11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-1029

The Southeast's largest natural history museum features dinosaurs, whale skeletons, live animals, walk-through dioramas, special exhibits, hands-on science education and accessible scientists. IMLS National Medal Finalist, 2014.

2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607-6433

One of the leading art museums in the American South, the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) recently completed a major, three-year expansion that places it in the front ranks of museums nationwide. The NCMA offers a permanent collection spanning more than 5,000 years, a variety of celebrated exhibitions and public programs, an amphitheater for outdoor performances, and the nation’s largest museum park—164 acres of trails and parkland containing major works of art.

520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606-2149

Richard Stanhope Pullen founded Pullen Park on March 22, 1887. Once farmland, Mr. Pullen donated the land as a gift to the City of Raleigh to be used as parkland. He characterized it as on old cow pasture, red and rocky. He intended this land to be used for the recreation use and pleasure of the inhabitants and the visitors to the City of Raleigh. Through his visions, Pullen Park became the first public park in North Carolina.

201 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601-1437

Marbles Kids Museum is a hands-on, interactive destination that inspires children to be creative thinkers, active learners and confident individuals in today's world. With dozens of exhibits and two outdoor escapes, there is no shortage of activity for kids birth to 10 and their families. The campus also features a 272-seat IMAX Theater. This giant-screen experience runs educational 3D documentaries and first-run Hollywood films.

5 East Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-1011

Explore more than 14,000 years of North Carolina history, from the state's earliest inhabitants through the 20th century. The major exhibition The Story of North Carolina features fascinating artifacts, multimedia presentations, and an interactive format for all ages. Other exhibits highlight the state's military history, sports heroes, decorative arts and more. Monthly programs include children's programs, craft demonstrations and family events. The Museum Shop, featuring North Carolina crafts, and the on-site restaurant Pharaoh's at the Museum are open daily. Admission is free, although some special exhibits require a fee. Free parking is available on weekends in the Jones/Edenton Street lot. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607-3624

8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617-7501

Sandwiched between downtown Raleigh and the airport, this oasis of green features a stand of 300+ year-old hardwood trees, more than 32 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, camp sites and lots more for nature lovers.

11190 Fun Park Drive, Raleigh, NC 27617-7805

Frankie's serves up Great Rides, Great Food, and Great Times. Go-Karts, Miniature Golf, Bumper Boats, Amusement Rides, Laser Tag, Batting Cages, and an awesome Arcade are part of our mega mix of fun. We've got it all. Sized up for little kids, big kids, and those who still think they're kids. Frankie's also features Frankie's Restaurant with a full service bar! Great food to go with great times! Frankie's... the Triangle Area's premier place for FUN. Call ahead for Group Rates and Reservations!Open late every night during the summer!!

4415 Beryl Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606-1457

Part of the North Carolina State University, this eight-acre garden contains a wide variety of cold hardy temperate zone plants.

1 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601-1011

The State Capitol building, built in 1840, is an excellent example of a civic structure in Greek Revival-style architecture. Though recently renovated, the building does contain some original furniture.

1201 Agriculture St, Raleigh, NC 27603-2366

Seven days a week, serious food connoisseurs and regular folks, carefully pick through mounds of gorgeously presented fresh local produce at this popular open market, which is owned by the State of North Carolina.

4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603-3912

Yates Mill is the last operating, water-powered gristmill in NC's capital county. The 18th century mill was restored, and the 174-acre park developed, through a partnership among the County of Wake, Yates Mill Associates, and NC State University. The park is open 361 days per year, from 8 am to sunset. The visitor center with its 2,200 square feet of exhibit space is open 8:30 am to 5 pm. The historic mill is open for guided tours Mar-Nov each year for public tours on weekends (fee: $3-5) and also by appointment on weekdays for organized groups.

Raleigh, NC

4325 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612-4532

4601 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606-3412