Museum of Durham History, at 500 W. Main Street between Downtown Durham and Brightleaf Square, is free to visit. It's open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It's open late for Durham Third Friday. Events with Museum of Durham History Opening Event: “Booker T. Spicely: Citizen, Soldier, Martyr, Hero”Friday, August 22, 20256 to 8 p.m.Free On Friday, … [Read more...] about Museum of Durham History: Opening Event for “Booker T. Spicely: Citizen, Soldier, Martyr, Hero” Aug. 22, and more…
Museums and attractions
Museum of Life and Science free days for Durham residents August 20
Museum of Life and Science, 433 W Murray Avenue, Durham, is one of the most popular attractions in Durham. It features indoor and outdoor exhibits that encourage children to learn about the world around them. The exhibits explore a wide range of scientific fields -- physics, zoology, aerospace, weather, sound, and more -- all in a fun, hands-on way. The museum is on 84 acres, with plenty … [Read more...] about Museum of Life and Science free days for Durham residents August 20
Homeschool History Day at Mordecai Historic Park Sep. 5
Mordecai Historic Park, 1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting Homeschool History Day on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Explore historic trades and life skills, including demonstrations by a blacksmith, leatherworker, and woodworker. Make historic crafts, play townball, take a special kids' tour of the Mordecai house, and hop on a trolley ride around … [Read more...] about Homeschool History Day at Mordecai Historic Park Sep. 5
Marbles’ Art Bash rescheduled to Aug. 14 — free arts activities for kids
Marbles' Art Bash is a free event for kids in the outdoor Marbles Playway on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. This is a rescheduled date, due to the weather forecast on August 7. Imagine, create and express yourself at Marbles Big Art Bash! Collaborate with local artists and on one-of-a-kind creations and explore hands-on art installations in the Marbles Playway. All outdoor … [Read more...] about Marbles’ Art Bash rescheduled to Aug. 14 — free arts activities for kids
Second Sunday Open Studio at Nasher Museum Aug. 10
Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, 2001 Campus Drive, Durham, is free for everyone every day that it's open. Reservations are not required. You might be interested in our list of museums in the Triangle with free admission (all the time or certain days.) Upcoming Events at Nasher Museum of Art Find a full list of events at Nasher Museum of Art at nasher.duke.edu/events/. … [Read more...] about Second Sunday Open Studio at Nasher Museum Aug. 10
Free Friday at Mordecai Historic Park August 29
Mordecai Historic Park, at 1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh, includes the Mordecai House, which is the oldest house in Raleigh in its original location. It was built in 1785. It became a public park in 1972. The park also includes: The park encompasses 3.2 acres in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Tours cost $7 for adults, $3 for seniors, $4 for youth. Kids 6 and under are free. Upcoming … [Read more...] about Free Friday at Mordecai Historic Park August 29
Free days at museums in the Triangle
The Triangle area of North Carolina is rich with museums but you don't need riches to visit them because many are free. And some that aren't free offer free days. Raleigh, especially, as the state capital, has many free museum offerings, but you'll find some in Durham and Chapel Hill as well. Keep in mind that all the free museums welcome donations. Raleigh North Carolina Museum of … [Read more...] about Free days at museums in the Triangle
North Carolina State Capitol: free guided tours on Saturdays
Please note that on January 11, the Capitol won't be open because of the inauguration. The North Carolina State Capitol, at One East Edenton Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is open for visits. It will be open for free guided and self-guided tours. Visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on … [Read more...] about North Carolina State Capitol: free guided tours on Saturdays
Scrap Exchange Family Fun Day at City of Raleigh Museum Aug. 9
City of Raleigh Museum's mission is to "Preserve Raleigh's Past for the Future." It debuted its first exhibit in 1993, and operated as a nonprofit until 2012, when the City of Raleigh assumed operational control. It's supported by the nonprofit Friends of the COR Museum. It's at 220 Fayetteville Street, in the 1874 Briggs Building in historic downtown Raleigh. Admission is free, although a … [Read more...] about Scrap Exchange Family Fun Day at City of Raleigh Museum Aug. 9
Wake Forest Historical Museum: Free guided tours of Calvin Jones House
The Wake Forest Historical Museum, at 414 N Main Street, Wake Forest, North Carolina, is free to visit. More opening hours have been added. Visit: Tour the historic Calvin Jones House, explore the exhibits in the new museum building, and stroll through the beautiful gardens. The Calvin Jones House was the first administrative building of Wake Forest College and was saved from demolition by … [Read more...] about Wake Forest Historical Museum: Free guided tours of Calvin Jones House