Nature Adventures Near me

Step into authentic farm life at our family-owned and operated haven. Hidwell farm offers personal encounters with gentle alpacas, adorable rabbits, free-range chickens, and more! Experience the charm of rural living through our guided tours and savor the freshest farm-to-table eggs from our own ethically raised chickens. Join us for an authentic agricultural adventure that educates and delights visitors of all ages.

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• 7621 Blaney Franks Rd., Apex, NC, 27539

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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.

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• 4028 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27610

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Embark on an extraordinary journey through science and nature at the Southeast's largest natural history museum. Our immersive exhibits, dynamic programs, and hands-on field experiences offer unprecedented opportunities to connect with the natural world. From fascinating permanent collections to compelling special exhibitions, we deliver engaging educational content for visitors of all ages. Our comprehensive field trip programs provide structured learning experiences that inspire curiosity and foster deep connections with science and nature.

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• 11 West Jones St., Raleigh, NC, 27601

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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.

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• 313 Cedar Creek Road, Franklinton, NC, 27525

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Discover this comprehensive city park offering diverse recreational opportunities for all ages. The facility features modern woodchip playgrounds, indoor and outdoor courts for multiple sports, and professional batting cages. The community center serves as a focal point for neighborhood activities, while the baseball field and batting cages welcome aspiring athletes. Public access is available on a first-come basis, coordinated with youth league schedules.

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• 7921 Ray Road, Raleigh, NC, 27613

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Escape to tranquility at Falls Lake State Recreation Area, spanning 26,000 acres of pristine woodland surrounding a 12,000-acre lake. This outdoor paradise offers seven distinct recreation areas perfect for camping, boating, swimming, and hiking. The park features segments of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and provides excellent opportunities for environmental education. Modern campground facilities accommodate various camping styles, with nightly rates starting at $26.

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• 13304 Creedmoor Rd., Wake Forest, NC, 27587

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Discover Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, a magnificent outdoor destination featuring seven access points across Chatham County. The park offers over 1,000 diverse campsites, excellent boating facilities, and pristine swimming areas. Home to a thriving bald eagle population, the park provides unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors enjoy comprehensive amenities including boat rentals, picnic shelters, and educational facilities. Seasonal entrance fees apply, with free off-peak access.

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• 280 State Park Road, Apex, NC, 27517

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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.

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• 6254 Satterwhite Point Road, Henderson, NC, 27537

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Escape to William B. Umstead State Park, a natural haven minutes from downtown Raleigh. This urban oasis features extensive hiking and multi-use trails weaving through pristine forest. Three manmade lakes provide excellent fishing opportunities, while multiple picnic areas and camping facilities offer various outdoor recreation options. The historic Maple Hill Lodge provides a unique rustic overnight experience in a serene natural setting.

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• 8801 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC, 27617

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Discover the natural beauty of Bass Lake Park, a year-round outdoor destination spanning 54 acres of pristine lakefront. Part of the NC Community Fishing Lake Program, the lake offers excellent fishing for catfish, bass, bream, and crappie, with complimentary equipment available through our Tackle Loaner Program. Enjoy seasonal boat rentals, explore our extensive greenway trail network, or visit our Nature Center featuring local wildlife exhibits. The park includes Sugg Farm's 117-acre special events space, complete with archery field, RC field, and dog park. Open 8 a.m. until sunset daily, except major holidays.

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• 900 Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs, NC, 27540

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Lake Johnson Park offers a perfect blend of recreation and natural beauty. This stunning facility features both paved and natural surface trails, seasonal boat rentals, and designated fishing areas with rod rentals available. Visitors can enjoy the innovative QR Fit Trail, hammock stations along the greenway, and the adjacent Lake Johnson Pool complex complete with spray ground and lap swimming areas.

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• 4601 Avent Ferry Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27606

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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.

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• 2400 Aversboro Road, Garner, NC, 27529

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

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

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

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

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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.

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• 1030 Richardson Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27603

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Harris Lake County Park, a 680-acre park located near New Hill, NC, offers a wide variety of activities. Visitors can explore the sensory garden, ride the Hog Run Mountain Bike Trail, or enjoy a round of disc golf. The park is also home to a playground, fishing opportunities, and geocaching. The site provides educational programs for schools and groups, offering both in-person and virtual experiences. A great destination for outdoor lovers and those seeking an adventure in nature.

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• 2112 County Park Drive, New Hill, NC, 27562

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Lake Raleigh, located on NC State’s Centennial Campus, offers a scenic 75-acre lake and surrounding forest, providing a peaceful retreat for students and visitors alike. The area is perfect for walking, picnicking, fishing, and disc golf. The nine-hole disc golf course, accessible from the waterfront, offers a challenging layout. The addition of a popup bike rental and coffee shop makes it a great place to relax and enjoy outdoor activities. Parking is available at several points throughout the campus.

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• 2300 Main Campus Dr., Raleigh, NC, 27606

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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.

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

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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.

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• 315 Camden Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601

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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.

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• 8305 Camp Durant Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27614

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Yates Mill County Park is a 174-acre historic site featuring scenic hiking trails, the fully restored 18th-century Yates Mill, and a 24-acre pond. Visitors can explore the park’s natural beauty, learn about the region's milling history, and enjoy a peaceful outdoor experience. Admission is free, with guided mill tours available for a small fee to support ongoing preservation efforts.

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• 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, 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.

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

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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.

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• 1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh, NC, 27604

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Phillips Farm of Cary is a popular family-friendly destination offering seasonal activities and attractions. The farm is well-known for its U-pick strawberries, corn mazes, and family events throughout the year.

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• 6800 Good Hope Church Rd, Cary, NC 27519

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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!

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

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Lake Crabtree County Park provides 215 acres of outdoor recreation. Enjoy trails, boating, fishing, and picnicking. Rent kayaks or pedal boats, explore historic farm ruins, or try geocaching. With accessible fishing piers and fun crafts, this park is a must-visit for all ages.

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• 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC, 27560

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Pullen Park in Raleigh offers a playground, volleyball court, and rentable picnic shelters. Rent kayaks, pedal boats, or fishing boats for lake adventures. With family-friendly amenities and a fishing rod loaner program, it’s an ideal destination for outdoor activities.

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• 6404 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh, NC, 27603

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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.

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

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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!

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• 6333 Robertson Pond Road, Wendell, NC, 27591

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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.

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• Wake Forest Reservoir, Wake Forest, NC, 27587

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The JC Raulston Arboretum showcases one of the Southeast's most diverse plant collections, specializing in species suited to North Carolina’s Piedmont region. It's a must-visit for gardeners, researchers, and anyone who appreciates vibrant landscapes.

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• 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC, 27606

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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.

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• 9241 Sauls Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27603

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The WRAL Azalea Gardens provide a peaceful escape in Raleigh, featuring a vibrant array of azaleas and other blooms. Located behind the WRAL-TV studios, this serene retreat is perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature's beauty.

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• 2619 Western Blvd., Raleigh, NC, 27606

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For over 30 years, this locally owned gemstone panning facility has been a family-friendly destination. Enjoy gemstone panning, a playground, and a mineral cave for digging—all included in the experience. You may even encounter friendly goats and other animals during your visit.

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• 1823 NC HWY 55 West, Cary, NC, 27519

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Explore the park's beautiful natural spaces, ideal for birdwatching and observing local wildlife. The park offers amenities such as a picnic area and walking trails for a relaxing outdoor experience.

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• 5125 Berkeley Street, Raleigh, NC, 27612

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Spanning 37 acres, Crabtree Creek Nature Park is a wooded wetland area with a large multi-purpose field and parking area for informal recreation. It’s the perfect spot for enjoying nature in an accessible setting.

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• 151 Keybridge Drive, Morrisville, NC, 27560

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