35 Free Things To Do In Raleigh, NC (or on the cheap)

What I love about the City of Oaks is it’s one of those city’s where the best experiences come at no cost to you beyond your own sense of adventure and curiosity.

There are so many amazing free things to do in Raleigh, or at least incredibly cheap, you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank when planning your days.

The museums don’t charge admission, the greenway trails and lakes stretch further than your wallet ever can, and you can be tapping your toes to free live bluegrass at dusk without paying a hefty admission fee.

Whether you’re planning a day out with the family, or just trying to be conservative with your budget, there are many attractions in Raleigh that are free to enter, or for a small cost.

In this guide, we share some zero-dollar thrills and budget-friendly chills you can do any time of the week.

1. Check out the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Because of the quality and the amount of free museums in Raleigh, it has often been referred to as the “Smithsonian of the South”. One of our favorite museums in Raleigh that costs nothing to enter is the NC Museum of Natural Sciences.

Located in downtown Raleigh, the Museum of Natural Sciences is the Southeast’s largest natural history museum and North Carolina’s most visited museum.

There are over 4 floors of exhibits dedicated to all things related to our natural world. There’s even an education and research center, where you can watch scientists work, and an exhibit featuring live animals.

A highlight of the museum is the dinosaur and whale skeletons, which our daughter’s love.

If you love natural history and sciences, or if you’re looking for educational and fun things to do with kids in Raleigh, then don’t miss this museum!

Join our newsletter as we share events with our community each week!

• Hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm Monday–Sunday
• Address: 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh
• Website: naturalsciences.org

2. Learn about sport’s stars at North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame

Located inside the Museum of History on the 3rd floor, the N.C. Sports Hall of Fame is a small museum that spans more than 3,000 square feet.

It showcases artifacts of many of the members, along with a recognition of notable accomplishment across all sports. Read our short review here.

• Hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm Tuesday – Saturday, 12.00pm – 5.00pm Sunday
• Address: 5 E. Edenton St, Raleigh
• Website: ncshof.org

NOTE: The NC Museum of History is currently undergoing a major renovation that will enhance the visitor experience and expand the museum’s ability to serve the public in new and dynamic ways. While the building is closed, it continues to engage the public through programs and digital resources. Construction started summer 2025 and is expected to last 2-3 years!!!

3. Get artsy at the North Carolina Museum of Art

The North Carolina Museum of Art is one of the most popular attractions in Raleigh and admission to the Museum’s permanent collection and Museum Park is free.

This Raleigh art museum has more than a dozen beautiful gallery spaces showcasing art from around the world.

You can self-explore, take an engaging tour, see performing arts, and participate in family workshops.

Whilst here, take a stroll through the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, 164-acre park and trail system through natural areas featuring more than a dozen commissioned works of art and sculptures. 

• Hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm Wednesday–Sunday
• Address: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh
• Website: ncartmuseum.org

4. Get historical at the City of Raleigh Museum (COR Museum)

The COR Museum is housed in a historic former hardware store dating back to1874 on Fayetteville Street in the center of downtown.

It features permanent and temporary exhibits that focus on the history of the city, its people, places, and resources, and maintains a collection of approximately 5,000 artifacts.

• Hours: 9.00am – 4.00pm Tuesday – Saturday, 1.00pm – 4.00pm Sunday
• Address: 220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh
• Website: https://raleighnc.gov/places/city-raleigh-museum

5. See emerging art at the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM)

CAM Raleigh displays new and emerging work by local and national living artists, and is popular among local residents. 

Every exhibition is unique and designed to be thought-provoking and transformative and offers free admission. 

NOTE: As of June 15, CAM Raleigh temporarily paused exhibitions and in-house programming to reflect, reimagine, and redesign their future. CAM will continue to host offsite events and collaborate with partners throughout the Triangle. They will also welcome the return of the Raleigh Fine Arts Society’s annual NC Artists Exhibition this fall, opening September 28.

• Hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm Thursday – Saturday, 11.00am – 5.00pm Sunday
• Address: 409 W Martin Street, Raleigh
• Website: camraleigh.org

6. Artspace 

Downtown Raleigh’s Artspace exists to inspire creative energy through exposing, engaging, and educating all in the community about the creative process. 

Artspace is one of the largest open studio environments in the country (30,000 square foot) and is home to over 30 artists working in a variety of media, along with three exhibition spaces, a gift shop, and administrative offices. We love visiting Artspace on First Fridays in Downtown Raleigh!

• Hours: 11.00am – 7.00pm Thursday – Saturday, 11.00am – 4.00pm Sunday
• Address: 201 E. Davie St, Raleigh
• Website: artspacenc.org

7. Explore Lake Johnson Park 

Besides Raleigh being surrounded by forest, another thing we love about living here are all the small lakes and parks.

Getting out on a lake in a canoe, SUP, or kayak (if you have your own), walking around them, or hiking in one of the parks is one of the best free things you can do in Raleigh, especially in the fall season when the weather is mild and sunny.

Located near NC State University, Lake Johnson is one of our absolute favorite lakes in Raleigh.

This lake is a popular lake for students and all locals who like to get active. There’s a fantastic paved three-mile loop around the lake, plus two miles of unpaved trail.

At the boathouse you can rent canoes, kayaks, sunfish sailboats, stand-up paddle boards and jon boats. Or you can fish from the 700-foot-long boardwalk across the center of the lake.

Read our review: Why Lake Johnson is our favorite lake

• Hours: Sunrise to sunset
• Address: 4601 Avent Ferry Rd., Raleigh
• Website: https://raleighnc.gov/places/lake-johnson-park

8. Walk around Shelley Lake Park

An easy 2-mile paved scenic greenway trail loops around Shelley Lake, which is a popular walk with locals in North Raleigh.

It’s better for walkers and runners than cyclists at peak times because there’s usually a lot of people about.

There are also basketball courts, a playground for younger kids, and a fishing pier. 

Read our review: Shelley Lake Park loop trail

• Hours: 8.00am – 6.00pm (Feb-Dec) 8.00am – 7.00pm (March and October) 8.00am – 8.00pm (April – Sept)
• Address: 1400 West Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC
• Website: https://raleighnc.gov/places/shelley-lake-park

9. Bike around Lake Lynn

Lake Lynn Trail is a 2.6 mile heavily trafficked paved loop trail with scenic views and a couple of hills but nothing too challenging,

There’s a nice boardwalk over parts of the lake.

Keep in mind this trail is better for walkers and runners rather than bikers as it can get very busy with people walking with dogs and small kids. 

Check out the Lake Lynn trail in this post

• Hours: 7.00am – 9.00pm Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 3.00pm Saturday, 1.00pm – 6.00pm Sunday
• Address: 7921 Ray Road, Raleigh
• Website: https://raleighnc.gov/places/lake-lynn-park

10. Watch a sunset from Lake Raleigh

Talk about a hidden gem. It took us 6 years of living in Raleigh before we even knew that Lake Raleigh existed, now it’s one of our favorite lakes in Raleigh,

We have walked the lake trail a few times and love going stand up paddle boarding here.

It’s particularly nice to paddle boarded here in the Spring, as you can head straight across the lake to the lily pad section, which feels like somewhere in Florida, not three miles from downtown Raleigh!

It’s also one of the best sunset spots in Raleigh!

Read our guide to Lake Raleigh here.

• Hours: dawn to dusk
• Address: Centennial Campus, Raleigh, NC 27606
• Website: https://centennial.ncsu.edu/thrive/lake-raleigh/

11. Bike ride in William B. Umstead State Park

If you love nature trails through the forest, biking, trail running, picnicking, camping, canoeing, and horseback riding, don’t miss Umstead State Park which has more than 5,000 acres of forest.

This is North Carolina’s most visited state park and a natural oasis surrounding three man made lakes and located just 15 minutes from downtown Raleigh with access from I-40 and I-70. 

Three trails we love in Umstead State Park are Sal’s Branch, Sycamore, Company Mill, and Loblolly. Be sure to check out the display of chainsaw art in a fallen oak tree by artists Jerry Redi and Randy Boni on the Graylyn multi-use trail.

• Hours: 8.00am – 6.00pm (Nov – Feb), 8.00am – 8.00pm (March – April, Sept-Oct) 8.00am – 9.00pm (May – August)
• Address: 2100 N. Harrison Ave., Cary and 8801 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh
• Website: https://www.ncparks.gov/william-b-umstead-state-park/

12. Picnic in Dorothea Dix Park & Take a Free Walking Tour

Located just 5-minutes from downtown on a whopping 300+ acres, is Dorothea Dix, the largest park in Raleigh and offers impressive skyline views of the city. 

It’s a lovely space with wide-open fields, rolling meadows, tree-lined streets, and in the warmer months plays host to numerous events and festivals, including the field of sunflowers, Falling for Local, Tribal Pow Wow, and Dreamville.

There is also the newly build Gipson Play Plaza, which is an awesome play area for kids of all ages!

We absolutely loved the free guided walking tour of Dix Park where you learn so much of the history of the park, and the pans for the future.

I also recommend a sunset picnic here!

• Hours: dawn to dusk
• Address: 2105 Umstead Dr, Raleigh
• Website: dixpark.org

13. Take the kids to Pullen Park

Located next to NC State University on 66 acres of land, Pullen Park is the first public park in North Carolina, the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the U.S. and 16th oldest in the world. 

Here you can rent a pedal boat, ride a carousel and miniature train, let the kids run free on the playgrounds, have a picnic or grill out, sign up for an art class, see a play, or play your favorite sport and much more.

It’s free to enter the park but you have to pay for certain attractions, such as the historic carousel.

Read our full guide to Pullen Park Raleigh.

• Hours: dawn to dusk
• Address: 520 Ashe Ave., Raleigh
• Website: https://raleighnc.gov/places/pullen-park

14. Walk around Historic Yates Mill County Park

Hiking trails, a 24-acre pond, and the Historic Yates Mill make up this 174-acre wildlife refuge and environmental resource center. 

Admission is free, but to tour the mill to learn about the “farm-to-fork” process, witness the corn grinding process and purchase bags of ground yellow and white cornmeal will cost $3-$5 (March through Nov.). 

Check out our guide on Yates Mill Park

• Hours: 8.00am – sunset
• Address: 4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh
• Website: https://www.wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill

15. SUP at Robertson Millpond Preserve

Looking for a hidden gem? Drive out near the town of Wendell and discover Robertson Millpond Preserve, the area’s only bald cypress habitat. 

Recognized as a wetland treasure, canoeists, kayakers and paddle boarders can float peacefully through a serene, forest-like setting.

• Address: 6333 Robertson Pond Rd., Wendell
• Website: https://www.wakegov.com/parks/robertsonmillpond

16. Hike around Fred G. Bond Metro Park and Boathouse

Bond Metro Park is one of the largest municipal parks in Wake County and like an oasis in the town of Cary. 

It offers opportunities for many types of recreation with hiking trails ( (a two-mile loop around the lake), picnic shelters, sports fields, a playground, and a boathouse that rents out pedal boats, kayaks and canoes.

• Hours: 7.30am – sunset
• Address: 801 High House Road, Cary
• Website: https://www.townofcary.org/recreation-enjoyment/parks-greenways-environment/parks/fred-g-bond-metro-park

17. Relax at Mordecai Historic Park

Situated in the heart of downtown, Mordecai Historic Park was once the site of the largest plantation in Wake County.

It’s now the home to some of N.C.’s most extraordinary treasures, including the Mordecai House (1785) the oldest house in Raleigh on its original location, and the birthplace of 17th President Andrew Johnson.

While it’s free to wander the grounds, tours of the house are by appointment only and are ticketed. You can see prices for tours here.

However, twice a year they run their guided tours for free. Again, we share that when it happens with our email community. (Join our list here)

Craig and I have done the guided walking tour before and loved it. Read more about the Mordecai historic park tour (with lots of photos)

• Hours: 10.00am – 11.00pm
• Address: 1 Mimosa St., Raleigh
• Website: https://raleighnc.gov/places/mordecai-historic-park

18. Celebrate First Friday

A fun, free way to explore Downtown Raleigh and celebrate our local artisan community is to attend the First Friday event, held every, you guessed it, first Friday of the month.

Many of the local galleries have free art exhibitions (sometimes paired with wine and nibbles), there are free movies and markets on at Moore Square, live music and other fun ways to get to enjoy Raleigh.

We have a guide to First Friday with the updated events for each month.

19. Explore the neighborhoods in Raleigh

Raleigh neighborhoods are very walk-able and bike-able. And whether we are at home in Raleigh or visiting another city, a great way to explore any destination is on foot – either doing a free walking tour, by wandering around on your own, or by bike. 

So grab a coffee and just wander around and take in the vibe of the city neighborhoods. Below are some of our favorite neighborhoods in Raleigh…

Check out this guide to the best neighborhoods inside the beltline.

Fayetteville Street and Surrounds

For exploring the downtown area around Fayetteville street, we like to grab a coffee at the Morning Times or Sir Walter Coffee and explore Fayetteville and the surrounding streets. 

At one end of Fayetteville you have the Capitol Building, and just behind that is the Museum of Natural Sciences and the Museum of History.

We also like to walk along E. Hargett St towards Moore Square and City Market, and, along E. Davie street and S. Wilmington St. Here are some downtown Raleigh stores you may like to visit.

The Warehouse District

The Warehouse District is our favorite area of downtown, and so easy to walk around.

Our go to coffee spot is Heirloom Brewshop, then we like to check out the boutiques stores, take the kids to Videri Chocolate Factory, and grab some cheap eats at the Morgan Street Food Hall – the burgers at Cow Bar are amazing! 

Historic Oakwood

Check out the lovely neighborhood of Historic Oakwood. We like to wander the streets and dream of owning one of the Victorian and 20th-century homes. 

Start with a coffee from nearby Yellow Dog Bread Co on N. Person Street and then explore on foot, or drive slowly. The Oakwood Cemetary is also nice to walk around.

See more in our North Person Street Guide

Downtown Cary

You can spend at least a few hours in downtown Cary. It’s like small town America, cute and charming, with just a few streets to navigate.

It’s one of the hottest places to be in Wake County with its new community focused Downtown Cary Park – think playgrounds for kids, playgrounds for dogs, playgrounds for adults ie. bars, and lots of events.

There are also many new restaurants, bars, and cafes in the downtown area – and more opening soon.

20. Step back in time at the North Carolina State Capitol

The State Capitol building, built in 1840, is a National Historic Landmark and one of the best-preserved examples of Greek Revival-style architecture.

Start by walking around the exterior of the building among the impressive oak trees and explore the monuments and statues on display. 

You can tour all three floors of the building. Self-guided tours are Monday – Friday. Guided tours are available at no cost each Sat. at 11am and 2pm.

At present, the NC State Capitol is closed for refurbishment and will reopen in the summer of 2024. See here for latest announcements.

• Hours: reopening in the summer of 2024
• Address: 1 East Edenton St, Raleigh
• Website: https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/n-c-state-capitol

21. Admire Governor’s Mansion (North Carolina Executive Mansion)

The North Carolina Executive Mansion has been the official residence of the Governor’s of North Carolina since 1891, and is a beautiful Victorian-style mansion built from native materials.

Franklin D. Roosevelt (F.D.R) once described the mansion as having “the most beautiful governor’s residence interior in America.” 

Tours are ONLY offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays (must be booked 2 weeks in advance). Holiday Open House is in December. WE hve done both a free tour AND the holiday open house! We’ve also joined a roundtable content creator discussion with Governor Josh Stein, so I can tell you the inside of the house is beautiful!

• Hours: check the website for events
• Address: 200 N. Blount St., Raleigh
• Website: https://www.ncdcr.gov/things-do/historic-sites/triangletriad/north-carolina-executive-mansion

22. Visit Andrew Johnson’s Birthplace

Andrew Johnson was the 17th president of the United States, serving from 1865 to 1869. He assumed the presidency as he was vice president at the time of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

Johnson was born here in Raleigh in 1808, and you can visit a historical marker located at 123 Fayetteville Street.

The building in which Andrew Johnson was born was moved to Mordecai Historic Park at 1 Mimosa Street in Raleigh.

• Address: 1001-1099 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh, NC 27604 (formerly 123 Fayette Street)
• Website: https://www.presidentsusa.net/ajohnsonbirthplace.html

23. Bike the Art to Heart Trail

It’s hard to beat the greenways for free things to do in Raleigh NC. You can walk, hike, or bike ride. And besides being easy on your wallet, it’s good for your health.

The Capital Area Greenway System consists of 180 miles of greenways made up of 28 individual trails. Below are some of the best. 

This is a corridor connecting the North Carolina Museum of Art to the Heart of downtown Raleigh. 

Beginning at the NC Art museum, the 6 mile Art to Heart Trail winds through the museum’s 164-acre park, passes behind Meredith College, cuts through the main campus at NC State, passes by Pullen Park and finishes in downtown just outside of the Duke Energy Performing Arts Center. 

The trail can be done in reverse, of course, and bike racks are available at the museum.

24. Bike the American Tobacco Trail

This 23-mile trail runs along an abandoned railroad bed originally built for the American Tobacco Company in the 70s. The trail crosses through Wake County, Chatham and Durham County.

Part of the East Coast Greenway, it’s open to pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians and other non-motorized users.

Nice and wide trail and usually well populated.

If you’re looking for a refresing drink at the end of the trail, head on over to Cloers Family Vineyard in Apex – its a local hidden gem. We recently biked this and loved it, combining it with the White Oak Creek Greenway trail (28 miles in total. Read our guide to the American Tobacco Trail.

• Address: 3 parking lots provide easy access to the Wake County portion of the trail: 1309 New Hill Olive Chapel Rd, Apex | 966 Wimberly Road, Apex | 1305 White Oak Church Rd, Apex.

25. Cycle the Black Creek Greenway

At 7 miles long, the Black Creek Greenway is one of the Town of Cary’s longest and most popular greenways. 

It connects to other recreational and open spaces, and begins from Lake Crabtree in the north, to the greenway hub at Bond Metro Park.

Open to walkers, hikers, cyclists, leashed pets, children and other users from dawn to dusk.

• Address: 2139 Old Reedy Creek Rd.,Trailhead, Cary, NC
• Website: https://www.townofcary.org/recreation-enjoyment/parks-greenways-environment/greenways/black-creek-greenway

26. Cycle the Neuse River Greenway Trail

Considered the gem of the 100-mile Capital Area Greenway system, this is a 27-mile paved trail stretching from Falls Lake in North Raleigh to the Wake County border line in southeast Raleigh.

Lots of starting and stopping points, and along the way are winding boardwalk areas, views of historical sites, and suspension bridges. Trail is open to joggers, walkers, runners, cyclists, roller-bladers and others. 

• Address: a good place to start is Anderson Point Park, which has plenty of parking: 20 Anderson Point Dr., Raleigh
• Website: https://raleighnc.gov/places/neuse-river-greenway-trail

27. Walk around Carl Alwin Schenck Memorial Forest

This is a 245 acre forest about 10 minutes from the NC State campus, and managed by them as a teaching and research forest.

The Frances L. Liles Trail is most frequently used by the public. Overall, the trails are short and make for a nice 30-75 minute hike and quick nature get-away and walk in the woods.

Trails are not very well marked so make sure you have your GPS/Phone with you. 

• Address: 5101 Reedy Creek Rod, Raleigh

28. Relax in Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve

This 140-acre park in Cary offers three miles of mulch-covered walking and hiking trails that lead to a series of small overlooks.

Nice spot for leisurely walks, summer shade, fall foliage, families, dogs on short leashes, small crowds – there’s a great little nature center museum, too.

Read our guide to the Hemlock Bluffs Trail in Cary

• Address: 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary
• Website: https://www.townofcary.org/recreation-enjoyment/parks-greenways-environment/parks/stevens-nature-center-at-hemlock-bluffs-nature-preserve

29. Smell the flowers in Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden

One of three accredited rose gardens in North Carolina, this is more than just a botanical garden. The grounds of the Raleigh Rose Garden include sixty rose beds surrounded by an arboretum of evergreen and deciduous trees.

In the summer months, a free outdoor movie series is a local-favorite. And every year they host Art in the Garden, the annual arts festival benefiting Raleigh Little Theatre.

The Raleigh Rose Garden is open to the public 7 days a week. We had beautiful family portrait photos taken here.

• Hours: dawn to dusk
• Address: 301 Pogue St., Raleigh
• Website: https://raleighlittletheatre.org/visit-us/rose-garden/

30. Admire JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University

JC Raulston is a nationally acclaimed garden with one of the largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants in the Southeast. 

Here you can stroll through 10 acres of gardens with 5,000 plants collected from all over the world on display.

• Hours: 9.00am – 4.30pm Monday–Thursday, 9.00am – 7.00pm Friday, 8.00am – 7.00pm Saturday and Sunday
• Address: 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh
• Website: jcra.ncsu.edu

31. Window shop in The Raleigh Market

Since 1971, the flea market at the State Fairgrounds has offered one of the most unique and entertaining shopping experiences in the state.

Each weekend, over 600 indoor and outdoor vendors showcase an incredible range of items, from high-end antiques to power tools and everything in between.

• Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday
• Address: 1025 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh
• Website: TheRaleighMarket.com

32. Explore the shops in City Market

City Market is a tourist attraction come food hall in the heart of downtown. Tourists and locals enjoy wandering the cobblestone streets to enjoy open-air shopping and food vendors. We do love walking through this area of Raleigh – to be honest it could be a lot better – not sure what the city is doing here, but there are some things to do.

Grab a coffee from nearby 42 & Lawrence, and breakfast from Big Ed’s, and we also love Vic’s Italian Pizza (some of the best pizza in Raleigh at affordable prices)and then explore City Market and check out the specialty shops, and Art Space and other galleries. It’s also right across from Moore Square, which has plenty of free events.

• Hours: 11.00am – 2.00am Tuesday – Saturday, 11.00am – 12.00am Sunday and Monday
• Address: 215 Wolfe Street, Raleigh
• Website: HistoricCityMarket.com

33. Taste local produce at State Farmers Market

The Raleigh Farmers Market is one of four regional Farmers Markets across the state and this market is considered one of the nation’s best and most modern markets.

Boasting 75 acres of indoor and outdoor vendor space, here you can sample and shop fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and gift products from farmers across the state.

Local Raleigh residents love getting their fresh produce from here and eating breakfast at the State Farmers Market restaurant. (It’s on our top places to eat breakfast in Raleigh lists)

Here are more farmers markets in Raleigh to love and our guide to the Raleigh Farmers Market.

• Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm
• Address: 1201 Agriculture St., Raleigh
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/StateFarmersMarket/

34. Attend a Free Event (we love Brewgaloo)

Raleigh is not short of festivals and events throughout the year, and what’s more is that many of them are free!

Some of our favorite free events in Raleigh are the Krispy Kreme Challenge in February, Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival in April, Artsplosure in May, and the Raleigh Christmas Parade in November.

Our all time favorite though has to be Brewgaloo, a neighborhood block party and beer festival, with live music, dance parties, and kids’ activities for the little ones.

It’s the second largest beer festival in the USA and takes place over a weekend in April. The Saturday Street Festival is FREE to enter, but you need to buy tickets for drinks samples.

If you’re in town during the bloom of Spring, then be sure to add this event to your to-do list.

35: Explore Downtown Cary Park

Downtown Cary Park is one of my favorite spots just outside Raleigh—it’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. It’s not only beautifully designed with incredible amenities like the splash pad and slides at The Nest playground, ping-pong and putting greens at the Park Street Courts, a dog park, public art, a skywalk, and even an onsite café—but it also offers so many free ways to enjoy the space.

I especially love their CaryLive! monthly concert series—held outdoors on the Great Lawn and completely free! It’s such a fun way to discover new music and connect with the community. And if you’re into wellness, their free Saturday morning yoga classes are the perfect way to start your weekend—especially during the summer when they’re held outside. It’s a vibrant, much-loved community park that always feels full of life.

Read our gull guide to the Downtown Cary Park

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, those are our favorite things you can do for free in Raleigh, and as you can see, there’s a lot of fun to be had!

We hope this guide helped you decide on a few free activities and things to do in the City of Oaks. Don’t forget to subscribe to our email. We share weekly events, insider tips, and important updates! You’ll never be bored in Raleigh again.

What’s your favorite activity? Let us know in the comments.

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