For most public schools in the Triangle, Spring Break, including weekends, starts March 28, 2026, and ends April 6. Some schools’ calendars may differ.
Here are some fun, free or cheap things going on in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding areas for kids and teens throughout that time period. Make sure to follow each link to get the necessary details on times and locations.
You can keep track of free and cheap things to do in the Triangle by subscribing to the free email list and following us on Facebook and Instagram.
In this post, we cover:
- Special events during Spring Break for families (Jump to this section.)
- The entire calendar of kids’ activities on Triangle on the Cheap (Jump to this section.)
- Fun things in Triangle that are always free (Jump to this section.)
- Great discounts on kids’ activities. (Jump to this section.)
Special Events During Spring Break
Egg Hunts and Easter Bunny Visits: There are many Easter egg hunts taking place the first weekend of Spring Break. Follow the above link for a huge list! Most are free.
NC State College of Veterinary Medicine Open House: This annual event gives kids a chance to milk a cow, learn how veterinarians care for farm animals, get their favorite stuffed animal repaired in the Teddy Bear Clinic and much more. Free event on March 28, 2026.
Hope Into Spring Train Rides: New Hope Valley Railway’s Hop Into Spring Train Rides take place March 28 and 29, 2026. Ride the train, meet the Easter Bunny and take part in a colorful visual egg hunt, which is an “I Spy” game during the train ride. See if you can spot the big wooden eggs. Tickets for all ages are $18.61.
Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge Tour and Explore: On March 28, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., visit all the rescued farm animals, and learn how they’re cared for. There’s a sliding scale, so you just pay what you can. 7236 NC Highway 87 N, Pittsboro, NC.
School BreakOUT! at Downtown Cary Park: On March 31 and April 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Downtown Cary Park will host a full day of fun activities for kids. Tuesday’s theme is space, and Thursday’s theme is pirates. Free events! Please note that these are not drop-off events.
Open Farm Day at Firefly Farm in Hillsborough: Firefly Farm is hosting an Open Farm Day on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit the animals, walk the labyrinth, meander around the pond, and enjoy the beauty of this space. Admission is free.
North Carolina Science Festival: All April long, there will be science events throughout the state. Many are free.
Spring Break Calendar
These activities are always free
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- North Carolina Museum of Art
- Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park
- Visiting the Dambo Trolls at Dix Park
- These hikes are perfectly suited for kids
- Duke Homestead State Historic Site
- Self-guided tour of Videri Chocolate Factory in Raleigh
- Visit one of these 31 farmers’ markets. Some even have special activities for kids.
- Durham Central Park features a playground, a skate park, Garden of Eatin’ (edible garden, free for the picking) and more
- Plane-watching at RDU Observation Park
- Triangle libraries all have many free offerings for kids. Durham County Library, Orange County Public Library, Wake County Libraries, Chapel Hill Public Library.
- Botanical gardens in the Triangle
- Stagville State Historic Site
Discounts on Kids’ activities
Use Groupons to get discounts on Spring Break activities for kids. You’ll find discounts on bowling, trampoline parks, mini-golf, climbing gyms, movies and more.
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