Upcoming Kids' Fun in Raleigh, Durham

If you're looking for fun with the kids on Saturday, don't miss two events: the African American History Celebration in Raleigh and a parade honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Durham.

After the weekend, get ready for more excitement on Monday, Feb. 2, as Sir Walter Wally—billed as the Southeast’s most accurate groundhog—comes out of seclusion to make his official weather prediction at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences’ annual Groundhog Day Celebration. The free event starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m., with the shadow ceremony beginning promptly at noon out on Bicentennial Plaza (the ceremony will be held in the Museum Auditorium in case of inclement weather).

Here’s the line-up:

Saturday, Jan. 31: African American History Celebration, in Raleigh
For a day of free family fun, head over to the N.C. Museum of History, in Raleigh, where February Black History Month celebrations kick off a day early on Jan. 31. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, you’re invited to listen to Piedmont Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green read, the Gospel Jubilators sing, and colorfully costumed Jonkonnu dancers perform, all part of the museum’s annual African American History Celebration. Crafts and other activities will round out the family fun.

Saturday, Jan. 31: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade
In Durham, the annual Durham Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade starts at noon on Fayetteville Street with marching bands, drum lines, dance and step teams, cheerleaders and more. Click here for details.

Monday, Feb. 2: Annual Groundhog Day Celebration on Monday, Feb. 2, in Raleigh
Each year, crowds wait in anticipation to see if Sir Walter Wally sees his shadow at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences’ Groundhog Day. If he does, we're in for six more weeks of winter. Last year, Wally gained national attention with his amazing accuracy earning a spot on The Weather Channel's list of national representatives.

In detailing this year’s forecast, Wally will be assisted by Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker and museum educator John Connors, who will be wearing top hat and tux as befits the momentous occasion. Following the ceremony, Wally will move inside the Museum to his special station where those with cameras can pose for pictures alongside the famous weather predictor.

Additional educational stations such as, "Signs of Spring," "How Snakes Survive the Winter," "Animal Architects" and "Arthropods in Winter "will be located on the first floor of the museum. For kids six and under, "Groundhog Story Time" will take place at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. in Windows On the World, which is on the museum’s third floor.

Find ideas for old-fashioned family fun at a new free exhibit at the State Capitol, in Raleigh. Look for daily fun events for kids, in Carolina Parent's Calendar.