Fun for the Family in Raleigh
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Hey, parents! Wanna have fun with the little one and get out and about, too? Searching for activities can be hard, so we did it for you! Get ready to take on Oak City with your tots and tweens!
Create Culinary Concoctions With Your Kids
Don a white chef hat and a spiffy apron for this parent and child cooking class! Classy Kids Cook is on a mission to teach kids of all ages the how-to's that will leave them feeling like more confident chefs and more confident people. Prepare to whip up goodies like baked banana French toast, mini sausage and cheddar quiche and strawberry smoothies. We know what you're thinking, and yes-you get to eat your yummy creations! The Classy Kids Cook Kitchen is a nut free environment. Register one adult and one child for $65, and pay $20 for each additional kiddo. (Cary) (Photo via @atrio_seoul)
Artspace, your go-to spot for artwork with local roots, is throwing a Family Fun Day festival-think face-painting, carnival treats, and art-related activities. Satisfy your creative side by wandering the youth exhibition and then satisfy your sweet tooth with some ice cream from Treat. (Raleigh) (Photo via @artspacenc)
Whether you're a young train enthusiast or have been traveling on steam engines for quite some time, there's a place for you at New Hope Valley Railroad's Brew 'n' Choo. For the 21 and over crowd, there will be craft beer from Fortnight Brewing Company and wine from the folks at Iron Gate Vineyards. Local faves Three Jack Jenny and Last Band Standing will keep the tunes pumping all evening. Trains leave every hour on the hour from 4 PM to 7 PM. Get yo' tickets online to make sure you and the whole fam have seats! A spot on the train is $20 for adults and $16 for kiddies. Children's tickets include two large zpizza slices (yum!) and a non-alcoholic drink. When you're not chugging down the track, enjoy eats from the County Line Sweets food truck or check out the museum's miniature train collection. (New Hill) (Photo via @smitty_jac)
Find Some Peace at Pullen Park
Pullen Park is conveniently located right on the outskirts of downtown Raleigh and the perfect place to while away an afternoon. With plenty of natural beauty to take in and several man-made additions that are perfect for entertaining kiddos (or your inner kid) there's no shortage of fun to be had. Rent a paddle boat, cruise around and around on the carousel or take a train ride on the C.P. Huntington miniature train, a one-third size, near-replica of the famous locomotive of the same name. There are also tennis courts, softball fields, a community center, an art center and aquatic center! (Raleigh) (Photo via @mdcjr123)
Be an Avid Planespotter at the RDU Airport Observation Park
Grab your leather flying cap and your trusty pair of aviators and come enjoy one of the triangle's best kept secrets. The RDU Observation Park is a great place to catch an exquisite sunset and experience modern aviation at its finest. The raised deck will get you high enough for a bird's eye view of the action on the runway. Depending on the wind direction, this could mean both landing and taking off planes. The deck's built-in speaker system broadcasts radio transmissions from the control tower and the cockpit so you can really feel the wind underneath your wings. Metal plaques below the railing will give you detailed descriptions of over 20 aircrafts and the playground (conveniently shaped like a runway) is perfect for the junior pilots The park is a little tricky to get to. Stay on the main airport road past Terminal 1 until you see W. International Rd on your right. If you make it to Terminal 2 then you have gone too far. Take the right on to W. International Rd and continue until you pass Park and Ride 2. Observation Park will be on your right. Don't delay, put on your wings and head out to the Observation Park for some high flying fun! (Morrisville) (Photo via @Alicia M Smith)
Summer Movies in the Nation's Largest Museum Park
Each year when summer draws near, thousands flock to the NCMA lawn to grab a seat, soak in the setting sun, and enjoy one of the best outdoor movie series in the state. From June until September, you'll find a variety of well curated flicks featuring recent Oscar winners, family favorites, and timeless classics. Though the crowds get large, the lawn itself provides and intimate vibe, and with a sizable projections screen for viewing, it's easy to get a seat towards the back. Occasionally, NCMA will bring in a band to complement the genre of the movie. Coolers and picnics are welcome, though alcoholic beverages must be purchased from the vendors themselves. We suggest coming early to avoid the crowds, and get a good seat. Once you've claimed your turf, take a brief stroll through the outdoor park. Movies are $5 and begin just after dark, at 9 pm through mid-August, 8:30 thereafter. Gates open 90 minutes before showtime and tickets can be purchased at the gate or online. (Raleigh) (Photo via @andreavillanes)
Jones Street, The Plaza, Edenton Street and four museum floors will be hopping with buggy fun. Displays have been put together by insect experts and six-legged specialists. We suggest cheerleading for a bit at the arthropod olympics. Plates will be piled high with bug-filled dishes at Caf Insecta. What looks like an ordinary plate is actually culinary critters prepared by fantastic local eateries! Eek! Stick around after the cicadas have started chirping (about 5 PM) to attend BugFest's Evening Insectival. There will be a fun line-up of nocturnal activities out on Bicentennial Plaza featuring live bands, street performers and good eats. Oh, and buzz on over cause admission is free :) (Raleigh)
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