When my son and I had been invited on a press journey to Raleigh, North Carolina, I used to be so serious about experiencing the varied family-friendly points of interest within the space. Although I’d been to North Carolina up to now for a really quick go to, I actually hadn’t skilled every little thing that they’ve to supply, particularly for households. There are so many issues to do in Raleigh with children – you may simply spend a number of days there.
During this current journey, my son and I had been solely there for a weekend go to, however we had been so impressed with the entire implausible Raleigh children’ actions. Here are some issues to do with children in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Disclosure: We attended this Raleigh with children press journey for gratis. All opinions are my very own. This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. A click-through or buy by considered one of these hyperlinks might end in a small fee paid to us.
Things to Do in Raleigh NC With Kids
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Located proper in downtown Raleigh, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a wonderful and fully free museum (charges do apply for some particular displays and films). It’s open from Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm.
Two buildings comprise the museum – the Nature Exploration Center and the Nature Research Center. With a lot to see, you may simply spend the day right here.
We began our go to with lunch on the Daily Planet Cafe, which is positioned within the newer constructing (the Nature Research Center). This just isn’t your common museum cafe, nonetheless! It options scrumptious, contemporary, and native delicacies. There’s additionally the newer Acro Cafe.
After lunch, we explored the Nature Research Center. This 80,000 sq. foot constructing provides children the chance to do some hands-on exploration.
My son particularly liked studying about animals within the naturalist heart, which homes preserved specimens, fossils, furs, and a lot extra. In my opinion, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Raleigh with children. It’s spectacular that it’s free!
After testing that constructing, we headed to the adjoining Nature Exploration Center, which is related by way of a pedestrian bridge. This constructing options extra conventional museum displays, together with a dwelling conservatory stuffed with butterflies. I’d completely suggest saving at the least a half day for a go to.
Getting Outdoors on Jordan Lake
When the climate is sweet, I all the time like spending a while outside throughout our household holidays. Jordan Lake, the third-largest lake in North Carolina, is a reservoir that was created as a part of a flood management undertaking.
It’s a pleasant, quiet place to discover as a result of there are 9 totally different entry factors over the 14,000-acre, undeveloped reservoir. Instead of seeing large homes and developments alongside the shore, there are just a few public areas and a great deal of timber and inexperienced area.
We took a fast pontoon boat experience from Triangle Boat Tours, which was the proper strategy to see the shore. We even noticed a bald eagle within the timber, in addition to a cormorant and a blue heron. Families can select to hire the boats (with a captain), as a part of their household trip. It’s a pleasant strategy to discover nature throughout a trip that features a number of indoor spots.
Marbles Kids Museum
Although we didn’t try the Marbles Kids Museum throughout our journey to Raleigh, it’s an incredible possibility for youthful children. This kids’s museum (finest for youths below the age of 10) is simply $9 per particular person, making it an reasonably priced trip possibility. Purchase your timed tickets upfront on-line.
The North Carolina Museum of Art
On our final day, we stopped on the North Carolina Museum of Art, one other free Raleigh museum that’s nice for youngsters. It options various each touring and everlasting displays, in addition to a lovely outside park that connects artwork and nature.
The North Carolina Museum of Art provides various applications for households in Raleigh. During our go to, we borrowed a park pack, which is complementary to make use of and is stuffed with exercise guides and different enjoyable gadgets that assist children discover the park. My son liked utilizing the included supplies to search out the varied art work positioned all through the park.
In addition to the park pack, there are different actions and occasions for households, together with weekend household excursions, Saturday workshops (pre-registration required), and pop-up artwork actions.
Go Ape!
During our Raleigh household trip, my son was most excited to take a look at Go Ape!, a treetop ropes course with zip strains that’s positioned at Blue Jay Point County Park. Go Ape! provides two separate programs – an everyday course and a junior course. My son, who’s just below 4 toes 7 inches, was only a bit too quick for the common course, so we did the junior course as a substitute.
The junior course, which doesn’t really feel too small in any respect, provides two zip strains and three loops with twenty totally different obstacles. My son accomplished the course the primary time, and once we headed again for the second time, he was given a problem – to do the course backward. It’s positively enjoyable for youthful children (below age 10), and as an grownup, I didn’t assume it was boring or too straightforward in any respect.
The common course runs about three hours and options 5 totally different sections, together with 42 crossings. Part of our group did that course and stated it was enjoyable but additionally difficult.
If you do go to Go Ape!, bear in mind to convey hair ties to carry again your hair, and put on closed-toed and closed-heel footwear.
Pullen Park
Pullen Park is the first public park in North Carolina and is the fifth oldest working amusement park within the US. It’s positioned adjoining to the North Carolina State campus and consists of a number of kiddie rides, together with a carousel, prepare, and kiddie boats.
Families will discover a lot of area for youths to run round and play on varied play constructions and playground tools. In addition, there are lined picnic areas that may be rented, in addition to paddle boats.
Tickets for the three rides are simply $2 per ticket. While we had been there, we noticed so many little children having fun with rides on the prepare, carousel, and kiddie boats.
Videri Chocolate Factory
Willy Wonka followers will love a visit to this enjoyable chocolate manufacturing facility. We visited within the night after the chocolate-making was completed, nevertheless it was nonetheless a enjoyable journey. In addition to a chocolate counter (the place you’ll be able to pattern a few of the specialties), there’s additionally a counter the place you’ll be able to order chocolate drinks.
I used to be particularly blissful to see that the power is nut free. I’d suggest visiting in the course of the day when you’ll be able to see the chocolate being made.
North Carolina Museum of History
This free museum is house to a number of different displays, together with the Story of North Carolina. The museum is free to the general public, though there could also be a payment for particular displays (the one we noticed was free). No reservations are required.
What are the Free Things to Do in Raleigh With Kids?
During our journey, I used to be so impressed with the entire free issues to do in Raleigh with children. If you might be on a finances, it’s an incredible place to go to for an reasonably priced household trip.
Some free issues to do embody the North Carolina Museum of History, the North Carolina Museum of Art, and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Just remember that there could also be an additional payment for particular displays and/or motion pictures.
Where to Eat in Raleigh With Kids
Dining on the Pit in Raleigh
An already quick journey coupled with a delayed flight meant that we solely had one dinner in Raleigh. Luckily, it was an incredible one! We dined at the Pit, an upscale BBQ restaurant that’s positioned only a quick stroll from the resort we stayed in (and throughout the road from the Videri Chocolate Factory).
The Pit serves genuine North Carolina BBQ, and diners can select both a standard Eastern or Western North Carolina sauce. I attempted each the Carolina-style ribs (which they’re well-known for) and the Chopped BBQ, and each had been scrumptious. They even have implausible sides and completely scrumptious desserts.
Breakfast at Big Ed’s
We liked breakfast at Big Ed’s, which is understood for its big hotcakes. My son solely managed to eat a small share of the one he ordered, however he stated that it was scrumptious. I opted for the farm contemporary nation breakfast, which included eggs, meat, seasoned rice, and an enormous biscuit. It was so good – the most effective breakfasts that I’ve had.
Where to Stay With Kids in Raleigh for Your Family Vacation
We stayed on the Sheraton Raleigh, which was the proper spot for a weekend Raleigh household trip. It’s positioned inside strolling distance of the North Carolina Museum of History, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and the Videri Chocolate Factory. It additionally provides an indoor pool. You can see opinions of different Raleigh accommodations right here.
