiences. Because these events are highly popular, we encourage families to arrive early, as some activities feature limited supplies provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether your little ones enjoy crafts, music, or sensory play, there is something special awaiting them at North Hills. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with other parents in the community while providing your children with enriching experiences. For more information on the full schedule and specific weekly themes, please visit the official North Hills website to plan your next visit today.

Experience the rich agricultural heritage of Johnston County at the 77th annual Benson Mule Days, running from Thursday, September 24, to Sunday, September 27, 2026. Located just a short drive south of Raleigh in the charming town of Benson, this historic festival celebrates the significant role the mule has played in our rural farming history. This multi-day celebration offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with entertainment for all ages. Visitors can look forward to a packed schedule featuring exciting rodeos, lively musical performances, a traditional parade, carnival rides, and a diverse array of local art and vendors. The event spans across downtown Benson and the Chamber Park Arena, offering a mix of ticketed attractions and complimentary activities. Guests are invited to enjoy the parade, live music, trolley rides, and stable tours at no additional cost, making it an accessible outing for the entire community. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, this festival provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in southern culture. Plan your trip to Benson today and join us for this beloved tradition. Visit our website for a complete schedule of events and ticket information.

Explore S'more is a free community gathering held in celebration of Take a Child Outside Week. This outdoor event encourages families to disconnect from technology and engage directly with the natural world in a local park setting. Attendees can participate in a variety of hands on nature education stations designed to spark curiosity about local wildlife and ecosystems. The schedule features interactive games that promote active play for children and adults alike. As the evening progresses guests will gather around a communal campfire to roast s'mores while sharing stories and connecting with neighbors. These activities provide a practical way to learn about environmental stewardship through direct experience. This event is open to families of all ages and abilities who enjoy spending time in the fresh air. The atmosphere is casual and designed to foster community bonds in a relaxed environment. We invite you to join us for an evening of learning and outdoor exploration. Please bring weather appropriate clothing and prepare for an evening on the grass. We look forward to seeing you at the fire for this unique educational celebration.

North Hills Kids returns for a vibrant autumn season in 2026, offering a series of engaging, themed activities designed specifically for toddlers and babies. Held every Tuesday morning from September 22 through October 27, these sessions run from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at The Commons in Raleigh. Each event is carefully curated to provide an interactive and stimulating environment for young children, making it the perfect outing for local families looking to enjoy the crisp fall air while participating in creative, play-based learning experiences. Because these events are highly popular, we encourage families to arrive early, as some activities feature limited supplies provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether your little ones enjoy crafts, music, or sensory play, there is something special awaiting them at North Hills. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with other parents in the community while providing your children with enriching experiences. For more information on the full schedule and specific weekly themes, please visit the official North Hills website to plan your next visit today.

Experience the wonder of science and nature at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. This expansive eighty-four-acre campus offers an immersive environment where curiosity takes center stage. Visitors can explore a diverse array of interactive exhibits ranging from aerospace and physics to zoology and meteorology. Highlights include the enchanting Butterfly House, the engaging Farmyard with its friendly goats and alpacas, and natural habitats for rescued black bears and red wolves. On designated Durham Community Days, the museum is pleased to offer free admission to all Durham County residents. This is an exceptional opportunity for families to enjoy world-class educational programming and outdoor play at no cost. Whether you are climbing, digging, or discovering new scientific concepts, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Please remember to bring valid proof of residency for each adult in your party. We invite you to plan your visit today and join us for a day of discovery. Visit our website to view the full schedule of community days and start planning your next family adventure.

Toddler Tuesday is a recurring enrichment program designed to support early childhood development through play and social interaction. This event provides a structured environment where children explore new concepts and build foundational skills alongside their peers. Each session features a variety of guided activities tailored to young learners. Attendees participate in immersive story times that encourage early literacy and creative arts and crafts projects that foster fine motor skill development. Our facilitators lead interactive adventures designed to spark curiosity and keep participants engaged throughout the morning. These activities are carefully selected to balance physical movement with cognitive stimulation. This program is specifically for children aged six and under accompanied by an adult guardian. The atmosphere is welcoming and intentionally paced to suit the needs of active toddlers. We invite families to join our community to experience a morning focused on growth and discovery. Please mark your calendars and prepare to join us for an engaging session of learning and play. We look forward to welcoming you and your little ones to our next scheduled event.

Experience the rich agricultural heritage of Johnston County at the 77th annual Benson Mule Days, running from Thursday, September 24, to Sunday, September 27, 2026. Located just a short drive south of Raleigh in the charming town of Benson, this historic festival celebrates the significant role the mule has played in our rural farming history. This multi-day celebration offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with entertainment for all ages. Visitors can look forward to a packed schedule featuring exciting rodeos, lively musical performances, a traditional parade, carnival rides, and a diverse array of local art and vendors. The event spans across downtown Benson and the Chamber Park Arena, offering a mix of ticketed attractions and complimentary activities. Guests are invited to enjoy the parade, live music, trolley rides, and stable tours at no additional cost, making it an accessible outing for the entire community. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, this festival provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in southern culture. Plan your trip to Benson today and join us for this beloved tradition. Visit our website for a complete schedule of events and ticket information.

Experience the charm and tradition of the 77th annual Benson Mule Days, held in the heart of Johnston County, North Carolina, from September 24 through September 27, 2026. This long-standing festival honors the historical significance of the mule in rural farming culture, offering a unique blend of heritage and modern entertainment that appeals to visitors of all ages. Guests can immerse themselves in an energetic weekend featuring traditional rodeos, a spectacular parade, thrilling carnival rides, and a vibrant local art showcase. The event provides an inviting atmosphere where attendees can explore local vendor stalls, enjoy live music performances, and participate in a variety of family-friendly activities. While some specific events require admission fees, many of the festival highlights, including the grand parade, trolley rides, and stable tours, are completely free to the public. Whether you are a local resident or visiting from the greater Raleigh area, Benson Mule Days promises an unforgettable community celebration. Plan your visit to downtown Benson and the Chamber Park Arena today to celebrate this enduring Southern tradition.

Experience the vibrant spirit of Hillsborough during the Last Fridays Art Walk, a monthly celebration of local creativity held on the last Friday of every evening from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Rain or shine, this community event invites you to wander through downtown, where art galleries, artist studios, and fine jewelers open their doors to showcase incredible talent. Whether you are browsing unique boutique shops or enjoying award winning dining, the atmosphere is electric and welcoming to all. The event comes alive with diverse entertainment, including live music, circus performances, and spoken word poetry. From May through October, visitors can also explore the Makers Market on the Old Courthouse lawn, featuring over twenty local vendors. Additionally, the Live on the Lawn series provides a fantastic soundtrack to your evening stroll. It is the perfect opportunity to engage with the local art scene and support Hillsborough businesses. We encourage you to visit the Hillsborough Arts Council website today to view the full list of participating venues and plan your visit for the next scheduled date. Join us for an unforgettable evening in the heart of our community.