Triangle on the Cheap

Live well in the Triangle on a budget. Find fun, free things to do in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, NC

Museums and attractions

Monarch Butterfly Eclipse — solar eclipse event at Museum of Life + Science

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Museum of Life + Science, at 433 W Murray Avenue, Durham, North Carolina, has a special event planned for Solar Eclipse Day. Monarch Butterfly Eclipse takes place Monday, April 8, 2024, from 2 to 5 p.m. The museum will be closed, but the event will take place on the south side of campus, and will be free to the public. The migratory route of Monarch Butterflies resembles the path of the … [Read more...] about Monarch Butterfly Eclipse — solar eclipse event at Museum of Life + Science

Visit WRAL Azalea Gardens for a moment of tranquility

If you find yourself in need of a moment of tranquility, stop by the WRAL Azalea Gardens, at 2619 Western Boulevard, Raleigh, between the Main and Centennial campuses of NC State. The gardens are behind the WRAL television studios. The 1.5-acre garden boasts more than 60 varieties of azaleas, which bloom in spring and fall. But there are many other flowers and plants in the gardens as well, so … [Read more...] about Visit WRAL Azalea Gardens for a moment of tranquility

Easter Egg Roll at the Wendell Museum March 30

The Wendell Museum, at 122 W Second Street, Wendell, NC, is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. It's free to visit, but donations are welcome. The museum highlights the rich history and culture of Wendell, including a timeline, people, businesses, agriculture, veterans, schools, churches and civic clubs. The museum is housed in the former home of Alex Wall, longtime … [Read more...] about Easter Egg Roll at the Wendell Museum March 30

Reptile & Amphibian Day at N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences March 9

Reptile & Amphibian Day is returning to North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W Jones Street, Raleigh, NC, on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The theme this year is crocodilians! At this popular festival, learn about reptiles and amphibians through crafts, lectures, close encounters and more. This is a free event. Exhibits Amphibians and ConservationNC … [Read more...] about Reptile & Amphibian Day at N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences March 9

Family Night at Wake Forest Historical Museum Feb 19

The Wake Forest Historical Museum has a new exhibit, From the Collections: Portraits, opening next Tuesday, November 28, 2023. From the Collections: Portraits includes portraits from the Wake Forest Historical Museum and the Wake Forest University Art Collections. This exhibit also includes contemporary works created by community members such as Nancy Jo Lee, Jane Steelman, Lemoi Desina, Tiffany … [Read more...] about Family Night at Wake Forest Historical Museum Feb 19

Joel Lane Museum now free to tour

Joel Lane Museum House, at 160 South Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, is a heritage site that is owned today by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of North Carolina. The Joel Lane House was built in 1769. Joel Lane facilitated the location of North Carolina's capital city on his land in 1792. The Joel Lane Museum House brings American and North Carolina history … [Read more...] about Joel Lane Museum now free to tour

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 reopening for visits on Monday, July 8, 2024, after a year of renovation. 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. … [Read more...] about North Carolina State Capitol: free guided tours on Saturdays

Black Excellence in Science at Museum of Life + Science Feb 4

On Sunday, February 4, 2024, The Museum of Life + Science, 433 W Murray Avenue, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting an annual event, Black Excellence in Science, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program is included with the price of admission. February 4 is one of the Durham Community Days, so residents of Durham are admitted for free. Admission for non-Durham residents: Black Excellence in … [Read more...] about Black Excellence in Science at Museum of Life + Science Feb 4

Nature Play Day at Prairie Ridge Ecostation (and more)

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences always offers free admission, but you might not be aware of the free and inexpensive events, beyond the exhibits, that it offers. You can view all their events here. Some are free and some have fees associated with them. Here are a few upcoming free and cheap events. Please follow the links to see if you need to register, and to see if there are any … [Read more...] about Nature Play Day at Prairie Ridge Ecostation (and more)

Free Sensory Friendly Playtime and Movie (Polar Express) at Marbles Kids Museum for kids with special needs on Dec 6

Marbles Kids Museum, 201 Hargett Street, Raleigh, periodically holds Family Fun Nights for kids with special needs and their families. Admission is FREE for these events. It's an opportunity for kids to experience Marbles in a calmer, quieter environment. The museum will also be showing a "Lights Up, Sounds Down" movie, often before or after the playtime. You might also be interested in … [Read more...] about Free Sensory Friendly Playtime and Movie (Polar Express) at Marbles Kids Museum for kids with special needs on Dec 6

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Triangle on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.