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

1. North Carolina Museum of Art ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© North Carolina Museum of Art

2. North Carolina Museum of History ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© North Carolina Museum of History

What you are reading: Free & Affordable Things to Do in Raleigh This Weekend


3. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

4. Haywood Hall House and Gardens

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© yod77/stock.adobe.com

5. Pope House Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Pope House Museum

6. North Carolina Railway Museum & New Hope Valley Railway

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Vladimir/stock.adobe.com

Best Attractions & Fun Stuff:


7. North Carolina State Capitol

© pabrady63/stock.adobe.com

8. American Tobacco Trail

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© meihe/stock.adobe.com

You are reading: Free & Affordable Things to Do in Raleigh Near Me Today


9. Cary Heritage Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Cary Heritage Museum

10. Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park at North Carolina Museum of Art

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park at North Carolina Museum of Art

11. Historic Yates Mill County Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© pabrady63/stock.adobe.com

12. JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© M. Schuppich/stock.adobe.com

More for Adults, Couples and Families:


13. Mordecai Historic Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Mordecai Historic Park

14. Artspace

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Artspace

Keep reading: Free & Affordable Things to Do in Raleigh Near My Location


15. Bass Lake Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© muratani/stock.adobe.com

16. Wake Forest Historical Museum

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Wake Forest Historical Museum

More Vacation Ideas:


17. Carl Alwin Schenck Memorial Forest

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© sjessup/stock.adobe.com

18. City Market

Category: Shopping & Stuff
© ejkrouse/stock.adobe.com

19. City of Raleigh Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© City of Raleigh Museum

20. Historic Oakwood

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Historic Oakwood

More: Free & Affordable Things to Do in Raleigh & How to Book Your Weekend Getaway


21. North Carolina Executive Mansion

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© North Carolina Executive Mansion

22. Raleigh Flea Market

Category: Shopping & Stuff
© Punkbarby/stock.adobe.com

23. Warehouse District

© zimmytws/stock.adobe.com

24. State Farmers Market

Category: Shopping & Stuff
© Michael/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Raleigh is an affordable and easily accessible area to visit filled with fun, interesting, and free things to do for visitors of all ages.
  • There are an abundance of free museums throughout the city, leading Raleigh to be nicknamed the "Smithsonian of the South," along with many parks and other nature areas that offer an escape from the busy city.
  • Some attractions are free only on certain days – please check before you go.

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