Best things to do with kids in the Triangle area

Coble Water Ski School and Wakeboard Camp in Lillington, NC, offers a premier waterskiing experience for athletes of all levels. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, the school provides personalized instruction for both beginners and advanced skiers, with expert coaching to help participants develop their skills on the water. With a focus on water skiing, wakeboarding, and other water sports, the school features private lessons, group training, and specialized camps. Whether you’re looking to improve your technique or simply enjoy a fun day on the water, Coble Ski School provides a supportive environment in a beautiful setting.

• 392.9 mi away

• 60 Coble Lakes Estate, Lillington, NC 27546

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Enjoy delicious BBQ specialties, sandwiches, and breakfast platters while overlooking the runway at the Johnston Regional Airport in Smithfield, NC, or in Lakeland, FL. Accessible by car or plane, this BBQ spot offers a scenic dining experience.

• 395.8 mi away

• 3149B Swift Creek Road, Smithfield, NC, 27577

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Tucker Lake is open in 2022 under the original Tucker Family Management. The Tucker Family built and opened Tucker Lake in 1990. Tucker Lake became the area's hot spot for summer fun and relaxation. Located just 30 minutes from Raleigh, Clayton, Fayetteville, Clinton, and Smithfield near the intersection of Interstates 40 and 95. Tucker Lake is a 30-acre lake fed by clear, spring water with white sand beaches. Whether you want to relax on the beach, float in the water, take a plunge from the 167 ft. waterslide, picnic/grilling, or play volleyball, Tucker Lake is the place to be for your summer entertainment. RV campground is now open adjacent to the lake with 109 full hookup sites. No tent camping is available.

• 400.7 mi away

• 3025 Allens Crossroads Rd., Benson, NC, 27504

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Experience the cosmos like never before at our planetarium, home to the world's highest pixel density dome. Enjoy live shows hosted by expert astronomers, where you can explore the stars and ask your biggest questions about the universe. Tickets are affordable, making it an accessible adventure for all ages.

• 406.1 mi away

• Lyons Science Building, 1200 Murchison Road, Fayetteville, NC, 28301

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It’s A Zoo Life in Macclesfield, NC, offers a hands-on experience with exotic animals like zebras, lemurs, and kangaroos. Perfect for families, this unique destination allows visitors to interact with animals in their habitats, creating unforgettable memories while learning about wildlife.

• 409.5 mi away

• 4313 NC Hwy 42 West, Macclesfield, NC, 27852

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Lion’s Water Adventure in eastern NC is a thrilling destination for water fun. Highlights include three exciting slides, the state’s longest lazy river, and a kiddie splash zone. Perfect for families, it’s the ultimate spot for a day of adventure.

• 438.2 mi away

• 2602 W Vernon Ave., Kinston, NC, 28504

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The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, NC, commemorates the historic achievement of Wilbur and Orville Wright, who made the first successful powered flight on December 17, 1903. This site preserves the location where their courageous experimentation in aviation began, changing the world forever. Visitors can explore the memorial, learn about the Wright brothers’ journey, and view exhibits on the history of flight. The park also offers educational programs and events, including a celebration of the First Flight each December.

• 483.5 mi away

• 1000 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

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The Battleship North Carolina, moored on the Cape Fear River in Wilmington, NC, stands as a powerful tribute to World War II naval history. Commissioned in 1941, this fast battleship earned 15 battle stars for her service in the Pacific and was the most decorated U.S. battleship of the war. After decommissioning in 1947, she was saved from scrapping by a statewide campaign and opened to the public in 1962 as a memorial to the 11,000 North Carolinians who died in WWII. ​ Visitors can explore nine levels of the ship on self-guided tours, including crew quarters, engine rooms, gun turrets, and the bridge. Interactive exhibits and restored spaces offer an immersive experience into life aboard a WWII battleship. ​ The Battleship North Carolina is open daily and is a must-see for history enthusiasts and families alike.

• 483.7 mi away

• 1 Battleship Rd, Wilmington, NC

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Explore the Children's Museum of Wilmington, where imagination meets education for children ages 0-10. This downtown destination features four levels of interactive exhibits, engaging daily programs, and specialized camps led by qualified educators. Our nonprofit organization provides a safe, creative environment for hands-on learning and discovery.

• 484.1 mi away

• 116 Orange St., Wilmington, NC, 28401

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The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is located in Manteo, NC, nine miles from the Atlantic coastline in Nags Head. The 61,000 square-foot facility is sited on 16 acres overlooking the Croatan Sound and houses over 2,200 animals. More than 280,000 guests visit the aquarium each year to see a large array of sharks, learn about sea turtle conservation, participate in a variety of programs, enjoy the beauty of the area, and learn why North Carolina's waterways are so special. As an educational attraction, we are focused on “inspiring appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments.”

• 486 mi away

• 374 Airport Road, Manteo, NC 27954

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The North Carolina Aquariums include four unique coastal attractions: Pine Knoll Shores, Roanoke Island, Fort Fisher, and Jennette’s Pier. Each location offers hands-on exhibits, marine life encounters, and educational programs highlighting the state’s aquatic environments. From sea turtles and sharks to river otters and stingrays, families can explore North Carolina’s underwater world through interactive and conservation-focused experiences. Jennette’s Pier also serves as a coastal education center and ocean pier for fishing and programs.

• 486.1 mi away

• 374 Airport Rd, Manteo, NC 27954

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Ever since 1939, families have made lifetime memories while visiting Jennette's Pier in Nags Head. Even though wind, waves and water have knocked down previous versions of this ocean fishing pier, today's 1,000-foot-long, concrete platform offers a delightful place to fish, stroll, socialize and soak in the salt air. Bring your family by to see why folks refer to Jennette's Pier as a family fun spot (Banner photo by Bodhi Darden, boy with fish and dolphins by Susan Dotterer Dixon).

• 491.1 mi away

• 7223 South Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, N.C. 27959

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The N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is situated in the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area, which is mostly maritime forest. Descendants of President Theodore Roosevelt donated 298 acres of maritime forest to the state in 1971. They stipulated the acreage be maintained as a nature preserve and used for nature and wildlife education and estuarine studies. Acres surrounding the aquarium dedicated as natural area commemorate Presidents Roosevelt’s commitment to conservation.

• 497.2 mi away

• 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512

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Explore Wake County parks through a mobile tour that enhances your experience with maps, photos, audio, and text. As you visit various parks and preserves, the tour guides you to significant features and points of interest, offering a deeper understanding of the natural surroundings. New tours will be added regularly, so be sure to check back for fresh content and explore the parks in an entirely new way.

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Lice Happens offers convenient, one-visit lice treatment services in Raleigh and surrounding areas. Our certified professionals provide in-home lice removal, ensuring that your family can relax in the privacy and comfort of your own home. We make lice treatment simple and stress-free, giving you the peace of mind you deserve.

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Raleigh Helicopter Tours offers an unforgettable experience with stunning aerial views of the city and surrounding countryside. Choose from a variety of pre-arranged tours or create a custom flight to explore Raleigh's iconic landmarks and natural beauty from above.

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Join us for a public walking tour of Raleigh, where you'll discover the history and architecture of the city. Our knowledgeable guides will take you through downtown Raleigh and the historic Oakwood district, offering fascinating insights into the area's past. Reservations are required for all tours, and topics may include architectural styles, Raleigh's history, and even haunted tales.

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WakeRack provides a convenient pick-up and drop-off service for paddle boards and kayaks across various lakes in North Carolina. With a simple access code, customers can retrieve their rentals from lockers at their convenience. Locations include Falls Lake, Lake Wheeler, and Jordan Lake, ensuring easy access to water activities throughout the region.

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