There are a wide range of fun kids museums near Raleigh that allow children to utilize their creativity and imagination for a unique play experience.

When your kids are bouncing off the walls and need to get out of the house, we know a few places you’ll love to take them. Our children have had the time of their lives at each of these museums and plays spaces, and we feel confident yours will too.

From learning about dinosaurs to playing in a spaceship, you’ll never run out of options for a fun experience with kids in Raleigh.

Looking for FREE fun near Raleigh? These museums won’t disappoint!

I didn’t realize it was so unique to have multiple free museums in your city until just recently. Newcomers and out-of-town-guests are always astounded to learn that we not only have free museums in Raleigh, but they’re also incredibly immersive and well-done.

Sometimes you get what you pay for…but that’s not the case here. These museums would still be busy and well-loved everyday even with an admission fee, so we are incredibly fortunate that they’re free to visit!

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

A popular favorite in the area, the Museum of Natural Sciences is an educational wonderland that fascinates children and adults alike. Roam the various floors and learn about North Carolina wildlife, nature, and dinosaurs while your kids enjoy the interactive exhibits.

North Carolina Museum of History

Directly across from the Museum of Natural Sciences, you’ll find the North Carolina Museum of History. While perhaps not as engaging as the science museum for young kids, it is still full of interesting exhibits your whole family will enjoy exploring. Our kids especially love the pirate exhibit!

North Carolina Museum of Art

We love to visit the North Carolina Museum of Art because the grounds are absolutely stunning! It’s the perfect place to enjoy a family walk or picnic surrounded by large sculptures and a few play structures. Don’t forget to head inside as your kids will enjoy some of the funky exhibits.

Your children will love these indoor play spaces!

Having a safe, indoor environment filled with toys and games your children wouldn’t find in their own home is a life saver as a parent. Whether it’s because the weather is poor or you just. need a change of scenery, children’s museums are a real blessing.

Luckily, there are tons of kids museums near Raleigh! Here are a few of our favorites.

Angel Island Fun Park

With locations in Cary and Durham, Angel Island Fun Park is one of our kids’ favorite indoor playgrounds in the area. It’s a vibrate space filled with ball pits, trampolines, slides, and other unique climbing toys.

Bumble Brews Play Cafe

Bumble Brews is a cute indoor play space for young children with an attached cafe for parents to enjoy a coffee. This one is best suited for children aged 0-6 and is a fun meet up spot for friends with toddlers! Locations in Raleigh and Cary. We loved our experience here!

Over the Moon Play Space

Our kids LOVE Over the Moon Play Space and so do many other children in the area. It’s such a fun concept–a space themed indoor playground in Cary! You’ll find a custom rocketship play structure, astronaut costumes, obstacle courses, and more. It’s a fun time.

Little Doodles Play Cafe

Little Doodles is another play space and cafe that we love! With locations in Raleigh, North Raleigh, and Wendell, Little Doodles has imaginative toys, discovery rooms, and art studios. Your kids will have a blast while you sip on a cozy beverage. They also sell food in their cafe if you need a snack!

Marbles is the best kids museum near Raleigh!

Marbles Kids Museum is one of the biggest kids museums in the state and it’s filled with various rooms with themed play areas. From pretend doctor’s offices to camping rooms, your kids imaginations will soar! We can always kill a few hours here with how much there is to do and see.

The Museum of Life and Science in Durham is a must visit!

The Museum of Life and Science may not be free like the ones in Raleigh, but it’s an absolute blast. Inside, you’ll find tons of play options along with scientific explorations. Outside, the kids will love the train ride, playground, dinosaurs, and animals. It’s huge and one of the coolest museums around.

We have to mention Pullen Park!

While not a museum, Pullen Park is certainly worth mentioning as it’s one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the country. It’s a little step back in time with its covered carousel, train rides, and kiddie boats.

This is only a small taste of the options for kids museums near Raleigh!

See why we love Raleigh? It’s a wonderful place to raise a family and we are sure thankful for all these incredible kids museums and play spaces close by. What are some of your favorites?