Creating Really Awesome Free Trips is back, and it will happen most Thursday’s from now until the end of August. Hopefully, you will find a few fun, free family friendly things to do in a city near you! Or use these lists to plan an unforgettable road trip the whole fam can enjoy!
Hey There! I’m Terri from Life, Liberty and Wine and I’m very excited to be here at C.R.A.F.T. tempting you into visiting Durham, NC. Now, I know that when you think of Durham, the only thing that pops into your head is Duke, and possibly the movie Bull Durham. I promise, there’s SO MUCH MORE. I’ve lived in the Raleigh/Durham area for almost 10 years now and I think it’s a fantastic city and you should DEFINITELY come visit. Here are 10 fun, free things to do in Raleigh, NC.
1. Duke Gardens
There are 55 acres of woods and manicured parks that make up Sarah Duke Gardens. It’s absolutely beautiful year round and perfect for either an afternoon hike or a morning breakfast.
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| One of the landscaped walkways. |
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| The Chapel peaks over the skyline. |
2. Museum of Life and Science
This museum is a great way to spend a day, whether you have children or not. There’s a full museum, a petting zoo, a butterfly house, train and even a dinosaur trail.
3. Eno River State Park
There’s always a fun festival or event happening and the grounds are perfect for biking, hiking or just relaxing.
5. Breweries
If you’re so inclined, please check out one of the amazing breweries located in Durham. Fullsteam, Triangle, and Bull City are all locally sourced breweries with great atmospheres, that include games of the video, board and active variety for children of all ages, and you’re sure to find at least one food truck to keep your stomach full.
6. Durham Bulls Game
I know these are supposed to be free events, but a game here can run you as little as $4 and there’s often $1 hotdog nights, so you can really get your money’s worth. This farm team for the Tampa Bay Rays moved to the current stadium in 1995, but it’s definitely not lacking in technology or excitement. They have fireworks on Friday, and the grounds crew often dances to Single Ladies during the game.
7. American Tobacco Campus
This campus is right across the street from the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The campus also includes the Durham Performing Arts Center, where there’s always an excellent off-broadway show, and tons of amazing restaurants, (I highly recommend The District and Tobacco Road.)
8. Duke Homestead
You’ll learn all about Washington Duke and his sons and how they created the American Tobacco Company and became the DUKE Family. The volunteers and staff dress up in period costumes and demonstrate farming, different craft techniques and answer questions about the time period. It’s really fun, actually, because they do a really good job.
9. Southpoint Shopping
Whether it’s the Streets of Southpoint or 9th street, boutiques or national chains, you’ll find something awesome to take home with you here in Raleigh, NC.
10. Durham Central Park
This is *THE* place for awesome events in Durham. There are food truck rodeos, regular free yoga classes, chili cook-offs, and every weekend, they host the Durham Farmer’s Market and Durham Craft Market. Yes, it’s just as amazing as it sounds.
There ya have it. 10-supercalifragilisticexpialidocious things to do in and around Durham, NC and I sincerely hope you’ll give my fair city a visit. Shoot me and email if you’d like extra info, advice, or the fastest bus or interstate to get you here!
Wow! Duke campus is beautiful! Thank you, Terri, for showing us around your neck of the woods!
Comments & Reviews
My husband and I toured the gardens at Duke a few years ago. What a wonderful place to explore.
Great post! I just moved to Raleigh and have only had a peek at Durham (I went to Tyler’s Taproom for dinner to celebrate a friends birthday last week) I am going to bookmark this post and check out every spot!
We’re in Raleigh and rarely venture out to Durham, but I think we will have to check out the Duke Homestead. Very cool!
I absolutely fell in LOVE with Duke when I visited years ago for a college tour. Durham not so much. But I think it’s worth another look.
xo
Yes. Yes it is 🙂