This is probably one of the longest blog posts we have done, but many have asked for it, so we figured it would be best to collect all of the great places the Triangle has to offer and place them in one blog. Feel free to come back here, as we promise to keep updating it as we find more places.
The North Carolina Triangle, encompassing Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, is a family-friendly hub offering a variety of activities for kids of all ages. Whether you’re looking for interactive museums, adventure parks, or nature escapes, this region has something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of the top kid-friendly attractions in the area. Please note that the order here is random. We like all places in this list!
1. Kidzu Children's Museum
Top 3 Activities:
- The Makery: A hands-on space for kids to explore their creativity through arts, crafts, and science projects.
- The Gravitron: A kid-sized climber that encourages physical play and helps develop coordination.
- STEM Lab: Interactive exhibits where children can experiment with science and technology.
Open Times: Tuesday-Sunday, 9 AM – 5 PM
Website: Kidzu Children’s Museum
2. Hill Ridge Farms
Top 3 Activities:
- Pumpkin Patch: Seasonal fun with hayrides and a massive pumpkin patch perfect for fall family outings.
- Gem Mining: Kids can sift through dirt to find hidden gems in this fun, educational activity.
- Giant Slide: A family favorite, the giant slide is a thrilling outdoor attraction for children of all ages.
Open Times: Seasonal (check website for hours)
Website: Hill Ridge Farms
3. Lion Farms
Top 3 Activities:
- Animal Encounters: Get up close with farm animals, perfect for younger children interested in nature.
- Horseback Riding: A great way to introduce kids to horseback riding in a safe and controlled environment.
- Corn Maze: A fun and challenging activity for families during the fall season.
Open Times: Seasonal (check website for hours)
Website: Lion Farms
4. Phillips Farms
Top 3 Activities:
- Corn Maze: Enjoy a fun maze adventure during the fall season.
- Sunflower Fields: A picturesque setting perfect for family photos and outdoor fun.
- Farm Fresh Produce: Shop for fresh, local produce while the kids enjoy the various outdoor activities.
Open Times: Seasonal (check website for hours)
Website: Phillips Farms
5. Marbles Kids Museum
Top 3 Activities:
- Power2Play: Kids can explore different professions and “try on” adult roles in this interactive exhibit.
- Splash!: A water play area where kids can experiment with water flow and dynamics.
- STEMosphere: An area dedicated to hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities.
Open Times: Tuesday-Sunday, 9 AM – 5 PM
Website: Marbles Kids Museum
6. Museum of Life and Science (Durham)
Top 3 Activities:
- Butterfly House: Walk through a tropical conservatory filled with butterflies.
- Dinosaur Trail: A life-sized exhibit of dinosaurs where kids can learn about prehistoric creatures.
- Hideaway Woods: A magical forested play area featuring treehouses and rope bridges.
Open Times: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM
Website: Museum of Life and Science
7. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (Downtown Raleigh)
Top 3 Activities:
- Living Conservatory: A butterfly house that brings kids face-to-face with tropical insects and plants.
- Dinosaur Exhibit: View the skeletons and life-size replicas of various dinosaur species.
- Nature Research Center: Kids can explore current scientific research in real time.
Open Times: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM
Website: NC Museum of Natural Sciences
8. North Carolina Museum of History (Downtown Raleigh)
Top 3 Activities:
- The Story of North Carolina: A comprehensive exhibit that explores the state’s history through interactive displays.
- Sports Hall of Fame: A must-visit for young sports fans, showcasing achievements by North Carolina athletes.
- Hands-On History: Special programs where kids can touch and explore real artifacts.
Open Times: Tuesday-Sunday, 9 AM – 5 PM
Website: NC Museum of History
9. Sassafras Playground (Raleigh)
Top 3 Activities:
- Accessible Play Equipment: Designed for children of all abilities, this playground offers a fully inclusive experience.
- Water Play Area: Ideal for cooling down on hot days, featuring fountains and splash zones.
- Climbing Structures: Fun for older kids with complex and challenging climbing activities.
Open Times: Daily, 8 AM – 8 PM
Website: Sassafras Playground
10. Duke Gardens (Durham)
Top 3 Activities:
- Discovery Garden: Learn about sustainable gardening and engage with hands-on activities.
- Family Workshops: Seasonal workshops where children can learn about plants, wildlife, and nature.
- Terrace Gardens: Explore beautiful terraced landscapes filled with flowers and plants from around the world.
Open Times: Daily, 8 AM – 8 PM
Website: Duke Gardens
11. Greystone Recreation Center (Raleigh
Top 3 Activities:
- Indoor Playground: A multi-level indoor playground with climbing structures, slides, and tunnels, perfect for younger children.
- Basketball and Gymnastics: The recreation center offers basketball courts and gymnastics programs that allow kids to stay active.
- Art Classes: Greystone hosts a variety of art and craft classes for kids, fostering creativity in a relaxed setting.
Open Times: Monday-Saturday, 9 AM – 6 PM; Sunday, 1 PM – 5 PM
Website: Greystone Recreation Center
12. Bond Park (Cary)
Top 3 Activities:
- Boating: Bond Park offers pedal boat and canoe rentals for a peaceful day out on the lake.
- Playgrounds: The park has multiple playgrounds with swings, climbing structures, and slides for all age groups.
- Fishing: Bring your own gear and enjoy fishing by the lake with the whole family.
Open Times: Daily, 8 AM – sunset
Website: Bond Park
13. Go Ape Treetop Adventure (Raleigh)
Top 3 Activities:
- Treetop Adventure Course: A high-flying adventure where kids and families can tackle obstacles, zip lines, and rope bridges in the trees.
- Junior Adventure Course: A smaller, more accessible course designed specifically for younger adventurers.
- Ziplining: Soar through the forest canopy on exhilarating zip lines.
Open Times: Friday-Sunday, 9 AM – 6 PM (seasonal)
Website: Go Ape
14. TreeRunner Adventure Park (Raleigh)
Top 3 Activities:
- Aerial Adventure Park: A network of climbing obstacles, zip lines, and swinging bridges for kids ages 7 and up.
- Night Climbs: Special events where kids can climb at night with glow sticks and colorful lights.
- Birthday Parties: Host an adventure-packed birthday party with access to the park’s challenges and obstacle courses.
Open Times: Friday-Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM (seasonal)
Website: TreeRunner Adventure Park
15. Galaxy Fun Park (Raleigh)
Top 3 Activities:
- Trampoline Park: A massive indoor trampoline park where kids can jump, flip, and play.
- Go-Karts: Indoor go-kart racing for kids and teens who love speed and competition.
- Mini-Golf: Glow-in-the-dark mini-golf that’s fun for all ages and provides a unique spin on the traditional game.
Open Times: Monday-Sunday, 10 AM – 9 PM
Website: Galaxy Fun Park
16. Frankie’s Fun Park (Raleigh)
Top 3 Activities:
- Mini-Golf: Several beautifully landscaped mini-golf courses for kids and families.
- Go-Karts: High-speed outdoor go-karts for a thrilling ride.
- Laser Tag: A multi-level laser tag arena for exciting team battles.
Open Times: Monday-Sunday, 10 AM – 11 PM
Website: Frankie’s Fun Park
17. Defy Gravity (Raleigh, Durham)
Top 3 Activities:
- Trampoline Arena: A massive trampoline park with wall-to-wall trampolines, perfect for energetic kids.
- Foam Pits: Leap into foam pits for soft landings after performing flips or jumps.
- Ninja Warrior Course: Kids can test their agility and strength on an obstacle course inspired by the popular TV show.
Open Times: Monday-Sunday, 9 AM – 9 PM
Website: Defy Gravity Durham
18. Urban Air Adventure Park (Raleigh)
Top 3 Activities:
- Sky Rider: A unique indoor zip line that takes kids on a thrilling ride through the air.
- Climbing Walls: Multiple rock-climbing walls with different levels of difficulty for kids to test their skills.
- Indoor Playground: A massive, multi-level indoor playground that includes ball pits, slides, and more.
Open Times: Monday-Sunday, 10 AM – 8 PM
Website: Urban Air Adventure Park
19. Happy Feet Planet (Raleigh)
Top 3 Activities:
- Indoor Playground: Designed for younger children, this soft-play area is perfect for safe exploration and fun.
- Interactive Games: Kids can engage with digital games and creative play activities.
- Birthday Parties: A popular spot for birthday parties, offering a variety of themes and activities.
Open Times: Monday-Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM; Sunday, 1 PM – 5 PM
Website: Happy Feet Planet
20. Strikes and Barrel (Wake Forest)
Top 3 Activities:
- Bowling: Family-friendly bowling lanes with kid-sized bowling balls and bumpers.
- Arcade: An arcade filled with classic and modern games for all ages.
- Food and Drinks: A full-service restaurant offering pizza, snacks, and refreshments.
Open Times: Monday-Sunday, 11 AM – 10 PM
Website: Strikes and Barrel
21. Stars and Strikes (Raleigh)
Top 3 Activities:
- Bowling: An exciting bowling experience with glow-in-the-dark lanes and bumpers for kids.
- Laser Tag: A fast-paced, immersive laser tag experience that’s perfect for group fun.
- Bumper Cars: Indoor bumper cars where kids can race and bump to their hearts’ content.
Open Times: Monday-Sunday, 11 AM – 10 PM
Website: Stars and Strikes
22. Tiger Rescue (Pittsboro)
Top 3 Activities:
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Learn about and see rescued tigers and other big cats in a safe and humane environment.
- Educational Tours: Guided tours that teach children about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species.
- Special Events: Participate in special events like “Tiger Days” where kids can learn more about the big cats.
Open Times: By appointment only
Website: Tiger Rescue
23. Lemur Center at Duke University (Durham)
Top 3 Activities:
- Lemur Encounters: Meet lemurs up close and learn about these fascinating primates.
- Educational Tours: Kids can learn about conservation efforts and the habitat of lemurs.
- Interactive Exhibits: Fun and educational displays on the evolution, behavior, and biology of lemurs.
Open Times: By appointment only
Website: Duke Lemur Center
24. Durant Nature Preserve (Raleigh)
Top 3 Activities:
- Hiking Trails: Miles of family-friendly trails through beautiful natural scenery.
- Fishing: Catch and release fishing in the park’s peaceful lakes.
- Nature Education Center: Learn about local wildlife through educational programs and interactive exhibits.
Open Times: Daily, 8 AM – sunset
Website: Durant Nature Preserve
25. Joyner Park (Wake Forest)
Top 3 Activities:
- Playgrounds: Perfect for younger children, Joyner Park offers multiple playgrounds with modern equipment, including slides, swings, and climbing structures.
- Picnic Areas: Large grassy areas and picnic shelters provide the ideal setting for a family day out with room for play and relaxation.
- Walking Trails: Enjoy scenic walking and biking trails that wind through the park, offering a peaceful outdoor escape.
Open Times: Daily, 8 AM – sunset
Website: Joyner Park
26. Shelley Lake Park (Raleigh)
Top 3 Activities:
- Paved Walking/Biking Trails: A scenic 2-mile loop around the lake that’s great for biking, walking, or jogging with kids.
- Fishing Piers: Take advantage of the park’s fishing piers for a relaxing family fishing outing.
- Playground: A fun playground area with swings, slides, and climbing structures, perfect for kids to release energy.
Open Times: Daily, 8 AM – sunset
Website: Shelley Lake Park
27. Pullen Park (Raleigh)
Top 3 Activities:
- Historic Carousel: A beautifully restored carousel that has been a Raleigh staple for decades, providing a nostalgic and fun ride for kids.
- Miniature Train: Hop on the park’s train and take a ride through scenic areas of the park, an all-time favorite for young children.
- Paddle Boats: Enjoy paddle boating on the lake, a fun activity that allows kids to explore the water while getting some exercise.
Open Times: Daily, 10 AM – 6 PM
Website: Pullen Park
28. North Carolina Museum of Art (Raleigh)
Top 3 Activities:
- Art Park: Explore the outdoor art installations and sculptures scattered around the museum’s large park, perfect for a family picnic or walk.
- Family-Friendly Exhibits: Inside the museum, rotating exhibits often include interactive features or special programming for kids.
- Family Workshops: Participate in art workshops designed to engage children in creative activities inspired by the museum’s collections.
Open Times: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM
Website: NC Museum of Art
29. Rush Hour Karting RTP (Morrisville)
Top 3 Activities:
- Go-Kart Racing: A high-speed indoor go-kart experience where kids (minimum height requirement of 48 inches) can race in a fun and safe environment.
- Virtual Reality Games: Enjoy a variety of VR games that challenge both the mind and body in an immersive environment.
- Arcade Games: A small arcade area with classic games to entertain kids before or after their karting experience.
Open Times: Monday-Sunday, 11 AM – 9 PM
Website: Rush Hour Karting RTP
30. Big Air Trampoline Park (Raleigh)
Top 3 Activities:
- Trampoline Arena: Wall-to-wall trampolines where kids can bounce, flip, and play dodgeball in a safe, supervised space.
- Battlebeam: A foam-padded beam where kids can challenge each other to a fun jousting-style game over a pit of foam cubes.
- Climbing Walls: A variety of climbing walls designed for different skill levels, allowing kids to challenge themselves and improve their climbing abilities.
Open Times: Monday-Sunday, 10 AM – 9 PM
Website: Big Air Trampoline Park
31. Ramp and Roll (Raleigh)
Top 3 Activities:
- Skateboarding Ramps: An indoor skatepark featuring ramps, rails, and halfpipes for skaters of all skill levels.
- BMX Biking: A designated area for BMX riders to practice tricks and jumps, with safe supervision.
- Scootering: For younger children, there are areas where they can safely scooter around the facility, getting a feel for the sport.
Open Times: Monday-Sunday, 10 AM – 8 PM
Website: Ramp and Roll
32. Little Doodles Play Café (Raleigh)
Top 3 Activities:
- Art Studio: A creative space where young children can explore their artistic side with painting, drawing, and crafting activities.
- Sensory Play Area: Designed for toddlers and preschoolers, this area offers sensory bins, toys, and puzzles to encourage cognitive development.
- Café for Parents: While kids play, parents can relax in the café area, enjoying a coffee or snack while keeping an eye on their little ones.
Open Times: Monday-Saturday, 9 AM – 6 PM
Website: Little Doodles Play Café
33. Polar Ice House (Wake Forest)
Top 3 Activities:
- Public Ice Skating: Open sessions where families can enjoy ice skating together in a safe and fun environment.
- Figure Skating Lessons: For those interested in learning or improving their skating skills, Polar Ice House offers lessons for all ages.
- Hockey Clinics: Kids can participate in beginner hockey clinics to learn the basics of the sport.
Open Times: Daily, hours vary (check website)
Website: Polar Ice House
34. Iceplex Raleigh
Top 3 Activities:
- Public Skating Sessions: Enjoy open skate sessions where kids and families can experience the joy of ice skating together.
- Youth Hockey Programs: For those interested in ice hockey, Iceplex offers clinics and leagues for young players.
- Figure Skating Classes: Kids can take beginner and advanced figure skating classes to learn spins, jumps, and other skills.
Open Times: Daily, hours vary (check website)
Website: Iceplex Raleigh
35. Hop Shots Putt-Putt (Raleigh)
Top 3 Activities:
- Mini Golf: Play a round of mini-golf on a creative and challenging course designed for all ages.
- Batting Cages: Test your swing at the batting cages, where kids can practice hitting at different speeds.
- Arcade: Hop Shots also features an arcade area with a variety of games for kids to enjoy after a round of mini-golf.
Open Times: Monday-Sunday, 10 AM – 9 PM
Website: Hop Shots
36. Lake Crabtree County Park (Morrisville)
Top 3 Activities:
- Canoeing and Kayaking: Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle around the scenic Lake Crabtree, perfect for a peaceful family outing.
- Fishing: The lake is stocked with fish, offering a great opportunity for kids to learn how to fish and enjoy a relaxing day by the water.
- Picnic Areas and Trails: There are plenty of trails for biking and hiking, along with picnic spots where families can enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.
Open Times: Daily, 8 AM – sunset
Website: Lake Crabtree County Park
37. Knightdale Station Park (Knightdale)
Top 3 Activities:
- Playgrounds: This park features large, modern playgrounds with slides, climbing structures, and swings, designed for kids of all ages.
- Splash Pad: A water play area that’s perfect for cooling off during the hot summer months.
- Walking Trails: The park includes paved walking and biking trails that wind through wooded areas and open spaces, perfect for a family walk or bike ride.
Open Times: Daily, 8 AM – sunset
Website: Knightdale Station Park
38. Downtown Cary Park
Downtown Cary Park is an exciting new addition to the family-friendly Triangle area, offering a blend of outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and relaxation. This expansive park, located in the heart of downtown Cary, is designed to be a hub for community gatherings, family outings, and special events.
Top 3 Activities:
Playgrounds and Open Spaces: The park features modern playground equipment designed for children of all ages, with plenty of green space for running, playing, and picnicking. It’s the perfect spot for families to spend a sunny afternoon.
Cultural and Music Events: Downtown Cary Park will host concerts, cultural festivals, and other family-friendly events throughout the year, making it a vibrant gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
Interactive Water Features: On hot days, kids can cool off in the park’s interactive water fountains and splash pads, providing a fun and safe way to enjoy water play.
Open Times: Daily, 6 AM – 10 PM
Website: Downtown Cary Park
39. Fantasy Lake Adventure Park (Wake Forest)
Fantasy Lake Adventure Park is a hidden gem in Wake Forest, offering a day full of water-based excitement and adventure for families. This massive outdoor water park is perfect for kids and adults alike, providing various aquatic activities in a natural quarry setting. Whether you’re looking for thrills or relaxation, Fantasy Lake has something for everyone.
Top 3 Activities:
Aqua Park: The highlight of Fantasy Lake is the large inflatable aqua park set on the lake. With floating obstacles, slides, and climbing walls, it’s an exciting challenge for kids and teens who love adventure.
Beach Area: The park offers a sandy beach area where families can relax and enjoy the sun, swim in the lake, or play beach volleyball. The shallow sections are perfect for younger children to splash around safely.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Families can rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore the calm waters of the lake. It’s a great way to introduce kids to these water sports in a safe and controlled environment.
Open Times: Seasonal (May-September); Monday-Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM
Website: Fantasy Lake Adventure Park
With so many exciting activities and locations across the Triangle, it’s no wonder families flock to this region for fun, education, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re exploring nature preserves, enjoying high-energy trampoline parks, or discovering the wonders of science and art museums, there’s something for everyone in the North Carolina Triangle.
If you’re planning to visit or relocate to the Triangle, NC Triangle Connection offers short-term rental homes in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Wake Forest. These fully furnished rentals are the perfect home base for families who want to explore the area at their own pace while enjoying the comforts of home. Visit NC Triangle Connection to find the ideal rental for your stay and start your adventure in this family-friendly region!