When my son and I have been invited on a press journey to Raleigh, North Carolina, I used to be so enthusiastic about experiencing the assorted family-friendly points of interest within the space. Although I’d been to North Carolina up to now for a really brief go to, I actually hadn’t skilled every part that they’ve to supply, particularly for households. There are so many issues to do in Raleigh with youngsters – you might simply spend a number of days there.
During this latest journey, my son and I have been solely there for a weekend go to, however we have been so impressed with the entire implausible Raleigh youngsters’ actions. Here are some issues to do with youngsters in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Disclosure: We attended this Raleigh with youngsters press journey for gratis. All opinions are my very own. This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks. A click-through or buy via considered one of these hyperlinks could 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 utterly free museum (charges do apply for some particular reveals 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 might 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 will not be 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 affords youngsters the chance to do some hands-on exploration.
My son particularly cherished 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 likely one of the high issues to do in Raleigh with youngsters. It’s spectacular that it’s free!
After trying out that constructing, we headed to the adjoining Nature Exploration Center, which is linked through a pedestrian bridge. This constructing options extra conventional museum reveals, together with a dwelling conservatory full of butterflies. I’d completely suggest saving at the very least a half day for a go to.
Getting Outdoors on Jordan Lake
When the climate is sweet, I at all times 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 mission.
It’s a pleasant, quiet place to discover as a result of there are 9 completely different entry factors over the 14,000-acre, undeveloped reservoir. Instead of seeing large homes and developments alongside the shore, there are a couple of public areas and a great deal of bushes and inexperienced house.
We took a fast pontoon boat journey from Triangle Boat Tours, which was the right option to see the shore. We even noticed a bald eagle within the bushes, 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 option to discover nature throughout a trip that features a number of indoor spots.
Marbles Kids Museum
Although we didn’t take a look at the Marbles Kids Museum throughout our journey to Raleigh, it’s an amazing possibility for youthful youngsters. This youngsters’s museum (greatest for youths beneath 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 kids. It options quite a few each touring and everlasting reveals, in addition to an exquisite outside park that connects artwork and nature.
The North Carolina Museum of Art affords quite a few packages for households in Raleigh. During our go to, we borrowed a park pack, which is complementary to make use of and is full of exercise guides and different enjoyable gadgets that assist youngsters discover the park. My son cherished utilizing the included supplies to seek out the assorted paintings 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 traces that’s positioned at Blue Jay Point County Park. Go Ape! affords 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 brief 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, affords two zip traces and three loops with twenty completely 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 youngsters (beneath age 10), and as an grownup, I didn’t suppose it was boring or too straightforward in any respect.
The common course runs about three hours and options 5 completely different sections, together with 42 crossings. Part of our group did that course and mentioned it was enjoyable but additionally difficult.
If you do go to Go Ape!, bear in mind to carry 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 contains a number of kiddie rides, together with a carousel, practice, and kiddie boats.
Families will discover numerous house for youths to run round and play on numerous play constructions and playground gear. In addition, there are coated picnic areas that may be rented, in addition to paddle boats.
Tickets for the three rides are simply $2 per ticket. While we have been there, we noticed so many little youngsters having fun with rides on the practice, 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 possibly can pattern a number of the specialties), there’s additionally a counter the place you possibly can order chocolate drinks.
I used to be particularly comfortable to see that the power is nut free. I’d suggest visiting in the course of the day when you possibly can see the chocolate being made.
North Carolina Museum of History
This free museum is house to a number of different reveals, together with the Story of North Carolina. The museum is free to the general public, though there could also be a charge for particular reveals (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 youngsters. If you might be on a price range, it’s an amazing 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 the fact that there could also be an additional charge for particular reveals and/or motion pictures.
Where to Eat in Raleigh With Kids
Dining on the Pit in Raleigh
An already brief journey coupled with a delayed flight meant that we solely had one dinner in Raleigh. Luckily, it was an amazing one! We dined at the Pit, an upscale BBQ restaurant that’s positioned only a brief stroll from the lodge 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 have been scrumptious. They even have implausible sides and completely scrumptious desserts.
Breakfast at Big Ed’s
We cherished breakfast at Big Ed’s, which is understood for its large hotcakes. My son solely managed to eat a small share of the one he ordered, however he mentioned 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 – among the finest 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 right 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 affords an indoor pool. You can see evaluations of different Raleigh motels right here.
