Raleigh has incredible affordable nature spots, museums for kids, accessible playgrounds, and many more. In this post, I have compiled these local gems so you have them all in one place as you plan your visit.
Having fun in Raleigh with kids
Kids can be easy to please without breaking the bank, especially if you're in Raleigh or the general research triangle area. Between beautiful nature spots, children focused museums, seasonal farm activities, playgrounds and many more, your family will be spoiled for choices.
Nature Spots in Raleigh
The same nature spot can take different looks through the seasons. So whenever you're visiting, here are some nature spots you will not want to miss.
The Greenways
Address: Varies by greenway trail heads, see trail list here
Entry: Free
Raleigh boasts over 100 miles of paved greenways that are often frequented by cycling families, runners, and serene walkers. Out of the 28 trails that grace the greenways, they each have their unique character, features, and destinations. Every once in a while, a greenway path will lead into a beautiful local playground, or a vibrant pond with fish, turtles, and duck families. It can also be a functional workout and scenic transportation route if you want to take your bicycle to connected neighborhood, schools, or parks. Grab your greenway map here and find your favorite trail already!
Entry: Free
Raleigh boasts over 100 miles of paved greenways that are often frequented by cycling families, runners, and serene walkers. Out of the 28 trails that grace the greenways, they each have their unique character, features, and destinations. Every once in a while, a greenway path will lead into a beautiful local playground, or a vibrant pond with fish, turtles, and duck families. It can also be a functional workout and scenic transportation route if you want to take your bicycle to connected neighborhood, schools, or parks. Grab your greenway map here and find your favorite trail already!
Pullen Park
Address: 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606
Entry: Free
Ride tickets: $1 each
This 66.4 acre park has been operational since 1887, making it one of the oldest operating public parks in the US and worldwide. Park entry is free but you might want to grab a ticket to partake in the fun rides like the carousel, the kiddie train, kiddie boats, or pedal boats. Otherwise, the playground is fair game. It is has expansive greenery and a lake with fish, frogs, and ducks which is always fun for the littles to see. If you get hungry, the on site canteen has lots of food options that lend themselves to young palates. You can also just pack your littles a lunch and enjoy it at one of the sheltered picnic spots.
Entry: Free
Ride tickets: $1 each
This 66.4 acre park has been operational since 1887, making it one of the oldest operating public parks in the US and worldwide. Park entry is free but you might want to grab a ticket to partake in the fun rides like the carousel, the kiddie train, kiddie boats, or pedal boats. Otherwise, the playground is fair game. It is has expansive greenery and a lake with fish, frogs, and ducks which is always fun for the littles to see. If you get hungry, the on site canteen has lots of food options that lend themselves to young palates. You can also just pack your littles a lunch and enjoy it at one of the sheltered picnic spots.
JC Raulston Arboretum
Address: 4415 Beryl Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606
Entry: Free
This picturesque, 10 acre arboretum and botanical garden is administered by NC State.
Entry: Free
This picturesque, 10 acre arboretum and botanical garden is administered by NC State.
It boasts one of the largest collection of the most diverse plants. Here you can immerse your plant-loving family in plant taxonomy education, gardening tips, and a summer camp full of biology fun! Your kids may also enjoy an internship to learn more in-depth while appreciating the invigorating outdoor environment. If you love the flowers and just want to bring them home for yourself, you can always attend the flash plant sales too and grab your loot at an affordable $5 or $10 each! Go here to find out more about learning opportunities or closure updates.
Shelley Lake Trail
Address: Shelley Lake Park, 1400 West Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27614Entry: Free
If you're looking for a gorgeous easy terrain trail on which you can push a stroller, or bring your pups then look no further than Shelley Lake Trail. This is an easy 2.2 mile trail that is accessible to all skill levels and has paved areas. If you prefer a less crowded, shaded route, you can branch off the paved path and walk up towards a beautiful stream graced with ducks, frogs and some fish.
Raleigh Based Museums for Kids
The research triangle area is very education-focused and you will finds some of the most engaging museums for kids to spend all day at.
Marbles Kids Museum
Address: 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Entry: $9 general non member admission, book your entry time in advance
Entry: $9 general non member admission, book your entry time in advance
Annual membership: free admission, starts at $90 for the year
This play-based museum is located right in down town Raleigh. Since the museum is located at the beautiful Moore Square Historic District, you can also make a day of it and enjoy the wide selection of walkable eateries and ice cream creameries in this area. At marbles, kids of all ages can experience their favorite careers while making learning fun, and even watch a movie at the on-site iMAX theater. Whether your kid's current dream is to be a fireman, an ambulance driver, to earn some cash at a farm or a bank...there's no shortage of super-realistic play set ups to power your child's imagination. What's more, you can even partake in seasonal camps like the upcoming summer and spring break camps.
Museum of Life and Science
Address: 433 W Murray Ave, Durham, NC 27704
Entry: Free for members and children under 2. Otherwise it's $18-$23 general non member admission, book your entry time in advance
Entry: Free for members and children under 2. Otherwise it's $18-$23 general non member admission, book your entry time in advance
Annual membership: free admission, starts at $155 for the year
This expansive 84 acre non profit science museum is designed with many hands on exhibits that will spark your child's creativity and stoke the imagination to no end. Whether that's the dinosaurs, the galaxy, useful microbes, , botany or science labs, kids of all ages find an exhibit that will resonate. A popular spot among the littles is the petting zoo, particularly the alpacas, goats, pigs, and chickens. what's more, you can also enroll in summer camp for fun educational activities with playmates in a safe environment.
Seasonal Farms and Events
The beauty of living in Raleigh is in being able to experience mild forms of all the 4 seasons. What better way to experience this than to go to aptly themed locations with your family?
Ken's Korny Corn Maze
Address: 3175 Benson Rd, Garner, NC 27529Entry: $0-$12 based on age, seasonal, reopens in the fall from September to November
Located in Ken's produce and garden center, your family can enjoy 2.5 miles of corn maze paths, seasonal hay rides - some quite scary during Halloween season, a corn rib, a pumpkin patch, a 10 acre fall playground and many more!
Phillips Farm
Address: 6701 Good Hope Church Road Cary, NC 27519
Entry: $10-$12 for corn maze rides, remember to bring cash on hand for concessions, pumpkins and other farm activities which are typically $3 a piece
Phillips Farm is family owned and runs seasonal events including farmers' markets, strawberry picking, sunflower farming, pumpkin patch, corn maze (though this activity might be ideal for small kids due to its smaller size), and Christmas themed events.
Naylor Family Farm
Address: 6016 US 401 N., Fuquay Varina, NC 27526
Entry: $18 for visitors 2 and up, you get a free pumpkin, seasonal, reopens in the fall from September - November
Naylor Family Farm boasts a giant 10 acre corn maze that would be fun for every age, a sizeable pumpkin patch, a petting zoo with a wide selection of animals, a large play area for kids, and many more outdoor fun activities that are typically themed according to the season.Naylor Family Farm and Corn Maze offers a variety of outdoor fun a 10-acre giant corn maze, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, kids play area and more. With your general admission ticket you gain unlimited access to the barrel train, jump pad, picnic area, hayrides the pumpkin Patch, 22' farm tower fort, corn crib, calf and cow roping station, pumpkin air helicopter, and a visit with the farm animals. There are extra fees for in case you want to play at the gem mine, grab a bag of feed to give to a farm animal, ride the pedal carts, or grab some snacks.
Accessible Playgrounds in the Raleigh area
Raleigh prides itself in inclusivity and play based learning for kids. Several accessible all-children playground are popular among kids of all ages and their parents.
Sassafras All Children's Playground
Address: 3808 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612
Entry: Free
Located inside Laurel Hills Park, this playground is designed for children of all abilities to join in the fun and play together. Play areas are creatively and colorfully designed to push your child's imagination and foster inclusive fun. Go here to stay up to date on closure and playground safety maintenance.
Kids Together Playground
Address: 111 Thurston Dr, Cary, NC 27518
Entry: Free
The Kids Together is an accessible, multi-sensory playground located at Marla Dorrel Park. It is a non-profit endeavor by kind citizens who believe in inclusive play for all children regardless of their ability levels. This accessible 2-acre playground allows kids of all activity and ability levels to play by age groups and to enjoy the picnic areas, shelters, trails, and basketball court. You will have plenty of shade if you want to bring a picnic meal to make a day out of your playground trip. If you love the place and want to offer support, you can learn more about how you can join this endeavor here.
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