Nature Adventures in

Dorothea Dix Park, a 308-acre park in Raleigh, NC, combines historical architecture with lush landscapes, making it a prime destination. It features swings, hammocks, and the Greg Poole, Jr. All Faiths Chapel, a renovated 1955 structure offering modern amenities while preserving mid-century design. The park hosts pop-up events like the 9-hole temporary disc golf course and the sunflower field, perfect for summer visits. The Dix Park Dog Park provides a space for off-leash dogs, and public parking is available after 5 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.

• 295.4 mi away

• 1030 Richardson Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27603

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Built in 1769, this historic landmark is Wake County's oldest standing home. In 1792, Joel Lane sold 1,000 acres to the state, marking the site as the birthplace of North Carolina's capital. Visitors can enjoy guided tours led by costumed docents. Admission and hours vary, so please call or check the website for more details. Gardens: The Neo-Colonial garden features espaliered fruit trees, pomegranates, a grape arbor, and brick walkways. The herb garden showcases medicinal and culinary plants. Garden admission is free, and it is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Docent-guided tours include a discussion of colonial and modern herb uses.

• 295.6 mi away

• 160 S St Mary's St, Raleigh, NC 27603

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This city park in Raleigh features a sand surface playground, a water garden, and a wetland habitat supporting butterflies, dragonflies, frogs, ducks, and more wildlife. The park offers outdoor basketball and tennis courts (no lights or backboards), a multipurpose field, and a playground designed for children ages 2-12. Access the park from St. Mary's Street or Glenwood Avenue, and enjoy the scenic walking paths. The Garris Building serves as the business office for various programs, while the Borden Building and Fred Fletcher Amphitheater host family-friendly events year-round.

• 295.6 mi away

• 820 Clay Street, Raleigh, NC, 27604

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Students can explore three out of four educational programs: Artifact and House, Plantation Slavery, Andrew Johnson, and Historic Raleigh Trolley Tours. Tours are available Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• 296.6 mi away

• 1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh, NC, 27604

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The Camden Street Learning Garden in downtown Raleigh is a green oasis where individuals and families can connect with nature and learn about sustainable food practices. Visitors can explore community garden beds, a food forest, a rainwater catchment system, and a variety of educational programs focused on growing healthy food and fostering relationships with the environment.

• 297 mi away

• 315 Camden Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601

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Our goal is to raise awareness about the vital role wetlands play in providing clean water, supporting habitats, and offering recreational opportunities, while highlighting the importance of human connection with nature. Explore your local wetland and experience the beauty of diverse ecosystems! Visit our nature center located in the park office, offering a range of free activities, including interactive exhibits, explorer backpacks, scavenger hunts, and hands-on experiences with live animals. Equipment such as binoculars, boots, and field guides are available for free use, helping you explore the wetlands and trails. Every month, a new theme brings educational resources, games, and crafts for visitors to enjoy. The center is fully accessible, and rocking chairs are available for a relaxing view of the wetland. Public restrooms and pet watering stations are located on the center's outdoor deck.

• 297.2 mi away

• 950 Peterson Street, Raleigh, NC, 27610

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Juniper Level Botanic Garden boasts a stunning 28-acre collection of rare and exotic plants, drawing gardening enthusiasts from around the globe. Don’t miss the adjacent Plant Delights Nursery, offering unique perennials for sale to enhance your own garden.

• 297.4 mi away

• 9241 Sauls Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27603

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Explore White Deer Park, a 96-acre natural haven adjacent to Lake Benson. This educational wonderland features two miles of paved trails, modern playgrounds, and a LEED Gold Certified Nature Center. Discover the wildflower meadow, arboretum, and five picnic shelters while observing local wildlife.

• 297.6 mi away

• 2400 Aversboro Road, Garner, NC, 27529

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Durant Nature Preserve provides a variety of educational and recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, discovery backpacks, bird and butterfly gardens, and lakes for fishing. The park’s 237 acres are home to a rich diversity of plants and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy year-round programs, or simply explore the serene natural beauty of the preserve's trails and gardens.

• 299 mi away

• 8305 Camp Durant Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27614

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Experience living history at this meticulously preserved antebellum estate, showcasing an elegant 1855 Greek Revival house complemented by authentic period structures. Explore the historic detached kitchen, cotton gin house, livestock barn, and carriage house, set among a picturesque pecan grove and traditional herb garden. Children delight in our interactive Farm History Center's 'Farmer's Corner,' while our resident goats provide endless entertainment. Enhance your visit with our innovative Oak View Mobile Tour, revealing fascinating insights into the property's rich heritage and the lives of those who shaped this remarkable piece of American history.

• 300.1 mi away

• 4028 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27610

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The Junior Park Explorers program invites kids ages 4 to 15 to explore Wake County parks while earning rewards. Participants collect stamps on their scorecards by completing staff-led programs, camps, or special events. Once the card is filled, kids can collect their prize, a Wake County Parks daypack, and additional pins, making outdoor exploration even more exciting.

• 300.2 mi away

• Wake County Park

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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.

• 301.4 mi away

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

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Explore the beauty of Forest Ridge Park, spanning 587 acres along Falls Lake. Enjoy mountain biking, hiking, fishing, nature programs, and scenic picnic areas. Don’t miss the seasonal paddle tours and loaner equipment like binoculars and fishing gear. A perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts!

• 303.3 mi away

• 2100 Old NC Hwy 98, Wake Forest, NC, 27587

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The Wake Forest Reservoir invites visitors to explore soft trails, paddle on the lake, or fish in designated areas. Featuring a historic water plant site and trails created by local volunteers, it’s a peaceful spot for outdoor adventures.

• 304 mi away

• Wake Forest Reservoir, Wake Forest, NC, 27587

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Mill Bridge Nature Park, located off Rogers Road, connects to the Wake Forest greenway system and will soon link to downtown Rolesville's Main Street Park. The park features a 200-seat amphitheater, which hosts the town's Music at Mill Bridge concert series. The amphitheater is available for rental, making it an ideal spot for events and gatherings.

• 304.2 mi away

• 425 Nature Park Drive, Rolesville, NC, 27571

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The Knightdale Environmental Park offers a scenic paved walking trail and boardwalk that meanders around a pond. Visitors can relax on benches, enjoy public art installations, or use the two picnic shelters. With entrances from Town Hall and the East Wake Regional Library, this peaceful park is perfect for a morning walk or a quiet afternoon surrounded by nature.

• 304.6 mi away

• 1385 N Smithfield Road, Knightdale, NC, 27545

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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.

• 306.2 mi away

• 313 Cedar Creek Road, Franklinton, NC, 27525

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Robertson Millpond Preserve offers an 85-acre retreat for paddling, fishing, and exploring nature. Enjoy the historic landmark, geocaching, and Junior Park Explorer activities. A hidden gem in Wake County!

• 308.7 mi away

• 6333 Robertson Pond Road, Wendell, NC, 27591

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Experience the natural beauty of Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, spanning two counties along the Virginia border. This 50,000-acre reservoir paradise features eight access areas with multiple boat ramps and hundreds of campsites. Enjoy premium fishing in one of the East Coast's top lakes, along with modern amenities including community buildings and beach access. Camping options range from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups, with fees from $15 to $145 nightly.

• 310.8 mi away

• 6254 Satterwhite Point Road, Henderson, NC, 27537

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Little River Park in Zebulon is a nature lover’s haven with a flowing river, sandy beaches, and peaceful fishing spots. Perfect for relaxing by the water or enjoying the sounds of nature.

• 312 mi away

• 1800 W. Gannon Ave., Zebulon, NC, 27597

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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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