Day & Weekend Trips in the Triangle area

Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre is one of the few remaining drive-in theaters in North Carolina, offering a nostalgic movie-watching experience.

• 356.4 mi away

• 3336 Raleigh Rd., Henderson, NC, 27537

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Fearrington Village is a charming community blending modern amenities with pastoral charm near Chapel Hill, NC. Built on a historic dairy farm, it features boutique shops, gardens, dining, and an inn. Family-friendly attractions include McIntyre’s Books and a chance to meet the resident goats and cows.

• 358.1 mi away

• 2000 Fearrington Village Ctr, Pittsboro, NC, 27312

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This family-friendly farm offers educational experiences, summer camps, and a scenic venue for events.

• 359.4 mi away

• 8913 NC Highway 751 South, Durham, NC, 27713

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Xtreme Park Adventures offers a 50-acre field located in the heart of Durham. Attractions include paintball, airsoft, lasertag, educational and recreational zipline courses, haunted houses, escape rooms, ropes courses, gem mining, and more. We provide summer camps, corporate team-building, and a range of thrilling activities for all ages.

• 360.3 mi away

• 7460 Wake Forest Rd., Durham, NC, 27703

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Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Two Dachshund Fiber and Lavender Farm, a 17-acre agricultural oasis in Franklin County, NC. Our unique agritourism destination offers guided educational tours showcasing our diverse family of fiber-producing animals including alpacas, sheep, llamas, Angora goats, and Angora rabbits. Meet our working farm animals from vigilant donkeys to free-range chickens and Guineas. Discover the art of fiber processing and lavender cultivation while browsing our well-curated farm store featuring local artisan crafts. Visit year-round by appointment to experience the magic of sustainable farming.

• 365.7 mi away

• 313 Cedar Creek Road, Franklinton, NC, 27525

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The New Hope Valley Railway offers historic train rides through piney woods and over trestles. Visitors can enjoy outdoor tours of historic equipment and special train events. Train rides operate seasonally with free admission to explore the grounds.

• 369.9 mi away

• 3900 Bonsal Rd., New Hill, NC, 27562

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Located in Harnett County 40 miles southwest of Raleigh, Raven Rock State Park boasts the namesake 150-foot crystalline structure that overlooks the Cape Fear River. The trails along the bluffs that lead to the rock are dotted with beautiful wildflowers, including mountain laurel. Alternate hikes towards the river reward visitors with landmarks like Lanier Falls Rapids, Fish Traps Rapids, and the remains of the Northington Lock and Dam. Other accesses offer bridle trails, bike trails, and a campground with RV camping and camper cabins.

• 383.1 mi away

• 3009 Raven Rock Road, Lillington, NC, 27546

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Journey through Aloha Safari Park, where rescue meets education. This 60-acre sanctuary, opened in 2010, houses up to 450 animals including tigers, zebras, monkeys, and lemurs. Under the dedicated care of Lee Crutchfield and family, this working zoo provides a peaceful refuge for exotic and native species alike.

• 385.2 mi away

• 159 Mini Lane, Cameron, NC, 28326

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Visit CATHIS Farm, a veteran-owned family enterprise offering sustainable farming and memorable events in Lillington. This working farm raises pastured meats while hosting seasonal celebrations including Spring's Sunflower Days, Fall's Pumpkin Hollow and Devils Playground, and Winter Lights. Enjoy farm-to-home delivery service across central North Carolina.

• 386.5 mi away

• 544 Falcon Road, Lillington, NC, 27546

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Cool off at our newly renovated aquatic facility featuring a modern splash pad operating daily throughout summer. Enjoy our expanded amenities including a basketball court, multi-sport court, updated playground equipment, and the Caterpillar Stage. Three picnic shelters provide perfect spaces for family gatherings, with continuing improvements enhancing visitor experience.

• 387.1 mi away

• 325 McCullers Drive, Clayton, NC, 27520

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Enjoy a relaxing self-guided float down one of North Carolina's scenic waterways, perfect for family outings or romantic trips. Encounter wildlife and serene landscapes during your 2-5 hour adventure.

• 387.2 mi away

• 2975 Covered Bridge Rd., Clayton, NC, 27527

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Embark on unforgettable adventures with Cape Fear River Adventures, your gateway to outdoor excitement near major NC cities. Choose from an extensive selection of water activities including kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and river tubing. From beginner-friendly excursions to challenging overnight expeditions, we offer specialized programs including whitewater kayaking, scenic rafting, and youth camps for ages 8-17.

• 389.4 mi away

• 100 South Main Street, Lillington, NC, 27546

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Embark on a global wildlife journey through hands-on encounters with rescued animal ambassadors from Australia to Africa. This unique facility brings the world's habitats to life through educational presentations and interactive experiences. Visit rain or shine to create lasting memories, with admission starting at $10-15.

• 391.9 mi away

• 1489 Live Oak Rd., Coats, NC, 27521

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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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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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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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The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher connects visitors with the wonders of nature and aquatic wildlife. The Aquarium and its sister facilities, the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island, and Jennette's Pier in Nags Head are dedicated to inspiring appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments.

• 500.4 mi away

• 900 Loggerhead Rd. Kure Beach, NC 28449

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