Five indoor locations for kids in Raleigh for rainy or scorching days – a science museum, a play barn at a farm, the library, and more.

Ugh – the weather seems to have two modes right now: too wet to go outside or too hot to go outside. And while I’m a firm believer in “no bad weather, just bad clothing”, everything has its limits. So what to do when home sweet home doesn’t do it anymore? There is no shortage of options, but I selected a handful that I can personally recommend.

Here are the five best options for indoor activities with kids for those days where the great outdoors don’t cut it: the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), The Barnyard at Willow Oak Farms in Fuquay-Varina ($6/child), Greystone Indoor Playground (free), story time at Oberlin Regional Library (free), and Marbles Kids Museum ($9.50–$12.50/child).

Quick Comparison

Always good: NC Museum of Natural Sciences

Our “science museum” is a true gem, and you have to search far to find an equal this side of Washington DC. Of course you will have to see the flagship Dueling Dinosaurs (make sure to also go to the upper floor where you can see the Triceratops up close). Beyond that, there is a wealth of exhibits about North Carolina and beyond, and opportunities to observe real research being conducted. This always changes, but I remember researches (paleontologists?) working on cleaning specimens, and once there was something involving turtles. They also do memorable birthday parties, we did one that my kid still talked about years later.

At this expansive place, you can easily spend a day and never notice how hot (or rainy) it is outside. Make sure to check out what I call the “globe theater” (officially, it is the SECU Daily Planet), a big planet on the outside and an immersive giant theater on the inside (showing nature movies etc., it is not an IMAX or movie theater).

Hours: 10am – 5pm daily
Address: 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Price: FREE
Website: http://naturalsciences.org/

For future farmers: The Barnyard at Willow Oak Farms

I’m typically skeptical about indoor playgrounds, but this here is a whole different type: Willow Oak Farms – already a draw with their ice cream – appear to have opened a nice, custom made, covered farm-themed play area. I have not yet checked this out myself, but judging from the photos, this is a really cool space with a variety of activities. Plus, ice cream! Plus, bunnies and goats! Note though, while it is covered/indoors and therefore a good option for a rainy day, it does not have AC or heat and may not be ideal on a sweltering summer day.

If you have been to this farm, please send me a note about what you thought!

Hours: Closed Mon/Tue, Wed-Sat 11a-9p, Sun 1p-9p
Address: 1510 Lafayette Rd, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 (about 40min South of downtown Raleigh)
Price: $6 per child
Website: https://willowoakfarms.net/the-barnyard-play-area

Still around: Greystone Indoor Playground

Yes, one of the playgrounds of the City of Raleigh is indoors, in a Rec Center located in a former strip mall. I have not been back in years, but I once wrote about it, and judging from the city website, it is still the same. Chances are that it will be crowded on a rainy day, but it is still worth checking out. Let me know if you’ve been there recently!

Hours: Mo-Fr 9a-8p and Sat 9a-3p, but may be closed for rentals after 5p / after 12p Sat.
Address: 7713-55 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh, NC 27615
Price: FREE
Website: https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/places/greystone-recreation-center

The quiet(er) version: Story time at Oberlin Regional Library

Is Marbles too loud and dinos too big? Then try a story time at a library near you, for example Oberlin Regional Library in Oberlin Village. There are a variety of options, from Baby Story time to Bricks and Books (LEGO themed), and options for all ages up to teens (and adults).

Hours: Mo-Th 9a-9p, Fr-Sa 9a-6p, Su 1p-5p
Address: 1930 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC 27605
Price: FREE
Website: https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/libraries/locations/oberlin-regional-library 

The old standby: Marbles

Everybody and their toddlers has been to Marbles, so I’m giving away any secrets when mentioning it as an alternative for a rainy or sweltering day. But if you’re new to town, or passing through, or have always held out – don’t be the parent who never went to Marbles 🙂.

Marbles is open daily 10a-5p (9a for members) and will give you a wide range of active energy and quieter play; Crafts, Science, Sports – there is a bit of everything, and it’s big enough to keep them engaged for a few hours. You save a few bucks if you buy the tickets online the day before. It is downtown, with a big parking garage right across the street.

The cafe is nice for a quick break, but please take advantage of all that downtown Raleigh has to offer, including many restaurants, cafes and ice cream shops in the vicinity.

Hours: daily 10a-5p (9a for members)
Address: 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Price: $9.50 (day before) or $12.50 (day of)
Website: https://marbleskidsmuseum.org/ 

Of course, as always, check before you go, and check both the sites’ websites and their social pages before getting everybody excited. Have fun!