Things to do with kids in Raleigh-Durham, NC

Frankie's of Raleigh

Large amusement center with go-karts, laser tag, mini-golf, arcade games, and bumper boats.

4.4 (8264)$$$Raleigh, NC

💬 3 local tips

Boxcar Bar + Arcade

Arcade with classic and modern games; family-friendly during daytime hours.

4.5 (4026)$Raleigh, NC

💬 3 local tips

Hyper Kidz Durham

Large indoor playground with multi-level climbing structures, slides, and a dedicated toddler zone.

4.9 (3201)$$Durham, NC

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Indoor trampoline park with freestyle jumping, dodgeball, and dedicated toddler zones.

4.4 (2591)$$Apex, NC

Adventure Landing

Family entertainment center with mini-golf, go-karts, laser tag, and an arcade.

4.1 (2387)$$Raleigh, NC

Kings Bowl-North Hills

Bowling alley with arcade games and a restaurant.

4.1 (2253)$$Raleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

DEFY Raleigh

Large indoor trampoline park with foam pits, obstacle courses, and high-energy jumping areas.

4.5 (2139)$$Raleigh, NC

United Skates of America

Classic roller skating rink with an arcade, pizza cafe, and regular public skate sessions.

4.3 (1987)$$Raleigh, NC

💬 2 local tips

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Indoor trampoline park featuring wall-to-wall jumping, dodgeball, and fitness activities.

4.5 (1945)$$Durham, NC

Galaxy Fun Park

Large indoor amusement center with trampolines, go-karts, laser tag, and a soft play area.

4.4 (1884)$$$Raleigh, NC

💬 2 local tips

RushHour Karting

Indoor go-kart track with junior karts, an arcade, and a restaurant.

4.6 (1715)$$$Garner, NC

Angel Island Fun Park | Durham NC

Indoor amusement center featuring soft play, ball pits, and climbing structures for active kids.

4.9 (1691)$$Durham, NC

Pullen Park

Historic park with a carousel, miniature train, pedal boats, and a large playground.

4.7 (9627)$Raleigh, NC

💬 9 local tips

Downtown Cary Park

Modern city park with a large playground, splash pad, and open green spaces.

4.8 (4094)FreeCary, NC

💬 13 local tips

Knightdale Station Park

Community park featuring a unique train-themed playground and walking trails.

4.8 (2796)FreeKnightdale, NC

💬 4 local tips

Lake Crabtree County Park

Waterside park with hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, and boat rentals.

4.7 (2547)FreeMorrisville, NC

Dix Park

Expansive city park with open fields, walking paths, and seasonal sunflower fields.

4.7 (2399)FreeRaleigh, NC

💬 7 local tips

Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park

Unique outdoor park featuring large, colorful, wind-powered kinetic sculptures.

4.7 (2396)FreeWilson, NC

💬 1 local tip

E. Carroll Joyner Park

Expansive park with paved walking trails, historic farm buildings, and a large amphitheater.

4.8 (1977)FreeWake Forest, NC

💬 1 local tip

Lake Benson Park

Large community park with a lake for boating, walking trails, and a playground.

4.7 (1849)FreeGarner, NC

💬 1 local tip

Shelley Lake Park

Scenic park with a 2-mile paved trail around a lake, playground, and open fields.

4.7 (1779)FreeRaleigh, NC

💬 5 local tips

Laurel Hills Park

Community park featuring a large inclusive playground, sports fields, and walking trails.

4.8 (1638)FreeRaleigh, NC

💬 4 local tips

Lake Wheeler Park

Waterfront park offering boat rentals, picnic areas, and a playground.

4.6 (1583)$Raleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

John Chavis Memorial Park

Historic park with a vintage carousel, playgrounds, and a public swimming pool.

4.7 (1324)FreeRaleigh, NC

💬 2 local tips

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

Beautiful 55-acre botanical garden with walking paths, a koi pond, and open spaces.

4.9 (9197)FreeDurham, NC

💬 1 local tip

Lake Johnson Park

Nature park with walking trails, boat rentals, and fishing spots.

4.7 (5037)FreeRaleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

Falls Lake State Recreation Area

Large state park with swimming beaches, hiking trails, and picnic areas.

4.7 (4519)$Wake Forest, NC

JC Raulston Arboretum

Beautiful botanical garden with walking paths and educational plant collections.

4.8 (2978)FreeRaleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

Eno River State Park

Large state park with extensive hiking trails, river access for wading, and nature exploration.

4.8 (2658)FreeDurham, NC

William B. Umstead State Park

Expansive park featuring miles of hiking and bridle trails, plus fishing lakes.

4.8 (2558)FreeRaleigh, NC

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Large state park offering swimming beaches, hiking trails, boating, and camping.

4.7 (2315)$Apex, NC

💬 4 local tips

Bass Lake Park

Scenic park featuring a lake for fishing, nature trails, and a dedicated nature center.

4.8 (1925)FreeHolly Springs, NC

💬 1 local tip

Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve

Nature preserve with 3 miles of trails, scenic overlooks, and an educational visitor center.

4.8 (1445)FreeCary, NC

💬 1 local tip

North Carolina Botanical Garden

Expansive gardens with nature trails, educational exhibits, and native plant displays.

4.7 (1443)FreeChapel Hill, NC

WRAL Azalea Garden

Beautiful, quiet garden with walking paths, perfect for a short family stroll.

4.8 (1427)FreeRaleigh, NC

Durant Nature Preserve

Large nature preserve with hiking trails, fishing lakes, and woodland areas for outdoor exploration.

4.7 (1341)FreeRaleigh, NC

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

Large lake offering boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking trails.

4.7 (1836)$Henderson, NC

💬 1 local tip

Fantasy Lake Adventure Park

Quarry lake with swimming, scuba diving, and camping facilities.

4.7 (1139)$$Wake Forest, NC

💬 2 local tips

Seaforth Beach

Public beach area at Jordan Lake, popular for swimming and relaxing by the water.

4.6 (932)$Pittsboro, NC

Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center

Public aquatic center with a large indoor pool, water slide, and lazy river.

4.3 (668)$Raleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

Sandling Beach Recreation Area

Public beach area at Falls Lake with swimming, picnic spots, and boat access.

4.6 (599)$Wake Forest, NC

Fuquay-Varina Splash Pad

Public splash pad with water features, perfect for cooling off in the summer.

4.4 (383)FreeFuquay-Varina, NC

Beaverdam Lake State Recreation Area

State recreation area featuring swimming, hiking trails, and boat ramps.

4.7 (355)$Wake Forest, NC

Ebenezer Beach

Popular swimming beach on Jordan Lake with picnic areas and restrooms.

4.7 (313)$Apex, NC

Goldfish Swim School - Wake Forest

Indoor swim school offering year-round lessons for children in a heated pool environment.

4.8 (312)$$$Raleigh, NC

💬 3 local tips

Optimist Aquatic Center

Year-round pool facility with lap lanes, diving boards, and a dedicated baby pool.

4.5 (267)$Raleigh, NC

Holding Park Pool

Public municipal swimming pool offering open swim sessions during the summer months.

4.4 (256)$Wake Forest, NC

💬 2 local tips

Millbrook Exchange Pool

Covered public pool with a seasonal splash pad and wading area for young children.

4.5 (218)$Raleigh, NC

North Carolina Zoo

Expansive zoo featuring animals from Africa and North America in naturalistic habitats.

4.6 (27010)$$$Asheboro, NC

💬 1 local tip

Aloha Safari Park

Family-run safari park and zoo featuring rescued animals.

4.6 (3662)$$Cameron, NC

💬 1 local tip

Phillips Farms of Cary

Seasonal farm offering family-friendly activities like corn mazes and pumpkin patches.

4.4 (1135)$$Cary, NC

💬 1 local tip

Spring Haven Farm LLC

Farm offering animal interactions, seasonal events, and family activities.

4.8 (932)$$Chapel Hill, NC

💬 2 local tips

Carolina Tiger Rescue

Non-profit sanctuary providing guided tours to see rescued big cats.

4.8 (905)$$Pittsboro, NC

DJ's Berry Patch

Seasonal farm market offering pick-your-own berries and fresh produce.

4.7 (459)$Apex, NC

Hill Ridge Farms

Farm destination with seasonal activities, play areas, and animal interactions.

4.6 (331)$$Youngsville, NC

💬 1 local tip

Winterpast Farm

Small petting farm where children can interact with rescued animals in a hands-on setting.

3.9 (220)$$Wake Forest, NC

Duke Lemur Center

Research facility offering guided tours to see and learn about rare prosimian primates.

4.7 (203)$$$Durham, NC

💬 1 local tip

Old Mill Farm

Working farm offering educational tours, animal interactions, and seasonal family events.

4.7 (192)$$Durham, NC

Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge

Sanctuary for rescued farm animals offering guided tours to learn about animal care and welfare.

4.9 (179)$Pittsboro, NC

Pace Family Farms

Family-owned farm offering seasonal u-pick strawberries and fresh produce.

4.8 (174)$Clayton, NC

North Carolina Museum of Art

Art museum with extensive galleries and a large outdoor park featuring trails and sculptures.

4.8 (11371)FreeRaleigh, NC

💬 4 local tips

Marbles Kids Museum

Interactive children's museum with hands-on exhibits, a toddler zone, and an IMAX theater.

4.8 (7545)$$Raleigh, NC

💬 13 local tips

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Large museum with dinosaur fossils, live animal exhibits, and interactive nature displays.

4.8 (3284)FreeRaleigh, NC

💬 22 local tips

Museum of Life and Science

Interactive science museum with indoor exhibits, a butterfly house, and outdoor nature trails.

4.7 (2078)$$Durham, NC

💬 15 local tips

North Carolina State Capitol

Historic government building offering tours and educational exhibits.

4.6 (1365)FreeRaleigh, NC

Miriam P. Brenner Children's Museum

Hands-on educational museum with interactive exhibits and a large outdoor learning garden for kids.

4.5 (623)$$Greensboro, NC

💬 1 local tip

New Hope Valley Railway

Historic railway museum offering scenic train rides on vintage locomotives.

4.7 (582)$$New Hill, NC

💬 1 local tip

James B. Hunt Jr. Library

University library with modern architecture, public access, and children's reading areas.

4.7 (455)FreeRaleigh, NC

Durham County Main Library

Public library with a dedicated children's wing, storytimes, and community resources.

4.6 (409)FreeDurham, NC

Cary Regional Library

Public library offering children's programming, reading nooks, and community events.

4.5 (386)FreeCary, NC

North Carolina Executive Mansion

Historic governor's residence featuring guided tours of the architecture and grounds.

4.5 (368)FreeRaleigh, NC

West Regional Library

Public library branch with a strong focus on youth services and family-friendly reading spaces.

4.7 (344)FreeCary, NC

Mad Splatter Apex

Creative studio for pottery painting, canvas art, and splatter paint sessions.

4.9 (999)$$Apex, NC

💬 1 local tip

Spin Art Nation & Splatter Studio

Interactive art studio offering spin art, splatter paint rooms, and fluid art experiences for all ages.

5.0 (779)$$Cary, NC

919 FAYE ART LAB

Creative art studio in downtown Raleigh offering workshops and open studio time for kids and families.

5.0 (575)$$Raleigh, NC

Color Me Mine

Paint-your-own ceramics studio with a wide selection of pottery pieces, perfect for a relaxed family outing.

4.8 (513)$$Cary, NC

Zebulon Pottery

Local pottery studio offering classes and creative sessions for various skill levels.

5.0 (482)$$Wendell, NC

Artspace

Visual arts center with open studios, rotating exhibits, and art classes for all ages.

4.7 (303)FreeRaleigh, NC

Krav Maga Raleigh

Self-defense and martial arts training center with classes for various ages.

4.8 (265)$$Raleigh, NC

Snap Kick Martial Arts - Garner, NC

Martial arts school offering structured classes for children and families.

5.0 (231)$$Garner, NC

Paint Your Pot

Ceramic painting studio where families can choose and paint their own pottery items.

4.6 (230)$$Cary, NC

Cheers N Paint Art Studio

Art studio offering guided painting sessions and creative workshops for families and groups.

4.9 (219)$$Cary, NC

Klaystation

Walk-in ceramic painting studio with a large selection of pottery for kids and adults to paint.

4.6 (206)$$Raleigh, NC

Gracie Raleigh

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy offering training for kids and adults.

5.0 (205)$$Raleigh, NC

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Raleigh

Movie theater with seat-side food and drink service, often hosting family-friendly screenings.

4.6 (7240)$$Raleigh, NC

💬 2 local tips

Cinemark Bistro Raleigh

Movie theater with dine-in service, offering a full menu and comfortable seating.

4.5 (5134)$$Raleigh, NC

Regal Crossroads - Cary

Standard multiplex cinema showing new releases with concession stands.

4.2 (4797)$$Cary, NC

Game On Escapes & More - Cary

Immersive escape rooms with various themes suitable for families and groups.

5.0 (4086)$$$Cary, NC

All In Adventures Escape Rooms

Mall-based escape room venue with multiple short-duration game options.

4.8 (3939)$$Raleigh, NC

AMC Southpoint 17

Large multiplex cinema showing current family films and blockbusters.

3.9 (3662)$$Durham, NC

Regal Brier Creek

Multiplex cinema located in Brier Creek, featuring new releases and plush seating.

4.2 (3219)$$Raleigh, NC

Regal White Oak

Multiplex cinema in Garner showing current films with standard concessions.

4.0 (2847)$$Garner, NC

Regal North Hills

Multiplex cinema located in the North Hills shopping district.

4.1 (2590)$$Raleigh, NC

CMX CinéBistro at Waverly Place

Upscale dine-in movie theater with comfortable seating and a full menu.

4.0 (2572)$$$Cary, NC

Bull City Escape

Locally owned escape room experience with challenging, narrative-driven puzzles.

4.9 (1876)$$$Durham, NC

AMC Park Place 16

Standard multiplex cinema showing current blockbusters with 3D and large-format screens.

3.9 (1630)$$Morrisville, NC

Angus Barn

Iconic, upscale steakhouse with a rustic barn atmosphere and a famous dessert menu that families enjoy for special occasions.

4.6 (10368)$$$Raleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

The Pit Authentic Barbecue

Casual, spacious downtown BBQ spot serving traditional North Carolina smoked meats and sides.

4.3 (8561)$$Raleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

Irregardless

Long-standing cafe with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and live music, offering a welcoming atmosphere for families.

4.6 (3815)$$Raleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

Carolina Ale House - North Raleigh

Lively sports bar and grill with a large menu, kids' options, and plenty of TVs for game day.

4.2 (3365)$$Raleigh, NC

💬 3 local tips

Merritt's Grill

Iconic local spot famous for their BLT sandwiches.

4.7 (2797)$Chapel Hill, NC

💬 1 local tip

Tobacco Road Sports Cafe

Modern sports cafe with a large menu and a great view of the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

4.2 (2777)$$Durham, NC

💬 1 local tip

Sassool

Casual Mediterranean cafe offering fresh, healthy plates and a market with delicious baked goods.

4.6 (2570)$$Raleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

Chubby's Tacos Raleigh

No-frills, quick-service spot for tacos, burritos, and Mexican comfort food.

4.3 (2546)$Raleigh, NC

💬 2 local tips

Al's Burger Shack

Casual, popular burger joint with outdoor seating.

4.6 (2229)$Chapel Hill, NC

💬 1 local tip

Element Gastropub

Casual downtown eatery featuring a variety of vegan comfort foods and a relaxed vibe.

4.7 (2213)$$Raleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

Chick-fil-A

Reliable fast-food chain known for chicken sandwiches and family-friendly service.

4.1 (1805)$Raleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

Amorino Gelato - Raleigh

Upscale gelato shop known for flower-shaped scoops.

4.6 (1788)$$Raleigh, NC

Crabtree Valley Mall

Large indoor shopping mall with a variety of stores, dining options, and a movie theater.

4.4 (17782)$$Raleigh, NC

💬 2 local tips

Lafayette Village

European-style shopping village with boutiques, restaurants, and outdoor spaces.

4.6 (1911)$$Raleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

Quail Ridge Books

Independent bookstore with a strong selection of children's books and community events.

4.8 (1374)$$Raleigh, NC

Reader's Corner Inc

Independent shop selling used books, comics, and media.

4.7 (1157)$Raleigh, NC

The LEGO® Store Crabtree

Retail store featuring building sets, play tables, and a pick-a-brick wall.

4.7 (798)$$Raleigh, NC

Mr. Mike's Used Books

Large independent used bookstore with a wide variety of genres.

4.6 (679)$Cary, NC

Pauper's Book & More

Local bookstore offering a curated selection of titles.

4.7 (616)$Clayton, NC

Animazed

Specialty shop focusing on toys, collectibles, and books.

4.8 (551)$$Raleigh, NC

Learning Express Toys & Gifts

Toy store featuring educational games, puzzles, and creative play items.

4.6 (391)$$Cary, NC

Dog-Eared Books

Independent bookstore with a cozy atmosphere and children's section.

4.7 (388)$Raleigh, NC

Page 158 Books

Independent bookstore with community events and a welcoming environment.

4.9 (383)$$Wake Forest, NC

Nice Price Books & Records

Independent bookstore and record shop with a curated selection of books and music.

4.6 (374)$$Raleigh, NC

Millbrook Exchange Park

Large recreational complex with a pool, playground, tennis courts, and community center.

4.6 (1287)$Raleigh, NC

WRAL Soccer Park

Large youth soccer complex with multiple turf fields and a stadium.

4.5 (1127)FreeRaleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

Buffaloe Road Athletic Park

Sports complex featuring an aquatic center, athletic fields, and a playground.

4.6 (849)$Raleigh, NC

WakeMed Soccer Park

Large sports complex hosting professional and youth soccer matches.

4.6 (668)$$Cary, NC

💬 1 local tip

The Factory

Large multi-use sports and entertainment complex featuring various indoor activities and dining.

4.3 (598)$$Wake Forest, NC

Wellness and Recreation Center and Carmichael Gym

University recreation facility with climbing walls and open gym space.

4.7 (540)$$Raleigh, NC

Northwest Cary YMCA

Community recreation center with swimming pools, gym facilities, and youth programs.

4.4 (487)$$Cary, NC

💬 2 local tips

Bond Park Community Center

Public community center offering indoor recreation, classes, and youth activities.

4.7 (442)$Cary, NC

💬 1 local tip

KidStrong Raleigh

Developmental training center focusing on physical fitness and confidence for kids.

4.9 (343)$$$Raleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

Chavis Community Center

Community hub offering indoor recreational activities and youth programs.

4.6 (309)$Raleigh, NC

Alexander Family YMCA

Community center with a gym, pool, and youth programs for families.

4.4 (238)$$Raleigh, NC

💬 2 local tips

A.E. Finley YMCA

Large community facility with pools, gymnasiums, and youth sports programs.

4.1 (185)$$Raleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

Lenovo Center

Large arena hosting professional hockey games, concerts, and family-friendly touring shows.

4.5 (13342)$$$Raleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

Drive Shack

Interactive golf driving range with climate-controlled bays, games, and a full restaurant.

4.7 (8705)$$Raleigh, NC

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Outdoor venue hosting concerts, festivals, and seasonal movie nights.

4.7 (5798)$$Cary, NC

💬 1 local tip

Meymandi Concert Hall

Premier concert venue hosting the NC Symphony and various family-friendly musical performances.

4.8 (1462)$$$Raleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Historic university campus with beautiful grounds and museums.

4.6 (1256)FreeChapel Hill, NC

💬 1 local tip

Raleigh Little Theatre

Community theater offering family-friendly plays, musicals, and youth drama classes.

4.8 (713)$$Raleigh, NC

💬 3 local tips

Wreck it Rage Room

Safe space for smashing items; best for older kids and teens with supervision.

4.9 (497)$$Durham, NC

Piper Lights

Seasonal holiday light display and family-friendly event venue.

4.7 (423)$Wake Forest, NC

💬 1 local tip

First Flight Archery

Indoor archery range offering lessons and equipment for youth and adults.

4.8 (379)$$Raleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

ComedyWorx

Improv comedy club that hosts family-friendly shows and workshops for teens and adults.

4.7 (284)$$Raleigh, NC

💬 2 local tips

Mad Science of the Triangle

Educational center offering science-themed camps, workshops, and interactive programs for kids.

4.9 (204)$$Cary, NC

💬 2 local tips

Holl & Stone Farms

Farm market and event space offering seasonal activities, local goods, and family-friendly atmosphere.

4.9 (193)$$Garner, NC