Family fun in the Triangle: A quick guide to parks, museums, greenways and more
Looking for something fun to do this weekend?
The Triangle has no shortage of places to visit as a family (or on your own): greenways, museums, parks, playgrounds, historic sites and much more.
We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite outdoor and indoor spots for you to check off your family fun bucket list.
How many can you visit this year?
Note: Be sure to check websites for hours of operation before visiting, especially amid COVID-19 protocols. Hours are constantly subject to change. Some of the activities on this list cost money or require reservations in advance.
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Triangle parks with playgrounds
There are dozens of parks and playgrounds for kids in cities and towns across the Triangle, but here are a few of our favorites. We’ve included web links for other city parks at the end of this curated list.
▪ Pullen Park (Raleigh) — In the mood for a carousel ride? If not, there are paddle boats and train — plus a playground, aquatic center, arts center, athletic fields and more at this historic Raleigh park. Location: 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh Info: raleighnc.gov/places/pullen-park
▪ Chavis Park (Raleigh) — Another carousel!? While you’re there, visit for the playground (complete with a water feature in warm months), art exhibits, community center, athletic centers and more. Location: 505 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Raleigh Info: raleighnc.gov/places/john-chavis-memorial-park
▪ Kids Together Playground (Cary) — Kids Together Playground at Marla Dorrel Park assures ease of mobility for everyone. Landscaping and playground equipment provide multi-sensory stimulation. Restroom facilities include adult-size changing tables and extra room for wheelchairs and strollers. Location: 111 Thurston Drive, Cary Info: kidstogethercary.org
▪ Sassafras All Children’s Playground (Raleigh) — This playground is designed for inclusive play, allowing children of all abilities to play together. Along with swings and slides, the playground also features a basketball court with adjustable hoop height, an accessible elevated decking and a pair of zip-lines. Location: 3808 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh Info: raleighnc.gov
▪ Southern Community Park (Chapel Hill) — Along with a large playground, this park has numerous athletic fields, a hockey court, a dog park, a hiking trail and a fitness course. Location: 1000 Dogwood Acres Dr, Chapel Hill Info: townofchapelhill.org
▪ Forest Hills Park (Durham) — Forest Hills Park offers a free sprayground where area residents can cool off during warm weather (open May through October). This park is also home to one of Durham’s seasonal outdoor pools. Residents may rent picnic shelters and athletic spaces. Location: 1639 University Drive, Durham Info: dprplaymore.org
▪ Crowder County Park (Apex) — Crowder County Park is a 33-acre park located in the Cary-Apex area in the southwest part of Wake County. There are gardens, picnic shelters, open play spaces, trails for biking and walking, volleyball courts and occasional educational programs. Location: 4709 Ten-Ten Rd, Apex Info: wakegov.com
▪ Downtown Cary Park (Cary) — The seven-acre outdoor space will be the first of its kind in central North Carolina, according to Cary’s website. This is a major development project slated for completion in summer 2023, but some aspects of the park (like game tables, public benches and an amphitheatre-style stage) are complete now. Location: 327 S. Academy St, Cary Info: townofcary.org
▪ Morrisville Community Park (Morrisville) — Check out the large children’s playground, athletic fields, picnic shelter with grills and greenways that connect to this area. Location: 1520 Morrisville Pkwy, Morrisville Info: townofmorrisville.org
More info on parks in your area:
Raleigh has a lengthy list of parks. Visit the “Find a Playground” section of the city’s website to get more information: raleighnc.gov
Chapel Hill has roughly a dozen parks and some community centers too. Get more information on the “Parks” section of the town’s website: townofchapelhill.org
Durham has dozens of parks, and you can find a handy list with age recommendations and special park features on the Parks and Recreation website: dprplaymore.org/253/Playgrounds
Morrisville has more than a dozen parks that include playgrounds, hiking and biking trails, picnic areas for barbecues and more. Visit the “Parks and Greenways” section of the town’s website for more information: townofmorrisville.org
Cary has over 30 public parks and natural areas. Visit the “Parks, Greenways & Environment” section on the Town of Cary’s website for more information: townofcary.org.
Apex has a handful of parks that include playgrounds, playing fields, ponds, walking trails and more. Visit the “Parks & Greenspaces” section of the town’s website for more information: apexnc.org/710/Parks
Hiking trails, greenways, parks and more
The Triangle is full of great parks, trails and greenway systems — some maintained by cities or towns and some by the state. Here are some of our favorite outdoor spaces, followed by some quick links to greenway systems in Triangle towns.
▪ Umstead State Park (Raleigh/Cary) — You can stroll this large state park by foot, on your bike or even on horseback. There’s boating, fishing and picnicking, plus overnight camping. Info: ncparks.gov
▪ Dorothea Dix Park (Raleigh) — This popular city park near downtown Raleigh is large enough for long afternoon strolls. While there, have a picnic, check out the pop-up museum and dog park and, when in season, the sunflower and daffodil fields. The calendar features events for all ages. Info: dorotheadixpark.org
▪ American Tobacco Trail (Durham) — A scenic 11-mile off-road trail following the old CSX Railroad line. Info: dprplaymore.org
▪ Hinshaw Greenway (Cary) — Hinshaw Greenway is 1.7 miles of asphalt surface, connecting Maynard Drive to Marla Dorrel Park and crossing US Hwy 1/64 on a pedestrian bridge that is the site of a public art installation, Bowstring Vines. Info: townofcary.org
▪ White Oak Creek Greenway (Cary) — This trail section within Cary was recently added to the East Coast Greenway, which will eventually go from Maine to Florida. Info: townofcary.org
▪ Crabtree Creek Greenway (Morrisville) — Crabtree Creek Greenway in Morrisville extends along Crabtree Creek for roughly a mile and a half from Crabtree Crossing Parkway. There are Crabtree Creek Greenways in Raleigh and Cary too, and they tie into one another, said Randy Little, Morrisville’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Director. Info: townofmorrisville.org
Battle Branch Trail (Chapel Hill) — This natural-surface trail is a mile and a half long, and it runs through a forested area. Bicycle use on the University-owned section of the trail is allowed only on the trails that follow the cleared OWASA easement. Info: townofchapelhill.org
Quick links to more trails and greenways:
Raleigh: The “Find A Trail” feature on the city’s website has more information about trails, parking, safety, rules and the Greenway Volunteer Program: raleighnc.gov/find-a-trail
Cary: Get more info on Cary greenways in the “Greenways” section of the town’s website: townofcary.org
Durham: The city maintains more than 30 miles of multi-use trails and greenways: dprplaymore.org
Apex: Check out all of Apex’s greenways on their website: apexnc.org/464/Greenways
Morrisville: More info about Morrisville greenways at: townofmorrisville.org
Chapel Hill: See a list of the paved and natural surface greenways at: townofchapelhill.org
Triangle lakes and rivers
Plan a day trip and stop for lunch near the sites.
▪ Eno River State Park — Meander down the Eno River by canoe or kayak. After a rainy day, the water level gets raised to create three classes of rapids. This park also offers camping opportunities, including those for backpackers and group campers. Info: ncparks.gov/eno-river-state-park
▪ Jordan Lake — Jordan Lake features seven swim beaches, boating ramps and campsites. Jordan Lake’s campgrounds even offer trailer and RV camping spaces. Info: ncparks.gov
▪ Lake Johnston — Visit for a fishing day (made easier through the Rod and Reel Loaner program) complete with hammock hangs and wildlife spotting. The QR Fit Trail has six posts to guide hikers meandering the park with exercises. Info: raleighnc.gov/places/lake-johnson-park
▪ Falls Lake — Try to catch bass, bluegills, catfish and crappies at Wake County’s Falls Lake. Campers, including trailer and RV campers, can take advantage of swimming beaches. Info: ncparks.gov
▪ Lake Wheeler Park — At Raleigh’s Lake Wheeler Park, you can rent a boat, pay to launch your personal boat or ask about their fishing rod and reel loaner program. Browse and register for programs and classes at Lake Wheeler Park, and learn more about outdoor recreation. Info: raleighnc.gov
▪ Apex Community Park — This 160-acre Apex park offers a fishing dock, an Elevate Fitness Course and a lake that allows canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, sailboards, jon boats and rowing sculls. Vessel permits are required. Info: apexnc.org
Museums in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill
Here are some of our favorite museums in the Triangle.
▪ N.C. Museum of Art — Check out the NCMALearn section of the museum’s website for online learning resources on a variety of subjects, as well as summer concert and movie series outdoors. This museum in Raleigh is free (except for some special exhibits) and offers hands-on activities for all ages. Location: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh Info: ncartmuseum.org
▪ N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences — Did someone say dinosaurs? Check out special events geared toward families, or explore the four-story museum to learn more about bugs, weather and much more. Location: 11 W Jones St, Raleigh Info: naturalsciences.org
▪ N.C. Museum of History — Located in downtown Raleigh right across from the Museum of Natural Sciences, this museum has great exhibits and regularly scheduled family events. Sports enthusiasts can come for NC Sports Hall of Fame, but there’s stuff for everyone. Location: 5 E Edenton St, Raleigh Info: ncmuseumofhistory.org
▪ Marbles Kids Museum — Visit the children’s museum in downtown Raleigh for hands-on family fun, or see a movie in the IMAX theatre. Check out Marbles To Go, the museum’s online resource for learning and play at home. Location: 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh Info: marbleskidsmuseum.org
▪ Kidzu Children’s Museum — Visit the children’s museum in downtown Chapel Hill for more hands-on family fun, or visit the museum’s YouTube channel for online fun and learning. Location: 201 S Estes Dr, Chapel Hill Info: kidzuchildrensmuseum.org
▪ Morehead Planetarium and Science Center — Check out the planetarium and science center’s calendar of events to plan a weekend visit. There are events for teens, planetarium shows and more. Location: 250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill Info: moreheadplanetarium.org
▪ Museum of Life and Science — This popular museum in Durham has exhibits inside and outside. Visit for the butterfly house, dinosaur trail or the farmyard. Location: 433 W Murray Ave, Durham Info: lifeandscience.org
▪ Nasher Museum of Art — This Duke University art museum has online resources for families, as well as in-person and virtual tours. Location: 2001 Campus Dr, Durham Info: nasher.duke.edu
▪ Carolina Basketball Museum — This museum celebrates the history of UNC-Chapel Hill’s men’s basketball program. It’s located inside the Dean E. Smith Center complex. Location: 450 Skipper Bowles Dr, Chapel Hill Info: goheels.com
▪ Duke Basketball Museum — “The history of the five-time national championship Duke Basketball program, directed by Hall of Fame head coach Mike Krzyzewski, is being brought to life on a daily basis at the Duke Basketball Museum, located adjacent to Cameron in the Schwartz/Butters Athletic Center,” the museum’s website says. Location: 306 Towerview Rd Schwartz-Butters Athletic Center, Durham Info: goduke.com
Historic sites in Triangle
▪ Joel Lane Museum House — You can visit the home of Colonel Joel Lane, considered a founding father of both Wake County and Raleigh, still standing near downtown Raleigh. The mission of this Museum House is “to bring American history to life by providing a rich understanding of regional North Carolina history and the struggles, sacrifices, and achievements of those who lived in Piedmont North Carolina in the 18th century, with particular emphasis on the life and times of Colonel Joel Lane, his family, and enslaved workers,” per the website. Location: 160 S St Mary’s St, Raleigh Info: joellane.org
▪ State Capitol — Visit for a self-guided tour almost every day of the week. Location: 1 E Edenton St, Raleigh Info: historicsites.nc.gov
▪ Duke Homestead — This historic site and tobacco museum holds events like basketmaking and even vintage baseball games. Location: 2828 Duke Homestead Rd, Durham Info: dukehomestead.org
▪ Historic Stagville — Historic Stagville includes the remnants of the one of the largest plantations in North Carolina. The Bennehan-Cameron family claimed ownership over about 900 people who were enslaved on this property. Location: 5828 Old Oxford Highway, Durham Info: historicsites.nc.gov
▪ Bentonville Battlefield — Plan a driving tour of historic Civil War battle site. Location: 5466 Harper House Rd, Four Oaks Info: historicsites.nc.gov
Zoos, conservation centers
▪ North Carolina Zoo — This one’s a bit of a road trip, but worth it. Located in Asheboro on 2,600 wooded acres, this state-run zoo is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, with more than 1,800 animals. It’s about two hours away from Raleigh. Location: 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro Info: nczoo.org
▪ Carolina Tiger Rescue — See tigers, lions, cougars and kinkajous rescued from unsafe situations from aross the country. Check out the Kid’s Website for puzzles, stories and more. Location: 1940 Hanks Chapel Rd, Pittsboro Info: carolinatigerrescue.org
▪ Duke Lemur Center — The Duke Lemur Center is over 55 years old and houses the most diverse population of lemurs outside of Madagascar, their native land. Check out the events calendar, onsite tours at the Duke University hotspot and virtual programs. Info: lemur.duke.edu
▪ Animal Ed.ventures Sanctuary— This exotic wildlife sanctuary is located in Coats, about 40 minutes outside of Raleigh. Location: 1489 Live Oak Rd, Coats Info: animal-edventures.org
▪ Animal Park at the Conservators’ Center — Visit for self-guided safaris or public tours to see the lions, tigers and more. Or if you want to stay home, the online puzzles can teach you about the animals at the center. Location: 676 E. Hughes Mill Road, Burlington Info: animalparknc.org
Public pools, mini golf, go karts and more
▪ Your local library — Read The N&O’s comprehensive guide to getting library cards and all the free stuff public libraries have to offer: bit.ly/3IAe2lA
Public pools
Raleigh has four year-round pools and four summer pools. Both Raleigh residents and non-residents must pay a fee to visit a pool or aquatics center. Info: raleighnc.gov/aquatics
Durham has indoor pools, outdoor pools and an aquatic center. You can also take a course to become a certified lifeguard. Info: dprplaymore.org/261/Pool-Rules-FAQs
Chapel Hill Parks and Recreations operates both indoor pools and outdoor pools. Info: townofchapelhill.org
▪ RDU Observation Park — RDU’s Observation Park provides views of RDU’s 10,000-foot runway and is located near the Air Traffic Control Tower. You can watch planes take off and land, and listen to pilot-tower communications through speakers on the observation platform. Location: W International Dr, Morrisville Info: rdu.com/observation-park
▪ Galaxy Fun Park — Attractions include a trampoline park, mini golf, indoor go karts, laser tag, an indoor ropes course and more. Location: 14460 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh Info: galaxyfunpark.com
Adventure Landing — There are three locations in North Carolina: Raleigh, Winston Salem and Gastonia. The Raleigh location’s attractions include miniature golf, laser tag, batting cages, go karts and more. Location: 3311 Capital Blvd, Raleigh Info: raleigh.adventurelanding.com
This story was originally published February 17, 2022 at 7:45 AM.
