We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like Marbles Kids Museum to hidden gems like Sandling Beach, there’s something in Raleigh for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 25 kid-friendly activities around the 919.
🧠 Educational activities
Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh | 🎟️ Family memberships available
This children’s museum encourages learning through play. Kids will remember engaging with a child-sized version of our community in the “Around Town” exhibit.
Wake County Public Library, multiple locations | Free
Make like a library and check out storytime and programming for both younger children and teenagers. Kids will remember curling up with their new favorite book.
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Head to the Discovery Room to give kids a hands-on experience with natural science. Kids will remember touching the bones of a Right Whale.
🦁 Animal encounters
The NC Zoo, 4401 Zoo Pkwy., Asheboro |$9+
Encounter over 1,800 animals including bears, wildcats, and giraffes. Kids will remember seeing their favorite animal.
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Don’t sleep on the animals at the museum — like the Fish and Invertebrates exhibit which features both fresh and saltwater species. Kids will remember the sea horses.
Purr Cup Cafe, 210 Prospect Ave., Raleigh | $10
Cuddle with some furry felines after you enjoy a cup of hot tea in the cafe. Pro tip: Parties with children 8 and younger must book a private session. Kids will remember making feline friends.
🎨 All about the arts
Raleigh Little Theater, 301 Pogue St., Raleigh | Ticket prices vary
The Raleigh Little Theater offers plenty of kid-friendly shows, plus theater arts classes for youths. Kids will remember discovering their love for the theater here.
Artspace, 201 E. Davie St., Raleigh | Free
Check out local art at the largest public studio environment for visual artists in NC. There are also classes available for both youths and adults. Kids will remember creating their own masterpieces.
CAM Raleigh, 409 W. Martin St., Raleigh | Free
Young artists can explore contemporary art in the Warehouse District. Be sure to check out its educational programming as well. Kids will remember honing their artistic skills.
🎢 Thrill-seeking fun
Triangle Rock Club, 6022 Duraleigh Rd., Raleigh | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Kids can test their strength and endurance by climbing — whether it’s through camp, classes, or even birthday parties. Kids will remember making it to the top.
Galaxy Fun Park, 14460 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh | Pricing per attraction varies
Treat the family to a thrilling day of trampolines, ropes courses, and go-karts. Kids will remember owning you at laser tag.
Adventure Landing, 3311 Capital Blvd., Raleigh | Pricing per attraction varies
Laser tag, batting cages, and mini-golf are on the fun agenda here. Kids will remember eating your dust while go-karting.
🏞️ Hit the park
Dorothea Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr., Raleigh | Free
This park — which is one of Raleigh’s largest — offers downtown skyline views, a summer sunflower field, and special events. Kids will remember taking a family picnic at Flowers Field.
Eastgate Park, 4200 Quail Hollow Dr., Raleigh | Free
Take the kids to the playground featuring a dome climber and other play structures. Kids will remember the hopscotch court.
Eliza Pool Park, 1600 Fayetteville St., Raleigh | Free
This neighborhood park boasts a multi-purpose field and playgrounds. Kids will remember racing to the slide.
Fred Fletcher Park, 820 Clay St., Raleigh | Free
This urban, tranquil park has multiple picnic shelters, basketball and tennis courts, a softball and multipurpose open field. Kids will remember the sand surface playground.
John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Raleigh | Free
This park is on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places and has a wide variety of kid-friendly amenities. For example, the playground is equipped with rubber safety surfacing. Kids will remember the splash pad available for the warmer months.
Junious N. Sorrell, 416 E. Lee St., Raleigh. | Free
Two playgrounds are available for children ages 2-5 and 5-12. Kids will remember the climbing structure with swings and slides.
🎳 Indoor adventures
Boxcar Bar + Arcade, 330 W. Davie St., Raleigh | 1-4 tokens per game, 4 tokens per dollar
Kids are allowed before 8 p.m. on weekdays and 7 p.m. on weekends. Play classic and modern games like pinball and air hockey. Kids will remember falling in love with the classics.
ParTee Shack, 5300 Fayetteville Rd., Raleigh | $8+
Choose from three mini-golf courses or take a swing at virtual golf and multi-sport simulators. Kids will remember playing zombie dodgeball.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 2116-D New Bern Ave., Raleigh| Ticket prices vary
Check out Alamo’s calendar for movie parties and special screenings of flicks your kids will love. Kids will remember becoming a mini-film buff while snacking on fries.
Strike & Barrel, 413 Brooks St., Wake Forest | $5+
This entertainment destination features traditional and duckpin bowling, bocce, cornhole, and more. Be sure to check out their multiple birthday party packages. Kids will remember getting a strike.
🌳 Great outdoors
Pullen Park, 520 Ashe Ave., Raleigh | Free entry
Have the kids enjoy amusements like kiddie boats, the playground, or the train. Kids will remember taking a turn on the carousel.
Lake Raleigh, 2300 Main Campus Dr., Raleigh
Paddle around 75+ acres of water or go fishing at the pier. Kids will remember catching largemouth bass and catfish.
Falls Lake State Recreation Area, 14600 Creedmoor Rd., Wake Forest
Head to Sandling Beach, Beaverdam, and Rollingview for swimming. Kids will remember camping out at Holly Point.
