Immersive exhibits & experiences in the Triangle
Some exhibits entertain; others reorganize how a kid sees the world. A butterfly conservatory does the second thing. So do robot-stacked library bins, living-history battlefields and basketball museums built from championships. Start here.
Map & places
28 of 28 places mapped
4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC, 27455
The Greensboro Science Center offers an engaging blend of an aquarium, museum, and zoo, where visitors can interact with zookeepers, watch live performances, and attend educational programs. From animal encounters to immersive exhibits, it’s a place where science and fun collide.
🚘 Distance: 315.7 miles away
220 North Church Street, Greensboro, NC, 27401
Formerly Greensboro Children's Museum, this venue provides hands-on learning experiences for children and families, focusing on play, creation, outdoor exploration, and STEM activities.
🚘 Distance: 320.4 miles away
200 Qubein Avenue, High Point, NC, 27262
The Qubein Children’s Museum in High Point features 75,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits, an Outdoor Adventure Zone, and engaging educational programs for families.
🚘 Distance: 320.5 miles away
4409 Bennett Memorial Rd., Durham, NC, 27705
Step back in time at Bennett Place, the historic Durham site of the Civil War's largest Confederate surrender in 1865. This meticulously reconstructed farmstead features James Bennett's original home, kitchen, and smokehouse, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Civil War-era Southern farm life. As part of the Civil War Trails and NC Historic Sites, this landmark preserves the pivotal meeting place of Generals Johnston and Sherman.
🚘 Distance: 349.0 miles away
5828 Old Oxford, Highway, Durham, NC 27712
Historic Stagville, located in Durham, NC, preserves the history of one of North Carolina’s largest plantations in the 19th century, where over 900 enslaved individuals lived and worked. The site includes the Bennehan family house, built in 1799, the Horton Grove slave quarters from 1851, and a barn from 1860. Spanning 165 acres, Stagville offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of slavery in the region through research, preservation, and descendant engagement. The site is free for outdoor self-guided tours, with guided tours available for a small fee.
🚘 Distance: 349.0 miles away
5101 N Roxboro St, Durham, NC 27704
The Hugh Mangum Museum of Photography is located at West Point on the Eno, a 404-acre park in Durham, NC. The museum showcases the historic photography of Hugh Mangum, a Durham photographer active in the early 20th century. Visitors can explore Mangum's portraits, which capture the lives of people in the rural South. The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from mid-January to mid-December, with free admission. It is a part of the park's historical offerings, alongside the West Point Mill and other preserved sites.
🚘 Distance: 349.1 miles away
2828 Duke Homestead Rd, Durham, NC 27705
Duke Homestead State Historic Site in Durham, NC, preserves the historic home, farm, and tobacco factory of Washington Duke and his family. The site showcases the early farming life and the beginnings of their tobacco manufacturing business. Visitors can explore historic structures, including a tobacco curing barn, pack house, and the Duke family's home. The museum features exhibits on the history of tobacco farming, manufacturing, and advertising. Guided tours are available, and the site also offers educational programs and field trips. Admission is free, with a small fee for guided tours.
🚘 Distance: 350.5 miles away
433 W. Murray Avenue, Durham, NC, 27704
The Museum of Life and Science in Durham, NC, features interactive science exhibits, a butterfly conservatory, live animal habitats, and attractions like the Dinosaur Trail and Ellerbe Creek Railway on its 84-acre campus.
🚘 Distance: 351.6 miles away
306 Towerview Rd Schwartz-Butters Athletic Center, Durham, NC 27710
The Duke Basketball Museum, located at Duke University in Durham, NC, is a must-see for basketball fans and visitors. It celebrates the rich history and success of Duke's basketball program, showcasing memorabilia, trophies, and highlights from legendary players and coaches. The museum offers a look at Duke's iconic moments, from championship wins to individual achievements. Visitors can explore the history of the Blue Devils, with interactive exhibits that highlight the team's legacy in college basketball.
🚘 Distance: 351.8 miles away
2001 Campus Dr, Durham, NC 27705
The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is a premier cultural institution in Durham, NC, showcasing a rich collection of contemporary and historical art. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions, offering visitors a dynamic experience of visual arts across diverse media and themes. Current and upcoming exhibits include works by renowned artists like Cannupa Hanska Luger and a collection focused on climate and environmental topics. Admission is always free, and the museum provides a welcoming space for students, families, and art enthusiasts. In addition to its exhibitions, the museum offers educational programs, guided tours, and a café for a well-rounded visit.
🚘 Distance: 352.2 miles away
101 S Columbia St., Chapel Hill, NC, 27514
Visit the Ackland Art Museum, UNC Chapel Hill's cultural jewel since 1958. Housing over 18,000 artworks, it showcases North Carolina's finest Asian art collection and an exceptional works-on-paper gallery. Enjoy rotating exhibitions, European masterworks, and contemporary pieces, all with free admission.
🚘 Distance: 352.7 miles away
250 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514
Located at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, the Morehead Planetarium offers a GSK Fulldome Theater, science exhibits, and programs for families, including shows, camps, and public viewings of astronomical events.
🚘 Distance: 352.8 miles away
1712 Willow Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Kidzu Children’s Museum is a dynamic, hands-on space for kids up to age ten. Its multi-sensory exhibits inspire creativity and collaboration, while programs foster community engagement. A future expansion promises even more room for young minds to explore and grow.
🚘 Distance: 352.8 miles away
500 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
The Museum of Durham History offers a deep dive into the city's vibrant history. The museum features a range of exhibits that explore Durham's cultural, social, and economic past, with a special focus on local stories, prominent figures, and historic events. It provides a "Museum Without Walls" experience, where exhibits are displayed in various community spaces. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday and on Sundays, offering free admission to visitors. It also hosts events and provides educational resources for students and teachers.
🚘 Distance: 353.1 miles away
111 North Corcoran St, Durham, NC 27701
21c Museum Hotel Durham is a unique blend of contemporary art museum and boutique hotel, located in the heart of downtown Durham, NC. The museum offers over 10,500 square feet of exhibition space, showcasing rotating contemporary art exhibits that engage visitors with thought-provoking works. The hotel, housed in the historic Hill Building, combines luxurious accommodations with art, offering a distinctive experience for both guests and art lovers. Guests can also enjoy the Counting House restaurant and cultural programming.
🚘 Distance: 353.3 miles away
450 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514
Immerse yourself in Tar Heel basketball history at the Carolina Basketball Museum. Located in the Ernie Williamson Athletic Center, this newly renovated facility showcases UNC's legendary program through interactive displays, precious artifacts, and an engaging seven-minute documentary. Experience the tradition of excellence Monday through Saturday, with adjusted hours on game days.
🚘 Distance: 353.9 miles away
414 N. Main Street, Wake Forest, NC, 27587
The new museum, located behind the historic Calvin Jones House, combines modern architecture with a nod to the past. The space is designed to resemble a nineteenth-century barn and features high windows, exposed beams, and climate-controlled areas to protect the museum’s valuable exhibits. The museum includes an auditorium, exhibit hall, library, and the Edwin G. Wilson Reception Gallery, named in honor of Wake Forest University Provost Emeritus, Edwin G. Wilson.
🚘 Distance: 367.9 miles away
119 Ambassador Loop, Cary, NC, 27513
The Page-Walker Arts & History Center in Cary, once the Page-Walker Hotel, is a community hub offering classes, events, concerts, and exhibitions. This restored space also features the Cary Heritage Museum, art galleries, classrooms, and meeting spaces. Field Trips: The center welcomes school and group visits to explore the rich history and arts of Cary. Rental spaces are also available for events and weddings.
🚘 Distance: 368.8 miles away
1903 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC, 27606
The Gregg Museum of Art & Design, part of a vibrant research-focused university, sparks creativity and innovation through art and design. It offers free access to a diverse collection, thought-provoking exhibitions, and engaging programs that promote lifelong learning and discovery.
🚘 Distance: 373.1 miles away
160 S St Mary's St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Built in 1769, this historic landmark is Wake County's oldest standing home. In 1792, Joel Lane sold 1,000 acres to the state, marking the site as the birthplace of North Carolina's capital. Visitors can enjoy guided tours led by costumed docents. Admission and hours vary, so please call or check the website for more details. Gardens: The Neo-Colonial garden features espaliered fruit trees, pomegranates, a grape arbor, and brick walkways. The herb garden showcases medicinal and culinary plants. Garden admission is free, and it is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Docent-guided tours include a discussion of colonial and modern herb uses.
🚘 Distance: 373.8 miles away
11 West Jones St., Raleigh, NC, 27601
Prairie Ridge offers a nature-rich environment, featuring a native plant garden, an arboretum, ponds, and trails through both prairie and forest areas. The park also hosts a Nature PlaySpace for children, where nature-based activities like Nature Stories and PlayDays take place. With opportunities for citizen science participation, Prairie Ridge is a hub for learning and outdoor discovery. Visitors can also explore the Planet Walk, a scaled model of the solar system along the park’s trails.
🚘 Distance: 374.0 miles away
5 East Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601
The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, established in 1963, honors the state's legendary athletes and their exceptional achievements. Located within the N.C. Museum of History, it showcases memorabilia and stories of North Carolina's sports icons in a dedicated 3,000-square-foot space.
🚘 Distance: 374.1 miles away
5 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC, 27601
The North Carolina Museum of History offers engaging activities, exhibits, and programs for all ages. Families can enjoy gallery-themed backpacks for children ages 3 to 5, filled with fun activities to enhance the museum experience. Visit the kiosk in the lobby or ask at the information desk to pick up a backpack. Field Trips: The museum offers educational tours that align with North Carolina's Common Core and Essential Standards. Pre- and post-visit materials are also available to enhance the field trip experience.
🚘 Distance: 374.1 miles away
409 W Martin Street, Raleigh, NC, 27603
CAM Raleigh is a cutting-edge museum dedicated to contemporary art and design. With ever-changing exhibits, the museum seeks to spark new ideas and inspire creative thinking. CAM Raleigh offers engaging educational programs for all ages, encouraging visitors to explore and interact with art in fresh and innovative ways.
🚘 Distance: 374.1 miles away
220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC, 27601
The COR Museum, located in downtown Raleigh, offers an immersive look at the city's history and its role in shaping North Carolina. Through exhibits and educational programs, the museum brings Raleigh’s past, present, and future to life. It’s a great place to learn and explore the heart of the state’s capital.
🚘 Distance: 374.2 miles away
201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh, NC, 27601
Marbles Kids Museum offers a variety of exhibits, programs, and events for children 10 and under, including themed displays, summer camps, IMAX films, and more. We focus on play as a key element of academic and emotional growth, fostering stronger families and communities. Our exhibits align with educational standards and encourage curiosity and learning. Field trips to Marbles are affordable, easy to plan, and packed with fun and learning opportunities. Field Trips: Marbles offers engaging field trips that inspire creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. We provide museum and IMAX field trips tailored to different grade levels.
🚘 Distance: 374.3 miles away
511 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601
The Pope House Museum, built in 1901 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was the home of Dr. M.T. Pope, one of Raleigh’s prominent African-American citizens and one of North Carolina’s first Black licensed doctors. Open for tours, the museum offers insight into the life and legacy of the Pope family and their significant impact on the community.
🚘 Distance: 374.5 miles away
131 S Fuquay Avenue, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526
Located in downtown Fuquay-Varina, this charming destination combines local history, outdoor play, and community green space — perfect for a family outing. Ashworth Park, once the home of Rufus and Cornelia Ashworth, is home to several historic structures, including the J.D. “Squire” Ballentine School, the first Fuquay Springs Post Office, a restored tobacco barn, a playhouse, and even a railroad caboose, all nestled in a peaceful, shaded park. The Fuquay-Varina Museums are accessible and handicap-friendly. Start your visit at the Centennial Museum, where you can enjoy a guided tour. While the post office and schoolhouse are typically unstaffed, a knowledgeable docent is available to open these buildings and assist with questions during your visit, helping to bring local history to life. Just next door, Library Park offers open lawns and walking paths — an ideal spot to unwind, picnic, or let the kids play after exploring the museums.
🚘 Distance: 379.6 miles away
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