10 Free Things to do in Raleigh, NC

10 Free Things to do in Raleigh, NC

1. North Carolina State University

The NC State campus receives put-downs a lot because of its excessive use of brick and hodge podge of architectural styles, but there are several fun things to do on campus. A few of my favorites are visiting the brickyard where all the action is or the acoustic chairs where a whisper can carry over 50 feet or the free expression tunnel where spray painted messages are uncensored.  Challenge a friend and see how many of the wolf statues can be found. If NCSU really isn’t your cup of tea, Duke University and UNC aren’t a far drive at all.

2. Raleigh Flea Market

This is one of my happiest places in Raleigh. The flea market actually is on the state fair grounds and is huge. It isn’t just vintage vendors that sell there. They also allow the public to rent spaces, so goods run the gamut from antique and handmade items to junk from someone’s trunk (literally). It costs nothing to get in, but I imagine something will catch your eye or you won’t be able to withstand the tempting aroma from the food trucks. The market is open on the weekends year round (except during NCSU football home games). The flea market is open every weekend except in October when the state fair comes to town.

3. North Carolina Museum of Art

This is a jewel of the city. It will seriously make you wonder how it could be free.  You will wander through miles of galleries showcasing visual pieces (paintings, sculpture, mosaic, you name it) reflecting Europe, Africa, Judaic religion, ancient civilizations (a great mummy and sarcophagus included), contemporary art, and folk art.  But the art isn’t just indoors.  Outside, there are several large pieces and also the cloud chamber to observe the sky and nature. Admission to the Museum’s permanent collection and Museum Park is always free.

4. Farmers Markets

The atmosphere of the Raleigh Farmers Market is like being at the center of a bee hive. There is constant hum of activity, and taking it all in can be sensory overload. The sights, the sounds, the smells are all delightful.  I love the vendors who have fruit and vegetable samples.  You can get the most delicious sweet tomatoes and lots of corn.  During the fall, it’s a special treat to pick out a pumpkin.  The vendors are just great people.  Many recognize me, and while they don’t know me by name, will address me as honey or doll in a charming Southern drawl.  At the Downtown Farmers Market, I can buy lunch from a charity and sit and listen to a musical act.  I’ve caught lots of great local folk and jazz artists (see # 6). The Downtown Farmers Market and the farmers Market on NCSU campus are only open on Wednesdays.  The Five Points Farmers Market is at Nofo at the Pig on Saturdays.  The Raleigh Farmers Market is open everyday.

5. Pullen Park

A carousel, paddle boats, and a train?  I don’t think you could make a trip with kids to Raleigh and not go to Pullen.  They also have an aquatic center for recreational swimming.  While the amusements do cost money ($1 ticket per person per ride), you can walk around and enjoy the pond and take in the scenery.  However, the carousel and organ are from 1911 which makes it worth the price of a ride in my opinion.

{Source: TWBuckner via Flickr}

6. Outdoor concerts & movies

North Carolinians love their beach music and shag dancing. During the summer, lots of shopping venues (like North Hills and Poyner Place behind Triangle Town Center) host music concerts– some of the biggest featuring local beach bands.  If beach music isn’t your thing, that’s fine.  There’s variety.  NCSU (see #1) has a great indie music station that co-hosts Fridays on the Lawn, free concerts, on campus.  Finding a free outdoor movie may be a bit more rare, but several sites do like to show them.  The art museum (see #3) hosts summer movies that are free for children under 6 and the Koka Booth Amphitheater in Cary has movies by moonlight for around $3 a ticket for adults. [Art Museum website, Koka Booth website]

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7. Capital Area Greenway System

We are the city of oaks, but we offer so much more than acorns and trees.  There are several parks in and around Raleigh that provide trails for some light hiking or spots for painting (I have yet to go to Durant Nature Park on a weekend and not discover several people out with canvases.)  Lake Wheeler has canoes and paddle boats for rent, and fishing is allowed.  The wildlife in Raleigh is not shy.  Bigbad and I got married in one of the city parks, and my aunt snapped the above picture of a deer.  Several sites have covered shelters to rent for gatherings and picnics, and many also have playgrounds for kids to explore.

8. Executive Mansion Tour

While this may seem boring, Raleigh is the Capitol city. If you are traveling with young students, you can certainly have an engaging learning experience by visiting the Capitol Building, Legislative Building, and Governor’s Mansion.  All three provide tours.  Just another block and you can pass the current courthouse. The Legislative building has a lovely lawn in back that would make a terrific spot for tossing a frisbee and eating a picnic lunch.

9. Brewery tours

My sister is graduating with a degree in microbiology and has taken our family’s appreciation for the taste of beer and elevated it to an appreciation for the process of making it.  Many of the breweries in Wake County and Raleigh do free tours (some have restrictions on children), so you can see those thousand gallon vats of flavorful biology up close. Check out Carolina Brewing Company website, Big Boss Brewing Company website and Lonerider website for more information on tours.

10. J.C. Raulston Arboretum

These locations are sort of like The Secret Garden of Raleigh.  Located right in the center of Raleigh, it will seem like an oasis of vegetation and flora.  Every twist of a path reveals little nooks of beauty.  Many families like to have the gardens as the backdrop for family photos, but I also know a few couples who have enjoyed twilight dates in the romantic setting.

There are several other places I’d probably take visitors to Raleigh, but this is a good variety to start off your really awesome free trip. Plus, since we couldn’t get to everything, you’ll hear us say, “Y’all come back now.”