As part of Take a Child Outside (TACO) Week, the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources will be hosting a fun-filled week of outdoor activities for kids. This annual event encourages children and families across the country to get outside, explore, and learn more about the local environment. What will you discover about yourself or your backyard? Join these special programs to … [Read more...] about Take a Child Outside (TACO) Week events at Raleigh Parks and Nature Preserves Sept. 24-30
Outdoors
Skywatching at Stagville — Geminid Meteor Shower Dec. 13
Join Historic Stagville and the Morehead Planetarium for meteor viewing on the peak night of the Geminid meteor shower. Stagville, at 5828 Old Oxford Highway, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting a skywatching event on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 8 to 10 p.m. This is a free event, but please RSVP. This outdoor event will take place in the open fields at the Horton Grove entrance of … [Read more...] about Skywatching at Stagville — Geminid Meteor Shower Dec. 13
An Afternoon in the Park at West Point on the Eno Sept. 13: field games, fishing, tours, more…
Durham Parks and Recreation is hosting An Afternoon in the Park at West Point on the Eno, 5101 N Roxboro Street, Durham, North Carolina, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 12 to 4 p.m. This is a free event for all ages. No registration is required. Activities include: … [Read more...] about An Afternoon in the Park at West Point on the Eno Sept. 13: field games, fishing, tours, more…
Wake Forest Unplugged: free games, activities, and music Sep 7
Wake Forest Unplugged is a free event that encourages people to leave their technology behind and connect with the community through games, activities and a free concert. It takes place Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m., near the Walker Garden at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest, NC. Enjoy sack and relay races, corn hole, and miniature golf. Food and dessert … [Read more...] about Wake Forest Unplugged: free games, activities, and music Sep 7
Learn to Ride — free program to learn to ride a bike at Gipson Play Plaza Aug. 27
Raleigh Parks and Oaks and Spokes are holding a free Learn to Ride event on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park, 715 Biggs Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina. Registration is required. Registration opens on August 13, 2025, at 12 p.m. Volunteers will help participants gain a sense of balance and control on a bicycle, without training wheels, by using … [Read more...] about Learn to Ride — free program to learn to ride a bike at Gipson Play Plaza Aug. 27
7th Annual Mud Day at Walnut Creek Wetland Center Aug 16
Walnut Creek Wetland Center, 950 Peterson Street, Raleigh, is hosting its 7th annual Mud Day on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a FREE event that is intended to demonstrate the importance of wetlands, as well as the importance of kids having fun outside. Come dressed to get messy and wet! The highlight is a giant mud pit! The event will include: … [Read more...] about 7th Annual Mud Day at Walnut Creek Wetland Center Aug 16
Huckleberry Trail Farm Sunflower Festival in August — Includes Sunflower Labyrinth and more…
Huckleberry Trail Farm, at 143 Pleasant Hill Church Road, Siler City, North Carolina, planted over 30,000 square feet of sunflowers and carved a labyrinth to meander through. The plants are the perfect height for kids, so photos with your kids will be great! Huckleberry Trail Farms is holding Huck's Sunflower Fest: The event takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. each day, with last admission at 4 … [Read more...] about Huckleberry Trail Farm Sunflower Festival in August — Includes Sunflower Labyrinth and more…
Smithfield River Rat Regatta August 9: Build and race a cardboard bat on the Neuse River
The Smithfield River Rat Regatta on the Neuse is scheduled for Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 10 a.m. Rain date is August 23. This is your chance to test your boat-making skills in a race on the Neuse River! Spots are limited. Participants may pre-register at Smithfield Parks & Recreation Department (600 M Durwood Stephenson Pkway., Smithfield, NC 27577) up until Thursday, August 7th. … [Read more...] about Smithfield River Rat Regatta August 9: Build and race a cardboard bat on the Neuse River
Free Storytimes with Crafts at Oak View: Spanish and English Storytimes
Historic Oak View County Park, 4028 Carya Drive, Raleigh, is free to visit. The park is a 19th-century historic farmstead, with a mission to interpret North Carolina's agricultural heritage and rural history via educational programs, special events and exhibits. Several goats live at Historic Oak View County Park, which makes it a unique destination in Wake County. Historic Oak View … [Read more...] about Free Storytimes with Crafts at Oak View: Spanish and English Storytimes
Free Events for Kids at Crowder County Park: learning about animals, DIY crafts, and more
Crowder County Park, 4709 Ten Ten Road, Apex, is located on 33 acres of landscaped grounds and hardwood forests. Amenities include three playgrounds, three picnic shelters, a sand volleyball court, playfield, walking trails, an outdoor amphitheater and a 3-acre pond with a boardwalk and observation deck. Crowder County Park hosts many family events. As is the case with all Wake County Parks, … [Read more...] about Free Events for Kids at Crowder County Park: learning about animals, DIY crafts, and more
