Top 20 Things to Do with Kids in the North Carolina Triangle

The North Carolina Triangle is a haven for families, offering an abundance of kid-friendly activities from nature adventures to educational museums. Whether you’re looking to entertain toddlers or teenagers, the Triangle has something for everyone. Below is a curated list of 20 fun and enriching activities to do with kids, starting with activities suited for younger children and working our way up to those perfect for older kids and teens.

1. Marbles Kids Museum (Raleigh)

Marbles Kids Museum is an interactive wonderland for children up to age 10. The museum encourages hands-on play with exhibits that allow kids to explore, build, and imagine. From climbing structures to water play, Marbles offers endless opportunities for creative learning. Special areas like the “Splash!” exhibit are great for toddlers, while older children will enjoy the “Tinker Lab.”

 

2. Museum of Life and Science (Durham)

The Museum of Life and Science is perfect for kids who love exploration and science. The museum offers a mixture of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a butterfly house, animal habitats, and a weather station. For younger children, “Hideaway Woods” is an enchanting forest with treehouses designed for imaginative play.

3. Pullen Park (Raleigh)

As one of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S., Pullen Park is a charming place for young families. The park features a beautiful carousel, train rides, pedal boats, and playgrounds. It’s a great spot for a leisurely afternoon picnic while the kids enjoy classic amusement park rides.

 

4. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (Raleigh)

For budding scientists, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a must-visit. This free museum has exhibits ranging from prehistoric dinosaurs to modern ecosystems. Younger kids will love the Discovery Room, while older ones can participate in live science demonstrations.

  • 5. Durham Central Park (Durham)

Durham Central Park is a vibrant community space that offers outdoor fun for kids of all ages. The park features a large playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures. There’s also an interactive water feature that’s a hit during the summer. Don’t forget to visit the seasonal farmers market for fresh treats!

 

6. Cameron Village Regional Library Storytime (Raleigh)

For families with toddlers and preschoolers, storytime at Cameron Village Library is a wonderful free activity. The library hosts regular reading sessions designed to engage young minds, and there are crafts and songs that accompany the stories. It’s a great way to introduce children to the joy of reading.

 

7. JC Raulston Arboretum (Raleigh)

If you’re looking for a peaceful, educational outdoor space, JC Raulston Arboretum offers a lush botanical garden that’s perfect for a family walk. The arboretum features various gardens, a treehouse, and plenty of shaded areas for a picnic. It’s a great way to introduce children to nature and biodiversity.

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8. Frankie’s Fun Park (Raleigh)

For older children and tweens, Frankie’s Fun Park is packed with excitement. This entertainment complex includes go-karts, mini-golf, arcade games, laser tag, and bumper boats. It’s the perfect place to spend a day full of fun activities.

 

9. North Carolina Zoo (Asheboro)

A short drive from the Triangle, the North Carolina Zoo is one of the largest natural habitat zoos in the world. Kids can explore the African and North American exhibits and see everything from elephants to polar bears. The zoo also offers playgrounds and a carousel for younger children.

11. Kidzu Children’s Museum (Chapel Hill)

Kidzu Children’s Museum is an engaging space for young learners with a focus on play-based learning. From building zones to arts and crafts areas, Kidzu encourages creativity and exploration for children aged 0-10.

 

12. William B. Umstead State Park (Raleigh)

For families who enjoy hiking and nature, William B. Umstead State Park offers miles of trails that are great for all skill levels. The park also has picnic areas, fishing spots, and opportunities for wildlife watching.

 

13. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center (Chapel Hill)

Introduce your children to the wonders of space at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. The planetarium offers captivating star shows, exhibits on the solar system, and hands-on science activities. Perfect for older children and teens interested in science and space exploration.

 

14. The Cary Theater (Cary)

For a low-key family outing, visit The Cary Theater, where you can catch family-friendly movies, live performances, and even comedy shows. They regularly host matinees perfect for younger audiences.

15. Adventure Landing (Raleigh)

Adventure Landing is a family fun park that features mini-golf, laser tag, go-karts, and an arcade. It’s a favorite for birthday parties, but it also makes for a fun day out with the kids.

 

16. Cary Arts Center (Cary)

For artsy teens, the Cary Arts Center offers classes, workshops, and exhibits focused on the visual and performing arts. They offer everything from ceramics to theater production, making it a creative space for teenagers to hone their skills.

 

17. Koka Booth Amphitheatre (Cary)

During the summer, the Koka Booth Amphitheatre hosts outdoor concerts, movies, and events that are family-friendly. Bring a picnic and enjoy live music or watch a movie under the stars.

 

18. Triangle Rock Club (Morrisville)

For adventurous teens, the Triangle Rock Club is the go-to spot for indoor rock climbing. With walls designed for beginners to advanced climbers, it’s a thrilling way for teens to challenge themselves and stay active.

19. Neuse River Greenway Trail (Raleigh)

Older kids and teens who enjoy biking and hiking will love the Neuse River Greenway Trail. This scenic trail stretches over 27 miles and is great for walking, jogging, or biking along the Neuse River.

 

20. Defy Gravity Trampoline Park (Durham)

For a high-energy day, take the kids to Defy Gravity Trampoline Park. With wall-to-wall trampolines, obstacle courses, and dodgeball zones, it’s a great spot for older kids and teens to burn off energy.

The North Carolina Triangle is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities that offer something for every age group. Whether you’re exploring museums with young kids or seeking adventure with teens, the Triangle has endless opportunities for learning, playing, and connecting as a family.