Photography by John Michael Simpson

Wake County

Marbles Kids Museum

Designed for children ages 1 through 10, Marbles Kids Museum transforms learning into play through interactive exhibits focused on imagination, science, engineering, art and everyday life. Kids can run a pretend town, create masterpieces, climb, build and explore while parents join in the fun. The museum is also home to Raleigh’s only giant-screen IMAX theater, offering educational films and blockbuster movies alike. Recent expansion projects have added even more opportunities for hands-on discovery.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

The region’s largest natural history museum continues to delight curious minds of all ages. Explore hands-on exhibits about North Carolina’s ecosystems, watch scientists at work in the Nature Research Center and come face-to-face with dinosaurs, whales and other fascinating creatures. The museum’s immersive Dueling Dinosaurs exhibit allows visitors to examine real fossils and investigate one of paleontology’s most remarkable discoveries. Regular educational programs, special events and 3D films make every visit unique.

Gipson Play Plaza

Gipson Play Plaza at Dorothea Dix Park is one of Raleigh’s newest family destinations, and invites kids to climb, splash and explore across more than 18 acres of imaginative outdoor play. Nature-inspired climbing structures, giant slides, swings, water features and accessible play equipment encourage children of all ages to stay active while taking in sweeping views of the Raleigh skyline. Thoughtfully designed gathering spaces and shaded seating make it just as enjoyable for parents as it is for little adventurers.

Bumble Brews Play Cafe

Part neighborhood coffee shop, part indoor playground, Bumble Brews offers the perfect blend of caffeine for grown-ups and imaginative fun for little ones. Designed primarily for children ages 6 and younger, the colorful play space features climbing structures, pretend play areas and plenty of room to explore while parents relax with specialty coffee, pastries or lunch. It’s an ideal rainy-day destination or weekday playdate spot.

Launch Family Entertainment

Whether you’re bouncing across wall-to-wall trampolines, tackling a ninja course, soaring through the air on a zip line or challenging friends to laser tag, Launch Family Entertainment packs hours of indoor excitement into one destination. Younger visitors can enjoy dedicated toddler play areas, while older kids and adults can refuel with pizza, snacks and drinks before jumping back into the action. Birthday parties, arcade games and special events make it a favorite for families year-round.

Durham County

Museum of Life and Science

One of the Triangle’s most beloved family attractions, the Museum of Life and Science combines science, nature and outdoor adventure across more than 80 acres. Visitors can meet black bears and red wolves, ride the Ellerbe Creek Railway, climb through treehouses at Hideaway Woods and experiment with hands-on exhibits focused on weather, aerospace, engineering and more. With indoor and outdoor experiences, it’s a destination families can enjoy in every season.

The Makery at Boxyard RTP

Operated by the North Carolina Children’s Museum, The Makery encourages creativity through handson crafting and experimentation. Visitors can work with crafting materials, sewing machines, digital fabrication tools and 3D printers while developing new skills and bringing ideas to life. The space welcomes makers of all ages and regularly hosts workshops and special programs.

Wake & Durham Counties

Notasium

Music, movement and play come together at Notasium, an interactive children’s music museum and learning center. Young visitors can experiment with instruments, climb, slide and explore the colorful space during open play sessions, while older children can take lessons in piano, guitar, drums, voice and more. Camps, classes and birthday parties make Notasium a year-round destination for creative families.

Hyper Kidz

Hyper Kidz is a go-to destination for families looking to swap screen time for active, imaginative play. The Durham location features a bright, winter-wonderland-themed indoor playground filled with soft foam equipment, gentle moving parts and plenty of space for kids to climb, crawl, slide and explore. Designed to spark creativity while prioritizing safety, the 13,000-square-foot, climate-controlled space encourages children to move, think, interact and let their imaginations run wild– no tablets, arcades or video games in sight.

Orange County

Morehead Planetarium & Science Center

Located in the heart of the UNC’s campus, Morehead Planetarium & Science Center has inspired generations of scientists, astronauts and curious learners. Visitors can experience immersive planetarium shows, interactive STEM exhibits and live science demonstrations while exploring topics ranging from astronomy and biology to public health and engineering. The center also hosts popular skywatching events throughout the Triangle.

The Nest

North Carolina Children’s Museum’s The Nest space is designed to spark creativity, curiosity and hands-on learning with interactive exhibits where the smallest learners can build, create, experiment and imagine through play. The environments, designed for newborns through kids age 5, encourage exploration in science, art and engineering while giving children the freedom to learn at their own pace. Throughout the year, families can also enjoy special programs, workshops, camps for ages 4-8 and parents’ night outs, making it a fun destination for both first-time visitors and regular explorers.

Chatham County

Unify Athletics

Rain or shine, kids can burn off energy at Unify Athletics, where open gym sessions transform a competitive cheer and tumbling facility into an exciting indoor play space. Children can jump on trampolines, tackle obstacle courses, swing, climb and practice gymnastics skills in a safe, supervised environment.

Looking for more family-friendly fun this season? Check out our roundup of the Triangle’s top events this fall!