60-plus things to do in Raleigh and beyond with your out-of-town guests

From old friends to extended family, everyone’s looking for something to do when the holiday celebrations are over.

If you’re looking for events and activities in the Triangle, consider who you are entertaining: energetic kids with short attention spans? Old high school friends who want to see all the new stuff? Mostly grownups who deserve a “best-of” tour through your favorite restaurants or museums?

Tailor your tour accordingly. This list with out-of-town guests in Raleigh includes culture, food and drink, exercise and a few Oak City-only excursions. Enjoy!

Things to do with the kids

Little ones have a short attention span, so keep them moving with child-appropriate adventures.

▪ Walk around downtown to spend a morning bopping between Marbles, the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences and the N.C. Museum of History.

▪ Head to Moore Square for a snack and a chance to run around the new(ish) park.

▪ See “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” “Frozen II” or any other feature at the Alamo Drafthouse.

▪ Head to kid-friendly restaurants like The Player’s Retreat, Kanki, Raleigh Times or Oakwood Pizza Box.

▪ Enjoy an afternoon outside at Pullen Park, the RDU Airport viewing deck, the N.C. Museum or Art park or the Wetland Center.

▪ Grab a craft kit or take a class at the Devilish Egg in City Market.

▪ Head to Durham to visit the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. (We love the butterfly house!)

For former locals

When your friends come to town, show them all the cool new places that have popped up.

▪ Walk around the new Moore Square on your way to hang at Transfer Co. Food Hall.

▪ Grab a beer at Johnson Street Yacht Club on West Johnson Street or the renovated Trophy Brewing on West Morgan Street

▪ Visit Union Special Bread or Mordecai Beverage Co. at the new and improved Gateway Plaza

▪ Take a walking tour in the Warehouse District. Peek into the Dillon and Union Station, shop at The Flourish Market, Father and Son and Raleigh Denim, followed by a cocktail at Junction West and pizza at Poole’side Pies.

▪ Hop on a scooter to spend some time at Person Street Plaza: wine tasting at Wine Authorities, a cone at Two Roosters plus shopping at Edge of Urge. Swing by Jolie for some French fare afterwards.

▪ Take them to the new Wegmans or Weaver Street Market. Because we take our grocery stores seriously here.

For adult visitors

For grown-up guests, offer a mix of food, culture and fitness to get a holistic view of Raleigh.

▪ Take a visit to ¡Viva Viclas! at CAM Raleigh (open through Feb. 9), or do a double header at NCMA with Frida Kahlo and Scott Avett.

▪ Catch a flick at the Rialto Theatre.

▪ Visit N.C. State’s campus, including Reynolds Coliseum and Hunt Library, or take a walking tour through Historic Oakwood.

▪ Pick up a Citrix Bike from one of their docking stations and go for a ride on the Greenway.

▪ Take the train to Durham to wander around there, whether it’s cocktails on the roof of The Durham or a concert or play at Durham Performing Arts Center.

▪ Need a health kick? Grab a smoothie or a bulletproof coffee at Raleigh Raw before taking a hike at Umstead Park.

▪ Visit West Street. Shop at Union Camp Collective, grab a hot dog at The Cardinal or a pastry at Layered Croissanterie.

▪ Head to classic Raleigh restaurants like Brewery Bhavana, Poole’s Diner, Royale or Sitti.

▪ Meander the State Farmers Market and grab a bite at their restaurant, taking home some goodies to make your own feast.

▪ Explore downtown Cary. Grab a brûléed greyhound at Sidebar or a beer at Bond Brothers Beer Co. while you wait for a table at Postmaster nearby.

▪ Or, while you’re in Cary, head to Koka Booth Amphitheatre for the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival.