Are the relatives coming to town? Or are you expecting some out-of-town friends for a few days? If you're a regular reader of Go Ask Mom, you know that I feature places to take kids and families every week, including with these Take the Kids features every single Friday.
But the other day, I got this question from a friend: Do you have a general guide for people who haven't been to the area - a sort of must see with relatives list?
Hmm ... no ... but now we do! In no particular order, here's my list, which I've pulled together from my own experience of hosting guests here for 20 years and help from Go Ask Mom readers on Facebook (thank you, all!). I'm sure I'll be adding to this over time. Feel free to share your favorite spots in the comments!
What to do with out-of-town guests in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Triangle
Raleigh
Marbles Kids Museum
If you have younger kids - ages tweens and under - you can't go wrong at
Marbles Kids Museum. You'll find lots of opportunities for indoor play, plus great documentaries and some family flicks at its
IMAX theater.
Free State Museums
Except for some special exhibits, admission is free to the
N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences,
N.C. Museum of History and the
N.C. Museum of Art. The natural history and history museums, both in downtown Raleigh, are especially popular with families. But I also love taking kids to the art museum for free family tours on weekends and its fantastic outdoor museum park.
Pullen and Chavis Parks
Pullen Park is on everybody's must-see list with its carousel, kiddie boats, kiddie train and playground. But a very short drive to
Chavis Park, which is on its way to getting a massive renovation, will take you to another city park with a historic carousel. Ride tickets are $1.50.
Dix Park
Dix Park offers wide open spaces for walking, playing and picnicking with some great views of downtown Raleigh.
N.C. State University
Raleigh Flea Market
If your group is filled with lovers of bargains and finds, head over to the
Raleigh Flea Market at the NC State Fairgrounds.
Shelley Lake
Umstead State Park
This
massive state park, which stretches across Wake County, offers all kinds of open space and trails.
Sassafras All Children's Playground
It's the
biggest playground in Raleigh and designed for kids of all abilities. This north Raleigh spot is a fantastic place to let them run and play.
State Farmers' Market and Restaurant
Open daily, this
large farmers' market always has fresh local goodies. While you're there, fill up on some biscuits and more at the market restaurant.
City of Raleigh Museum
Joel Lane Museum House
Mordecai Historic Park
Historic Yates Mill County Park
Yates Mill includes trails, a nature center and a working mill.
Durham
Museum of Life and Science
With indoor and outdoor exhibits, including tree houses, a butterfly house and a dinosaur trail, you could easily spend an entire day at the
Museum of Life and Science, which draws people from across the region.
Downtown Durham
Duke University
The famous campus offers
Duke Chapel for contemplative moments,
Duke Gardens for exploration and, off campus, the incredible
Duke Lemur Center, which has the largest collection of lemurs outside of Madagascar. The
Nasher Museum of Art also offers a rotation of new exhibits. (A reader recommends breakfast or lunch at
Elmo's Diner after a trip to Duke's main campus.)
Eno River State Park
American Tobacco Campus
Duke Homestead Historic Site
The
state historic site includes the historic home, farm, and factory buildings of Washington Duke and his family as they lived on the property from 1852 until 1874.
Stagville State Historic Site
The
state historic site includes what's left of one of the largest plantations in North Carolina. It is dedicated to teaching about the lives and work of enslaved people on the plantation. Of interest for American Girl fans, the American Girl doll Addy Walker's story is based on the life of Mary Walker, who escaped from Stagville's owners in 1848.
Chapel Hill
Kidzu Children's Museum
Great for kids under 10,
Kidzu Children's Museum in University Place offers indoor and a little bit of outdoor fun with a variety of exhibits and programs.
Chapel Hill Community Center Park
UNC-Chapel Hill Campus
Carrboro
Weaver Street Market
Carrboro Farmers' Market
Cary
Downtown Cary
Bond Park
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
Apex
KidsTowne Playground
Downtown Apex
With lots of shops and restaurant, the
downtown Apex is perfect for strolling, shopping and a meal out.
Crowder Park
The
county park has several playgrounds and an easy paved trail that's perfect for all ages.
New Hope Valley Railway
It doesn't run year-round, but the
New Hope Valley Railway offers a fun day out for train lovers with open-air train rides through rural Wake County.
Knightdale Station Park
Joyner Park
With restored farm buildings, a pecan grove, three miles of paved walking trails and fishing, there's something at
Joyner Park for just about everyone.
Downtown Wake Forest