6 of the Best Things to Do in Raleigh With Kids

Looking to stay in Raleigh, North Carolina, for some family fun? From festivals and sporting events to museums and parks, there’s something for everyone each month of the year in this vibrant city. Here’s a peek at the top family-friendly things to do when traveling in the Raleigh-Durham area (or the Triangle, which includes Chapel Hill).

Get lost in activities at the Museum of Life and Science

Enjoy the play zone of “Hideaway Woods,” an outdoor exhibit featuring treehouses and nature sculptures at the Museumof Life and Science. Photo Credit: Museum of Life and Science

One of the Raleigh-Durham area’s most popular family destinations, the Museum of Life and Science has so much to do and see that you should plan to spend a full day here. This 84-acre interactive science park—which doubles as a preserve for wildlife—is packed with hands-on exhibits. The outdoor exhibit “Catch the Wind,” for example, features a 5,000-square-foot elliptical sailboat pond where visitors can take the wheel and sail remote-controlled boats on the water. There’s also “Hideaway Woods,” a ropes course–like attraction with 20-foot-high treehouses and connecting bridges. Inside the museum, families can explore one of the biggest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast, in addition to “Launch Lab,” a science-based interactive learning environment catered to children.

Celebrate agriculture, arts and all kinds of food at the North Carolina State Fair

Ride lovers have plenty to choose from at the N.C. State Fair, which also features expos, live music, dog shows and lots of unique food offerings. Photo Credit: North Carolina State Fair

Drawing a million visitors every October, the North Carolina State Fair is the largest annual event in the Tar Heel State and without a doubt one of the best things to do in Raleigh with kids. Over the course of 11 days, families can hop onto high-flying carnival rides, catch one of the nightly fireworks shows, munch on classic deep-fried fare or take in one of the many live performances. (Past performers have included The Voice and American Idol alums.)

Unleash your child’s inner scientist at Marbles Kids Museum

When you’re trying to find things to do in Raleigh with kids, what’s better than a museum where you don’t have to remind them not to touch every exhibit? The premise behind Marbles Kids Museum is experiencing things, which means everything is hands-on. The exhibit “Seedlings” encourages kids to use their imaginations to create their own vegetable and herb garden, while “IdeaWorks” inspires the next generation of architects and engineers to design, build and problem-solve on their own.

Cheer for the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena

Marvel at the speed of professional hockey as your family watches these athletes in action at PNC Arena. Photo Credit: Gregg Forwerck/Carolina Hurricanes

With UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke and North Carolina State nearby, the Raleigh-Durham area is definitely basketball country. When considering things to do in Raleigh with kids, don’t forget how fun an NHL game can be for families. The Carolina Hurricanes play about four dozen home games in the PNC Arena each season, which means there are plenty of opportunities to cheer on the ’Canes in one of the best sports atmospheres around. Pro tip: There are Canes Fam Value Packs, which offer discounted tickets plus a $10 food and beverage credit for each seat purchased.

Enjoy the great outdoors at Pullen Park

North Carolina’s first public park, Pullen Park, is easily one of the best things to do in Raleigh and a fantastic spot to bring the family no matter the season. The acres of open space allow for picnics, playgrounds and games of Frisbee or catch. The park also boasts a 1900 Gustav A. Dentzel Menagerie Carousel and the C.P. Huntington train ride, both of which are extremely popular with kids and adults alike. You can also rent pedal boats to tour around Lake Howell.

Hang out with the animals at 1870 Farm

Say hello to the animals—including some curious goats—as you visit 1870 Farm.

An interactive, modern-day barnyard property, 1870 Farm, located in Chapel Hill, is a less-known gem among the things to do in Raleigh with kids and the ultimate playground for kids who like animals and the outdoors. Here, your littles can roam the 17-acre property and pan for sparkling gemstones, fish in the nearby pond stocked with trophy bass and catfish, make goats-milk soap or simply check out the pygmy goats. Plan ahead and visit during one of the public farms days or special events. Or opt for a private guided farm tour, which offers an intimate look at how the farm runs while highlighting which activities are most popular with visitors.