Two children enjoying a sunny day at a playground in Raleigh. One child is playing in a sandbox under a shaded canopy, while another stands nearby wearing red sunglasses. Text overlay reads, "Free & Cheap Fun for Kids in Raleigh + the Triangle," with a cartoon family of cardinals.

Free (& Cheap) Things to Do with Kids around the Triangle

by
Amy Hartle
Latest posts by Amy Hartle (see all)

Looking for budget-friendly activities to keep your little ones entertained? The Triangle area is bursting with fun, free options that are perfect for families. I know how important it is as a parent to find fun that doesn’t break the bank. Cause it’s getting expensive out here!

Let me help! I’m always searching for free things to do with kids near me, so let me share what I’ve come across so far. Here’s our curated list of the best free things to do with kids in Raleigh and beyond!

Explore Pullen Park in Raleigh

A concrete structure with vibrant flowers in front, featuring a sculpture of two large white swans with necks intertwined, forming a heart shape. The background is filled with lush green trees under a partly cloudy sky.
A serene lake scene featuring a fountain in the center, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. The image captures a walkway leading to the lake, bordered by black railings, with a person pushing a stroller along the path. The overhanging tree branches frame the view, creating a picturesque and tranquil atmosphere.

Pullen Park is first on my overall list of things to do with kids in Raleigh, free or otherwise. It is such a gem, offering endless fun for families. Enjoy the playgrounds, boats, and scenic walking trails. Don’t miss the iconic carousel and miniature train rides, which cost a nominal fee, but simply strolling through the park and enjoying the amenities is completely free.

Wander Through the Raleigh City Market

Take a leisurely stroll through the historic Raleigh City Market. This charming area is perfect for a family outing, with its unique shops, art galleries, and scenic surroundings. It’s a great place to explore and soak up the local culture without spending a dime.

Enjoy Story Time at Local Libraries

Raleigh’s public libraries are a treasure trove of free activities for kids. Nearly all local branches offer regular story time sessions, craft activities, and reading programs that are both educational and fun. Check your local library’s schedule for upcoming events.

Other spots that offer regular story times include Barnes and Noble and some Chik-fil-A locations.

Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh

The image shows a large, open space inside a building with a glass dome ceiling. Suspended from the ceiling are models of flying dinosaurs, while below, a skeletal model of a large dinosaur is displayed on the ground level. Visitors are walking and observing the exhibit, with informational panels placed around the dinosaur skeleton. The glass dome allows natural light to fill the space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.

A trip to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a fantastic way to spark curiosity in your kids. With interactive exhibits, live animals, and fascinating displays, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, general admission is free, making it an ideal outing for families.

This museum is located right in Downtown Raleigh. They have lots of cool ongoing and temporary exhibits, such as the current Dueling Dinosaurs exhibit. They’ve also got great displays of dinos that are always a big hit with the kiddos.

Don’t miss the Discovery Room, which is awesome fun for little ones.

Character Story Hour at Pineapple Sol in Cary

Every Wednesday from 10-11am, come and enjoy a Character Hour at Pineapple Sol cafe in Cary. Just purchase an item from the cafe (amazing coffee and pancakes btw) to join in the story time, music, and fun.

The character changes every week and we’ve had some fun experiences with Snow White and Poppy the Troll.

Hike the Trails at Umstead State Park in Raleigh

For families who love the outdoors, Umstead State Park is a must-visit. With miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and beautiful scenery, it’s the perfect place for a family adventure. Pack a picnic and spend the day exploring nature – it’s all free!

One of the most popular hiking trails to do with kids is the 0.6 mile Oak Rock Trail as it is a short, shady loop with some interesting features.

Attend a Free Event

A sunny outdoor event with numerous white and yellow tents lined up on one side of a large grassy area, surrounded by trees and high-rise buildings in the background. People are walking, browsing stalls, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere under a clear blue sky.

There is an endless amount of free events catering to families around the area. Spots like Dorothea Dix Park, Downtown Cary Park, and Moore Square are frequently host to free events and festivals that are perfect for families. From outdoor movie nights to seasonal festivals, there’s always something happening.

Keep an eye on our weekend family fun calendar (updated weekly) to plan your adventures!

Take advantage of free days and deals

You can do a lot of things in the Triangle for free and cheap….if you know where and when to look! Many spots offer free days or special deals. I’ve listed a few of them for you here, and I’ll add more as I find them!

  • Kidzu Children’s Museum (Chapel Hill) – The first Friday of each month is Family First Friday, and admission is free!

  • ParTee Shack (Raleigh) – On Tuesdays, kids play min-golf free with the purchase of one adult entry

  • Museum of Life + Science (Durham) – On Durham Community Days, residents of Durham get in free with proof of residence. Each adult can bring up to 5 children.

Check out a splash pad

Children playing in a splash pad area with water features designed like colorful flowers, spraying water from overhead. The scene is lively with kids running through the water jets under a bright blue sky, surrounded by lush green trees. This is a fun and engaging activity for families looking for free things to do in Raleigh with kids.

Nearly all of the splash pads in the Triangle are free, and those that aren’t charge a very small fee. This is a great free activity to do with kids, especially on those boiling hot summer days!

Discover the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh

The JC Raulston Arboretum offers a peaceful escape with its beautiful gardens and walking paths. Kids will love exploring the various plant collections, and it’s a great spot for a family picnic. Admission is free, making it a wonderful option for a relaxing day out.

Explore the Historic Yates Mill County Park in Raleigh

Step back in time at the Historic Yates Mill County Park. Kids will enjoy the educational exhibits and learning about the history of the mill. The park also features scenic trails and a picturesque pond, perfect for a family walk.

Visit the Art Museum Park in Raleigh

The North Carolina Museum of Art’s park is a fantastic place for kids to burn off some energy. With large outdoor sculptures, walking trails, and plenty of open space, it’s a creative and engaging environment for families. Plus, access to the park and museum grounds is free. You’ll find things like musical swings and more!

Discover the Eno River State Park in Durham

Take a scenic hike along the Eno River, where kids can splash in the water, explore the trails, and enjoy a picnic. The park offers a variety of trails suitable for all ages and is a great spot for a family day out in nature.

Enjoy the Duke Gardens in Durham

The image features the Roney Fountain at Durham's Duke Gardens, a multi-tiered bronze fountain with a bird sculpture on top, located in a park surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery. The fountain sits in a circular stone basin, and a plaque at the base provides historical information. Visiting this picturesque fountain is one of the free things to do in the Triangle area.

The Sarah P. Duke Gardens is a beautiful spot to explore with kids. Wander through the different themed gardens, enjoy the open lawns, and take in the serene atmosphere. Admission is free, making it a perfect destination for a leisurely family outing. This is a gorgeous spot year round, but one particularly beloved time is in April when the cherry blossoms bloom.

Explore the Playgrounds and Trails at Bond Park in Cary

Fred G. Bond Metro Park in Cary is a fantastic destination for families. With a fun playground, hiking trails, and a large lake for fishing and boating, there’s plenty to do.

Boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, row boats, and paddle boats) are available at the Boat House. While these do have an associated cost, it is fairly reasonable.

Once per month from April to October, a free outdoor concert is offered at Bond Park, in an event called Bands, Bites, and Boats. Food trucks and beverages are onsite and items are available for purchase.

Visit the Ackland Art Museum in Chapel Hill

The Ackland Art Museum offers a rich collection of art and frequently hosts family-friendly events and activities. Admission is free, and the museum provides a great cultural experience for kids and adults alike.

Parks and Playgrounds

Parks and playgrounds may be among the most obvious when it comes to free things to do in Raleigh. But there’s a good reason for that. This area has some fantastic outdoor spaces!

We’re still working on visiting every playground in the Triangle, but so far we’ve found some great ones for toddlers.

Check out a free indoor playground

When the weather isn’t cooperating, an indoor playground is a perfect alternative. While most of these have an admission fee, there’s a couple spots worth knowing about.

Greystone Rec Center in Raleigh is a totally free indoor playground, best suited to older kids. Additionally, some local malls, like Streets at Southpoint in Durham have free indoor play areas where children can burn off some energy while parents take a break.

RDU Observation Park

Children playing near a viewing platform during sunset, with the sun shining through the structure. The platform is elevated, accessible by stairs, and has several people enjoying the view from the top. The area around is grassy with a clear, blue sky overhead, creating a peaceful and scenic environment.

Got a kid who loves airplanes? For a unique and educational outing, visit the RDU Observation Park. Located at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, this park offers a front-row seat to watch planes take off and land. Kids will be fascinated by the activity on the runway and can enjoy the playground and picnic areas. You can also listen to the activity from the control tower on the loudspeakers. Best of all, it’s completely free!

Kids Bowl Free

Bowling is a fun and active way to spend time with the family, and the Kids Bowl Free program makes it accessible for everyone. Participating bowling alleys in the Triangle offer free bowling games for kids during the summer months. Simply register online to receive free bowling passes for your children, and enjoy some quality time at the lanes without breaking the bank. Check the program’s website for additional details.

Participating local alleys:

Free & Cheap Kids Summer Movies

Take advantage of free and cheap kids’ movies during the summer at local theaters. Cinemas like Regal Cinemas and AMC Theatres offer special summer movie programs where you can enjoy family-friendly films for free or at a discounted price. These programs are a great way to beat the heat and enjoy some family entertainment without spending a lot.

We’ve got a whole list of free summer kids movies right here!

Lake Crabtree Free Boat Rentals

Experience a day of adventure on the water with free boat rentals at Lake Crabtree County Park. Located in Morrisville, this beautiful park offers a variety of boats, including canoes and kayaks, available for rent at no cost on specific days. Currently, boat rentals are available the following dates:

  • Saturday–Sunday (May 11–Sept. 15)
  • Friday–Sunday (June 7–August 2)

All rentals are FREE for 2 hours, and require a valid photo ID to rent. All rentals are on a first-come, first-serve basis and cannot be reserved in advance. Life vests and paddles are provided.

You can rent canoes, single and double kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats.

Visit the Goats at Historic Oak View Park

Historic Oak View County Park is a 19th-century historic farmstead that offers visitors a glimpse into the agricultural history of the region. One of the park’s most beloved attractions is its resident goats.

The park is home to a small herd of friendly goats that live in a picturesque, shaded barnyard. These goats are known for their gentle nature and curious personalities, making them a favorite among children and adults alike. Visitors can observe the goats as they graze, play, and interact with each other.

This is a fun, free activity, but there’s also a cute indoor play space that is farm themed. It’s perfect for toddlers and little ones to get a little bit of play energy out.

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