Ready to have some fun? Here’s a list of free and inexpensive things for kids to do during summer break of 2026.
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Also, make sure to check out list of summer camps in the Triangle. And scroll down for a constantly updated list of upcoming kids’ events in the Triangle! Or check out a bigger list of events for kids in the Triangle here.
Summer Movie Programs for Kids
There are seven cinemas or cinema chains that are showing free or very inexpensive movies for kids on weekdays in the summer. Learn more about all the summer movie series for kids.
Fun at Libraries
All of the library systems in the Triangle offer a summer reading program, where kids can earn rewards for reading. Learn about the summer reading programs here. And make sure to visit the website of each library system, because they also host a number of events and activities for kids all summer, and the events are free.
Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park
Gipson Play Plaza opened at Dix Park in Raleigh in 2025. It features 18.5 acres of playgrounds, gathering spaces, gardens, a splashpad, art and skyline views. It is the largest adventure playground in the Southeast.
Art Putt
Downtown Raleigh Alliance debuted another season of Art Putt on May 1, 2026, and it’s sticking around for a while! The current schedule has it in place through September 30, 2026. Each hole offers a unique artistic experience. Local artists designed the course with the theme of showcasing what makes North Carolina so colorful and unique.
You’ll find Art Putt at Bloc[83] Courtyard, 621 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina.
It’s free to play! Use the lockbox code 0621 to access putters and balls from the garden box on site. There are no specific hours — just stop by!
Free (and cheap) Bowling for Kids
Kids Bowl Free lets kids bowl 2 games a day free, all summer, with no registration cost. Kids do have to rent bowling shoes, though.
Free Crafts and Projects
Lowes and Home Depot both offer a monthly in-store DIY project for kids. Both are free.
Pullen Park
Pullen Park, in Raleigh, is a family favorite, and for good reason. Besides the playgrounds, and plenty of room to run around, the park features the Gustave A. Dentzel Carousel, from 1911, kiddie boats, the C.P. Huntington miniature train, and pedal boats. Tickets for the carousel, kiddie boats and miniature train are just $2. Make sure to check the Pullen Park website, as the attractions might not be open all the time.
Free kids’ activities at Dorothea Dix Park
Dorothea Dix Park, at 2105 Umstead Drive, Raleigh, has a full calendar of FREE activities, including plenty for kids, including Little Explorers (nature exploration), arts projects, and more. Most require advance registration. Learn about Dix Park’s activities.
While you’re there, make sure to visit the five Dambo Trolls!
Rent a Boat for Free
Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, North Carolina, offers FREE boat rentals. To rent a boat you need to be at least 18 years old (kids need to be in the boat with an adult.) You just need a valid photo ID to rent a boat for two hours. Life vests and paddles are provided.
Boats include Single Kayaks, Double Kayaks, Canoes, Stand-up Paddle Boards and Pedal Boats. (Kids would need to ride in a boat with an adult, so the single-person boats wouldn’t work for them.)
The boat rental is available Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and some holidays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Outdoor Movies
Check out this day by day list of outdoor movies around the Triangle. Many of the outdoor movies are free.
Summer Festivals
There are a ton of summer festivals in the Triangle, and almost all include some features with kids in mind. Celebrate food, culture, art, music and more.
Go to a Museum
The Triangle has way more than its fair share of world class museums. Some are free to visit, including the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and North Carolina Museum of Art, both of which have exhibits or programming geared toward kids.
There is also Marbles Kids’ Museum in Raleigh. To save 50% on a visit to Marbles, go on a Tuesday to Friday between 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A more expensive, but very popular, museum is Durham’s Museum of Life and Science. Twice a month, Durham and Durham County residents get into Museum of Life and Science for free.
Outdoor Concerts
There are tons of outdoor concerts taking place around the Triangle. Many are free, and many are family-friendly.
Meet Animals
We’ve put together a list of animal encounters in the Triangle, including farms, zoos, and parks. Learn where to visit alpacas, goats, tigers and more.
Visit a Garden
Visit one of these 10 botanical gardens in the Triangle. They range from compact to expansive. All are free to visit.
Pick Berries
Pick your own produce, according to the season. Here’s our list of U-pick farms in the Triangle.
Visit Downtown Cary Park
Downtown Cary Park boasts plenty of adventurous fun for kids, including a cardinal-themed play set and a massive slide. In addition, there are many free events being held at the park, including movies, board games, summer break activities and more. Learn about Downtown Cary Park here.
Biking
American Tobacco trail is great for bikes. Tip from a parent: “The part below the mall is better for kids because of fewer crossroads.”
Hiking
For stroller-friendly trails, check out our list of fun Triangle hikes with kids Looking for more of a challenge? Here’s our list of the 15 best hikes in the Triangle.
Durham Central Park
There are great parks all over the Triangle, but Durham Central Park deserves special mention. It includes a fun, interactive playground with a boulder climb, a skate park, performance space and a number of gardens. One unique feature is Seeds’ Garden of Eatin’, a public edible garden where you can harvest rosemary, thyme, basil and more.
Explore history
Duke Homestead is always free to visit. Guided tours are $2 for adults and $1 for kids. It’s also free to visit Stagville State Historic Site, which is dedicated to teaching about the African-American people who were enslaved here. Guided tours are $2 for adults and $1 for kids. Also free to visit is Bennett Place, the site of the largest troop surrender in the Civil War.
Farmer’s Markets
Check out list of Triangle farmers’ markets; shopping for produce can be part of a fun family cooking project. There are often special activities at farmers’ markets, including kids’ activities, live music, and chef demos.
Fly a kite
There are plenty of open places to fly kites. Try Dix Park in Raleigh, or Forest Hill Park and Sandy Creek Park in Durham.
Go fishing
Use this map of fishing areas in North Carolina to find a place to fish. Adults need fishing licenses, but youth under age 16 do not. A 10-day license for inland fishing is $9 for North Carolina residents.
Fun at Home
We’ve put together a list of 100 fun things to do with cooped up kids. These are activities you can do at home, with no special equipment or materials. Many are well suited for families who don’t have backyards.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Kids’ Events in the Triangle
Please check out our big list of free and cheap kids’ events in the Triangle or look at a quick list here:
