Why Raleigh families should make Johnston County their next day trip

Just 30 minutes east of downtown Raleigh, the pace shifts - strawberry fields, small-town main streets, a Civil War battlefield, a Hollywood-era museum, escape rooms, ice cream counters, and barbecue worth the drive. Here's how to spend a day in JoCo.

If you live in Raleigh, weekends fill up fast, and "something new to do" often turns into the same familiar spots. Johnston County - or JoCo - sits just east along I-40. You're past the traffic in about 30 minutes and into a stretch of North Carolina where farms still run, downtowns still host parades, and a tank of gas takes you a long way.

Planning is made easier with the JoCo Children's Activities Trail - a curated guide to farms, parks, museums, food, and family stops across the county. Bookmark it before you go.

This guide turns a simple day trip into an easy, flexible outing.

Also don't forget to follow JoCo for trip ideas, seasonal events, farm updates, and family-friendly inspiration: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest.

Video credit: ©Johnston County Visitors Bureau

1. It's closer than you think - and built for a day trip

Photo credit: ©Johnston County Visitors Bureau

From most Raleigh neighborhoods, Clayton is about 20 minutes down US-70 and Smithfield is roughly 30 minutes via I-40 East. No tolls, no Beltline stress, no airport. That matters when you've got kids who'd rather not spend hours in the car.

With I-95 and I-40 crossing through the county, JoCo is easy to explore in a loop. Pick a base town - Clayton, Smithfield, Selma, or Benson - and you can comfortably hit two or three stops without rushing.

Stop by the Johnston County Visitors Center off I-95 Exit 95, next to Carolina Premium Outlets, for maps, coupons, and local tips on what's open that day.

2. The farms are the real star

Photo credit: ©Johnston County Visitors Bureau

This is where JoCo stands out from Raleigh. Agritourism plays a major role in local family activities across the county.

From strawberry picking to sunflower fields and fall corn mazes, Johnston County farms turn a simple outing into a hands-on experience kids actually remember.

Smith's Farm Market & Garden Center in Benson - strawberries and blueberries in season, farm animals to feed, inflatables, and homemade ice cream.
Boyette Family Farms in Clayton - strawberries, sweet potatoes, fall pumpkin patch, and a corn maze.
Ronnie's Berry Farm - blueberries in summer with easy U-pick rows for kids.
Sunset Acres at Parrish Farm - known for its sunflower fields and seasonal photo moments.
Ashlan Meadows Family Farm , Black Creek Hill Farms , Toad Song Farm , and WDW Strawberry Farm & Roadside Vegetable Stand - seasonal farms with their own unique character and offerings.

Pair any visit with the On Farm Fun directory to see what's currently in season and open to visitors.

3. History that does not feel like homework

Photo credit: ©Johnston County Visitors Bureau

Raleigh has great museums. JoCo has the kind of history that lets kids walk through it. Explore more on the Museums & Heritage Sites page.

Here are a few historic site options across the county:

Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield - Hollywood costumes, film posters, and the story of a JoCo native who became one of classic cinema's biggest stars.
Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site in Four Oaks - the largest Civil War battle site in North Carolina, with wide open grounds, a visitor center, and reenactment weekends kids tend to remember.
Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Kenly - a restored early 1900s farm with a tobacco barn, smokehouse, and one-room schoolhouse.
Benson Museum of Local History - a small, free museum that works well as a quick stop while exploring downtown Benson.
Selma Historic Union Station - an active Amtrak station that also preserves local railroad history.

If you're visiting in 2026, the county is hosting America 250 events throughout the year.

4. Get the kids outside

Photo credit: ©Johnston County Visitors Bureau

Video credit: ©Johnston County Visitors Bureau

JoCo's rural landscape gives families room to breathe. Here are some of the outdoor spots Raleigh families gravitate to first: Explore mapped routes on the JoCo Trail Maps and more outdoor ideas on the Nature & Recreation page.

Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center in Four Oaks - 2,800 acres with hiking trails, a nature center, and live animals.
Clemmons Educational State Forest in Clayton - free, easy trails with kid-friendly interpretive stations.
Clayton River Walk on the Neuse - a paved, stroller-friendly riverside trail.
Neuse Adventures Canoe & Kayak Rentals - an easy way to get on the Neuse River Blueway without owning gear.
Local Greenways & Parks - including Buffalo Creek Greenway, Sam's Branch Trail, and Smithfield Community Park for short walks and playground time.
Harmony Playground in Clayton - an inclusive playground for all abilities.
Tucker Lake - a quieter option for fishing and slow afternoons.

5. Rainy day? JoCo's got You.

Photo credit: ©Johnston County Visitors Bureau

This is the section every Raleigh parent secretly needs. The Children's Activities Trail's Sports & Activities category is built exactly for this:

Rainbow Lanes Family Fun Center in Smithfield - bowling, arcade, and party space.
Conundrum Escapes - family-friendly escape rooms in Smithfield.
Fare Game - arcade-style fun with food.
Pelican's SnoBalls & Batting Cages - exactly what it sounds like.
Happy Feet Planet and The Cub House Play Cafe - indoor play for the younger crowd.

6. The food. Especially the barbecue. And the sweets.

Photo credit: ©Johnston County Visitors Bureau

You came for the kids, but you'll leave talking about lunch - and dessert.

JoCo's food scene is casual, family-friendly, and built for easy stops between farms, museums, and playgrounds.

Barbecue: Whitley's BBQ, Stephenson's Bar-B-Q, White Swan Bar-B-Q, and The Redneck BBQ Lab (off I-95)
Italian & Local Favorites: Fiori Italian Restaurant in Clayton, plus Smithfield's local red hot dogs
Pastries: JP's Pastry, Clayton Bakery & Café, Burney's Sweets & More, Ms. B's Bake Shop, Chicoli's Cannolis
Ice Cream: Celtic Creamery, Old Fashioned Ice Cream, Sisters II Ice Cream, Sweet Frog
Quick Treat Stops: Donut Daily, MangoMoy, Vida Dulce

Explore more dining options here: Johnston County Restaurants →

7. Carolina Premium Outlets (When You need a plan B)

Photo credit: ©Johnston County Visitors Bureau

If the weather turns and the indoor list above is too far, Carolina Premium Outlets off I-95 Exit 95 in Smithfield is your backup.

Nike, Carter's, OshKosh, Polo, Old Navy, Under Armour - most of what families need for back-to-school or hand-me-up wardrobes, at outlet prices.

8. Make a weekend of it

A lot of Raleigh families come for a day and decide to stay over.

Family-friendly hotels clustered near I-95 Exit 95
The Magnolia Inn in Clayton - a 130-year-old Queen Anne Victorian B&B
Camping and RV parks for families who travel that way.

Check our hotel packages and deals before you book.

Day trip & weekend itinerary ideas

For the family that wants a plug-and-play itinerary:

9:30 AM - Leave Raleigh, head east on I-40.
10:00 AM - U-Pick strawberries at Smith's Farm Market or Boyette Family Farms.
12:00 PM - Lunch at a JoCo barbecue spot.
1:30 PM - Walk Clemmons Educational State Forest or Clayton River Walk.
3:30 PM - Ava Gardner Museum, Tobacco Farm Life Museum, or Rainbow Lanes + Smithfield Cinemas.
5:00 PM - JP's Pastry or Celtic Creamery downtown, then home before dinner.

More Ways to Explore JoCo

More Day Trip Ideas →
Themed itineraries covering farms, food, history, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly stops.
Weekend Getaways & Small-Town Escapes →
48-hour guides to JoCo's small towns, restaurants, attractions, shopping, and overnight stays.

Annual festivals 2026 in JoCo

Johnston County's annual festival calendar is one of the biggest reasons families return throughout the year, with seasonal traditions, community celebrations, farm events, holiday light displays, and hometown festivals happening across JoCo.

Bentonville Battlefield Heavy Thunder - June 13 - Cannon demonstrations, reenactors, living history camps, and family activities.
America250NC Countywide Celebration - June 27 - A countywide celebration with performances, children's activities, vendors, and living history exhibits.
Four Oaks Acorn Festival & Car Show - September 12 - Downtown festival with entertainment, vendors, tractors, cars, and kids' activities.
Benson Mule Days - September 24–27 - Rodeos, carnival rides, concerts, parades, arts and crafts, and mule competitions.
Railroad Days Festival - October 2–3 - Downtown Selma celebration with rides, railroad exhibits, vendors, food, and a parade.
Ava Gardner Festival - October 2–4 - A Downtown Smithfield celebration honoring the Hollywood legend with exhibits and screenings.
Clayton Harvest Festival - October 22–25 - Midway rides, food, vendors, car shows, tractor shows, and downtown family entertainment.

For the full lineup of seasonal celebrations, explore the Johnston County Annual Festivals calendar .

Plan Your visit

Start with the JoCo Children's Activities Trail to map your stops.
Order a free Johnston County Visitors Guide
Check the family-friendly events calendar
Visit VisitJohnstonCountyNC.org

Looking for more activities and events? Explore our Raleigh Parent events calendar.