Family Activities

Most of the museum and science centers in the Triangle have special programs just for kids. Call them directly for dates, times, fees, and more information.

The Ballet School of Montessori Children’s House
1603 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
919-942-1339
Year-round classes in ballet, modern, jazz, tap and fencing for children and adults.

Barnes & Noble Bookstore
5400 New Hope Commons, Durham
919-489-3012
Scheduled weekly story times for kids.
(Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m.)

Carolina Theater
309 W. Morgan Street, Durham
919-560-3030
This theater offers wonderful performances throughout the year. Past performances include The Magic School Bus Live and Peter & the Wolf.

Chuck E. Cheese’s
3724 Mayfair Street, Durham
919-493-6084
Indoor play-space with limited mazes but lots of games for older children. They also have party packages. Admission is free.

Durham Arts Council
120 Morris Street, Durham
919-560-2787
The Council offers hands-on arts courses for toddlers through senior citizens. Building features private collection of paintings, sculpture, and photographs by North Carolina artists.

Durham Public Library
Each branch sponsors story hours for various age groups. Call the main branch at 919-560-0100 for specific location information and to register.

Edison Johnson Aquatic Center
601 W. Murray Avenue, Durham
919-560-4265
Swimming lessons offered year-round for children of all ages.

Exploris Museum
Exploris features an IMAX theater and hands-on exhibits about cultures from around the globe.
201 East Hargett Street, Raleigh
919-834-4040

Jellybeans
1120 Buck Jones Road, Raleigh
919-467-5283
A roller skating rink for kids! On the weekends there are special programs available for various age groups. Events change weekly, so call for an up-to-date schedule.

The Mardi Gras Bowling Alley
6118 Farrington Road, Chapel Hill
919-489-3410

Museum of Life and Science
433 Murray Avenue, Durham
919-220-5429 www.ncmls.org
This interactive, indoor-outdoor science museum features hands-on
exhibits for all ages --aerospace, weather, geology, Carolina wildlife, farmyard, train ride, traveling exhibits, small science for children under 7, gifts shops, discovery rooms, and café culminate with the Magic Wings Butterfly House, a tropical year-round butterfly conservatory. Bayer CropScience Insectarium houses exotic live insects. Free on Wednesdays from 1:00-5:00 p.m. for Durham County residents. Make sure to check out the new "Explore the Wild" exhibits!
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday Noon-5 p.m.

Playspace
410 Glenwood Ave, Suite 150, Raleigh
919-832-1212
Creative play museum for children aged six months to seven years. Exhibits feature a pretend hospital, café, grocery, and costume stage and infant area.
Admission $5/person. (Yearlong memberships available)
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday 1p.m.–5 p.m.

Raleigh Little Theater
919-821-4579
301 Pogue Street, Raleigh
This theater offers youth series for younger audiences. A great opportunity to introduce your youngster to the wonder of live theater through familiar tales and musicals.

Soccer Dome America—Indoor Sports Complex
5600 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh
919-859-2997
Offers year-round participation (especially nice during the winter months).

The Scrap Exchange
548 Foster Street, Durham
919-688-6960
Art and craft supplies. More than 150 companies and manufacturers donate their clean scraps to the Exchange. Customers can fill a grocery bag full for $7.50 or purchase some items individually. The Scrap Exchange also offers birthday parties and arts & crafts workshops for kids.
Open Monday-Saturday.
Call for more information.

Triangle Sportsplex
One Dan Kidd Drive, Hillsborough
The Sportsplex contains a fitness center, ice rink, and aquatic center. Skating, hockey, and swimming classes are offered throughout the year. Memberships are available.
919-644-0339

Wheels Family Fun Park
715 N. Hoover Road, Durham
919-598-1944
This facility includes a roller skating rink, go-cart track, miniature golf course, skateboard park, and batting cages. Age appropriate events are scheduled on the weekends.

 

Last updated: 08/04/2005