Field Trip Finder Raleigh

Homeschool & family fun around Raleigh

Homeschool classes, free museums and family events in downtown and central Raleigh, North Raleigh and Wake Forest, and Cary, Apex and western Wake County, each checked with the venue, city or official page.

40current listings
22with upcoming dates
22free or no fee listed
35good for little kids (2–4)

Jump to: Homeschool days & classes · Free outings · Family & holiday events through Jan 15, 2027 · Library perks · Trick-or-treating · Calendar · Homeschool groups & resources

Calendar

Tap a date to see that day's events. Only listings with set dates appear here; places you can visit any open day are listed further down.

Resources

Library perks

Library perks around Raleigh, checked on the library's own site on Oct 23, 2026.

Getting a card: Wake County Public Libraries cards are free to county residents. Ask at any branch.

Full details, rules and sources (0 passes)
Local homeschool resources & groups
  • North Carolinians for Home Education (NCHE). Statewide homeschool group: North Carolina law, getting started, field trips and the annual conference. Last checked Fri, Oct 23, 2026.
  • NCHE Region 5 local groups. NCHE's list of local homeschool support groups in the Raleigh and Wake County region. Last checked Fri, Oct 23, 2026.
  • Homeschool Explorers. Secular, inclusive homeschool co-op serving Wake County and surrounding counties. Last checked Fri, Oct 23, 2026.
  • Homeschool KIDS Group. Shared-effort secular homeschool community in and around western Wake County, preschool through teens. Last checked Fri, Oct 23, 2026.
  • North Carolina homeschool laws (HSLDA). HSLDA's summary of North Carolina homeschool law, including the notice of intent and testing. Last checked Fri, Oct 23, 2026.
Check before you go. We copy details from each venue's own page and show when we last checked. Where a page doesn't say something, we write "Not listed on source" instead of guessing. Dates sell out and programs change, so confirm with the venue.

The Good for little kids (2–4) marker means the venue's own page lists something for toddlers or preschoolers, such as a toddler storytime or free entry for the youngest kids. It's our planning note, not the venue's.

Coming up (next date for each)

See all upcoming (16 more)

Trick-or-treating (3 listings)

Trunk-or-treats & Halloween-night neighborhoods

Halloween is Saturday, Oct 31, 2026. Trunk-or-treats from Friday, Oct 23 through Halloween, checked Oct 23, 2026. Each links to its official page.

Trunk-or-treats & trick-or-treat events, Oct 23–31

Neighborhoods named by local news

Areas only, never house addresses. These come from news coverage, so nothing here is an official trick-or-treat route. Be respectful: these are private homes.

Safety and tips

Event details

Trunk or Treat at Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Koka Booth Amphitheatre · Cary (Regency Park · Cary, Apex & West Wake)
Community eventFree (per source)Next: Fri, Oct 23Good for little kids (2–4)Cary, Apex & West Wake

Free trunk-or-treat sponsored by the volunteers at WakeMed Cary Hospital. Entry is free; registration is on the venue page.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 23, 2026

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  • When: Fri Oct 23, 2026
  • Time: Starts 6 p.m.
  • Price: Free entry
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Trunk-Or-Treat at Sanderford Road Park

Sanderford Road Park · Raleigh (Southeast Raleigh · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
Community eventPrice not listedNext: Sat, Oct 24Good for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Raleigh

City of Raleigh Parks trunk-or-treat.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026

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  • When: Sat Oct 24, 2026
  • Time: 3–5 p.m.
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ The city site blocks automated reading; details come from the city's event page as shown in search results on Oct 23, 2026.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Lake Lynn Trunk-Or-Treat

Lake Lynn Community Center · Raleigh (North Raleigh · North Raleigh & Wake Forest)
Community eventPrice not listedNext: Thu, Oct 29Good for little kids (2–4)North Raleigh & Wake Forest

City of Raleigh Parks trunk-or-treat.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Oct 29, 2026

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  • When: Thu Oct 29, 2026
  • Time: 6–7:30 p.m.
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ The city site blocks automated reading; details come from the city's event page as shown in search results on Oct 23, 2026.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Homeschool days & classes (5 listings)

What's in the Box? (preschool art program)

North Carolina Museum of Art, East Building Studios · Raleigh (West Raleigh · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
MuseumNext: Wed, Nov 4Good for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Raleigh

Morning program for 3- to 5-year-olds and their caregivers: meet a work of art, then movement, play and making.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 4, 2026

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  • When: Wed Nov 4, 2026
  • Time: 10–11 a.m.
  • Price: $12 ($10 members)
  • Ages: Ages 3–5 with a caregiver
  • Booking: Buy tickets on the event page.
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Science Detectives homeschool classes at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences · Raleigh (Downtown Raleigh · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
MuseumNext: Wed, Nov 18Downtown & Central Raleigh

60-minute classes designed for homeschool and track-out students, by age: Coastal Critters (10:15–11:15 a.m.), Tropical Biodiversity (10:30–11:30 a.m.) and Microscopic Pond Life (10:45–11:45 a.m.).

Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 18, 2026

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  • When: Wed Nov 18, 2026
  • Time: 10:15 a.m.–11:45 a.m. (staggered by class)
  • Price: $12 per participant ($9 members)
  • Ages: Ages vary by class
  • Booking: Register on each class page.
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Homeschool Day at Marbles Kids Museum

Marbles Kids Museum · Raleigh (Downtown Raleigh · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
MuseumNext: Tue, Dec 8Good for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Raleigh

A day for homeschool groups and families: museum admission, an IMAX movie (The Polar Express 3D), story times, museum play and the "Celebrate!" MasterMind program. Members get 30% off.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Dec 8, 2026

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  • When: Tue Dec 8, 2026
  • Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Price: $12.50 advance, $15.50 day-of
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Buy tickets ahead on the museum site.
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Free group mill tours and field trips at Historic Yates Mill

Historic Yates Mill County Park · Raleigh (South Raleigh · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
History & historic siteFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Raleigh

Free guided tours of the historic mill for groups of 10 or more, plus field-trip programs such as the Junior Mill Tour (grades 2–5). Programs Tue–Thu; main seasons Sept–Nov and March–May; no mill tours Dec–Feb.

  • When: Tue–Thu by reservation; mill tours not offered Dec–Feb
  • Time: Not listed on source
  • Price: Free (donations welcome)
  • Ages: Grades K and up
  • Booking: Reserve about a month ahead through the park.
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Free homeschool group programs at Historic Oak View County Park

Historic Oak View County Park · Raleigh (East Raleigh · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
History & historic siteFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Raleigh

Free staff-led history and farm-life programs for small groups, homeschools, daycares, track-out camps and scout troops: daily life of 19th- and 20th-century farmers, enslaved and free, landowner and landless. Minimum 8 students; lunch at the picnic shelter can be arranged.

  • When: By reservation (subject to staffing)
  • Time: Morning programs typically 10 a.m.–noon
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: Elementary (other ages on request)
  • Booking: Reservations required; email the park (address on the county page).
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Free outings (8 listings)

Pop-Up Art with Nancy Baker Cahill in the Museum Park

North Carolina Museum of Art, Museum Park · Raleigh (West Raleigh · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
MuseumFree (per source)Next: Sat, Nov 7Good for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Raleigh

Hands-on art making with the artist in the Museum Park.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Nov 7, 2026

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  • When: Sat Nov 7, 2026
  • Time: Noon–3 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Dorothea Dix Park

Dorothea Dix Park · Raleigh (Downtown · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
Nature center, garden & parkFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Raleigh

Big city park with meadows, fields of flowers, playgrounds, the Gipson Play Plaza and self-guided activities, plus free programs and events. Facility hours vary.

  • When: Daily
  • Time: Dawn to dusk
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Gregg Museum of Art & Design at NC State

Gregg Museum of Art & Design · Raleigh (NC State · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
MuseumFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementDowntown & Central Raleigh

University art and design museum with free admission. Limited free parking next to the building.

  • When: Tuesday–Sunday (closed Mondays)
  • Time: Tue–Fri 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

JC Raulston Arboretum

JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State · Raleigh (West Raleigh · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
Nature center, garden & parkFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Raleigh

Year-round public garden with free admission.

  • When: Daily
  • Time: Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sat–Sun 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ The arboretum site blocked automated reading. Hours are from a search summary of its visitor page.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Free admission to the NC Museum of Art and Museum Park

North Carolina Museum of Art · Raleigh (West Raleigh · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
MuseumFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Raleigh

The People's Collection and the Museum Park are free; special exhibitions cost extra.

  • When: Galleries Wed–Sun
  • Time: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Price: Free (special exhibitions ticketed)
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Free general admission at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences · Raleigh (Downtown Raleigh · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
MuseumFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Raleigh

General admission is free; some special exhibits and programs are ticketed.

  • When: Open daily
  • Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Price: Free general admission
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Free tours of the North Carolina State Capitol

North Carolina State Capitol · Raleigh (Downtown Raleigh · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
History & historic siteFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementDowntown & Central Raleigh

Self-guided visits any time the building is open, plus free guided public tours Saturdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (no reservation). Groups of 10+ book at least two weeks ahead through Capital Area Visitor Services.

  • When: Mon–Sat; closed Sundays and state holidays
  • Time: Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

NC State Parks Junior Ranger (Umstead and other parks)

William B. Umstead State Park and other NC state parks · Raleigh (Northwest Wake · North Raleigh & Wake Forest)
Nature center, garden & parkFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)North Raleigh & Wake Forest

Pick up a free Junior Ranger activity guide at any NC state park office or visitor center, or print one at home, for families, scouts, school and homeschool groups. A group activity guide is also available.

  • When: Any day the park is open
  • Time: Not listed on source
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: Kids
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Family & holiday events through Jan 15, 2027 (24 listings)

Apex Veterans Day Ceremony

Downtown Service Memorial · Apex (Downtown Apex · Cary, Apex & West Wake)
CeremonyFree (per source)Next: Wed, Nov 11Cary, Apex & West Wake

Annual community ceremony honoring those who served, organized by Apex American Legion Post 124.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 11, 2026

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  • When: Wed Nov 11, 2026
  • Time: 9:30–10:30 a.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Sparkle Night tree lighting at Parkside Town Commons

Parkside Town Commons · Cary (West Cary · Cary, Apex & West Wake)
Seasonal & holiday eventFree (per source)Next: Sat, Nov 14Good for little kids (2–4)Cary, Apex & West Wake

Free family holiday kickoff: tree lighting, Santa, face painting, games and prizes, trackless train rides and snow effects.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Nov 14, 2026

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  • When: Sat Nov 14, 2026
  • Time: 4–7 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Raleigh Christmas Parade

Downtown Raleigh · Raleigh (Downtown · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
ParadeFree (per source)Next: Sat, Nov 21Good for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Raleigh

The Raleigh Christmas Parade presented by Shop Local Raleigh through downtown; route map on the organizer's page.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Nov 21, 2026

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  • When: Sat Nov 21, 2026
  • Time: Not listed on source
  • Price: Free to watch
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off

Downtown Wake Forest · Wake Forest (Downtown Wake Forest · North Raleigh & Wake Forest)
Seasonal & holiday eventPrice not listedNext: Sat, Nov 21Good for little kids (2–4)North Raleigh & Wake Forest

The town's holiday kick-off in downtown Wake Forest.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Nov 21, 2026

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  • When: Sat Nov 21, 2026
  • Time: Noon–4 p.m.
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

NC Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Koka Booth Amphitheatre · Cary (Regency Park · Cary, Apex & West Wake)
Holiday lightsOpens Sat, Nov 21 · through Sun, Jan 10Good for little kids (2–4)Cary, Apex & West Wake

Eleventh year: all-new, larger-than-life lantern displays made by Chinese artisans, plus nightly cultural performances on the main stage. Closed Christmas Day.

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  • When: Nov 21, 2026–Jan 10, 2027
  • Time: 6–10 p.m. daily
  • Price: Ticketed
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Raleigh Turkey Trot and Kids Dash

Ridgewood Shopping Center · Raleigh (Wade Ave. area · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
Run & walkNext: Thu, Nov 26Downtown & Central Raleigh

Thanksgiving morning 8K run/walk plus a Kids Dash for ages 7 and under. Costume contest; wear your Thanksgiving hat.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Nov 26, 2026

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  • When: Thu Nov 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving)
  • Time: Not listed on source
  • Price: 8K $37 (Nov 1–17), $40 (Nov 18–26); Kids Dash $7
  • Ages: All ages; Kids Dash 7 and under
  • Booking: Register on the race site.
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Pullen Park Holiday Express

Pullen Park · Raleigh (Central Raleigh · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
Holiday lightsPrice not listedOpens Tue, Dec 1 · through Thu, Dec 17Good for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Raleigh

Nighttime holiday lights train and park experience. Sensory-friendly sessions Dec 6 and 13, 1–4 p.m. Tickets were reported sold out.

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  • When: Nightly Dec 1–17, 2026
  • Time: 5–9:30 p.m.
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ The city site blocks automated reading; details come from the city's event page as shown in search results on Oct 23, 2026.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Apex Tree Lighting Ceremony

Apex Town Hall Campus · Apex (Downtown Apex · Cary, Apex & West Wake)
Tree lightingPrice not listedNext: Fri, Dec 4Good for little kids (2–4)Cary, Apex & West Wake

The town tree is lit with the Town Council; Santa and Mrs. Claus are there for photos.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 4, 2026

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  • When: Fri Dec 4, 2026
  • Time: 4:30–7 p.m.
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Lighting of Wake Forest

Centennial Plaza · Wake Forest (Downtown Wake Forest · North Raleigh & Wake Forest)
Tree lightingFree (per source)Next: Fri, Dec 4Good for little kids (2–4)North Raleigh & Wake Forest

Christmas tree lighting and Santa's arrival, children's holiday crafts and letters to Santa, and free light sticks while supplies last. Free parking nearby.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 4, 2026

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  • When: Fri Dec 4, 2026
  • Time: 5–8 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Cinderella at Raleigh Little Theatre

Raleigh Little Theatre, Cantey V. Sutton Theatre · Raleigh (West Raleigh · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
Arts & performanceOpens Fri, Dec 4 · through Sun, Dec 20Good for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Raleigh

RLT's 42nd-year holiday musical comedy retelling of the fairy tale. Reserved seating.

📅 Add the date range (Fri, Dec 4 – Sun, Dec 20)
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  • When: Dec 4–20, 2026
  • Time: Not listed on source
  • Price: Adults $38–42; 12 and under $35–39
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Cary Tree Lighting Celebration

Downtown Cary Park · Cary (Downtown Cary · Cary, Apex & West Wake)
Tree lightingPrice not listedNext: Sat, Dec 5Good for little kids (2–4)Cary, Apex & West Wake

All-day holiday kickoff at Downtown Cary Park with the evening tree lighting.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 5, 2026

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  • When: Sat Dec 5, 2026
  • Time: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Light the Springs in Holly Springs

Holly Springs Cultural Center · Holly Springs (Downtown Holly Springs · Cary, Apex & West Wake)
Tree lightingFree (per source)Next: Sat, Dec 5Good for little kids (2–4)Cary, Apex & West Wake

Holiday kickoff for all ages with live music, food and drinks, and free holiday crafts.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 5, 2026

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  • When: Sat Dec 5, 2026
  • Time: 5–8 p.m.
  • Price: Free crafts; food extra
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Garner Christmas Parade

Main Street · Garner (Downtown Garner · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
ParadeFree (per source)Next: Sat, Dec 5Good for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Raleigh

Community and youth-focused Christmas parade run by the Garner Optimist Club.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 5, 2026

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  • When: Sat Dec 5, 2026
  • Time: 4:30 p.m.
  • Price: Free to watch
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Apex Rotary Christmas Parade

Salem Street · Apex (Downtown Apex · Cary, Apex & West Wake)
ParadeFree (per source)Next: Sat, Dec 5Good for little kids (2–4)Cary, Apex & West Wake

The only nighttime holiday parade in Wake County, run by the Apex Rotary Club.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 5, 2026

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  • When: Sat Dec 5, 2026
  • Time: 5 p.m.
  • Price: Free to watch
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade

Downtown Fuquay District · Fuquay-Varina (Downtown Fuquay-Varina · Cary, Apex & West Wake)
ParadeFree (per source)Next: Sun, Dec 6Good for little kids (2–4)Cary, Apex & West Wake

Annual downtown Christmas parade, hosted by the Writing, Music, and Film Society.

Upcoming dates: Sun, Dec 6, 2026

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  • When: Sun Dec 6, 2026
  • Time: 4 p.m.
  • Price: Free to watch
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

The Nutcracker by Carolina Ballet

Raleigh Memorial Auditorium · Raleigh (Downtown Raleigh · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
Arts & performancePrice not listedOpens Thu, Dec 10 · through Thu, Dec 24Good for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Raleigh

Carolina Ballet's holiday Nutcracker.

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  • When: Dec 10–24, 2026
  • Time: Not listed on source
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade

Downtown Cary · Cary (Downtown Cary · Cary, Apex & West Wake)
ParadeFree (per source)Next: Sat, Dec 12Good for little kids (2–4)Cary, Apex & West Wake

47th annual parade with bands, mascots and community groups, from E. Chatham St. at Ward St. to Dry Ave. by the Cary Arts Center.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 12, 2026

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  • When: Sat Dec 12, 2026
  • Time: 2–4 p.m.
  • Price: Free to watch
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Knightdale Christmas Parade

Knightdale · Knightdale
ParadeFree (per source)Next: Sat, Dec 12Good for little kids (2–4)North Raleigh & Wake Forest

Town Christmas parade.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 12, 2026

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  • When: Sat Dec 12, 2026
  • Time: 10–11 a.m.
  • Price: Free to watch
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Happy Holly Days Parade

Main Street · Holly Springs (Downtown Holly Springs · Cary, Apex & West Wake)
ParadeFree (per source)Next: Sat, Dec 12Good for little kids (2–4)Cary, Apex & West Wake

Floats, bands, dancers and marching groups along Main Street through downtown.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 12, 2026

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  • When: Sat Dec 12, 2026
  • Time: 10 a.m.
  • Price: Free to watch
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Harris Lake County Park

Harris Lake County Park · New Hill (Southwest Wake · Cary, Apex & West Wake)
Nature center, garden & parkPrice not listedOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)Cary, Apex & West Wake

Large Wake County park on Harris Lake. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

  • When: Daily
  • Time: 8 a.m.–sunset
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Historic Oak View County Park

Historic Oak View County Park · Raleigh (East Raleigh · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
History & historic sitePrice not listedOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Raleigh

County historic farm park with farm buildings and grounds to explore.

  • When: Grounds daily; buildings Mon–Sat
  • Time: Grounds 8 a.m.–sunset; buildings Mon–Sat 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Historic Yates Mill County Park

Historic Yates Mill County Park · Raleigh (South Raleigh · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
Nature center, garden & parkPrice not listedOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Raleigh

County park around a historic water-powered mill, with trails and the A.E. Finley Center for Education and Research.

  • When: Daily
  • Time: Grounds 8 a.m.–sunset; Finley Center 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Lake Crabtree County Park

Lake Crabtree County Park · Morrisville (West Wake · Cary, Apex & West Wake)
Nature center, garden & parkPrice not listedOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)Cary, Apex & West Wake

Wake County lakeside park with trails.

  • When: Daily
  • Time: 8 a.m.–sunset
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Marbles Kids Museum

Marbles Kids Museum · Raleigh (Downtown Raleigh · Downtown & Central Raleigh)
MuseumOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Raleigh

Hands-on children's museum downtown. "Play Late for Less" Mon–Thu after 3 p.m. is half price.

  • When: Daily
  • Time: Not listed on source
  • Price: $9.50 advance, $12.50 day-of; under 1 free (plus tax)
  • Ages: Young kids
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.