50+ Fun Things To Do In Raleigh With Kids | This Is Raleigh

50+ Fun Things To Do In Raleigh With Kids

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The great thing about Raleigh is that it’s so family friendly and offers a plethora of attractions for youngsters who need some enrichment in their life!

From amusement parks to bike rides to paddle-boarding on lakes, there are so many fun things to do in Raleigh with kids that you would never run out of options.

To prove my point, I’ve created this ultimate list of things you can do in Raleigh with your children of any age. Whether your kids enjoy museums, playgrounds, going on hikes, or challenging their family members to a round of mini-golf, there is something everyone can enjoy on this list.

We also have a podcast episode on the topic of things to do with kids in Raleigh, which you can find it at the bottom of the post.

family posing in front of raleigh skyline at boylan bridge
Table Of Contents
  1. Things To Do In Raleigh With Kids
  2. 32. Enjoy Farm Fun at Phillips Farm, Cary
  3. 34. Play at the Fantasy Lake Adventure Park, Wake Forest
  4. Map Of Things To Do In Raleigh
  5. Raleigh with Kids Podcast Episode

Things To Do In Raleigh With Kids

1. Ride the Carousel at Pullen Park

Young girl riding a carousel at a park
Historic Pullen Park

Whilst Raleigh doesn’t have big fun parks in the sense that Orlando does, it does have some pretty great amusement parks and theme parks.

The Historic Pullen Park is one of our favorites, which is the 5th oldest amusement park in the USA (and 16th oldest in the world)! It dates back to 1887 and is most famous for the carousel, which was built in 1900 and is the oldest ride in the park.

It’s probably the most popular of things to do in Raleigh for families who are new to the city and is where all the locals will recommend you take your kids first.

playground at Pullen Park, Raleigh
Slide in the playground.

It’s perfect for younger kids because the rides cater to smaller children. As well as ride the historic carousel and iconic miniature train, you can also take paddle boats out on the lake, and let your kids run wild at the playgrounds and have a picnic.

The playground is a favourite of Raleigh kids. Two slides, swing sets, 6 climbing apparatus, a sand pit, and room to run around. 

Read our full review on Pullen Park here. 

2. Play Mini-Golf at Frankie’s Fun Park

an aerial view of a golf course

Although Raleigh doesn’t have big theme parks like Busch Gardens, Six Flags, or a big sprawling theme park of Carowinds in Charlotte (2.5 hrs away), but it does have Frankie’s Fun Park.

Here you’ll be entertained for hours with go-kart tracks, laser tag arena, batting cages, bumper boats, flight simulators, and an arcade!

One of the things we love to do there is play mini-golf on a warm summers day. They have three courses which makes up 54 holes in total, and it’s only $10 per person and under 3s play for free. That’s hours of fun for only a small cost.

What’s more is that there is no admission price for Frankie’s, you pay per activity, so you can turn up and see what’s available.

3. Step Back In Time at Museum of Natural Sciences

people looking at a museum display of a dinosaur skeleton

If you’re looking for more educational things to do, then don’t miss the Museum of Natural Sciences.

It’s not only a fascinating museum with interactive exhibits that will leave your child in awe, but it’s the largest natural history museum in the Southeast and North Carolina’s oldest and most visited museum.

There are over 4 floors of exhibits, with each room focusing on an area of our natural world; from learning about the human body and our DNA to dinosaur exhibits, and even some exhibits with live animals, there is so much to learn and explore.

They also offer educational programs and have research centers. Admission to the museum is free, but donations are welcome.

Read our review of the Museum of Natural Sciences.

Video: Museum of Natural Sciences

4. Play At Marbles Kids Museum

a little girl playing with toys

If you’re in need of things to do in Raleigh with toddlers, then Marbles Kid Museum will be a hit with the little ones!

Catering to kids up to the age of 12, this two leveled kid-focused museum has many kids activities and exhibits that inspire creativity and wonder.

They have dozens of hands-on exhibits and the state’s only 3D-capable IMAX theater. 

5. Play at Adventure Landing

girl playing mini golf at Adventure Landing,
Adventure Landing

Similar to Frankie’s Fun Park, Adventure Landing is another amusement park in Raleigh that’s fun for all the family. It’s older than Frankie’s, and has a more nostalgic atmosphere to it.

Fun for kids and adults of all ages, it has attractions like Go Karts, Miniature Golf, Laser Tag, Gaming Arcade, Batting Cages.

It’s also popular for groups and birthday parties, so be prepared for lots of kids running around! Unlike Frankie’s, there is an admission fee, and there are various admission passes on offer. 

6. Bounce Around at Galaxy Fun Park

Tons of indoor entertainment including a trampoline park, ropes course, laser tag, go-karts, bumper cars, and soft play area. Closed toe shoes are required in all areas.

7. Go Ziplining at xTreme Park Adventures

Outdoor and indoor attractions including a simulated city for paintball, laser tag & airsoft combat games. Plus zip line, ropes course, rock climbing, an escape room and ATVs. 

8. Stroll Through The Park at North Carolina Museum of Art

girl walking through a park

One of the most popular Raleigh attractions is the North Carolina Museum of Art, and admission to the art museum’s permanent collection and Museum Park is free.

Don’t miss taking a stroll through the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, the 164-acre park and trail system through natural areas that features more than a dozen commissioned works of art. Read our guide.

Our girls loved attending the annual Art in Bloom Festival at the museum held every March.

9. Learn About Local History at North Carolina Museum of History

Founded in 1902, it welcomes 80,000+ school groups a year and on display is more than 14,000 years and 150,000 artifacts of North Carolina history. Free admission. Charge for some special exhibits. 

10. Learn About Sporting Heroes at North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame

a museum display

If your kids are sports fans, Raleigh is home to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame museum located on the third floor of the NC Museum of History. Take a self-guided tour and see displays from football, basketball, baseball, athletics, golf, motor racing, Olympics sports and more.

Read our full review here. 

VIDEO: NC Sports Hall of Fame

11. Hike Sal’s Branch Trail (Umstead State Park)

People walking down a trail in a forest

One of the best things about living in Raleigh is the 180-miles of Greenway trails to explore, and many of the trails in Raleigh are kid-friendly. 

If your family loves nature trails through the forest, biking, picnicking, camping, canoeing, and horseback riding, don’t miss Umstead State Park when you visit Raleigh with kids.

A person standing in a wooded area, with Pott's Branch Trail

This natural oasis surrounds three man-made lakes and is just 15 minutes from downtown Raleigh with access from I-40 and I-70.

We love the 2.8 mile Sal’s Branch Trail is probably the most popular of the Umstead trails and perfect for kids!

12. Explore at Lake Johnson

A group of people standing next to a body of water

Lake Johnson is our favorite of the lakes in Raleigh, and we lived on Lake Johnson for four years.

You can walk the awesome 3-mile loop trail, one of our favorite trails. The trail is fully paved, there’s plenty of shaded spots in the warmer months, and nice colors in the Fall. 

We also love getting out on the lake for stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and pedal boats, and there’s a small beach area and picnic shelters. 

Two sisters paddling on a stand up paddle board on a lake.

Read our review: Why Lake Johnson is our favorite lake

VIDEO: Lake Johnson

13. Cycle the Lake Lynn Trail

girl on bikie o Lake Lynn Trail, Raleigh, North Carolina

This 2.6 mile paved loop trail is another of our favorite family trails in Raleigh. There’s a nice boardwalk over parts of the lake, and mostly flat with a few small inclines. Read our full review of the Lake Lynn Trail.

14. Walk the Shelley Lake Trail

people walking next to a body of water

An easy 2-mile paved scenic greenway trail loops around Shelley Lake and is popular with locals in North Raleigh.

15. Bike the Art to Heart Trail

girl bike riding through a park trail

We love biking the 6-mile Art to Heart Trail, a point-to-point trail that connects the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) to the heart of Downtown Raleigh (NOT a loop trail). Read our full review of the Art to Heart Trail.

16. Walk in the Historic Yates Mill State Park

people standing in front of a body of water
Mother and two daughters standing on a bridge.

Hiking trails, a 24-acre pond, and the Historic Yates Mill make up this 174-acre wildlife refuge and resource center.

Admission is free, but to tour the mill to learn about the “farm-to-fork” process, witness the corn grinding costs $3-$5 (March through Nov.). 

people walking across a bridge

The Yates Mill Pond Trail is a 0.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail perfect for families and all fitness levels, and is accessible year-round. Add on to this trail by doing the 1-mile Creekside Trail. 

  • Address: 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh
  • Website: click here

17. Explore on Bond Park & Lake

woman looking at people on pedal boats on Bond Lake

Bond Lake in Cary is popular with the locals. The Boathouse has boat rentals for all ages and abilities, including pedal boats, kayaks, and canoes. If you don’t know how to kayak or sail, there is a wide range of classes available including sailing, kayak and canoe lessons.

The 2-mile Bond Park Lake Trail is another favorite of ours, and we have walked it many times with our kids.

It hugs a picturesque lake, and the trail is a mix of paved and unpaved natural woodland setting.

The lake is situated in Bond Metropolitan Park is the largest municipal park in Cary and covers 310 acres.

It offers plenty of opportunities for many types of recreation including 4.2 miles of trails, a variety of athletic fields, disc golf, a challenge course, playgrounds, boating, kayaking, picnicking and much more.

Read our review of the Bond Lake Trail. 

18. Bike the Lake Pine Trail

girl biking Apex Lake Trail in the fall

Lovely 2-mile loop trail around beautiful Apex Lake. Fully-paved trail and mostly flat, plenty of shade, accessible year-round and easy for all ages. And, close to charming downtown Apex. 

  • Address: 1808 Lake Pine Dr, Cary
  • Website: Apexnc.org

19. Cycle the Neuse River Greenway Trail

family on golden bridge on Neuse River Trail

This is a 27-mile paved trail stretching from Falls Lake in North Raleigh to the Wake County border in southeast Raleigh, but you can break it up into short sections and along the way are winding boardwalk areas, views of historical sites, and suspension bridges. 

20. Get into Nature at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve

woman walking through a wooded path

For family-friendly nature trails, Hemlock Bluffs in Cary is a good nature preserve to explore.

Do the 0.8 mile Beech Tree Cove Trail, and then connect with the Chestnut Oak Loop Trail (1.2 miles), and the Swift Creek Loop Trail (0.8 miles). Read our review of hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve.

VIDEOS: family-friendly Trails in Raleigh

Press play to stream through our videos showcasing the above mentioned trails. We also have this post on 12 kid-friendly trails in Raleigh with lots of information

21. Run Around at Dorothea Dix Park

pink trees in front of skyline view from Dorothea Dix Park

While we may not have a river or beautiful beaches at our doorstep, but we have a lot of parks in Raleigh!

Dix Park is the largest park in Raleigh on a whopping 300+ acres with impressive skyline views and a lovely space with wide-open fields, rolling meadows, and tree-lined streets. There’s plenty of space for the kids to run around, play frisbee, ride bikes, etc, plus there are various hammock groves set up amongst the trees if they need a rest.

In the warmer months it plays host to numerous events and festivals, including the field of sunflowers each year. Read our guide to Dix Park.

And they are currently building the Gipson Play Plaza an inviting and inspiring public space for all ages with one-of-a-kind play spaces – including a sensory maze, water play mountain, swing terrace, and adventure playground – works of art, a civic plaza, fountains, and gardens. It’s poised to open in 2025.

VIDEO: Sunflower Fields in Raleigh

22. Laze on the Beach at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

person under shade on beach at Jordan Lake
Ebenezer Beach, Jordan Lake

Jordan Lake is an outdoor recreation lovers paradise. This undeveloped, 14,000-acre reservoir is the closest you will find to a beach in Raleigh, and while it doesn’t have waves, it does have a lovely, soft golden sandy beach that’s perfect for lazing on.

It’s also a popular place to go boating, fishing, camping, kayaking, hiking, picnicking, and swimming.

Perfect for a day out, or a long-weekend getaway.

23. Visit the Playground at John Chavis Memorial Park

John Chavis Memorial Park, Raleigh

John Chavis Memorial Park is a public park that spans 28 acres near Shaw University in the South Park neighborhood of downtown Raleigh.

It features an historic carousel, a children’s playground, splash pad, community center and outdoor track. 

playground at John Chavis Memorial Park
John Chavis Playground

It also features rubber safety surfacing and areas for ages 2 to 5 years and 5 to 12 years, plus adult exercise equipment, a skywalk climbing feature, and nature play elements.

24. Jump on the Splash Pad at Moore Square Park

splash pad Moore Square, downtown Raleigh
Moore Square

This four-acre urban green space in the heart of downtown is one of our favorite spots in Raleigh to visit with kids because they love running on the splash pad in the summer.

There’s a large grass area that hosts many family-friendly events such as movie nights and block parties.

There’s also a playground with a slide, a cafe, and surrounding the square are many family-friendly restaurants, cafes, galleries, and the Marbles Kids Museum. 

25. Go Kayaking at Falls Lake State Recreation Area

Boardwalk leading out to a lake

Falls Lake is a North Carolina State Park in Wake and Durham Counties.

The 12,410-acre Falls Lake is the focus and offers a range of outdoor experiences including camping, boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and picnicking.

There are five beaches that you can swim from and there are several boat ramps where you can launch your own boat, kayak or SUP.

Over towards The Beaverdam, there’s a network of mountain biking trails if you’re kids are a bit older and need more adrenaline.

Wake Rack offer kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals on Falls Lake. They’re unique in that you can order your kayak online, and collect it from a locker or from a nearby convenient store, and take it to your nearest lake. They have inflatable options if you don’t have a roof rack.

26. Go Back In Time at Mordecai Historic Park

Lady in red dress sitting on bench with historic home behind her

Mordecai Historic Park may not be the most exciting place to visit for toddlers and young kids, but if your kids are learning about the economic boom in the 17th and 18th centuries at school, then this would be a great place to take them to bring history to life.

It was once the site of the largest plantation in Wake County, and now home to some of N.C.’s most extraordinary treasures, including the Mordecai House (1785) the oldest house in Raleigh on its original location.

It’s known as the birthplace of 17th President Andrew Johnson. You can read more about the Mordecai Historic Park guided tour.

27. SUP at Lake Raleigh Recreation Area

people standing on a board walk next to a body of water

Lake Raleigh is a hidden gem located on NC State University’s Centennial Campus. We have walked the lake trail here many times and love going stand up paddle boarding here.

And it’s a nice small lake for fishing on the bank or in a kayak. 

Read our review of Lake Raleigh. 

VIDEO: Lake Raleigh

28. Picnic at Apex Community Park

A view of a body of water surrounded by trees

Another park we love is the 160 acre Apex Park, centered around beautiful Apex Lake, which offers picnic areas, playgrounds, fitness and nature trails.

There’s also athletic fields, tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts, plus fishing and kayaking allowed on the lake. 

29. SUP in Lake Crabtree County Park

woman and child paddleboarding Lake Crabtree, Raleigh

Another great place to take a stand-up paddle board is Lake Crabtree. Located on 215-acres adjacent to a 520-acre lake, the park is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.

It has more than 16 miles of trails, plus playgrounds, catch-and-release fishing, and seasonal boating and kayaking/paddle boarding. It’s also a great spot to see the sunset. 

30. Sassafras All Children’s Playground (Laurel Hills Park)

a playground

One of the most popular and best playgrounds in Raleigh is Sassafras, a colorful and engaging playground with different areas to play including a zip line, swings, slides, monkey bars, and things to climb on and explore.

It’s very well maintained and a popular park to take young children. It’s the perfect place for them to run around and play and make new friends.

31. Roanoke Park

Roanoke Park is a hidden gem playground in Raleigh and a quaint little park in a nice neighborhood setting.

It’s suitable for ages 2-12 and has wood-chip surface. Also, the Tot Cart parking lot has donated toys, scooters, and bikes for the children to use.

To search all playgrounds in Raleigh, click here or use the park locator app. 

32. Enjoy Farm Fun at Phillips Farm, Cary

Two people going down a giant slide.
Phillips Farm

One of the most well-known farms in the Triangle area that families love is Phillips Farms, located in Cary. They’ve really expanded it into a fun park for kids of all ages. Their Family Fun Zone has activities that include toddler town, hayrides, cow trains, giant games, apple slinging, and a fun and fast giant slide.

During the Spring they have their popular Shop & Play Saturdays featuring a market, family fun and MORE! They partner with local farmers and artisans to showcase their offerings.

And Fall is their hugely fun season with pumpkin patches and a corn maze included in the Family Fun Zone and a spooky Halloween zone at night.

There’ll be food trucks including Dampf Good BBQ, and Local Donuts. Watch our video.

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33. Jump Around at A Trampoline Park

girl bouncing on trampoline at big air

There are many trampoline parks in Raleigh, so you’re never short on options!

One that we like is DEFY Apex & Raleigh, a fun indoor trampoline park with various jumping and climbing equipment including a ninja obstacle course, trapeze, super tramps, foam pits, battle beams, dodgeball and angled tramps.

Launching Pad Trampoline Park also has a massive main jump court with walled trampolines, 2 regulation dodge ball courts, 3 basketball dunk lanes, a large foam pit, a Jousting Pit, and Rope Ladder Pit.

Urban Air Adventure Park is a large-scale indoor trampoline center hosting open jump, spin zone bumper cars, dodgeball, sky rider coaster, ropes course, climbing wall, and tubes indoor playground. 

Sky Zone Trampoline Park is a space to move, create and be yourself with freestyle jump, sly slam, ultimate dodgeball, foam zone, sky hops, sky joost, wall climbs and much more!

One of the newer rock climbing and indoor adventure parks we’ve discovered is OC Aerial, which is like a combination of a trampoline park and ninja course. It has a climbing wall, zip lines, rope courses and more. It’s a playground for adults as well as kids!

34. Play at the Fantasy Lake Adventure Park, Wake Forest

inflatables on fantasy lake wake forest
Fantasy Lake

Kids are guaranteed to love the Fantasy Lake Adventure Park in Wake Forest. Our tween keeps asking us when we will go back. It is quite pricey, but for many families, the experience is worth it.

This 100-acre park features a 65-acre lake that is sectioned off for an inflatable water park filled with tramps, slides, and obstacle courses.

You can also kayak, paddleboard, and scuba dive here. It really is fun for all the family. If you can make it work in your budget, reserve some of the beach chairs or cabanas. Because it’s also nice to lie down and relax and enjoy the beautiful views while the older kids relax.

Rad our guide to downtown Wake Forest for more ideas while you’re exploring this area!

35. Escape The Room at an Escape Room

Mom and two daughters walking past a house

If your kids are a little older, they might enjoy an Escape Room! Game On Escapes is one of the newest escape room venues in the Triangle.

It features 5 escape room games: Trapped in a Jungle, the Sorcerer’s Mistake, Rest Easy Motel and Blind Eye. 

Room 5280 is a real life adventure game designed for groups of friends, families, co-workers and strangers. 4 escape rooms in the heart of downtown Raleigh.

36. Climb Into The Canopes at Go Ape Tree Tops

man climbing a ropes course in the trees

At Go Ape you can take on various tree top obstacle courses and ziplines, depending upon your age and your comfort level for adventure (and heights). 

Their courses are created to deliver adventure, fun, and a sense of accomplishment and perfect for families. Read our full review.

VIDEO: Go Ape

37. Zip Line at TreeRunner Adventure Park Raleigh

person high on the trees on obstacle rope course

With over 100 exciting obstacles and zip lines, five difficulty levels, seven different aerial courses, and five different Junior Park trails, there is plenty to explore, located in North Raleigh.

38. Go Indoor Rock Climbing

Young girl climbing up a wall at indoor rock climbing.
Triangle Rock Club

The Triangle Rock Club is a hit with our kids, they even went to a week-long summer.

Triangle Rock Club indoor climbing center offers rope climbing, bouldering, kids programs, fitness classes, yoga, pilates and more.

They have two locations, Raleigh and Morrisville. 

39. Go BMXing

Yes, there is a BMX track in Raleigh!

Capital City BMX is a bicycle motocross race track is located at the Lions Park and BMX racing is open to boys and girls who can ride a bike. 

Daniel Dhers Action Sports Complex is another BMX track that was founded by pro BMX rider Daniel Dhers.

This is the largest action sports facility in the world with more than 37,000 sq. ft of indoor and outdoor riding terrain. Facility includes beginner area, pump tracks, foam pit, resi quarters and viewing areas. 

40. Play Games at BoxCar Arcade

kids playing arcade games

A popular bar by night, children allowed if accompanied by a parent before 8pm on weekdays and 7pm on weekends.

Hundreds of arcade-style games, including 70+ classic arcade cabinets, 12+ pinball machines, and 175+ console games. 

It’s the perfect rainy day activity!

41. Play Old School Video Games at Dave & Buster’s

Dave and Buster’s is a great place to find fun arcade games for kids, especially for kids 5 and up.

It also has lots of old school video games for adults to enjoy. It does get busy on the weekends and has lots of TV screens for watching sports.

It’s also not known for food, more for the fun!

42. Go Bowling at Buffaloe Lanes Bowling

Buffaloe Lanes Bowling is a family-friendly bowling alley with no-alcohol, 32 bumper lanes, party and game rooms, and bumpers that come up and down automatically for each bowler if needed.

43. Bowling At Kings Dining & Entertainment, North Hills

girl bowling

Kings is an upscale bowling lounge and our favorite place to go bowling in Raleigh. If you do have to wait for a lane, there’s also a gaming area with pool (billiards), ping pong tables, foosball, and dart boards. 

There’s a decent selection of food with burgers, wings, fries, sandwiches, pizza, and tacos. Check out these other things to do with kids in North Hills.

44. Attend the NC State Fair

ferris wheel at the fair

The most iconic of thing to do for families in Raleigh is attend the NC State Fair, which takes place every year in October.

Here you can indulge in rides, music, animals, and all the greasy fair food you can imagine.

Raleigh locals flock to the annual North Carolina State Fair every year as it’s always a laugh and full of enjoyment. Read our guide to the NC State Fair.

Video: North Carolina State Fair

45. Visit GalaxyCon Raleigh

Another festival in Raleigh that’s fun for kids is the three-day Galaxy Con, which for fans of pop culture, superheroes, science fiction, anime and more will love!

It’s held annually at the Raleigh Convention Center in July.

46. Get Creative at Artsplosure

peopel walking through giant rainbow colored bubble art display
Cool art installation

Raleigh’s original and longest running arts festival, Artsplosure, is held each year.

This two-day family event features 175 juried visual artists from across the US showcasing works in ceramics, glass, fiber art, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, wood and more. 

There are many workshops and classes for children throughout the event.

47. Check Out Spring Daze and Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival

spring daze cary

The Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival in Cary puts local artists and craftsmakers in the spotlight.

There are more than 300 artists from 16 states attending the festival, plus there’s multiple stages of live music, a beer garden and plenty of food trucks. IT’s one of our favorite festivals for it’s beautiful lakeside venue immersed in the forest at Bond Park.

48. Watch the Krispy Kreme Challenge

Krispy Kreme Challenge
Krispy Kreme Challenge

Another fun annual event in Raleigh is the Krispy Kreme Challenge, which was started by NC State University students and now happens every year.

This is a 4-mile fun run, from NC State campus to Krispy Kreme, where you can consume 12 doughnuts, and then run back.

While it may not be a run that younger kids could do, it’s fun to watch! Our girls did it with us when they were 9 and 13 – and we walked for most of the way. They LOVED the donut break! Plus, proceeds go to the UNC Children’s Hospital. 

49. Attend Falling For Local

food trucks and people at Falling for Local Festival, Dorothea Dix Park

Autumn lovers and families will love the Falling For Local festival at Dorothea Dix Park every October.

Featuring live music, local makers and vendors, craft beer, food trucks, games for kids, hay rides, free pumpkins and more!

50. Check Out World of Bluegrass

People playing instruments on a stage

A festival we love to visit every year with our kids is the IBMA World of Bluegrass, the largest FREE urban bluegrass festival in the world.

This two-day event in downtown Raleigh includes five blocks and six stages of music, plus food trucks. Read our full guide to the World of Bluegrass Festival here.

2024 is your last chance to visit with the kids, as Raleigh will no longer be hostig it. Stay tuned though as another music festival is rumored to be taking its place.

51. Watch the Raleigh Christmas Parade

Giant float of a bear at a Christmas parade in Raleigh, NC

The Raleigh Christmas Parade is the largest such parade between Atlanta and Washington, D.C., and marches through downtown Raleigh and features marching bands, dancers, classic cars, superheroes and Santa Claus. 

If you’re looking for things to do around Christmas time, don’t miss this! Kids absolutely love it and come from near and far!

52. Attend a Carolina Hurricanes Ice Hockey Game

A large crowd of people watching an ice hockey game in an arena

Raleigh is home to the Carolina Hurricanes ice hockey team who play in the PNC Arena Going to a live game is awesome and one of our favorite things to do in Raleigh for sports fans. Go Canes!

53. Cheer on the NC State University Wolfpack

aerial view of carter finley stadium
DCIM\100MEDIA\DJI_0003.JPG

Raleigh is home to NC State University, and going to a game in any sport is always fun.

The Wolfpack compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the atmosphere is always electric! I highly recommend you go and watch a game at least once in your life.

Read our guide to Carter Finley Stadium.

54. See the World Famous Durham Bulls Baseball

close up of a beer with a crowd of people watching a baseball game in the background

For baseball fans, the legendary Durham Bulls Minor League Baseball team of the Triple-A East and the Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays play just 30-minutes up the road in Durham.

It’s a top family night out. Don’t miss their fireworks! Check this REEL of all the fun

We also like going on July 4th, for a fun family friendly celebration.

The Carolina Mudcats is also more of a local team that play out at Five County Stadium in Zebulon. It’s smaller than the Durham Bulls, but just as family friendly and fun. See schedule here.

55. Watch the National Women’s Soccer League team play

Soccer fans watching a game

Women’s soccer is a BIG deal in North Carolina, and the North Carolina Courage is a professional women’s soccer team who are also based at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, and they compete in the NWSL.

It’s another must-see sporting event to go to with your kids, especially if you have daughters, as watching women play professional sports is always inspiring! You can also watch the North Carolina FC team play here (the men’s professional team!)

56. Test Your Swing at Drive Shack

A person sitting on a bench in front of a laptop

Ok Raleigh, we think this is one of the most fun activities in Raleigh with kids, even if none of you play golf.

For us it’s more about having a hit and a laugh. Drive Shack is a three-story interactive golf driving range that combines physical targets to aim for with augmented reality and virtual games.

Read our full review of Drive Shack Raleigh. 

57. Check Out State Farmers Market

girl standing in front of pumpkins

Considered one of the nation’s best, the Raleigh Farmers Market boasts 75 acres of indoor and outdoor vendor space where you can sample and shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and gift products from farmers across the state. 

58. Shop at The Raleigh Market

This flea market at the State Fairgrounds offers one of the most unique and entertaining shopping experiences.

Each weekend, over 600 indoor and outdoor vendors showcase an incredible range of items, from high-end antiques to power tools and everything in between. Read our guide to 11 farmers’ markets in Raleigh.

Map Of Things To Do In Raleigh

Raleigh with Kids Podcast Episode

Need more inspiration for things to do in Raleigh with kids? Here’s our podcast episode where we talk about some of the best things we like to do with our two kids!

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For those who may prefer watching a video of us podcasting, we filmed that for you too, which you’ll find on YouTube each week.

Now it’s your turn, what would you add to this list? Leave us a comment below with any of your own suggestions on what to do in Raleigh with kids! 

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1 thought on “50+ Fun Things To Do In Raleigh With Kids”

  1. translate

    This is an excellent list of things to do in Raleigh with kids! There are so many fun and educational activities that will keep the whole family entertained. I’m looking forward to exploring some of these places with my own children.

    Reply

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