Take the Kids: Picnics, play on lawn at N.C. State's Gregg Museum of Art & Design

The Gregg Museum of Art & Design opened in a new space along Hillsborough Street and on the campus of NC State University in August 2017.

Inside NC State's expanded former chancellor's residence, the free museum (yep, admission is free) features a rotating collection of exhibits that aim to inspire creativity, innovation and the expression of free ideas.

It's not just painting on the walls, though there are some of those. Right now, it includes giant moving sculptures (that will definitely appeal to kids) and a beautiful collection of Native American art (complete with drawers that visitors can open to reveal jewelry and baskets and give the museum a hands-on touch - though you can't touch the art). Every two to three months, exhibits will move in and out.

Tall whirligig, magical tree for climbing

But, in this post, we'll focus on one part of the museum - its outdoor spaces that are perfect for family picnics and play, especially as we move into the spring.

The large green lawn in the front of the museum offers plenty of space for blankets and running around. And it's now home to an impressive whirligig, created by Vollis Simpson, the North Carolina artist who is now famous for his massive moving sculptures.

Take a look ...

"It's a great place to have things like picnics," Roger Manley, Gregg's director, tells me of the space. "And there are some trees for climbing."

In fact, Manley directed me to an amazing magnolia tree that sits right next to the whirligig. At its base are openings that seem to lead you into a secret room. My eight-year-old bounded in there and started climbing on the limbs that stretch from the tree the ground.

"It's really amazing with incredible limbs ... very magical," Manley said.

This picture doesn't come close to doing it justice, but check it out ...

I also liked this circle of pieces where you're invited to "sit." It's right near the whirligig and magnolia tree.

Formal gardens, brick path

You'll find some more magic in the rest of the outdoor space, which includes more formal gardens and a brick path that weaves around and down to another smaller green lawn where a sculpture garden is planned. I can imagine little ones having fun running around the brick paths and down to the grass.

Here's what that looks like ...

Inside the museum, right now, you'll find an exhibit featuring work by artist Bob Trotman, who creates massive sculptures that satirize the world of corporate business and high finance. With the help of motion sensors, many of the pieces move or make sound when visitors walk by. Word of warning: Families may want to steer clear of the exhibit on the far wall with a sculpture of a man behind a safe. You're invited to push a pedal which will reveal an R-rated scene, Manley said. It won't open, however, without somebody pushing the pedal. You can see it peaking out behind the massive white head pictured below. The exhibit is on view through July 8, 2018.

The Gregg Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. Find it at 1903 Hillsborough St., Raleigh. The museum offers some community programs, including a bee program at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 14. Spend an afternoon in the garden with bee experts and a poet who will share bee poems through the ages. Picnics welcome.

Go Ask Mom’s Take the Kids series is your No. 1 resource for weekly ideas about kid-focused places to take your family in the Triangle and beyond. New articles are published every Friday.