The North Carolina Zoo is a great way to spend a day with the family. With over 1,600 animals and 52,000 trees, it is the world's largest zoological park. Children and adults alike will enjoy learning about and observing over 250 species of animals, including giraffes, elephants, and gorillas.
Pullen Park is a beautiful and scenic park in Raleigh, complete with a carousel, pedal boats, and train rides. This historic park offers fun opportunities for children and adults, from the playgrounds and picnic areas to the paddle boats and train rides. Don't miss the authentic C.P. Huntington train and sit back as you chug around the park.
This interactive museum is a hit with children of all ages, with exhibits focusing on science, technology, engineering, art, and math. They also have a 3D IMAX Theater that shows kid-friendly movies that are a great family activity. Marbles Kids Museum encourages kids to use their creative minds while learning at the same time.
The Crosby Arboretum offers a unique experience for nature lovers and kids alike. This 104-acre resource center in Mississippi offers walking trails and educational exhibits on a variety of subject matter. Families can learn about birds, plants, and species that are native to the area in a peaceful and natural environment.
The Museum of Life and Science is a must-visit for families visiting Raleigh. The museum offers more than 60 exhibits and attractions, so there's always something to do. Kids will be fascinated by various interactive exhibits and the opportunity to watch a butterfly habitat up close.
Frankie's Fun Park is a unique and fun experience for the whole family that includes laser tag, go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, bumper boats, and so much more. It's a great place to have a family-oriented, active day for an affordable price. This park is perfect for both adults and children!
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences provides a fun and engaging perspective on the natural world that everyone will enjoy. Exhibits include information regarding birds, mammals, insects, and plants, all displayed in a life-like fashion. Kids will especially love the many interactive exhibits that encourage them to touch, play, and explore.
Adventure Landing Raleigh is the perfect family entertainment center with attractions to enjoy for all ages. The center offers arcade games, laser tag, and putt-putt golf, as well as an on-site eatery. It will be a fun day for everyone to laugh, play and bond.
A visit to Raleigh isn’t complete without watching a Carolina Hurricanes Hockey game. It's a memorable experience for sports lovers and an opportunity to involve the family in cheering for their favorite team. Carolina Hurricanes Hockey games are always fun for the whole family, and it's an adventure that kids will talk about long after the trip is over.
The JC Raulston Arboretum provides a beautiful and idyllic setting for travelers to relax and learn about nature. The garden features an eclectic mix of vegetation from around the world, with more than 6,500 plants from 56 countries.
Total Estimated Costs: $170-$400 per person
While renting a vehicle in Raleigh is possible, it is recommended to rent one after arriving at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Raleigh has a good public transportation system bus system called the GoRaleigh bus where visitors who want to use public transit to get around can download the app and purchase tickets on their phones easily without hassle. Taxi, Uber, and Lyft are also available throughout the city.
Estimated transportation cost averages $80-$120 for 10 days, and time varies from a minimum of 15 minutes to a maximum of 45 minutes between destinations.
If you have less time for the trip, you can remove some sites and destinations cautiously. It's advisable not to miss the North Carolina Zoo, Marbles Kids Museum, and Adventure Landing Raleigh as they are famous attractions, and the kids will love them. But for those with extra time, you can add more nights to your stay in J.C. Raulston Arboretum, enjoy more time at the Museum of Life and Science or even attend a Durham Bulls Baseball game in Durham
The primary airport for the city is the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), located approximately 20 minutes (12.5 miles) from downtown Raleigh. RDU offers direct flights to several cities in the United States, and it offers several options to travel to the downtown area. Most major carriers have flights to this airport, making it easy to get there from all corners of the United States.