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Dix Park

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    Courtney's Drop In Kids Care

    Courtney's Drop In Kids Care

    6118 Farrington Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
    Courtney’s Drop In Kids Care provides flexible, reliable childcare for children from infancy through age 12. Families can use convenient hourly care, date night childcare, infant care, and after-school programs without memberships, enrollment fees, or advance reservations. Highlights: Flexible drop-in childcare — no appointments or reservations required Care available for infants through 12 years old Hourly care for errands, appointments, or personal time Date night childcare with extended evening hours After-school care with flexible drop-off options and transportation available Family-owned and operated with a focus on safe, positive, and engaging play No membership fees or enrollment fees RaleighParent.com Special Offer (New Customers Only): Mention RaleighParent.com when you visit and receive 15% off your first month of After-School with Transportation New customers can also receive 10% off any package purchase (one-time offer) when they mention they found us through RaleighParent.com
    ⭐️ 4.5 • 355.2 mi
    Cottontails Preschool

    Cottontails Preschool

    4020 Mitchell Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
    Cottontails Preschool in Raleigh provides a nurturing early learning environment for infants through preschoolers, helping children develop confidence, curiosity, and independence. Through a state-approved curriculum, bilingual language exposure, multicultural experiences, and hands-on outdoor play, Cottontails supports each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. Highlights: Early learning programs for infants through preschoolers State-approved curriculum focused on whole-child development Bilingual language learning and multicultural experiences Nature-based playground for outdoor exploration and creativity Diverse and inclusive learning environment Multicultural food program introducing children to different cultures 24/7 security camera monitoring for added peace of mind A welcoming preschool community where children can explore, learn, and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
    ⭐️ 4.6 • 373.2 mi

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Dix Park

4.7
1390 reviews
Location
1030 Richardson Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27603 (374.0 mi)
About

Dorothea Dix Park, a 308-acre park in Raleigh, NC, combines historical architecture with lush landscapes, making it a prime destination. It features swings, hammocks, and the Greg Poole, Jr. All Faiths Chapel, a renovated 1955 structure offering modern amenities while preserving mid-century design. The park hosts pop-up events like the 9-hole temporary disc golf course and the sunflower field, perfect for summer visits. The Dix Park Dog Park provides a space for off-leash dogs, and public parking is available after 5 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.

What We Offer

Category

Playgrounds
Nature Adventures
Free Family Fun
Historical & Educational Sites
Disc Golf

Overview

The Gipson Play Plaza at Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park is a vibrant 18.5-acre play space designed for all ages, featuring innovative playgrounds, interactive water features, and scenic gathering areas.

🌟 Key Features:

Adventure Playgrounds: Multiple playgrounds equipped with climbing towers and a sensory maze.
Watermill Mountain: A unique water feature designed for interactive play.
Fountain Plaza: A central gathering space with water elements.
Picnic Grove & Swing Terrace: Areas designated for relaxation and family gatherings.
Skywalks: Elevated pathways offering panoramic views of the park.
Woodland Garden: A serene space beneath the Sunflower Power Poles for quiet reflection.


🍴 Dining Options:
Adjacent to the play area, the historic House of Many Porches will house a new market operated by Raleigh Park Ventures. This venue will offer a selection of sandwiches, wraps, coffee, frozen desserts, and beverages, including beer and wine.

REVIEWS
Sarah Erwin Photography
May 26, 2025

As a family and senior photographer in Raleigh, I love this gem of a park! The wide open spaces, tall grasses, and skyline views create the dreamiest backdrop—especially during golden hour. I love how versatile it is for both senior and family photo sessions. There's always something blooming or a new angle to capture, which keeps it feeling fresh and inspiring every time I’m there.

J H
Apr 16, 2025

Came here for dreamville festival, and this park is massive. It reminds me of Central Park in NY.

You can really get lost in here and/or see something new. It is a great place to be wanderlust.

I can comment on the festival, and it was well ran with the help of the police and local authorities. Everyone was very friendly and helpful with getting around

Right Click Tech and Tactical
Jun 10, 2025

This is a huge Place
Fun for the whole family
Great areas for shade, plenty of things for kids to play on. Well done

Nathan Webb
May 24, 2025

Opening June 6th, 2025.
Fabulous place for ages 1-12, 20-99! Nice bathrooms and places to change baby. Toddler play. Climbing and advanced slides for the older kids.
The landscaping is going to be something to behold in spring.

Carol Davis
Jun 8, 2025

The wildflower meadows are spectacular!
Nicely designed fencing, raised beds, and swings. This is a beautiful park.

The best upcoming events you won’t want to miss

Jaipur Literature Festival
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Jaipur Literature Festival

3800 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607
The third edition of JLF North Carolina, an international edition of the renowned Jaipur Literature Festival, comes to Raleigh September 11–13, 2026, bringing the spirit of one of the world's leading literary festivals to the Triangle. Celebrating the many arts, stories, and histories of Raleigh—the “City of Oaks”—JLF North Carolina will feature thought-provoking conversations, compelling performances, author sessions, and cultural experiences exploring literature, ideas, history, society, and the world around us. The festival will take place at Meredith College and NC State’s Institute for Emerging Issues. The program will bring together acclaimed authors, artists, thinkers, journalists, and cultural leaders from North Carolina and around the world. The 2026 lineup includes Belle Boggs, Jeff Tiberii, Karan Mahajan, Bob Crawford, and many more. The Jaipur Literature Festival takes place annually in Jaipur, India, and is internationally celebrated as the “greatest literary show on Earth.” Its spirit now travels through international editions across the US, UK, Canada, Spain, the Maldives, and Australia, bringing together diverse literary traditions and the unique culture of each host region. JLF North Carolina offers readers, families, students, educators, writers, and curious minds an opportunity to discover new perspectives, hear remarkable stories, and experience the power of books and ideas right here in Raleigh.
371.3 mi $12.07–$56.84 per ticket, including fees & taxes
Lakeside Retreats Family Fest
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Lakeside Retreats Family Fest

4521 Mial Plantation Rd
FREE Family Fest in Raleigh — Saturday, September 12! Looking for a full day of family fun, creativity, connection, and outdoor adventure? Join us for the 3rd Annual Family Fest at Lakeside Retreats! Optional overnight Camping 📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026 ⏰ 8:00 AM–9:00 PM 📍 4521 Mial Plantation Road, Raleigh, NC 27610 🎟️ FREE admission Enjoy a day filled with: 🔥 Fire show 🎨 Art activities 🥋 Martial arts class 🫧 Bubbles 🧘 Yoga and sound bath 🌲 Forest bathing 🏕️ S’mores and optional overnight camping 🍴 Food trucks and vendors 💛 Sensory yurt 🎤 Guest speakers 🏆 Tug of war …and so much more!
383.4 mi Free
Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day
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Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day

Abbotts Creek Community Center, 9950 Durant Road, Raleigh, NC 27614
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.
369.6 mi Free

Upcoming events

All upcoming events happening in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill and elsewhere in the Triangle.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
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Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

301 Pogue St, Raleigh, NC 27607
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star is an interactive children’s theatre piece for very young audiences, performed by two Star Keepers named Glimmer and Sparkle. It’s time for the night sky to fill with stars, but one important star — Little Star, the wishing star — is missing because Sparkle rushed through putting the stars away the previous morning and muddled everything up. What follows is a search-and-rescue adventure as the two star keepers (and the audience) hunt for Little Star, discovering along the way that all the other stars have been put in the wrong places too and need to be moved to their proper place. Audience members help the Star Keepers find and re-organize the sky just in time for nightfall so that everyone can make a wish on their favorite star. Twinkle, Twinkle explores the ideas that mistakes happen, feelings are valid, and no one has to face hard things alone – all wrapped up in a genuinely joyful romp about stars. By Ernie Nolan Produced by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences Dialogue complexity: conversations are short but use more vocabulary than some other shows; performers also use physical actions, props, music, and songs to tell the story. What is Theatre for the Very Young? Theatre for the Very Young (TVY) is theatre designed for ages zero through five to support their cognitive development. The purpose of TVY is to support our youngest audience members in engaging with creative play, introducing them to narrative storytelling, and exploring social and emotional learning in a fun and approachable way. TVY is designed to be sensory friendly and an open space for movement, vocalization, and exploration! Pre-show activities! Audiences are invited to arrive 30 minutes prior to each showtime (when the “house” opens) to participate in a free pre-show activity, coordinated by RLT’s education department.
372.4 mi $0-12
Board Game Night
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Board Game Night

at Bottle Theory, Apex,
Unwind and connect with your community at Bottle Theory in Apex during our weekly Board Game Night. Every Monday evening from 6 to 9 p.m., we invite enthusiasts of all skill levels to gather for a relaxing session filled with strategic challenges, social interaction, and great company. Whether you are a seasoned tabletop veteran or simply looking for a fun way to start your week, our event provides the perfect atmosphere to enjoy your favorite classic games or discover something entirely new. Our venue offers an exceptional selection of craft beverages to accompany your gameplay, ensuring you stay refreshed while you compete or collaborate with neighbors. This event is completely free to attend and serves as a fantastic opportunity to meet new friends while enjoying a welcoming environment. Bring your competitive spirit, invite your friends, and make Monday nights a highlight of your week. Check our full event calendar to see what other gatherings are happening at Bottle Theory. We look forward to seeing you at the table soon for an evening of gaming excellence.
365.2 mi FREE
The Kehlani World Tour

The Kehlani World Tour

at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, South Raleigh
The Kehlani World Tour is a live concert series featuring the two-time Grammy-nominated multi-platinum artist. This event showcases the songstress performing her catalog of hits and new music for fans across global venues. Attendees can expect a high-energy performance featuring tracks from albums like It Was Good Until It Wasnt and blue water road. Kehlani brings her signature blend of R&B and soul to the stage, supported by professional production and immersive sound. Her career includes collaborations with artists like Cardi B and Justin Bieber, ensuring a polished and dynamic live set that highlights her vocal range and songwriting prowess. This event is perfect for fans of modern R&B and live music enthusiasts looking for an engaging performance. The atmosphere is centered on connection, artistry, and musical storytelling. Secure your tickets now to catch one of the most acclaimed performers in the industry live. Join Kehlani as she brings her latest musical evolution to the stage for a memorable experience.
377.9 mi $60+
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