Nothing like puttering around with the kids on a fun and unexpectedly challenging miniature golf course at Adventure Landing.
The attraction actually features three courses, a go-kart speedway, extreme laser tag, an interactive video arcade, batting cages and a full-service snack bar to fill those hungry tummies after all that running around. It's fun for all ages, including mom and dad, too!
Ever wonder whose names are on the "African American Hall of Fame"? These individuals gave of their time and talent and persevered against insurmountable odds to accomplish their difficult, hard-fought goals in such important areas as science, business, medicine, politics and the arts. These stories come to life at the African American Cultural Complex.
Exhibits and attractions like "Women of Note" as well as the aforementioned Hall of Fame are among the ever-changing program of noteworthy presentations that await your discovery. Admission is free.
The Haywood Hall House and Gardens has the distinction of being the oldest house on its original site in the city of Raleigh.
The hearth belonged to John Haywood, the state's first elected treasurer. The Federal-style frame house was erected for his family in 1799, and it remained under Haywood ownership until 1977 when the property was donated to the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of North Carolina. A rich history still lives here, and it comes alive amid the original household items, documents and photos on display.
No trip to the area would be complete without a stop in Historic Hillsborough. Classically-styled homes, churches and various other buildings make up this richly storied part of the world that, not surprisingly, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Structures date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, and that rich history attracts a significant number of artists and writers that in turn make the area a veritable haven for the arts. Add in a great selection of one-of-a-kind shops, attractions, restaurants, beautifully landscaped gardens and parks, and the city's charm will lure you to stay a few extra days to take it all in.
Raleigh's lush foliage and natural allure will draw you in as you stroll through the inviting JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University.
This internationally recognized attraction features one of the premiere collections of trees and shrubs with over 5,000 different plants to admire. The Arboretum is proudly open year-round, and it offers the opportunity for you to stroll along the richly landscaped border as well as an equally stunning trek across the rooftop garden. Don't forget to take in the Japanese Garden, the formal white garden, and the magnolia and conifer collections...and don't forget to bring your camera, too!
At Marbles Kids Museum, kids are encouraged to touch and interact with all the exhibits and let their imaginations run wild while discovering their own creativity.
The sound of kids laughing is a constant at Marbles, and with the IMAX theater and lots of fun exhibits and attractions everywhere, there is no shortage of opportunities to tap into every kid's curiosity and willingness to learn. Marbles is also available for parties, field trips and other special occasions.
Getting up close to the various exhibits, attractions, and interactive displays at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is like getting underneath a giant microscope to see details you never thought possible.
Choose from such compelling planetarium shows that tell the stories of astronauts, black holes, and Galileo as you gaze into the star-laden Carolina skies. The center's science presentations focus on the human body, and zoom to the extreme to get really close to various scientific phenomena. You'll find all that, as well as specialized youth and family programs that make the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center a sure-fire hit for the whole family.
North Carolina's rich, storied past is eloquently connected to its present and future quite literally at the North Carolina State Capitol.
The heart of the state's political scene is housed in the same structure originally built between 1792 and 1796. Even though it burned in 1831, that incident only served to make the structure even more majestic after its renovation. This attraction remains one of the best-preserved capitol buildings in the country. With its Greek-Revival styled architecture, it makes sense that a statue of George Washington in a Roman tunic would be a focal point, but the fact that the building has a history of ghosts only intensifies prominence of the statue. This is a must-see for first-time visitors to Raleigh.
If getting out and enjoying the clean, fresh southern air is on your list of things-to-do when you're in Raleigh, a visit to Pullen Park will provide you with a wide variety of ways to enjoy the inviting climate and beautiful scenery.
The park features three softball fields, six tennis courts, picnic areas and walking trails, along with other attractions. The trails are not only a great way for your family to exercise and have fun, but they also echo with the original spirit of the park's founder, Richard Stanhope Pullen, who founded the park in 1887.
A few quiet, reflective minutes inside the Saint Augustine's College Historic Chapel will give your time in Raleigh a deep, spiritual imprint that you won't ever forget. Built with the patronage of the Episcopal Church's Freedman's Bureau in 1895, it has the honor of being the oldest building on the Saint Augustine's College campus.
The stories and history of this attraction are all waiting to be discovered and passed on and shared, but the private moment you take for yourself while in the chapel will forever be your own private gift.
The words "Harley Davidson" mean something special to an entire sub-culture, and nowhere is that more obvious than Raleigh, home of the Legends of Harley Drag Racing Museum.
This highly-visited attraction has the distinction of being the only Harley-Davidson drag racing museum in the world and is located on the second floor of one of the largest Harley dealerships in the country. Ray Price, who holds the distinction of being a world famous drag racing champion, makes his home here and many pieces of his extensive memorabilia collection are prominently displayed in the museum's many exhibits.