Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park
A free family outing at Dix Park, with space to explore and let the day unfold.
Family things to do in Raleigh
Pick a plan that fits your family’s energy rather than trying to fill every hour. Raleigh has free places to play, indoor discoveries and small paid adventures.
Pullen Park Amusements
A carousel, train, and a little old-fashioned joy for the whole family.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
An indoor adventure through wildlife, fossils, and the science happening around us.
Marbles Sensory Friendly Playtime
A calmer museum evening for children with special needs and their families.
Historic Yates Mill
See a working mill up close and turn a nature outing into a trip through local history.
A simple outdoor day
Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park is free, with separate playground and water-feature hours. Pullen Park ride tickets cost $2 per person per ride; check daily operations and the carousel’s November maintenance dates.
Indoor curiosity and quieter visits
The Museum of Natural Sciences offers free general admission downtown. Marbles sensory-friendly playtime requires advance registration and is intended for children with special needs and their families. An event reminder does not guarantee a reserved place.
Before you go
Does Pullen Park charge for every visitor?
Walking through the park and buying ride tickets are different things. The listed $2 price is per person, per ride; infants under one ride free with a paying adult.
What should we check before leaving?
Check attraction operations, age recommendations, accessibility and booking requirements. Outdoor programs may change with the weather.