5 Top Places in Downtown Raleigh to Explore with Kids..

Did you know?

Did you know in the last 10 years over 1 million dollars has been poured into downtown Raleigh. The Wake County Economic Development says there is an “undeniable renaissance occurring in downtown Raleigh” and they are right!
The Triangle is known to have more than 35 free attractions, and has been called the "Smithsonian of the South,” A lot of the attractions are museums and they might be free but they are worth your time. We know all these options can leave you overwhelmed. It is sometimes harder to search for things to do with your family when the options are plentiful as opposed to being limited.
We’ve got you covered. Today I will tell you about 5 places local families love to explore in Downtown Raleigh including mine. Over the next few months I will continue sharing noteworthy places to explore and bring you along on our new adventures. Here are the 5 Top Places to Explore in Downtown Raleigh!

Pullen park is our top choice hands down. The kids love the variety of outdoor activities the park boasts in an atmosphere that is engaging for all ages.

Pullen Park is home to the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the US and the 16th oldest amusement park in the world.
Alongside the large park suited for all ages there are a few rides your kids will be begging to try. They have a carousel, train, pedal boats and kiddie boats.
Tickets are required for rides at $1.50 and you can get those online at Pullen Park Amusment Tickets or at a convenient booth at the front of the park.
Pullen Park Amusements hours can change depending on the season so check the link above for updated schedules. All rides can close early due to darkness or inclement weather.
A must do for us every time we go is the carousel. The girls love the park and the giant climbing tower but before we leave we stop at the carousel for our final adventure. This lets everyone leave on a high note and always gives me some great pictures of the kids.

Did you know the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is FREE. Check out their admissions information here @Admissions.
Operating hours are Tuesday-Sunday 10AM-5PM
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is in the center of downtown Raleigh. It is within walking distance to restaurants, shops and other museums. The location alone makes this one of our favorite places for a day trip.
The Museum of Natural Sciences is separated into 5 locations. Today we are looking at the Nature Exploration Center (NEC) & Nature Research Center (NRC) located on West Jones Street.
Beside The Nature Exploration Center (NEC) is The Nature Research Center. They are connected by a hallway inside so you can visit both in one day.
Please know while general admission is free some special exhibits require tickets for entry. You can check out what exhibits are available and book your ticket HERE before you go. Planning ahead saves me from explaining at the last minute why we can or can not do something. When everyone is prepared on what to expect you can cut down on tantrums and unmeetable expectations.
We LOVE the museum and one exhibit the girls all love is the Underground North Carolina exhibit and seeing the Gems and Minerals.

Marbles Kids Museum is a hands-on experience for kids to get involved in learning. They can dress up as a firefighter, explore what it takes to run their own grocery store, become a pirate on a ship and so much more. When my girls were smaller they loved the water table and outside play area that is surrounded by a children's garden. Now that they are older they love the PowerToPlay area where they can try to play hockey. The lego area called Stemosphere keeps them busy for hours and finally the Moneypalooza where they can climb, run a business or make money fall from the sky (or at least from the belly of a pig).

Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh 201 East Hargett Street Raleigh, NC 27601 Marbles Museum has over 24 exhibits and can keep your family busy all day. After we visit Marbles we like to enjoy a burger in Moore Square.
Admission price ranges from Free-$9 not including the IMAX theater. Hours are Wednesday-Sunday 10AM-5PM
With Covid precautions in place pre-booked tickets are required for admission. Click this Admission link to reserve a spot today!

Now I know this sounds intimidating but hear me out. I love to be creative and getting the kids involved in art has always been something important to me. An Art Museum like this has always been on my “No way list” until now. Just recently I discovered that they host free family friendly tours.
While this still isn’t a great idea for a family with a toddler, for kids 5-11 this is an amazing way to explore the Art Museum stress free.
Family Friendly Tours are FREE
30 minutes long
Are led by a tour guide and include playful exploration of art and activities in the galleries.
You get to relax and enjoy the museum while an expert explains colorful exhibits to your entire family.
Registration is required and you can find the information on their next tour at North Carolina Museum of Art
72% Of Business Leaders Say That Creativity Is The #1 Skill That They Seek When Hiring.
With the growing market of online careers, creativity can be an extremely valuable tool to help set them apart. The development of creativity is only increased by art education.
Do you have younger kids? Families with children 3-5 can enjoy art together with a preschool program called “What’s in the box?” This includes guided looking at works of art, movement and sensory experiences, and art activities that stretch the imagination.

*Image from NCMA.ORG

Family Studio & Liberation Station Story time are other amazing programs to check out on their calendars.
The Last thing to check out is this NCMA To Go Activity Kit every month they have an activity kit to reserve with materials and intrusions for a hands-on project. The activities are designed for all ages and are available in English and Spanish.

*Image from NCMA.ORG

Is there a better place to take the kids to lunch than an upscale food hall with tons of unique options? Not the kind of uniqueness your kids will refuse, it is the kind that everyone will find something probably less than healthy but perfect for a family fun day.