Best things to do with kids in Cary

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is a historically rich institution committed to empowering students through academic excellence, research, and community service. With state-of-the-art facilities, including two research institutes and strong ties with the Research Triangle Park, NCCU prepares students for success in diverse fields, from business to education. The university offers a supportive and inclusive environment, fostering social and academic growth. With a range of student development programs and 15 Division I sports teams, NCCU continues to make a positive impact on both its students and the surrounding community in Durham, NC.

• 14.4 mi away

• 1801 Fayetteville St, Durham, NC 27707

• attractions

  camps
• View details

The Piedmont Wildlife Center in Durham features outdoor raptor exhibits and offers educational programs focused on wildlife conservation in its natural park setting.

• 14.5 mi away

• 364 Leigh Farm Rd., Durham, NC, 27707

• attractions

  parties

  camps

  education
• View details

Located just a block off Main Street at 131 South Fuquay Avenue, the museums are accessible, including handicap-friendly facilities. Start your visit at the Centennial Museum for a guided tour. While the post office and school buildings are usually unstaffed, a docent will assist you in exploring these areas and answering any questions you may have.

• 14.5 mi away

• 131 S Fuquay Ave, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526

• attractions
• View details

Ashworth Park, once the home of Rufus and Cornelia Ashworth, features historical treasures such as the J.D. 'Squire' Ballentine School and the first Fuquay Springs Post Office. Explore its unique buildings, including a tobacco barn, a playhouse, and a caboose, nestled within this charming park.

• 14.5 mi away

• 131 S Fuquay Avenue, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526

• attractions
• View details

Adjacent to the Fuquay-Varina History Museum Complex, this one-acre park invites visitors to explore local history, including a two-room schoolhouse and the Centennial Museum, before enjoying a relaxing picnic.

• 14.5 mi away

• 116 Aiken St, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

• attractions
• View details

This multi-use park spans 11 acres and offers a variety of amenities, including two pickleball courts, two tennis courts, playgrounds, soccer fields, walking tracks, picnic shelters, restrooms, and more.

• 14.5 mi away

• 101 Fitness Drive, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526

• attractions
• View details

The Arts Center, a blend of renovated and new construction, is a creative hub in downtown. The facility, originally a Belk’s department store, now features an art gallery, administrative offices, dance and painting studios, as well as classrooms for various visual and performing arts programs. This dynamic space serves as a center for artistic exploration and development.

• 14.5 mi away

• 123 E. Vance Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526

• attractions

  classes
• View details

Go Ape is an adventure-filled outdoor experience that lets you conquer thrilling obstacles, soar through trees, and zip across high-flying cables. With courses designed to offer fun for all ages, Go Ape is perfect for friends, families, or companies looking for a shared challenge. It’s about adventure, exhilaration, and pushing boundaries. Additionally, Go Ape offers Axe Throwing and Forest Escapes for even more outdoor excitement.

• 14.5 mi away

• 3200 Pleasant Union Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27614

• attractions

  parties
• View details

Blue Jay Point County Park, located on the scenic shores of Falls Lake, offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. The park features playgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, environmental education programs, and a natural play area. Families can enjoy picnicking, geocaching, or exploring the park’s gardens, while young adventurers can experience the Go Ape Treetop Junior courses for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

• 14.6 mi away

• 3200 Pleasant Union Church Road, Raleigh, NC, 27614

• attractions

  camps
• View details

Fuquay Mineral Spring, discovered in 1858 by Davey Crocket Fuquay and Stephen Fuquay, was once believed to have healing powers, attracting visitors from far and wide. Today, the spring is commemorated in Fuquay Mineral Spring Park, featuring a restored spring house, memorial brick path, picnic tables, and scenic walking areas. Located near downtown Fuquay, the park offers a peaceful setting to relax and explore, with a walking track for exercise.

• 14.7 mi away

• 105 West Spring Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526

• attractions
• View details

Hillside Park Sprayground offers a refreshing splash experience during pool hours. Nestled within the pool area, the sprayground is perfect for children and families to cool off on a hot day. Admission fees apply and vary by residency.

• 14.8 mi away

• 1221 Sawyer St., Durham, NC, 27707

• attractions
• View details

Fleming Loop Park, re-opened in 2020 after a major renovation, now boasts seven new multipurpose fields, a concession stand, upgraded restroom facilities, playground equipment, and a walking track. The park also includes picnic shelters and ample parking, making it an ideal destination for sports and outdoor activities.

• 14.8 mi away

• 503 Fleming Loop Road, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

• attractions
• View details

River Bend Park offers parking, restrooms, a playground, a kayak loading area, and access to the Neuse River Greenway, making it a great spot for outdoor adventure.

• 14.9 mi away

• 5610 Wallace Martin Way, Raleigh, NC, 27616

• attractions
• View details

Forest Hills Park is a 45.86-acre park in East Central Durham, offering a variety of recreational amenities for all ages. The park features tennis courts, including one with pickleball lines, a playground for children, and a sprayground for cooling off in the summer. There are also picnic shelters, picnic tables, and swings for families to enjoy. The park is home to a seasonal outdoor pool and has access to greenways and trails. Additionally, Forest Hills Park is rich in history, originally developed in the 1920s as a prestigious neighborhood with a golf course and clubhouse, later evolving into a community park.

• 15 mi away

• 1639 University Drive, Durham, NC, 27707

• attractions
• View details

Located in Fuquay-Varina, this modern community center emphasizes fitness and group activities. The facility houses a well-equipped exercise room, spacious gymnasium, and flexible meeting spaces, designed to support both individual wellness goals and community gatherings. Regular programming and classes make this center a vital hub for local recreation and social activities.

• 15.2 mi away

• 820 S Main Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526

• attractions
• View details

Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve, located along the Neuse River, offers 146 acres of untouched natural beauty, including pastures, woodlands, and a rich cultural heritage. The preserve features two natural surface trails: the 0.9-mile Meadow Loop Trail and the 0.6-mile River Walk Trail. A paved connector trail links the preserve to the Neuse River section of the greenway. This serene park is perfect for nature walks, birdwatching, and outdoor exploration.

• 15.2 mi away

• 2900 Horseshoe Farm Road, Wake Forest, NC, 27587

• attractions

  camps
• View details

Neuse River Outfitters is a family-owned business specializing in kayaking and fishing experiences along the Neuse River. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, the company offers guided trips and equipment rentals to ensure a memorable outdoor adventure. Relax and enjoy the river's beauty with their 1.5-hour float trips or try a guided fishing excursion.

• 15.2 mi away

• 9601 Capital Blvd., Wake Forest, NC, 27587

• attractions
• View details

South Park is a 25-acre park with diverse recreation options, including two illuminated softball fields, a baseball field, a batting cage, two playgrounds, a walking track, a multipurpose field, a picnic shelter, and access to trails. The Splash Pad operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day, featuring over 35 water features and various jets of streaming water. There are both resident and non-resident admission fees, with free entry for children under 2 and one adult per child admitted without charge.

• 15.3 mi away

• 900 South Main Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526

• attractions
• View details

Cool off at East End Park's refreshing sprayground, a seasonal water play area operating from Memorial Day through early fall. Located conveniently behind the facilities near the playground, this free attraction provides the perfect summer activity for families seeking outdoor recreation in Durham.

• 15.5 mi away

• 1200 N Alston Avenue, Durham, NC, 27701

• attractions
• View details

Blending natural beauty with thoughtful design, River Ridge Golf Club delivers a unique golfing experience. Its terrain features wetlands, lakes, and gentle hills, offering both challenge and tranquility. Perfectly maintained and harmonized with nature, this course invites players to elevate their game while enjoying the stunning surroundings.

• 15.5 mi away

• 3224 Auburn Knightdale Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27610

• attractions
• View details

The Forest History Society, located in Durham, NC, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of forests, forestry, and forest management. Through its extensive research collections, the society offers valuable resources for understanding the role of forests in global environmental and cultural history. The society supports education, provides archival collections, and hosts events focused on forest conservation, management, and history. It also offers digital exhibits and publications to engage the public and scholars alike in the study of forests' impact on our world.

• 15.5 mi away

• 2925 Academy Rd, Durham, NC 27705

• attractions
• View details

Discover the charm of Winterpast Farm, a delightful 10-acre sanctuary near Falls Lake where diverse farm animals coexist in harmony. Once home to tobacco, Christmas trees, and horses, our transformed space now welcomes visitors to interact with an enchanting array of animals including goats, sheep, emu, mini donkeys, ducklings, peacocks, geese, pigs, bunnies, guinea pigs, and chickens. Perfect for educational field trips, scout groups, and family outings, our spacious grounds accommodate everything from casual visits to organized group activities. Schedule your visit through our website to experience this unique animal paradise.

• 15.6 mi away

• 12936 Ghoston Rd, Wake Forest, NC, 27587

• attractions

  parties
• View details

Experience the American Tobacco Campus, Durham's premier destination for work and entertainment. This beautifully restored historic campus anchors downtown's renaissance, featuring creative office spaces, diverse dining options, and entertainment venues. From business meetings to baseball games, ATC offers something for everyone.

• 15.6 mi away

• American Tobacco Campus, 300 Blackwell St #104, Durham, NC 27701

• attractions
• View details

Two Sisters Adventure Co. is a woman-owned business offering inclusive outdoor adventures for all, including those historically underrepresented in outdoor recreation. They provide guided trips, adventure camps, and equipment deliveries throughout the Triangle area. Their mission is to create a welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy the outdoors.

• 15.6 mi away

• Durham, NC

• attractions

  camps
• View details

Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) offers a wide variety of recreational activities, programs, and services for the Durham community. From sports leagues and fitness classes to nature excursions and family-friendly events, DPR provides something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for after-school programs, summer camps, or outdoor adventures, DPR helps residents stay active, engaged, and connected. Their facilities include parks, community centers, and recreational spaces that support a healthy and vibrant community for all ages.

• 15.6 mi away

• 400 Cleveland Street, Durham, NC 27701

• attractions

  sports

  camps

  education
• View details

Citrine Salon, located in Chapel Hill, NC, is an award-winning salon known for its exceptional hair care and personalized services. Since its opening in 2009, the salon has become a staple in the community, offering a wide range of services, including hair coloring, highlighting, balayage, cuts, and luxury treatments for all skin types. The salon is committed to using sustainable, top-rated brands to ensure healthy results for clients while also prioritizing environmental care. Citrine Salon creates an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, fostering strong relationships and providing a collaborative space for clients and stylists alike.

• 15.7 mi away

• 3110 Environ Way, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

• attractions
• View details

21c Museum Hotel Durham is a unique blend of contemporary art museum and boutique hotel, located in the heart of downtown Durham, NC. The museum offers over 10,500 square feet of exhibition space, showcasing rotating contemporary art exhibits that engage visitors with thought-provoking works. The hotel, housed in the historic Hill Building, combines luxurious accommodations with art, offering a distinctive experience for both guests and art lovers. Guests can also enjoy the Counting House restaurant and cultural programming.

• 15.7 mi away

• 111 North Corcoran St, Durham, NC 27701

• attractions
• View details

Experience the heart of Durham's cultural scene at the Carolina Theatre, a historic landmark reimagined as the region's premier arts destination. This vibrant venue hosts an diverse array of live performances, film screenings, and educational programs, serving as a cultural hub for Durham and the greater Triangle area.

• 15.8 mi away

• 309 West Morgan St, Durham, NC, 27701

• attractions
• View details

The Museum of Durham History offers a deep dive into the city's vibrant history. The museum features a range of exhibits that explore Durham's cultural, social, and economic past, with a special focus on local stories, prominent figures, and historic events. It provides a "Museum Without Walls" experience, where exhibits are displayed in various community spaces. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday and on Sundays, offering free admission to visitors. It also hosts events and provides educational resources for students and teachers.

• 15.9 mi away

• 500 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701

• attractions
• View details

The Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice, located in Durham, NC, honors the life and legacy of Pauli Murray, a groundbreaking figure in civil rights, law, feminism, and LGBTQ+ rights. The center is housed in Murray's childhood home, a National Historic Landmark, and offers programs that promote justice, equity, and activism through history, arts, and community engagement. The center's educational efforts focus on Pauli Murray's significant contributions to desegregation, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ equality. Visitors can explore exhibits, participate in community dialogues, and attend workshops that connect Murray's work to contemporary social justice issues.

• 15.9 mi away

• 906 Carroll St, Durham, NC 27701

• attractions
• View details

The North Carolina Botanical Garden inspires conservation and appreciation of plants through its gardens and programs, promoting sustainable relationships between people and nature.

• 16 mi away

• 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill, NC, 27517

• attractions

  camps
• View details

The Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) in Durham, NC, is a renowned venue for live performances, offering a diverse range of events including Broadway shows, concerts, and special performances. DPAC is home to the Broadway at DPAC series, featuring top Broadway productions, and it hosts popular events year-round. Visitors can enjoy a variety of dining options and premium seating experiences, making it an ideal destination for entertainment in the region. With easy access to parking and accommodations, DPAC provides an unforgettable experience for all its guests.

• 16.1 mi away

• 123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC 27701

• attractions
• View details

Explore Knightdale’s Mingo Creek Trail at this park, which features two half-court basketball goals. This 8.2-acre site offers 3.5 miles of trails through scenic wetlands and hardwood forests, including paved sections and a wooded boardwalk.

• 16.2 mi away

• 100 Parkside Commons Drive, Knightdale, NC, 27545

• attractions
• View details

Jewish for Good is a vibrant community center dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals and families through social, educational, and cultural experiences. With a focus on inclusivity and diversity, Jewish for Good offers a range of programs, events, and services designed to engage people of all ages, backgrounds, and faiths. From fitness and wellness to arts and culture, the center provides resources that foster personal growth, connection, and community involvement. Whether you’re looking for family activities, youth programs, or adult education, Jewish for Good creates a welcoming space for everyone to learn, grow, and thrive.

• 16.3 mi away

• 1935 W Cornwallis Rd, Durham, NC 27705

• attractions

  parties

  camps

  education
• View details

The Ridgewood Swim Club in Chapel Hill, NC, is a private, non-profit recreational facility offering a variety of amenities for members. Established in 1965, the club features a swimming pool with a diving board and slide, shaded pool deck, picnic area with gas grills, a playground, and a sand volleyball court. There’s also an enclosed basketball court, making it a great spot for families and individuals to enjoy outdoor activities. The club operates as a member-owned facility and is run by an elected volunteer board.

• 16.3 mi away

• 512 Longleaf Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

• camps

  attractions
• View details

Immerse yourself in Tar Heel basketball history at the Carolina Basketball Museum. Located in the Ernie Williamson Athletic Center, this newly renovated facility showcases UNC's legendary program through interactive displays, precious artifacts, and an engaging seven-minute documentary. Experience the tradition of excellence Monday through Saturday, with adjusted hours on game days.

• 16.5 mi away

• 450 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514

• attractions
• View details