Curator’s statement
Raleigh, located in central North Carolina, is brimming with activities your whole family will love. It’s known for barbecue as well as a variety of international cuisines. Green spaces are everywhere, including the large Dorothea Dix Park and specialty areas like the Raleigh Rose Garden. Families will love the free museum opportunities. Catch a game from one of the city’s major sports teams—always a hit with the whole family. There is something for everyone in this lively state capital!
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Things to do in Raleigh
Explore the NC State Farmers Market!
Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
A free museum in the heart of downtown? Yes, please! With four floors of exhibits, you and your family will not be bored. Highlights include Triceratops skeletons and other dinosaur exhibits.
Explore Pullen Park
This park is special—not only is it a local green space, but it has tons of recreational opportunities. You and your family can ride the pedal boats around Lake Howell, take the miniature train through the park, or experience a moment of pure majesty on the carousel. If you time it right, you can attend Theater In The Park!
Visit Mordecai Historic Park and House
Perfect for history lovers! As the oldest standing residence in Raleigh, the Mordecai House sits amid beautifully maintained historic gardens. Join one of the hourly guided tours (offered from 10 am to 3 pm) to explore this living history site and learn about the area’s plantation past.
Shop ‘til you drop at Crabtree
Raleigh is home to the region’s largest shopping mall, Crabtree. In addition to major retail brands, you’ll find fun, family-friendly restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and Haagen-Dazs. Kids can have a blast at the Lego Store!
Play a while at Frankie’s Fun Park
The whole family will love a day at Frankie’s, where you can ride go-karts, play mini-golf, and enjoy the arcade. Those who are more athletic can enjoy the batting cages and play laser tag. Your family will not regret spending a day at Frankie’s!
Delight in farm fun at Phillips Farm
Drive a few minutes to the neighboring suburb of Cary, where Phillips Farms has created a perfect farm fun zone for kids. Activities include hayrides and apple slinging. If you visit on a springtime Saturday, the farm also showcases local foods and artisans on Shop and Play Saturdays.
See the legendary Durham Bulls
Just a bit up the road in Durham, you and your family can catch an exciting minor league baseball game. If you time your visit for the Fourth of July, you can see the spectacular fireworks!
Places to eat & drink in Raleigh
Everyone gets a choice at Morgan Food Hall.
Morgan Street Food Hall
In most families, no one can agree on the kind of food they want. Morgan Food Hall is your perfect solution! Choose from among 23 local vendors, from juicy barbecue to spicy curry. The whole crew can enjoy their food together in the common seating area.
State Farmers Market Restaurant
Conveniently located not far from downtown, this local gem features many locally-grown products. Indulge in their famous house-made buttermilk biscuits! Breakfast is served all day, but be warned that this place is breakfast and lunch only—they close at 3 pm. When you’re done eating, take a moment to wander the extensive farmers’ market.
The Pit Authentic Barbecue
There are a lot of barbecue joints in North Carolina, but this one constantly delivers. For the adults and older kids, the menu features delicious classics such as barbecue chicken and okra. There’s a great kids’ menu for the little ones, offering hot dogs and mac’n’cheese. I can vouch that the fried chicken here is amazing!
Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream
This local gem makes their own ice cream, serving a variety of creative flavors like Caramel Apple Cheesecake and Triple Chocolate Cake. Undecided? Try up to six flavors in an ice cream flight!
The Cowfish
Craving sushi? At The Cowfish, there is an extensive kids’ menu featuring burgers and other child-friendly items, so that everyone is happy. If you’re a sushi pro, you can even create your own roll! When you’re done with the meal, delight in one of their house-made milkshakes.
Need to know
Pro tip: Although downtown Raleigh is easily walkable, I recommend renting a car. You don’t want to miss out on all the fun in the neighboring suburbs! Parking in the downtown area is doable—city lots offer the first two hours free, and street parking is very affordable.
Travel Advisor
Brooke Yool
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Raleigh page.