John Chavis Memorial Park went through a multimillion dollar renovation and reopened in 2021. | Photo by RALtoday
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.
This children’s museum encourages learning and creativity through play with hands-on exhibits like Splash, a re-imagined water play area. Kids will remember engaging with a child-sized version of our community in the “Around Town” exhibit.
Head to the Discovery Room to give kids a hands-on experience with natural science. Plan ahead: The museum’s much-anticipated Dueling Dinosaurs exhibit opens in April. Kids will remember touching the bones of a Right Whale.
Make a reservation to cuddle with some furry, adoptable 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.
Enjoy 84 acres of science and nature experiences with animal exhibits such as a butterfly house, Carolina wildlife, black bears, lemurs and tortoises, red wolves, an insectarium, the farmland, and a wander-away pollinator prairie. Kids will remember the funny little lemurs.
This is the perfect spot for a birthday party or to just let off steam on attractions like mini-golf, go-kart, and arcade games. Kids will remember screaming until they laugh on the drop zone.
Ready to visit these local attractions but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map so you can find all of these featured activities.
Bill Evans & Alan Munde: Concert and Banjo Workshop | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Transfer Co. Food Hall, 500 E. Davie St., Raleigh | $20-$50 | Two bluegrass banjo legends will lead this workshop and concert.
Goodnights Presents: Leah and Andrew Rudick | Thursday, Feb. 8-Saturday, Feb. 10 | Times vary | Goodnights Comedy Club, 401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh | $24-$36 | Laugh along with these comedic siblings.
Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons | Thursday, Feb. 8 | Times vary | Wakefield Barn, 12617 Old Falls of Neuse Rd., Wake Forest | $26-$73 | Enjoy this multi-sensory musical experience surrounded by the glow of candlelight.
Friday, Feb. 9
Girls’ Galentine Painting Class | Friday, Feb. 9 | 6-8:30 p.m. | John P “Top” Greene Community Center, 401 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Raleigh | $10 | Teens and tweens are invited to participate in this fun night filled with painting, girl talk, snacks + drinks, and activities.
ONEderland Birthday Bash | Friday, Feb. 9 | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Sports & Social Cary, 301 Fenton Gateway Dr., Cary | $10-$20 | Celebrate one year of Sports & Social + enjoy party favors, cake, and photo ops while celebrating the sports bar’s first down.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 7 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $80-$350 | Get loud for our home team as the Canes compete against the Devils.
Create Your Own Living Lamp Terrarium | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 4-6 p.m. | Full Bloom Coffee, 141 W. Main St., Garner | $135 | Learn how to make your own lamp terrarium with Izzy of Garden & Gather.
Friday, Feb. 23
Winter Concert Weekend | Friday, Feb. 23-Saturday, Feb. 24 | 8-10 p.m. | The Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville | $85 | Chase the winter blues away with a memorable weekend of comedy and yacht rock tunes at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn.*
Saturday, Feb. 24
Sea & Sand Festival | Saturday, Feb. 24 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Folly Beach, Center Street, Folly Beach, South Carolina | $10-$15 | Enjoy a weekend full of family-friendly events including live music, a surfboard painting contest, sand sculpting competition, and more.*
Grubb Ventures announced yesterday that Napa, an upscale Charlotte-based wine bar and restaurant, will open in Glenwood Place late this year. The wine-centric menu will feature Napa Valley-inspired cuisine and an extensive wine list — this will be the restaurant group’s fourth location + first in the Triangle.
Opening
Secondhand retailer Pallbearer will be back with vintage digs at its Hargett Street storefront on March 1. Join some of the Triangle’s coolest vintage vendors on First Friday to welcome them back to the space with refreshments and a giveaway. Stay tuned for more information.
Coming Soon
Local yoga teacher Emily Winters shared that she will be opening a studio called Homebody Yoga and Wellness in Boylan Heights this fall. The cozy new spot will be located near Boulted Bread in Kane Realty Corps’ new apartment complex called Platform. Help Homebody open its doors by checking out its crowdfunding page.
Watch
Savannah Miller, the chef de cuisine of M Tempura in Durham, will compete on Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 21. Manuel Barella, culinary director for the soon-to-open Jaguar Bolera, will also be a competitor on the show. The season premiere is on March 20. (The News & Observer)
Sports
The Carolina Hurricanes and NC Courage teamed up to create a co-branded scarf. The limited edition merch will be included with the purchase of a ticket package for the March 14 game against the Florida Panthers. Go Canes, go Courage.
Try This
Coffee enthusiasts are invited to join Iris Coffee for its first public cupping. What is a cupping? It’s the practice of observing different aspects, tastes, and aromas of brewed coffee. Bring your notepad to take notes at the coffee shop on Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Pets
Are you more interested in the Puppy Bowl than the Super Bowl? Bring your pooch to West Street Dog this Sunday, Feb. 11 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. for a Puppy Bowl watch party, bar specials, pup predictions, and prizes.
City Editor Cat attended her first NFL game this season to cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. | Photo by RALtoday
Super Bowl 58 is this Sunday, Feb. 11 and all eyes will be on Travis Kelcethe big game. If you’re planning on going out instead of staying in and hosting a big spread, we gathered a few local watch parties to get in on the action this football Sunday.
Super Bowl Party & Chili Cook-off | 3-11 p.m. | Pourworks, 900 E. Six Forks Rd., Raleigh | Free entry | Bring your prized chili to compete for prizes or be a judge and enjoy drink specials + free food with your drink purchase.
Big Game Bash | Sunday, Feb. 11 | 5-10 p.m. | Sports & Social, 301 Fenton Gateway Dr., Cary| $75 | Reserve your spot to watch the game on a 42-foot media wall, participate in photo ops, and enjoy live entertainment.
Super Bowl Party | Sunday, Feb. 11 | 5-10 p.m. | Clouds Brewing Tap Room, 1233 Front St., Raleigh | Free entry | Watch the game with a chilled beer in your hand and bites from the free taco bar prepared by Chef Mario, sponsored by the Raleigh Rugby Club.
The Giving Heart pillow — a cream, knitted, heart-shaped pillow that’s weighted to replicate the feeling of a real hug. It’s the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for loved ones who deserve some extra coziness and care.
This might cause a rift, but since my fiance is a transplant from out West, I inevitably joined him as a Kansas City Chiefs fan. My most memorable game at a bar this season was at Sammy’s Tap & Grill. The staff saw our KC gear and let us sit in our own room, turned every TV to the Chiefs game, and were just all-around super attentive. Plus, the wings were so good.
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