Things To Do
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
Hemlock Bluffs has three loop trails which begin just beyond the courtyard of the Stevens Nature Center. Self-guided signs on the Swift Creek and Chestnut Oak trails are available to increase your knowledge and enjoyment of the preserve.
Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Check out the barcade we had our first date at right in the heart of downtown Durham! Boxcar has a 7,000 square foot patio with fire pits, outdoor games, and live music in addition to a full bar and kitchen that serves pizza, salad, and soft pretzels.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
A 55 acre botanic garden in the heart of Duke University that inspires transformative learning, promotes wellness and builds community. The gardens are open 365 days per year and admission is free.
American Tobacco Campus
The American Tobacco Campus is a historic, revitalized district that blends its past as a major tobacco factory with a modern, mixed-use space for entertainment, dining, and offices. It is a vibrant, historic hub that features the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, a variety of restaurants and shops, the Durham Performing Arts Center, and scenic water features running through the campus. It is a place to eat a meal, catch a show, or simply walk around and enjoy the atmosphere and architecture.
Spring Haven Farm LLC
During the month of November, Spring Haven Farm hosts Fall Days! They offer tractor rides, crisp cider, s’mores by the fire, arts & crafts, and plenty of time with their adorable farm animals.
Topgolf
A sports entertainment complex that features an inclusive, high-tech golf game that everyone can enjoy, paired with an outstanding food and beverage menu, all-weather hitting bays, and music.
Museum of Life and Science
Located less than five miles from downtown Durham, the Museum of Life and Science has a 84-acre campus that includes a two-story science center, one of the largest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast, and beautifully landscaped outdoor exhibits. Their interactive experiences include Dinosaur Trail, Ellerbe Creek Railway, Hideaway Woods, Into the Mist, Earth Moves, and Aerospace, which features one of the largest collections of Apollo-era NASA artifacts in the state. The Museum is also an AZA-accredited zoo, home to rescued black bears, lemurs, endangered Red Wolves, and more than 60 species of live animals.
Frankie's of Raleigh
Large family-friendly entertainment and amusement center located in Raleigh, North Carolina. It features a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions for all ages, including games, rides, and dining options!
State Farmers Market
More than fresh vegetables, it’s a family adventure. Considered one of the nation’s best and most modern markets, visitors enjoy 75 acres of indoor/outdoor specialty shops, restaurants and garden center, with fruits, vegetables, meats, and gift products from across the state. Free admission. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 5am-7pm; Sun., 8am-5pm.
North Hills
Popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, featuring upscale boutiques, a variety of restaurants, and a cinema!
ParTee Shack - South Raleigh
South Raleigh’s ultimate family entertainment center features three epic mini golf courses like you’ve never seen before, an exciting arcade, and delicious, made in-house appetizers and drinks!
Park West Village
Retail complex is a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. It offers a diverse range of stores and has a movie theater, playground, and space for live music!
North Carolina Museum of Art
The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) is a premier art museum in Raleigh with a vast permanent collection spanning over 5,000 years and a 164-acre Museum Park featuring outdoor art installations. Admission to the permanent collection and park is free, though some special exhibitions, performances, and classes require tickets. The museum offers diverse programming, including touring exhibitions, films, concerts, and classes.
Boxyard RTP
This 15,000 square-foot cargo-tecture is the first of its kind in North Carolina's bustling epicenter for startups and brainy talent. Boxyard RTP provides a unique year-round dining and shopping experience with opportunities to connect with each other. The venue includes an indoor-outdoor gathering space, dog park and performance stage with a robust event program featuring music, fitness classes, comedy nights and more.
Morgan Street Food Hall
Measuring 22,000 square feet inside a re-purposed warehouse, this food hall provides a unique dining experience from a wide variety of local chefs, restaurateurs and purveyors. The space features 20 culinary concepts ensconced in fully-outfitted spaces offering cooked-to-order meals, snacks and specialty foods—a gorgeous patio with tons of outdoor seating (plus a bar serving craft beers and cocktails) is a popular hangout.