Things to do with kids in Raleigh-Durham, NC

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

White Deer Park Nature Center

Nature center with walking trails, biking paths, and picnic areas.

4.8 (1025)FreeGarner, NC

💬 2 local tips

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

Natural area with scenic mountain hiking trails and elevated views.

4.7 (1019)FreeHillsborough, NC

Juniper Level Botanic Garden

Extensive private-turned-public garden known for rare plants and unique landscaping.

4.8 (776)FreeRaleigh, NC

Historic Oak View County Park

Historic farmstead with farm animals, a cotton gin, and walking trails perfect for a family outing.

4.8 (724)FreeRaleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

Rose Garden

Formal public garden featuring a wide variety of roses and open lawn space.

4.8 (723)FreeRaleigh, NC

Historic Yates Mill County Park

Scenic park featuring a historic water-powered gristmill, nature trails, and wildlife viewing.

4.7 (660)FreeRaleigh, NC

💬 3 local tips

Neuse River Trail

Long, paved riverside trail perfect for family bike rides, strollers, and walking.

4.7 (612)FreeRaleigh, NC

Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park

Natural park featuring lake views, meadows, hiking trails, and an educational center with exhibits.

4.8 (477)FreeRaleigh, NC

Lassiter Mill Park

Scenic park area featuring walking paths and natural surroundings.

4.4 (440)FreeRaleigh, NC

💬 1 local tip

Robertson Millpond Preserve

Scenic nature preserve featuring a boardwalk and paddling opportunities on the millpond.

4.8 (397)FreeWendell, NC

Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve

Scenic nature preserve along the Neuse River with open fields and walking trails.

4.7 (388)FreeWake Forest, NC

Falls Lake Dam Recreation Area

Scenic area near the dam with walking paths and views of the lake.

4.7 (350)FreeWake Forest, NC

Coker Arboretum

Beautiful, peaceful botanical garden on the UNC campus perfect for a family stroll.

4.8 (329)FreeChapel Hill, NC

Eno River State Park - Fews Ford Access

Scenic state park featuring hiking trails, river access for wading, and picnic areas.

4.8 (292)FreeDurham, NC

💬 2 local tips

Carl Alwin Schenck Memorial Forest

Wooded area with trails for hiking and nature observation.

4.5 (256)FreeRaleigh, NC

Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve

Natural area featuring a mile-long trail through beech forests and along a creek.

4.5 (247)FreeRaleigh, NC

Nature Research Center

Interactive science museum focused on natural history with live animal exhibits and research labs.

4.9 (238)FreeRaleigh, NC

Mill Bridge Nature Park

Scenic nature park with walking paths and outdoor space for families.

4.7 (235)FreeWake Forest, NC

Indian Creek Greenway

Paved trail perfect for family walks, bike rides, and stroller outings.

4.5 (223)FreeMorrisville, NC

💬 1 local tip

Williamson Preserve

Expansive nature preserve offering multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking.

4.7 (216)FreeRaleigh, NC

Brookhaven Nature Park

Small neighborhood nature park with a forest trail and stream crossing.

4.6 (187)FreeRaleigh, NC

Blue Jay Point County Park

Lakeside park with educational gardens, hiking trails, a playground, and picnic areas.

4.8 (180)FreeRaleigh, NC

💬 3 local tips

Mitchell Mill State Natural Area

Protected natural area known for its unique rock outcrops and quiet forest trails.

4.5 (156)FreeWake Forest, NC

Stevens Nature Center

Educational center at Hemlock Bluffs with hands-on nature exhibits and programs.

4.8 (122)FreeCary, NC

Ebenezer Church Recreation Area

State recreation area with lake access, trails, and picnic spots.

4.6 (109)FreeApex, NC

💬 1 local tip

Prairie Ridge Ecostation

Nature preserve with trails, wildlife viewing, and educational science programs.

4.8 (81)FreeRaleigh, NC

💬 5 local tips

Piedmont Wildlife Center

Non-profit nature center offering wildlife education, camps, and outdoor exploration.

4.9 (71)$$Durham, NC

💬 1 local tip

Living Conservatory

Small indoor nature exhibit featuring live animals and plants.

4.8 (69)FreeRaleigh, NC

Walnut Creek Wetland Center

Nature center focused on wetland ecology with walking trails and educational programming.

4.9 (64)FreeRaleigh, NC

Lake Betz Nature Trail

A quiet nature trail suitable for walking and observing local wildlife.

4.4 (52)FreeMorrisville, NC

Joslin Garden

Quiet, wooded garden with walking paths and natural scenery.

4.2 (24)FreeRaleigh, NC

Old Creedmoor Nature Preserve

Natural area with trails for hiking and exploring local wildlife.

4.8 (6)FreeWake Forest, NC

Black Creek Greenway

Extensive paved greenway trail suitable for walking, running, and biking.

5.0 (5)FreeNC

💬 1 local tip

American Tobacco Trail

A long, multi-use rail-trail perfect for family bike rides and long walks.

FreeDurham, NC

💬 3 local tips