15 Best Things to Do in Raleigh, NC: Free Museums & Parks

Raleigh has a habit of giving things away. Its two biggest museums are free, its first public park charges only for the rides, and its greenways run for miles without costing a cent. People tend to underestimate this capital city until they’ve spent an afternoon here.

Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, with office towers on a clear day — Downtown Raleigh. Photo: James Willamor via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

The best things to do in Raleigh, NC are visiting the free North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and Museum of Art, riding the carousel at Pullen Park, walking Dix Park and Historic Oakwood, touring the State Capitol, and seeing the Carolina Hurricanes play.

You can fill a whole trip here for very little money. If you’re traveling with kids, read #4 before you plan your first day.

1. Meet the Dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural Sciences

Dinosaur skeletons on display at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences — Dinosaur skeletons at the Museum of Natural Sciences. Photo: Alexisrael via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh offers free general admission, with some special exhibitions charged separately. Dinosaurs are the headline, including the much-talked-about Dueling Dinosaurs exhibit.

The Nature Research Center wing of the Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh — The museum’s Nature Research Center. Photo: RadioFan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Next door, the Nature Research Center shows working science in action. Allow at least two hours between the two, and look up current hours on the museum’s site.

2. See the Park and the Art at the NC Museum of Art

The Lotus Pool in the park at the NC Museum of Art. Photo: bobistraveling via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

The North Carolina Museum of Art at 2110 Blue Ridge Road is free to enter for its permanent collection, open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Don’t skip the outdoor Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, free and open daily from dawn to dusk. Locals love walking its art trails among the big sculptures.

3. Learn State History at the Museum of History

Inside the North Carolina Museum of History. Photo: Sgerbic via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Just across from the Museum of Natural Sciences, the North Carolina Museum of History covers the state’s story from its earliest people to its sports heroes. Visit Raleigh lists it among the city’s family-friendly picks. Since you’re already downtown, you can do both in a single day.

4. Ride the Carousel at Pullen Park

The carousel building at Pullen Park in Raleigh — The carousel building at Pullen Park. Photo: RadioFan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Established in 1887, Pullen Park is North Carolina’s first public park and a local institution. Its 66 acres near NC State University include paddle boats, a miniature train and a beautiful 1911 Dentzel carousel. The grounds are free and the rides cost a little extra, which makes this one of the best-value family days in the state.

5. Spend a Morning at Dix Park

Sunflowers at Dix Park. Photo: bobistraveling via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Dorothea Dix Park is the city’s big green space, with wide lawns and a view of the skyline. Its summer sunflower field has become a local tradition, though you’ll want to find out when it’s in bloom. Visit Raleigh also highlights Thomas Dambo’s giant troll sculptures here, and kids love hunting for them.

6. Tour the State Capitol

The domed North Carolina State Capitol in Raleigh — The North Carolina State Capitol, in use since 1840. Photo: Farragutful via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Open since June 1840, the North Carolina State Capitol at 1 East Edenton Street is a handsome Greek Revival building and still a working part of state government. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Free guided tours run on Saturdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., with no reservation needed.

7. Let the Kids Run Wild at Marbles

Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh. Photo: Mx. Granger via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Marbles Kids Museum is where local parents take younger children, with hands-on play spaces that reward getting a bit messy. The museum is downtown, so you can pair it with the free ones if your kids have the stamina. Look up tickets and current times on its site, because rainy days fill up.

8. Walk Through Historic Oakwood

A restored Victorian house in Raleigh's Historic Oakwood neighborhood — A house in Historic Oakwood. Photo: Willthacheerleader18 via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Just a few blocks from the Capitol, Historic Oakwood is a beautifully preserved neighborhood of Victorian homes. You can wander it for free, and it’s particularly lovely in spring, when the dogwoods and azaleas are out. Remember that people live here, so enjoy the homes from the sidewalk.

9. Visit Mordecai Historic Park

The historic Mordecai House in Raleigh, North Carolina — The Mordecai House. Photo: Mark Turner via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

The Mordecai House is one of the oldest homes in the city, and this small historic park also includes the birthplace of President Andrew Johnson. Tours also cover the difficult history of the enslaved people who lived and worked here. Ask the city for current tour times.

10. See a Working Mill at Historic Yates Mill

The mill and pond at Historic Yates Mill. Photo: Mark Turner via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

A few miles south of downtown, Historic Yates Mill County Park has a restored water-powered gristmill on a pond with walking trails. Come for a slow morning away from the city. The park’s site lists mill tour dates.

11. Stroll the JC Raulston Arboretum

An osmanthus at the JC Raulston Arboretum. Photo: Daderot via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

NC State University’s JC Raulston Arboretum is a favorite with gardeners, packed with an unusually wide range of plants in a compact space. You can enjoy it in an hour, and something’s usually in bloom. Entry is generally free, but look up current hours before you go.

12. Eat in the Warehouse District

Raleigh's Warehouse District — Raleigh’s Warehouse District. Photo: Reverie 39 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The dining scene here has grown fast, and the downtown area around the Warehouse District makes it easy to sample. Try a food hall if your group can’t agree on what to eat. For a local pick, ask about North Carolina barbecue, and be ready for a debate that never really ends.

13. Catch the Carolina Hurricanes

The Lenovo Center, home of the Carolina Hurricanes, in Raleigh — The Lenovo Center. Photo: CavsFan45 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes play at the Lenovo Center, and the crowd is known for making plenty of noise. Hockey in the South is more fun than it has any right to be. NC State basketball plays here too, so see who’s on the schedule for your dates.

14. Bike the Neuse River Trail

The Neuse River Trail greenway in Raleigh. Photo: chucka_nc via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

The Capital Area Greenway has miles of paved paths, and the Neuse River Trail is its star, running along the river through woods and wetlands. Rent a bike and go as far as you like. The trail is flat and shady enough for most riders, though summer afternoons can still be hot.

15. Hike at Umstead State Park

A trail through Umstead State Park. Photo: Monumenteer2014camper via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Between Raleigh and Cary, William B. Umstead State Park feels far from the city, with forest trails, streams and no urban noise. Hikers, runners and cyclists all have a good choice of paths. Go the morning after a big dinner downtown.

Best Free Things to Do in Raleigh

Raleigh really shines here. The Museum of Natural Sciences, Museum of History and Museum of Art are all free for general admission, as is the State Capitol’s guided tour. Add Dix Park, Historic Oakwood, Pullen Park’s grounds and the greenways, and you could spend several days here without buying a ticket. Visit Raleigh even publishes a list of 40 free things to do.

When to Visit Raleigh and How Long to Stay

Spring is lovely for gardens and walking, and fall offers cooler weather and the North Carolina State Fair in October. Summer is hot and humid, so save museums for the afternoons. Winter brings hockey and fewer crowds.

Two or three days is plenty for the museums, Pullen Park and downtown. Cary and Durham are so close that you can add either for an easy long weekend.

Where to next? Try our guides to Cary, Charlotte and Wilmington, or see the best places to visit in North Carolina for the bigger picture. You can also browse all our travel guides on Decidel.

How we checked this guide: hours, fees and rules were checked against official and published sources in November 2026. They can change, so confirm with the venue before you go.