7 Free Family Fun Activities
in The Raleigh-Durham Area
If you are looking for free family fun in Raleigh or Durham, North Carolina, you are in the perfect spot!
The links in this post may be affiliate links. That means that if you click them and make a purchase, this site makes a commission. It will have no impact on the price you pay or the experience of your purchase.
Whether you live in the area or are just visiting, you'll never be hard-pressed for things to see and do. Honestly, there's no better time to get out and enjoy Raleigh with kids than the summertime!
There's always something fun to do in Raleigh! Here are a few suggestions for free family fun in Raleigh to get you started.
Keep in mind that all of these are either in or around the Raleigh-Durham area.
7 Things To Do For Free Family Fun in Raleigh & Durham, North Carolina
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
General admission to this fantastic museum is free. However, donations are always welcome! You get access to all kinds of special events and programs, along with the science exhibits housed there. Permanent exhibits include Prehistoric North Carolina, Tropical Connections, Arthropod Zoo, Living Conservatory and more.
Library Fun
The library is still a great place to have fun and learn new things. Regardless of which location you choose, you'll find everything from free family programs to writing workshops for kids to interesting book clubs to LEGO demonstrations to tons of things in between.
Convenient locations include Town of Chapel Hill Public Library, State Library of North Carolina and the Durham, Orange and Wake County Library branches.
Triangle Lakes
Spending a day at the lake is a time-honored family tradition. You actually have your choice of two large lakes and several smaller lakes in the region. Keep in mind, the fun doesn't stop at swimming. Other activities include hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. Plan to stay for the day or an entire weekend. Mother Nature will love you for it!
Greystone Recreation Center
This 9,600 square-foot recreation center hosts free activities for kids of all ages. There's an indoor play area complete with a rock climbing wall and much more. It's the perfect place to spend a rainy or scorching hot afternoon.
State Farmers Market
A compilation of the 30K square foot Farmer building and the 15K square foot market shops. The farmers market is the perfect place to find and enjoy fresh produce, flowers and even some specialty items from local farmers and artisans.
While it does not cost to go to the market, you may end up spending to support local farmers and business owners for some great finds.
RDU Observation Park
A fun spot to get out and see some cool sights. The observation deck serves as a space within the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) airport campus to see flights arrive and take off among the beautiful blue North Carolina skies. Equipped with a play area and plenty of seating for adults accompanying children.
Outdoor Spring and Summer Concerts
- Friday Night on White in downtown Wake Forest
- Midtown Beach Music at North Hills in Raleigh
- Fridays on the Front Porch at Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill
- Live in the District at Village Marketplace in Morrisville
- PLAYlist at Durham Central Park
Pullen Park
Full of family fun this park has several playground areas that are free of charge, and then some other paid activities that include paddle boats, the Gustave A. Dentzel Carousel and a train ride aboard the miniature train that emulates a real locomotive.
These are just a few examples of free family fun in Raleigh for your family to enjoy.