Take the Kids: 50+ must-see stops across Raleigh, Durham, Triangle when you're entertaining out-of-town guests
Are the relatives coming to town? Or are you expecting some out-of-town friends for a few days? If you're a regular reader of Go Ask Mom, you know that I feature places to take kids and families every week, including with these Take the Kids features every single Friday.
But the other day, I got this question from a friend: Do you have a general guide for people who haven't been to the area - a sort of must see with relatives list?
Hmm ... no ... but now we do! In no particular order, here's my list, which I've pulled together from my own experience of hosting guests here for 20 years and help from Go Ask Mom readers on Facebook (thank you, all!). I'm sure I'll be adding to this over time. Feel free to share your favorite spots in the comments!
What to do with out-of-town guests in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Triangle
Raleigh
Marbles Kids Museum
If you have younger kids - ages tweens and under - you can't go wrong at Marbles Kids Museum. You'll find lots of opportunities for indoor play, plus great documentaries and some family flicks at its IMAX theater.
Free State Museums
Except for some special exhibits, admission is free to the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, N.C. Museum of History and the N.C. Museum of Art. The natural history and history museums, both in downtown Raleigh, are especially popular with families. But I also love taking kids to the art museum for free family tours on weekends and its fantastic outdoor museum park.
Pullen and Chavis Parks
Pullen Park is on everybody's must-see list with its carousel, kiddie boats, kiddie train and playground. But a very short drive to Chavis Park, which is on its way to getting a massive renovation, will take you to another city park with a historic carousel. Ride tickets are $1.50.
Dix Park
Dix Park offers wide open spaces for walking, playing and picnicking with some great views of downtown Raleigh.
N.C. State University
We are so lucky to have some massive universities around here. I love taking people to Hunt Library to check out the book robot and grab some Howling Cow ice cream while we're there. A reader also recommends taking a walk on the trails around nearby Lake Raleigh. JC Raulston Arboretum also is a great place for a walk. And NC State's Gregg Museum has some free exhibits and a great outdoor space for picnics and tree climbing.
Raleigh Flea Market
If your group is filled with lovers of bargains and finds, head over to the Raleigh Flea Market at the NC State Fairgrounds.
Shelley Lake
Take a saunter around the lake at this city park in north Raleigh, play on the playground and check out an art backpack.
Umstead State Park
This massive state park, which stretches across Wake County, offers all kinds of open space and trails.
Sassafras All Children's Playground
It's the biggest playground in Raleigh and designed for kids of all abilities. This north Raleigh spot is a fantastic place to let them run and play.
State Farmers' Market and Restaurant
Open daily, this large farmers' market always has fresh local goodies. While you're there, fill up on some biscuits and more at the market restaurant.
City of Raleigh Museum
I bet you and your out-of-town guests will all learn a little something about the city at this museum on Fayetteville street.
Joel Lane Museum House
Learn about the earliest days of Raleigh at this historic site in downtown Raleigh.
Mordecai Historic Park
Walk through a collection of historic buildings at this park, which isn't far from downtown Raleigh. Be sure to ask about their trolley rides.
Historic Yates Mill County Park
Yates Mill includes trails, a nature center and a working mill.
Durham
Museum of Life and Science
With indoor and outdoor exhibits, including tree houses, a butterfly house and a dinosaur trail, you could easily spend an entire day at the Museum of Life and Science, which draws people from across the region.
Downtown Durham
The Museum of Durham History is a tiny space, but it tells the big story of Durham. Also downtown, you'll find Ninth Street Bakery, Durham Central Park with its regular food truck rodeos, farmers' market, skate park and a small playground for kids, and so many great restaurants, I can't list them all.
Duke University
The famous campus offers Duke Chapel for contemplative moments, Duke Gardens for exploration and, off campus, the incredible Duke Lemur Center, which has the largest collection of lemurs outside of Madagascar. The Nasher Museum of Art also offers a rotation of new exhibits. (A reader recommends breakfast or lunch at Elmo's Diner after a trip to Duke's main campus.)
Eno River State Park
A big favorite with families, the state park offers trails, a river to play in and more.
American Tobacco Campus
The campus across from the Durham Bulls Athletic Park offers some open space for kids to play and some great restaurants when you need a break from the kitchen.
Duke Homestead Historic Site
The state historic site includes the historic home, farm, and factory buildings of Washington Duke and his family as they lived on the property from 1852 until 1874.
Stagville State Historic Site
The state historic site includes what's left of one of the largest plantations in North Carolina. It is dedicated to teaching about the lives and work of enslaved people on the plantation. Of interest for American Girl fans, the American Girl doll Addy Walker's story is based on the life of Mary Walker, who escaped from Stagville's owners in 1848.
Chapel Hill
Kidzu Children's Museum
Great for kids under 10, Kidzu Children's Museum in University Place offers indoor and a little bit of outdoor fun with a variety of exhibits and programs.
Chapel Hill Community Center Park
Across from University Place, Chapel Hill Community Center Park offers a nice sized playground, a rose garden, an indoor climbing wall and more.
UNC-Chapel Hill Campus
This historic campus includes Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, which offers regular planetarium shows and free Science Live! programs for families. Also check out Ackland Art Museum, the N.C. Botanical Garden and, for sports lovers, the Carolina Basketball Museum. You'll find lots of spots for meals along nearby Franklin Street.
Carrboro
Weaver Street Market
Play on the big lawn and enjoy some great local food at this popular community-owned natural foods grocery.
Carrboro Farmers' Market
Load up on fresh produce at this long-running farmers' market, which includes a small playground for kids.
Cary
Downtown Cary
The downtown offers The Cary movie theater, Downtown Park and lots of shops and restaurants, including Ashworth Drugs with its old-fashioned soda fountain.
Bond Park
With a big playground and lots of open space, Bond Park offers plenty of ways to tire out the kids.
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
Hemlock Bluffs offers some easy trails and an indoor nature center.
Kids Together Playground
Kids Together's sprawling playground has been a Triangle favorite for decades.
Apex
KidsTowne Playground
At Kelly Road Park, KidsTowne is a hot spot for families with its castle-like wooden playground structure.
Downtown Apex
With lots of shops and restaurant, the downtown Apex is perfect for strolling, shopping and a meal out.
Crowder Park
The county park has several playgrounds and an easy paved trail that's perfect for all ages.
New Hill
New Hope Valley Railway
It doesn't run year-round, but the New Hope Valley Railway offers a fun day out for train lovers with open-air train rides through rural Wake County.
Knightdale
Knightdale Station Park
The farm and train-themed park in Knightdale is well worth the drive if you have a bunch of little ones.
Wake Forest
Joyner Park
With restored farm buildings, a pecan grove, three miles of paved walking trails and fishing, there's something at Joyner Park for just about everyone.
Downtown Wake Forest
The cute downtown includes a collection of shops and restaurants. (Let me highly recommend Lumpy's Ice Cream!)