Top 10 Family Activities in Raleigh
Raleigh has countless family activities to keep you occupied for weekends on end.
While you can’t go wrong with a classic family movie night at home, there’s something special about bonding with each other over an exciting outing or stimulating adventure.
Pullen Park
North Carolina’s first public park, developed in 1887, is home to several family-friendly attractions, including the famous carousel and miniature train. For a full day’s fun, bounce between the pedal boats, tennis courts, baseball field and the arts center.
Marbles Kids Museum
Designed for kids 10 and under, this unique museum engages children in purposeful play.
Through self-exploration of exhibits like the interactive STEM learning stations and the world’s only kid-operated smart power grid, the little ones engage their imagination and boost their confidence. Top the day off with a movie at the IMAX theater, home to North Carolina’s only giant 3D screen.
Videri Chocolate Factory
Stop by Videri’s on weekdays between 10am and 3pm for a self-guided tour of the chocolate making process. Kiddies will be charmed by the rich cocoa scent and be fascinated by the machinery churning out chocolatey goodness. And yes, there are free samples!
Boxcar Bar & Arcade
Get in the competitive spirit at this arcade! With a jumble of new and classic arcade games, it’s a great place for kids and parents to enjoy together! Whether you're an air hockey aficionado or a Pac-Man professional, there’s tons of fun to be had for all ages.
Chinese Lantern Festival
Mark your calendars for the Chinese Lantern Festival, which takes place November through January. Hundreds of ginormous lanterns are displayed at the festival, and families can wander through the amphitheater on a self-guided walking tour. Each lantern is handcrafted and assembled by over 25 visiting Chinese artisans, creating beautiful designs like pandas and dragons. Plan your visit for the evening to catch a performance of martial arts, traditional dance, or acrobatics.
Frankie’s
This amusement center is every kid’s dream. Decked out with a mini-golf course, an outdoor go-kart track, laser tag, batting cages, flight simulators, arcade games and more, children of all ages will play the day away at this funplex.
TreeRunner Ropes Course
For some outdoor excitement, head to Raleigh’s aerial adventure park. Home to more than 70 obstacles, rope courses and zip lines, with three difficulty levels on offer, this day trip is a great way to unplug from the hubbub of the city and test the family’s strength and agility - physical and mental! If nothing else, it’s worth it for the gorgeous views of the woods. Plus, kids as young as 4 can also take part on the junior-level courses.
Launching Pad Trampoline Park
Bounce your way through the indoor ninja course, flight training climbing wall, rope ladder, jousting pit and more - all for one entry fee. You could stay for an hour, or opt for an all-day pass, catch your breath on a lunch break, and return for more fun in the afternoon!
The Towers Escapes
Two-in-one escape room and historic site? Yes, please! Hidden in Downtown Raleigh’s historic water tower lies a chance to put the whole family’s brains to work to solve this interactive puzzle. Challenges are geared towards those 12 years and older.
Prairie Ridge Ecostation
The Ecostation boasts a native plant garden and tree arboretum, as well as a beautiful, green outdoor classroom. The initiative is an extension of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, whose staff present a variety of programs in the hopes of educating visitors on nature and science. Get the kids involved in sustainability early and bring them to The Nature PlaySpace for some nature-oriented fun and events like Nature Stories and Nature PlayDays.
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