2018 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around the Research Triangle
Best Places for Kids in the Research Triangle region!
The best places to take kids in the Research Triangle, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. But there is LOTS more to do in the Research Triangle, NC! Get great ideas here! What is listed below are far from the only opportunities for family fun and learning; they're just what was voted this year.
Marbles Kids Museum
At Marbles Kids Museum, kids are encouraged to use their marbles - learning new things through imagination, discovery and play.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The NC Museum of Natural Sciences is the largest institution of its kind in the South East and one of the nation’s most amazing museums about the natural world. This Museum asks four basic questions about the natural sciences—what do we know?, how do we know?, what’s happening now?, how can you participate?—with an integrated suite of onsite, offsite, online and outdoor experiences.
Duke Basketball Museum and Sports Hall of Fame
Impressively, given the global academic renown that the university has captured, Duke University may be best known for their men’s basketball team. The Blue Devils have won four NCAA championships and over 20 ACC tournaments and produced dozens of All Americans and nine national players of the year, all in addition to having a hall of fame coach in Mike Krzyzewski. You can see the trophies, the memorabilia, the videos, and more behind this storied history at the Duke Basketball Museum.
Museum of Life and Science
Located less than five miles from downtown Durham, the Museum of Life and Science is one of North Carolina’s top family destinations. Situated on 84-acres, our interactive science park includes a two-story science center, one of the largest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast and beautifully landscaped outdoor exhibits which are safe havens for rescued black bears, lemurs, and endangered red wolves. Other popular attractions include over 60 species of live animals, Dinosaur Trail, Ellerbe Creek Railway, and Into the Mist.
Greystone Recreation Center, Raleigh
Variety of classes and programs for all ages are offered including ballet, mommy and me art, gymnastics, Line Dancing, Pilates, and much more! Little Learners Preschool Program. Playgrounds.
Durham Central Park
Durham Central Park is a 5-acre city-owned park that is operated by Durham Central Park, Inc. a 501c3 non-profit organization. DCP Inc. holds a management agreement with the City of Durham to manage, develop and sustain this unique urban oasis.
North Carolina Zoo
World's largest natural habitat zoo. At the North Carolina Zoo, connect with wildlife from two different continents as you explore 500 acres of exhibits carefully constructed to resemble natural habitats. Walk from Africa’s grasslands to North America’s Arctic coast.
Pullen Park
This public park has it all! Experience paddle boat rentals, kiddie amusement park rides, outdoor theater, swimming, and a fantastic playground.
Raleigh Little Theatre
RLT is a welcoming community using theatre to enrich, educate, entertain and engage volunteers, students, and audiences of all ages. School year classes, performances, and school break camps.
Adventure Landing
Featuring Miniature Golf, Go-Karts, Laser Tag, Batting Cages and Mega Arcade! We specialize in birthday parties and group outings!
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
The Morehead Building houses the GSK Fulldome Theater, as well as the Science Stage, exhibits, and Morehead classrooms. The UNC Visitors Center, Morehead-Cain Foundation and UNC Morehead Observatory are also in the Morehead Building.Morehead's programs include classes for adults and children, special courses for teachers, summer camps for children, afterschool programs, memberships, public viewings of astronomical events and public lectures.
Spring Haven Farm - Chapel Hill
Here at Spring Haven Farm we believe that caring for animals of all types greatly enriches our lives and the lives of all who visit. Living and farming in a sustainable, renewable and responsible way is at the very core of who we are. Come visit our farm and see what we are about!
Hux Family Farm
Hux Family Farm is more than just the home of Goat Yoga in Durham, NC. We are a small family owned farm with goats, sheep, rabbits, horses, ducks, geese, and our pig Miss Charlotte. We offer summer camps, meditation with goats, goat yoga, reading therapy with goats, horsemanship lessons, guided farm tours, and private sponsorships of our animals. We also host private classes and events.
Xtreme Park Adventures
Xtreme Park Adventures is a 50 acre field located in the heart of the Triangle. We have outdoor sports and attractions such as paintball, airsoft, lasertag, educational and recreational zipline course, haunted house and many more.
Piedmont Wildlife Center
Inspiring people to develop a positive lifelong connection with nature & encouraging active engagement in conservation. Children's camps and programs, nature education.
Durant Nature Preserve
In 2010 the park was designated as a Nature Preserve with the goal of protecting and preserving the significant natural resources within this area and to provide natural resource based recreation and environmental education experiences.
Wheels Fun Park
Wheels Fun Park has been a family owned and operated facility in Durham, NC since 1980. Join the fun with 8 attractions in the park including roller skating, play gym, go karts, batting cages, mini golf, and maze. There are also 2 snack bars, 2 video game areas and a full menu grill. We specialize in events such as birthday parties, private parties, company outings, team parties and family reunions.
North Carolina Railway Museum
New Hope Valley Railway (NHVR) is the Triangle’s Train. Children, parents, grandparents and others can enjoy a day together riding a real train behind one of our hard working locomotives. Learn about railroad history, watch the outdoor G-Scale garden railroad, visit the outdoor North Carolina Railroad Museum, or view equipment in the railroad yard.
North Carolina Museum of Art
The North Carolina Museum of Art serves the people of North Carolina and all visitors as a premier destination for compelling encounters with art.
Duke Homestead
See the early home, factories, and farm where Washington Duke first grew and processed tobacco. His sons later founded The American Tobacco Company, the world's largest tobacco company. Duke and others helped create a market for Durham-area tobacco products that eventually would make North Carolina the heart of an international tobacco empire. Many profits were invested in land and industries but others were used for such humanitarian causes as Duke University, named for the family.
