Quick Summary:

  • What is Raleigh known for?
    • Raleigh is known as ‘The City of Oaks’ for its beautiful oak trees. It is a modern, energetic city located in the heart of Dare County.
  • What makes Raleigh a great family-friendly destination?
    • Raleigh offers dozens of free attractions throughout the city, making it an ideal spot for a family-friendly vacation. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cultural, historical, and outdoor activities.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Check out the hands-on exhibits at the Marbles Kids Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Check out the hands-on exhibits at the Marbles Kids Museum | Things to Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids
© Marbles Kids Museum

2. See some cool meteorite samples at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Kids & Family
See some cool meteorite samples at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences | Things to Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids
© North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

3. Stroll through the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park at North Carolina Museum of Art

Category: Activities
Stroll through the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park at North Carolina Museum of Art | Things to Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids
© Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park at North Carolina Museum of Art

4. Ride the historic carousel and miniature train in Pullen Park

Category: Activities
Ride the historic carousel and miniature train in Pullen Park | Things to Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids
© pabrady63/stock.adobe.com

5. Admire beautiful plants for FREE at the JC Raulston Arboretum

Category: Activities
Admire beautiful plants for FREE at the JC Raulston Arboretum | Things to Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids
© hpbfotos/stock.adobe.com

6. Have a picnic in Lake Johnson Park

Category: Activities
Have a picnic in Lake Johnson Park | Things to Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids
© Samuel/stock.adobe.com

7. Go bowling at Buffaloe Lanes

Go bowling at Buffaloe Lanes | Things to Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids
© corepics/stock.adobe.com

8. Watch planes take off and land at the RDU Observation Park

Category: Activities
Watch planes take off and land at the RDU Observation Park | Things to Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids
© tinyakov/stock.adobe.com

9. Hunt for cheap treasures at the Raleigh Flea Market

Category: Shopping
Hunt for cheap treasures at the Raleigh Flea Market | Things to Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids
© jzehnder/stock.adobe.com

10. Jog on the Neuse River Greenway Trail

Category: Activities
Jog on the Neuse River Greenway Trail | Things to Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids
© Dylan/stock.adobe.com

11. Watch a performance at the Raleigh Little Theatre

Category: Entertainment
Watch a performance at the Raleigh Little Theatre | Things to Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids
© Raleigh Little Theatre

12. Take the kids to the playgraound in Lake Crabtree County Park

Category: Activities
Take the kids to the playgraound in Lake Crabtree County Park | Things to Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids
© Cynthia/stock.adobe.com

13. Play laser tag in Frankie's Fun Park

Category: Activities
Play laser tag in Frankie's Fun Park | Things to Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids
© Frankie's Fun Park

14. Learn about the milling industry at the Historic Yates Mill County Park

Category: Activities
Learn about the milling industry at the Historic Yates Mill County Park | Things to Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids
© pabrady63/stock.adobe.com

15. Visit Mordecai Historic Park

Category: Activities
Visit Mordecai Historic Park | Things to Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids
© lspi138/stock.adobe.com

16. Pick up a snack at the State Farmer's Market

Category: Shopping
Pick up a snack at the State Farmer's Market | Things to Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids
© Peter Kim/stock.adobe.com

17. Spend a rainy day at the Durham County Library

Category: Kids & Family
Spend a rainy day at the Durham County Library | Things to Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids
© Jacek Chabraszewski/stock.adobe.com

18. Pick up a sweet treat at the Groovy Duck Bakery

Category: Food & Drink
Pick up a sweet treat at the Groovy Duck Bakery | Things to Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids
© Groovy Duck Bakery

Summary & FAQ Check out the hands-on exhibits at the Marbles Kids Museum See some cool meteorite samples at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Stroll through the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park at North Carolina Museum of Art Ride the historic carousel and miniature train in Pullen Park Admire beautiful plants for FREE at the JC Raulston Arboretum Have a picnic in Lake Johnson Park Go bowling at Buffaloe Lanes Watch planes take off and land at the RDU Observation Park Hunt for cheap treasures at the Raleigh Flea Market Jog on the Neuse River Greenway Trail Watch a performance at the Raleigh Little Theatre Take the kids to the playgraound in Lake Crabtree County Park Play laser tag in Frankie's Fun Park Learn about the milling industry at the Historic Yates Mill County Park Visit Mordecai Historic Park Pick up a snack at the State Farmer's Market Spend a rainy day at the Durham County Library Pick up a sweet treat at the Groovy Duck Bakery

More events and things to do.

Plan ahead for these cool kid-friendly events:
- North Carolina State Fair October 17-27, 2024
- Holiday Express train ride in December (ticket sales open at 9 a.m. on Oct. 16).
- Artsplosure - The Raleigh Arts Festival in May of 2025.
- BugFest in mid-September

Plan Your Trip

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