Things to Do in Raleigh with Kids

Things to Do in Raleigh with Kids

Raleigh has a variety of educational and entertaining activities for kids. Home to plenty of interesting museums, outdoor space to explore, indoor play places, animal encounters, and more, the City of Oaks has more than enough going on to fill your Raleigh itinerary. Take a look at some of the most popular things to do in Raleigh with kids below. 

A child and her grandfather enjoying the Marbles Kids Museum - museums in Raleigh NC

Outdoor Activities

Pullen Park

Pullen Park in downtown Raleigh is a must-visit destination for families with kids. The park offers a wide range of activities to keep everyone entertained, from boat trips and train rides to the carousel and a charming outdoor cafe. See the water up close with a pedal boat ride on the lake, or spread out a blanket on the grass for a relaxing picnic. With so much to offer, Pullen Park is the perfect place to spend a fun-filled day with your family in Raleigh.

William B. Umstead State Park

With over 20 miles of hiking trails, William B. Umstead State Park is a great place for kids to get out their energy in Raleigh! The park’s eight trails range in difficulty from easy to moderate, perfect for families with kids who want to explore the great outdoors. Keep an eye out for the park’s many native animals, from birds to beavers to bugs and all kinds of things in between! This park is a great place to do a nature scavenger hunt with the kids, encouraging them to find different colors, shapes, and textures in nature. 

Remember – in any outdoor space, but especially state and national parks, follow Leave No Trace principles. Never leave any trash behind, and don’t take anything from the park with you when you go, even leaves or rocks.  

Dorothea Dix Park

Another great place on this list for kids to enjoy wide open spaces to run and play, Dorothea Dix Park is popular for picnics, flying kites, lawn games, and more. The park frequently hosts festivals, weekly and daily events like yoga and kid-specific programs, and meetups for local community groups. Whether you want to soak in the sunshine or relax in the shade, this Raleigh park is a great place for kids and parents alike. 

Museums and Educational Attractions

Marbles Kids Museum

Marbles Kids Museum is a top Raleigh attraction for kids of all ages, offering two floors of interactive exhibits and a spacious outdoor area. Little ones can explore Toddler’s Hollow, while older kids enjoy the Splash! exhibit and the musical Stepnotes staircase. The museum also features Raleigh’s only IMAX theater and the second floor boasts exhibits like Ecosphere and Imagifab to take exploration to another level. Marbles even hosts Sensory Friendly Playtime days for children with sensory sensitivities. 

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, a top Raleigh attraction for families with kids, offers two unique experiences: the Nature Exploration Center and the Nature Research Center. The Nature Exploration Center features four floors of wildlife and geology exhibits that span thousands of years of discovery and research, including live animals and fossils, while the Nature Research Center allows visitors to observe scientists at work on their latest projects. The museum also offers two cafes, a gift shop, and a 3D theater. 

North Carolina Museum of History

The North Carolina Museum of History’s first-floor exhibits and the museum itself will close on October 7, 2024 for a remodel. Visit before they close! 

From summer programs to self-guided tours, the North Carolina Museum of History is a can’t miss stop on any trip to Raleigh with kids. The NC Museum of History is home to over 150,000 artifacts that span six centuries of history, innovation, and discovery. It typically takes about three and a half to four hours to explore all of the museum’s exhibits, so plan accordingly! The North Carolina Museum of History will close to visitors for a remodel in early October – plan your Raleigh museum hopping trip now.  

Animal Encounters and Nature

JC Raulston Arboretum

Bring your family for a free adventure to the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh! Home to over 6,000 plant species from across the globe, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Kids will love exploring the various themed gardens, like the Japanese Garden and the Children’s Garden, while adults enjoy plenty of places with shade and a relaxed atmosphere. 

Conservators Center

This incredible opportunity in nearby Burlington, NC gives kids (and kids at heart) the chance to encounter wild animals up close. Friendly and curious lions, leopards, wolves, and tigers enjoy greeting and observing Conservators Center guests just as much as the guests love seeing them. Schedule your visit in advance and get ready to experience the call of the wild up close and personal! 

Indoor Play and Entertainment

Defy Raleigh

This warehouse-style trampoline park in Raleigh is a great place to visit with kids anytime, and is especially popular when rain or super hot weather requires indoor fun. Previously known as DefyGravity, Defy Raleigh features open jump options, fitness programs, trapeze courses, and more. If your visit to Raleigh overlaps with a special occasion, join Defy’s Flight Club and host your party on site! 

Galaxy Fun Park

This full-sized trampoline park is also home to go-karts, laser tag, mini golf, spinning bumper cars, and more to keep the whole family entertained. Galaxy Fun Park in Raleigh offers plenty of deals throughout the year to make your trip more convenient, like Friday All Access specials to help you save and Individual Attraction pricing for kids who fall in love with one part of the park. Close-toed shoes and a signed waiver are required to participate in any of the activities or jumps at Galaxy Fun Park. 

Adventure Landing

This indoor-outdoor adventure park in Raleigh is perfect for kids, teens, and even their parents. The 18-hole mini golf course and laser tag arena breed healthy competition – the winner chooses dinner! – and the collection of over 75 arcade games, batting cages, and go karts provide even more ways to have fun. Adventure Landing offers discounts and specials throughout the year to save you money for extra fun. Check out their deals and discounts before you visit!  

Seasonal and Special Events

North Carolina State Fair

The 2024 North Carolina State Fair will take place from October 17 – 27. While the fairgrounds are open most of the year for markets and other events, this is the largest event on the property and it draws thousands of annual visitors from locals to folks who travel cross-country. This experience totally unique to North Carolina offers free entertainment, thrilling games and rides, classic and southern-specific fair foods, competitions, local and traveling vendors, and more. 

Holiday Celebrations

The City of Oaks loves the holiday season! If you’re visiting Raleigh for the holidays, check out these fun holiday celebrations. 

Dining Options for Families

Kid-Friendly Raleigh Restaurants

Raleigh loves to eat, and we’d never forget about the little ones! These spots are some of the best kid-friendly places to eat in Raleigh. 

Check out more of Raleigh’s best restaurants. 

Picnic Spots in Raleigh

All of Raleigh’s outdoor parks are great picnic spots. Whether you choose the rolling hills and shade options at Dorothea Dix Park, the lush grass of Pullen Park, or another of Raleigh’s easily accessible outdoor spaces, you’re in a great place for a picnic! 

Tips for a Successful Family Trip

Planning and Preparation

Planning is key when traveling with kids – but so is flexibility. A too-rigid schedule can easily be thrown off by long wait times or someone having too much fun at an attraction to leave, while leaving too much to chance can result in “I don’t know, what do you want to do?” squabbles. 

Our suggestion? Plan your can’t-miss attractions, restaurants, and sights, then leave room for extra exploration (and a little bit of Raleigh traffic) in your schedule. Make sure each member of the group gets their must-sees, and decide as a team what to do with the rest of your time. 

Safety and Comfort

Though Raleigh isn’t a beach town, don’t forget your sunscreen if you’re visiting during a sunny time of year! A picnic lunch can result in pink cheeks and cranky kids if you aren’t prepared. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a light jacket for indoor activities like museums and restaurants. Make sure your little ones know any relevant phone numbers to find you, just in case you get separated. 

When it’s time to rest after a long day of fun, the StateView Hotels is the perfect place to unwind. With upscale amenities and family-friendly atmosphere, you and your family can create lasting memories in the heart of the city. Enjoy the hotel’s modern comforts and convenience, allowing you to relax and recharge for another exciting day exploring Raleigh’s kid-friendly attractions.