Fun Things To Do in Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, NC, seamlessly blends historic charm with modern flair. Whether you’re a resident or visiting for the first time, there are plenty of things to do in Raleigh, NC. From parks to cultural hot spots, this city offers something for everyone. Let’s check out some of the best fun places in Raleigh and the top fun activities in Raleigh, NC!
Raleigh’s Parks
William B. Umstead State Park
Want to go somewhere where you can hike, bike, and even horseback ride all in one place? Head over to William B. Umstead State Park. There are miles of trails to do all of that, plus lakes where you can fish, canoe, or have a relaxing lunch with friends by the water at one of the picnic shelters. It’s an excellent place for a daily stroll or just to enjoy some peace and quiet when you need it.
Pullen Park
Pullen Park is one of Raleigh’s most exciting spots when you want to spend some time with the family—especially if you want to spend a fun-filled day outdoors. If your family includes kids, they’ll love riding the historic carousel, a generation favorite. But if moving mechanical horses isn’t your thing, you also have the option to rent a pedal boat to ride on the water or hop on the train that circles the park.
Dorothea Dix Park
You can easily enjoy a relaxing day at Dorothea Dix Park. It’s known for its wide-open spaces where you can play with pets, enjoy a picnic, or even fly a kite. The park also has a huge sunflower field in the summer that’s great for those Instagram-worthy photos and for exploring overall.
Raleigh’s Cultural Scene
There are plenty of fun attractions in Raleigh for everyone to enjoy. The North Carolina Museum of Art houses art dating back centuries and an outdoor sculpture park. Another must-visit is the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, which is a family-friendly spot to see fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, ecosystems, and live animals. History lovers should head to the North Carolina Museum of History to learn about the state’s past through exhibits and artifacts.
Take Part in Raleigh’s Culinary Delights
The city is full of tasty options for everyone with an appetite! Morgan Street Food Hall and Transfer Co. Food Hall are perfect for when you’re hungry for tacos, sushi, or desserts all in one place.
When you need to plan a special meal, whether it’s date night or a celebratory meal for a family member’s retirement, make a reservation at Angus Barn, where you can enjoy steaks and Southern hospitality. If you like sipping on some craft beer, Raleigh has plenty of breweries to check out and try, like Raleigh Brewing Company and Lonerider Brewing Company.
Raleigh’s Arts and Music
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts is a great place to go when you want to enjoy musicals, concerts, and plays. The center has four theaters, each with its own character, from big shows like Ramon Ayala’s farewell tour to smaller, more personal performances like PineCone’s lineup of down-home concerts.
The Pour House Music Half & Record Shop
For music lovers, The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop is the place to be. It’s the perfect spot to listen to live bands, shop for vinyl records, and enjoy a fun night out with friends. The venue even hosts various music events covering a wide variety of genres, from The Smiths and Morrissey tributes to One Direction dance nights.
CAM Raleigh
CAM Raleigh is a fun place all about modern art from around the world. The exhibits change every six to seven months, so there’s always something new to see. The museum also has hands-on activities that are perfect for adults and their kids to spend some creative time together.
Raleigh’s Shops
Shops at Village District
You can shop until you drop all you want at the Shops at Village District. It has something for everyone, with stores that sell clothes and gifts for every occasion. There are also many places to grab a sweet treat after a long day of shopping, like Tiff’s Treats.
Raleigh Flea Market
There’s nothing better than finding a good bargain or unique antique piece for your collection. Raleigh Flea Market is located at the State Fairgrounds, is open on weekends, and offers treasures for everyone. You’ll find various vintage goods, artisanal crafts, jewelry, and gifts. It’s an overall great spot to pick up one-of-a-kind pieces or practice your flea market bargaining skills.
Family-Friendly Fun in Raleigh
Marbles Kids Museum
Marbles Kids Museum is the place to go for families. This hands-on museum has fun activities to inspire kids to play, learn, and just have some fun. Every corner has exciting adventures, from learning about life in “Around Town” to hiking through woods and finding woodland critters in “Toddlers Hollow.”
JC Raulston Arboretum
An outdoor botanical garden in Raleigh, the JC Raulston Arboretum is an amazing place to see unique collections of flowers and plants like boxwood, conifer, and dwarf loblolly pines. It’s a peaceful place to take a walk and learn about nature. With colorful gardens and shady trees, there’s always something interesting to see.
Cheer for Local Sports Teams
Raleigh is home to many sports fans. You can cheer for the Carolina Hurricanes at the Lenovo Center, where the fast-paced hockey games are sure to excite a crowd. If you love college sports, watch the NC State Wolfpack play basketball or football and enjoy the school spirit.
Soccer fans will have a great time at WakeMed Soccer Park, which hosts matches featuring the North Carolina FC and the North Carolina Courage. No matter what sport you like, Raleigh’s sports scene has something fun and exciting for everyone.
Maximize Your Space With Copper Storage Management
Need more space for your gear or belongings? Copper Storage Management makes it easy to store your items close to home. With flexible options and top-notch North Carolina facilities, we’re here to help you enjoy Raleigh to the fullest. Make the most of your time in North Carolina by contacting us online to rent a residential storage unit today.