Home with the kids Friday? Some options for getting out

JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, part of N.C. State, has its third annual spring egg hunt where kids can learn a bit about the garden and pick up a small prize if they make it through a quick hunt through the garden for large wooden eggs. It's free. No registration is required. It's scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday.

Marbles Kids Museum's IMAX theater is showing "Island of Lemurs: Madagascar 3D" with multiple showings on Friday. The 40-minute, G-rated film "takes audiences on a spectacular journey to the remote and wondrous world of Madagascar," according to the description. "Lemurs arrived in Madagascar as castaways millions of years ago and evolved into hundreds of diverse species but are now highly endangered." I'm looking forward to catching this one with my kids, who love lemurs.

Marbles also has opened a new second floor exhibit called STEMosphere, which focuses on science, technology, engineering and math topics. The exhibit is free with admission, which is $5 per person.

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in Chapel Hill has a couple of afternoon shows geared for middle school and high school students scheduled. These are for field trips, but there may be some empty seats that they'll open to the public. It's always worth a check.

Kidzu Children's Museum is open in an expanded space at University Mall in Chapel Hill. Young kids will love the Clifford the Big Red Dog exhibit. Older kids - up to age 10 or 11 - will enjoy making all sorts of things in The Makery. I highly recommend a visit to this museum. It is worth the drive.

Pullen Park's rides are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this time of year. To beat the big crowds, get there at 9 a.m. to play on the playground and then hit the rides as soon as they open. The park's playground and grounds opens at dawn. And, if you're in the mood to check out Raleigh's other carousel, Chavis Park's carousel is just a few miles away and open the same hours.

You can sign up for the Dino Egg Hunts at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. Pre-registration is required for this special event, which includes kids looking for eggs and dinosaurs. Tickets are $7 plus the cost of museum admission. I could spend all day out there. The egg hunts are Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The N.C. Zoo has lots going on. The Asheboro destination, about 90 minutes from Raleigh, has new cougar kittens on display, big exhibit featuring animatronic bugs, a renovated Kid Zone play area and a 4D version of the movie "Rio."

Hill Ridge Farms in Youngsville, known for its fall pumpkin patch and hayrides, also is open in the spring and summer. The farm features a  giant tube slide, farm animals, hayride, train ride and more. 

Go Play Outside Now, the outdoor play area in Garner, has been hugely popular lately. It's open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all week. Also popular: Three Bears Acres in northern Wake County. This outdoor play spot recently opened a new "water war zones" area.

And we have all of our parks and playgrounds around here. Check our database for reviews.

If you're looking to stay home, we have some Easter crafts for you - make your own Easter baskets, shaving cream painting Easter eggs and four fun ways to decorate Easter eggs.