Raleigh is well known for being family-friendly, not just for those who live here, but for those families who visit Raleigh as well. You’ll find the City of Oaks packed with kid-powered fun that adults love too. Raleigh is very family-friendly, and there’s as much to do here for little ones as there is for adults, so we’ve put together this 48-hour itinerary for families with kids, so you can see exactly why people love bringing their family here.
You could spend the morning face-to-face with a T. Rex, ride an historic carousel, ride bikes through an art-filled garden, grab an ice cream from a local store, picnic beneath the oak trees in a leafy park. In two days, you can explore Raleigh’s most kid-friendly attractions, and best of all, without spending half of it in the car.
The below itinerary has been designed to be as walkable as possible. On one day, you roam downtown museums and entertainment, and on the other, you’ll explore the city’s green spaces. And of course, we’ll share our favorite kid-friendly restaurants, and where to stay, so you can be sure all tantrums will be left at home.
Day 1
The first day we will explore downtown Raleigh and the heart of the city. If it’s your first time in Raleigh, then consider spending a full day in and around downtown. Assuming you have arrived the night before, we will begin our itinerary with an iconic Raleigh breakfast spot.
Breakfast at Big Ed’s City Market
If you want to start your day right with a hearty breakfast that the whole family will love, head to Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant. This laid-back Southern breakfast spot has quirky and antique memorabilia hanging from the ceiling, almost like an old farm.
What makes Big Ed’s a local’s favorite breakfast spot, though, is not just the cool decor, but the food. Think GIANT pancakes the size of a child’s head – your kids’ eyes will widen in delight at the size. In fact, they have a “hot cake challenge” – if you eat it in 45-minutes or less you get a free t-shirt! We typically order one to share, along with French toast, biscuits and country ham (Southern country cooking at its finest), and hot chocolates.
If you’re not familiar with Big Ed’s, it’s a beloved institution in Raleigh. It has been serving Southern comfort food, food like what grandma used to make, since 1958 in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Other popular dishes include the peach cobbler, fried catfish, sliced pork loin, fried chicken, country-fried steak, chicken and dumplings, and aged ribeye steak and eggs. All very hearty and reasonably priced.
Get your coffee fix
If you’re a coffee lover like us and need your caffeine fix to boost your energy for the day ahead with the kids, I recommend the following coffee shops in downtown that are suitable for families.
- The Morning Times – popular locals spot in the heart of downtown. Upstairs seating area or sit outdoors on the sidewalk tables. Full coffee menu and our kids like their giant cookies and hot chocolates.
- Lucky Tree Cafe & Roastery – in Moore square. Chill out here for 30 minutes or so. Outdoor patio seating only where you can look out over Moore Square as the kids run wild on the grass. Small slide here too.
- Boulted Bread – beloved Raleigh staple. Known for their incredible pastries (our kids love their chocolate croissants, scones and cookies). Some of the best coffee in downtown.
- Black & White Coffee – great little coffee shop in the same building as Videri Chocolate Factory. Try their Mocha latte as they use the chocolate made onsite. NOTE: this could be an afternoon coffee pick me up spot and treat for the kids!
- Heirloom – Asian style coffee shop and tea house in the Warehouse District. Excellent coffees, and our kids enjoy their Mochi donuts (a fusion crossing traditional American-style doughnut and Japanese mochi). Indoor and outdoor seating.
Marbles Kids Museum (young kids)
With bellies full, it’s time to work it off. Marbles Kids Museum is Raleigh’s premier children’s museum and is a place where the kids can let their imaginations run wild. It’s particularly good for younger kids, and those over the age of 10 may find it a bit babyish. Despite being a museum, it’s not the kind where I have to whisper, “don’t touch”, it’s actually quite the opposite. Everything is designed to be played with, from climbing aboard a three-story pirate ship to racing boats down a giant water table to pretending to be a vet, farmer, or firefighter. The whole museum is designed to encourage imaginative play, foster creativity, nurture STEM learning, and above all else, create joy!
You could easily spend a few hours here. It’s spread across two floors and has many hands-on exhibits. If you are a parent who loves to encourage children with their education, you will love Marbles. While they are burning off some energy, they can be learning facts about everything from renewable energy to growing plants.
Museum of Natural Sciences (older kids)
If your kids are a bit too old for Marbles, then try the NC Museum of Natural Sciences instead. I’m always a little wary of museums with kids; we have been to so many over our years of traveling and find they can get a bit samey… but the Museum of Natural Sciences has won me over. In case you don’t know, Raleigh is nicknamed the “Smithsonian of the South” for its quality museums, and the Natural Sciences Museum is the Southeast’s largest natural history museum and the most visited museum in North Carolina!
Spread across two buildings and four floors, it feels less like a museum you have to patiently work your way through. I always find that kids make a beeline for the dinosaurs – they love looking at the Acrocanthosaurus, aka the “Terror of the South” – while I’m distracted by enormous whale skeletons. There are also fossils, meteorites, butterflies, and a giant earth globe housing a three-story theater, so there’s plenty here to keep curious minds occupied for a morning.
I also find it amazing that it has live animals and a window where you can peer into working research labs. Best of all, admission is FREE! So you don’t have to worry about getting your money’s worth and can save your dollars for an ice cream later. I’d allow the full morning; there is much to see.
Lunch at Morgan Street or Transfer Co. Food Halls
Depending on how big you went for breakfast at Big Ed’s, you might want a lighter lunch. So, why not have options? I love that Raleigh has a handful of food halls; they make dining out as a family so much easier. Rather than trying to drag them into a restaurant and have them complain there’s no chicken nuggets on the menu, take them to either Morgan Street Food Hall or Transfer Co. Food Hall.
Both these food halls have a relaxed, slightly industrial feel, with a centralized dining space, so you can let the kids choose their own lunch from the large collection of independent vendors and you choose your own, and all still eat together. For more restaurant and cafe options, see our guide on where to Eat Lunch in Raleigh.
Dorothea Dix Park (Gipson Play Plaza + Trolls)
Definitely consider spending time exploring Dorothea Dix Park. It’s Raleigh’s largest urban park and is a mixture of expansive fields, an epic kids’ playground, GIANT trolls, woodland trails, and historic buildings, so there’s plenty of room here to run around, kick a ball, fly a kite, or play at the playground.
If you have younger kids, they will love Gipson Play Plaza, the largest playground in the Southeast at 18.5 acres. There are multi-story climbing towers connected by swaying and stationary bridges with slides, and a there’s a waterfall and splash pad. Kids will love. The Sand Bowl, a collection of wooden playhouses perched above a wet sand play area perfect for little adventures. The Swing Terrace features a 91-foot-long wooden mega-swing with a variety of swing types for all ages and abilities. Let the kids play here while you sit beneath the oaks with a coffee.
All kids will love Thomas Dambo’s giant troll sculptures that added a storybook feel to the park’s trails and wooded areas. Five trolls are hidden throughout the landscape, making the experience part art exhibit, part outdoor scavenger hunt.
If visiting in summer, be sure to check out the amazing sunflower field (sunset is a good time to go). One of the most popular annual events in Raleigh each year. They typically bloom in early to mid-July for about two weeks.
Videri Chocolate Factory
All chocolate lovers need to go to Videri Chocolate Factory and sample yummy chocolates! Stroll through their factory and learn all about their chocolate making process on a self-guided tour any time during our open hours. They offer complimentary chocolate bar tastings and if you complete the scavenger hunt, you can earn yourself a delicious prize. High-quality handmade chocolates made with organic and fair-trade ingredients – allergy friendly options available.
Boxcar Bar & Arcade
Across the street from Videri is Boxcar Bar & Arcade, a classic arcade hall where you can challenge your family members or friends to some arcade games including pinball machines, racing games, Skeeball, Air Hockey, Pop-A-Shot, Guitar Hero and Mario Kart. NOTE: children under 21 must be accompanied by a parent and leave the premises by 8pm on weekdays and 7pm on weekends!
Dinner at Sam Jones BBQ
North Carolina is a barbecue state, and I always like to recommend what’s local to the area and the Jones family name in BBQ goes all the way back three generations. We love Sam Jones in downtown as its super casual, has indoor and outdoor seating, and they have a kids menu including chicken tenders, bbq sliders, mac ‘n cheese, grilled cheese, turkey plate, and fries. For the adults, consider one of their plates or trays where you can mix and match meats with sides. Their ribs are excellent, so are their sandwiches!
Alternate dinner options:
- Winston’s Grille – Located in North Raleigh. Long-time favorite with Raleigh locals. Family friendly. Indoor and outdoor seating.
- Parkside Restaurant – casual Southern-American and comfort food the locals love. Indoor & outdoor seating.
- Irregardless Cafe – has been a Raleigh tradition since 1975. Vegetarian and gluten-free options, and the vibe is very family friendly.
- Raleigh Times Bar – Family-friendly, popular for their quality American pub grub. Inddor and outdoor seating plus a rooftop patio in the heart of downtown.
- For even more casual options, see list of lunch suggestions on day 2 below.
Day 2
The second day will show you a different, greener side to Raleigh. Although Raleigh is tech-driven and the capitol city of North Carolina, it’s well known for being green. It’s not called the City of Oaks for no reason, so we’ll be spending the second day in Raleigh’s best outdoor attractions and kid-friendly parks (also outdoors). But first, fuel up for a day of fun.
Breakfast at State Farmers’ Market Restaurant
Another classic Raleigh breakfast option is at the State Farmers’ Market Restaurant. They start each meal with their highly acclaimed “REAL BISCUITS”, hand-made using real Buttermilk and they are big! Their menu features many North Carolina based products, and popular items include their omelets, pancakes, waffles, French toast, country ham with eggs, and Granny Cone’s Sampler (a little of everything). Get there early on a weekend as this place gets super busy!
Alternate breakfast & brunch options for each day:
- Press Coffee & Crepes – fantastic crepes. European style cafe with a Carolina twist. Excellent coffee, too!
- Mecca Restaurant – oldest restaurant in Raleigh. Diner style food and decor.
- Benchwarmers Bagels – wood-fired oven bagels. Good coffee. 3 locations in Raleigh. The best is at Rockway in downtown (1015 S. Saunders Street)
- Flying Biscuit Cafe – Southern hospitality and southern breakfast foods. Kids eat free Mon-Thurs.
- First Watch – another chain in Raleigh. Mostly healthy options, and there’s a huge egg section with eight different types of omelets.
- Boulted Bread – local neighborhood bakery. Croissants, muffins, jam pinwheels, cookies, morning buns, and more!
- 20 best brunch spots in Raleigh
NC Museum of Art (and Park)
I wouldn’t say that kids particularly go wild for the NC Museum of Art, but it can’t be all about the kids, right? There are only two gallery spaces, so it won’t take long to walk through. But it’s really the outside of the museum that’s kid friendly. The Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park have Musical Swings that make music as you play, giant art sculptures, and a patio that makes for a great gathering place. It’s also where you’ll want to pick up a bike hire (more on this below) for a morning bike ride along…
The Art to Heart Trail
If your family likes cycling, The Art to Heart Trail is a 6-mile paved bike trail that connects to the Museum of Art to downtown Raleigh via the Reedy Creek Trail, passing through the museum’s sprawling 164-acre sculpture park before winding through leafy West Raleigh, past NC State University and Pullen Park.
I love that there’s always something to look at along the way, and the kids simply enjoy having somewhere to pedal. You can read more about how to plan this adventure in our complete guide on How To Bike The Art To Heart Trail. And learn about Raleigh’s bikeshare program for rentals.
An alternative nature experience is to either walk or bike around the 3-mile loop trail of lake Johnson, our favorite lake in Raleigh. It is fully paved, mostly in shade, and mostly flat with two short sections that are rather hilly and require effort. Start at the boatshed, head clockwise, and the hilly sections are on the back-end of the loop in the forest area.
Lunch at The Players Retreat (Pro Tip: plan for Sunday)
After a morning of pedaling, head to The Players’ Retreat, or the PR as everyone calls it, for a taste of youthful college atmosphere. I know what you’re thinking: a bar as a place to take kids? Don’t worry, despite being a local institution across from NC State and known for being a college bar, it’s very family friendly. In fact, children eat free on Sundays!
What I love about the PR is the wonderfully old-school vibe, the Wolfpack memorabilia covering the walls, and the overall lively vibe of students, sports fans, and locals. It has excellent burgers, sandwiches, and other unfussy American favorites, so there’s plenty to keep the kids happy. Graba a table outside on the sidewalk!
Alternative lunch spots for each day:
- Amedeo’s Italian– One of Raleigh’s longest running Italian restaurants that is practically an NC State museum. Founded in 1963 by Amedeo (Dick) DeAngelis, a former NC State football. Casual, good prices, perfect for families and sports fans.
- Mitch’s Tavern – another old-school Raleigh spot that looks like a quintessential British pub or tavern but adorned in NC State Memorabilia. Great sandwiches, chili, nachos, salads.
- MoJoe’s Burgers – my favorite of the burger joints in Raleigh from a classic neighborhood joint.
- Snoopy’s Hot Dogs – for a cheap, quick grab-and-go at a long-standing Raleigh landmark since 1978.
- Char-Grill – It doesn’t get more Raleigh than Char-Grill, a local burger joint since 1959. You fill out a paper order sheet with a pencil and wait while your food is cooked to order. Our kids love their shakes and fries.
Pullen Park
It’s time to take the kids to Pullen Park. This is the oldest public park in North Carolina and one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the US, opening in 1887, so it’s perfect for a dose of old-fashioned family fun. Kids love the historic 1911 carousel, which is really the star of the show at Pullen Park. The kids climb aboard the beautifully carved horses and enjoy the whimsical music, and then after that, hop on the miniature train for a chug around the park, then make a beeline for the playground or the pedal boats.
Pullen Park is great for younger kids as the rides are gentle and the setting is leafy and calming, but older kids enjoy it for the wonderfully nostalgic vibe and carnival games. There’s no need to plan too much here. Ride tickets are just $2 each, while entry to the park itself is free, so it’s an affordable family outing.
Visit this historic Krispy Kreme store
Fun fact: Raleigh is home to the second original Krispy Kreme store in the world at 549 N Person St. That’s right, one of the largest doughnut chains originally started two hours up the road from Raleigh in Winston-Salem. We have a lot of great donut spots in Raleigh, but our kids still vote Krispy Kreme as their favorite. See our full list of donut spots here.
Cool down with ice cream
If your kids prefer ice cream over doughnuts, we have a lot of great locally owned ice cream spots. Two Roosters Ice Cream was founded by an NC State University alum. And Howling Cow make ice cream on NC State’s campus on their 329-acre dairy farm as part of a nationally recognized food science program. Another inspiring story that started all the way over on the Island of Cyprus and ends up in Raleigh is Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream – you can’t miss their MONSTER shakes. FRESH is another popular local spot. See our full list of 13 ice cream shops in Raleigh.
Dinner at Trophy Brewing & Pizza
Tonight you can choose from some of our family favorites including Italian and Mexican. All casual with a dish for every member of the family and indoor or outdoor seating.
Trophy Brewing & Pizza is one of our favorite neighborhood dining spots as a family. The kids can order a pizza, including classics such as pepperoni, cheese, Margherita, or Hawaiian plus more creative options (and they have gluten-free crusts). And, they have some of the best wings and salads in Raleigh! Mom and dad can wash their meals down with some of the best craft brews in Raleigh!
Vic’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria in historic city market is another of our family favorites for Italian. They offer New York-style pizza, plus pastas and other Italian classics, dinner specials, and complimentary garlic knots! We’re also gluten-free and highly rate their GF pizza bases. Excellent kids’ menu. Casual spot downtown with indoor and outdoor seating!
For a Mexican food in Raleigh, one of the popular spots in downtown is Gringo A Go Go. It has a vintage vibe being a former ESSO gas station. Colorful outdoor patio surrounded by plants, and cool and interesting interior, and real Mexican food that all adds up to offering a lovely neighborhood atmosphere. vegetarian and vegan options. Other Mexican spots we recommend include El Rodeo in downtown, Gym Tacos, and Bartaco in North Hills. See our full list of family-friendly restaurants.
Where to stay
Since you are staying in Raleigh for just a short time, I recommend basing yourself in downtown, as you can easily get back to your hotel for naps, time-outs, and chill time.
For families, I recommend the Residence Inn downtown Raleigh by Marriott, because it offers cozy apartment style (all-suite) rooms. The rooms include kitchens plus space to relax and work. Or the Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh Downtown, again you get a spacious suite with a bedroom, living space, and kitchen area. The sleeping and living area is separate, so everyone can get a little breathing room.
Both of those hotels are in the heart of downtown Raleigh so you can walk to many of the downtaown attractions, such as the Natural Sciences Museum, and a very short drive to Dix Park and Pullen Park. You can also find more places to stay in our guides on the Best Downtown Raleigh Hotels.
Getting around Raleigh with kids
I’ve arranged this itinerary so there is minimal travel time between attractions. Most of downtown is walkable, but if you find your little ones are getting tired, then you can either drive from A to B, or use rideshare apps. There is a bus network, but it would be faster and less stressful to hail a rideshare. After all, the journeys in this itinerary shouldn’t take more than 10-15 minutes.
If you have older kids, then bikes are a good way to get around. You can rent standard bikes from Going My Way Bike Rentals, who will meet you at your hotel or at the trail with your bikes. He also has kids’ bikes and a Burley Bee trailer to pull along the little ones who don’t ride. Or use the Raleigh bikeshare program. If you are visiting over a weekend, there is free on-street parking in downtown, which makes getting around a breeze. Read our guide to parking in Raleigh.
More tips for Raleigh with kids:
- 60 things to do in Raleigh with kids
- Top attractions in Raleigh
- 19 best playgrounds in Raleigh
- 20 kid friendly trails in Raleigh
- 20 family friendly breweries
- 30+ family friendly restaurants
Stay Connected to Raleigh
Join our free email community to receive free checklists, guides, insider tips, personal stories, fun finds, and the best events in Raleigh each week. We'll show you how to stay connected to Raleigh and love where you live! Join Below 👇
“Your weekly newsletter is a lifesaver for me. Yesterday we didn’t know what to do, I just check your list of events for the weekend, and we ended up in Cary at the Carolina Circus Festival. We had a great time so thanks a lot for all your good work 😊 we really appreciate you” Subscriber
