Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area
The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area's most popular places to take kids in 2026
Every summer, thousands of local parents, grandparents, and caregivers weigh in on their favorite local places to take kids. This page is where we showcase the 2026 list of winners for the Research Triangle. (Click here for the full list of nominees.)
Of course, there are literally hundreds of wonderful places to take your kids in our area, not just this year's winners! Browse through our site and packed daily calendar, sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter, and be sure to visit our Everything That's Free page.
| Top 20 Ranking | Category Winners |
| 1. New Hope Valley Railway, the Triangle's Train 2. North Carolina Zoo 3. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences 4. Museum of Life and Science 5. Pullen Park 6. Frankie's Fun Park 7. Marbles Kids Museum 8. Sky Zone Trampoline Park 9. Dead Broke Farm 10. JC Raulston Arboretum 11. North Carolina Museum of Art 12. City of Raleigh Museum 13. Ken's Korny Corn Maze 14. Go Ape! Zipline & Adventure Park 15. Historic Yates Mill County Park 16. White Deer Park Nature Center 17. Ackland Art Museum 18. Booth Amphitheatre Cary 19. Bumper Jumpers 20. Galaxy Fun Park |
Arts Educator: Children's Art Classes of Cary Sports Educator: Dead Broke Farm STEM Educator: Mad Science of the Triangle Farm Attraction: Dead Broke Farm Indoor Play Center: Sky Zone Museum: North Carolina Children's Museum Nature Center: Piedmont Wildlife Center Outdoor Fun: New Hope Valley Railway, the Triangle's Train Performing Arts: Vault Theatre Sports Team: Carolina Hurricanes |
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New Hope Valley Railway, the Triangle's Train
All aboard New Hope Valley Railway, the Triangle’s Train, for a memorable adventure just 30 minutes southwest of Raleigh. Enjoy a scenic ride aboard a full-size historic train, pulled by a diesel locomotive, through the beautiful North Carolina countryside.
Explore the outdoor North Carolina Railway Museum, experience the G-Scale Garden Railroad, and discover historic railroad equipment. Whether you're planning a family outing, a day trip with friends, a school excursion, or a group visit, New Hope Valley Railway offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and fun for visitors of all ages.
