⭐ Discover featured places ⭐

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

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

Never miss an Event or Deal!

Get weekly events and deals: Top 10 events, best 5 deals, and 1 hidden gem spotlight. Join 20,000 local parents.

✓ Free ✓ 1 email per week ✓ Unsubscribe anytime

Marla Dorrel Park

4.8

• 931 reviews

111 Thurston Drive, Cary, NC, 27518 (371.6 mi)

About

Marla Dorrel Park in Cary, NC is a family‑friendly park best known for its inclusive Kids Together Playground, designed so children of all abilities can play together with multi‑sensory and physically engaging equipment, including the iconic dragon climbing structure named Katal. The park also features open play fields, a basketball slab, picnic tables and shelter, restrooms, a misting garden, and access to nearby greenway trails for walks or bike rides. It’s open daily from sunrise to sunset and is a popular destination for kids and families.

Facebook page

What We Offer

Category

✓ Playgrounds

✓ Sports Complexes

✓ Water Sprinkler Parks

✓ Hiking Trails

REVIEWS

Eileen Botello

Mar 14, 2025

This was the most amazing park for kids! I took my 2.5 year old granddaughter and she had so much fun! There are a lot of different options for play for different ages. It wasn’t hot when we went but I noticed that there are a lot of trees and shady spots that would be great on hot days. Also, all the kids that were there that day seemed to play well together/near each other and the moms that were there were friendly and encouraged their kids to be polite. It was a very pleasant experience!

Sheila Rogge

Mar 3, 2025

Very fun..... We haven't been when it was summer yet but the kids can't wait to play in the water things.

Nadezhda Dongak

Sep 26, 2024

My two year old son loves playing in the playground at this park, I love that there are areas for older kids and for babies separately. Quite a few swings, slides and other structures for active kids. On weekends and holidays, the park is quite busy and there may not be enough parking spaces close to the playground. But you can always find a spot further away where the basketball area is.

RAJAT JAIS

Oct 13, 2024

This park has everything a family needs for a fun-filled sledding experience. There are designated areas for both toddlers and older children, ensuring a safe environment for everyone. The park is well-maintained with clean benches, lush trees🌳, and manicured grass. You’ll find a sand area, mist zone, swings, slides🛝, and a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. Pets are welcome, and there are opportunities for hiking and cycling🚴‍♀️. A pavilion is available for rent, perfect for birthday parties, and comes equipped with restrooms. It’s a beautiful, shaded park ideal for a day out with the family.

C Hall

May 20, 2025

I parked here and then went for a walk along the Greenway. Parking was BUSY when I got there (about 10:30am) - I went on a weekend, so that's to be expected. It wasn't so full when I left an hour later. It looked like the playground was really fun for the many kids there.

The trail was so nice! For the most part, trees provide shade. There weren't many cyclists and I passed only a few pedestrians. I did cross over the highway - LOUD, my goodness. The trail continues after a few short connections on neighborhood streets. I want to come back

Featured Events

The best upcoming events you won’t want to miss

Sep 11-13, 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM

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

Sat, Sep 12, 08:00 AM - 09:00 PM

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

Sat, Sep 26, 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM

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.

Aug 26-13, 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM

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

Mon, Aug 31, 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

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

Mon, Aug 31, 06:30 PM

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+