Kids Things to See & Do

Preserves and shares the traditions of African and African-American dance and music through research, education, and performances. Founded by award-winning choreographer and instructor Dr. Charles "Chuck" Davis. [ more info ]

More than three miles of gravel jogging and walking trails around the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Course. Named for Al Buehler, former Duke track coach and six-time ACC Champion. [ more info ]

The world's greatest dance festival, according to the New York Post, celebrating influential modern dance since 1934. Featuring public performances, classes and seminars for more than two dozen companies and hundreds of choreographers, writers, and students. See website for schedule. [ more info ]

Former Lucky Strike cigarette factory transformed into a one-million-sq.-ft. retail/residential/office campus, including restaurants, shops, amphitheater, and on-site parking garages. [ more info ]

Outdoor venue on the American Tobacco Campus, seating more than 2,000 in front of a stage beneath the Lucky Strike Water Tower. Live performances, events, and receptions. [ more info ]

12 miles of trails from Downtown Durham to NC Hwy 54, then from Massey Chapel Rd to Durham/Chatham County line. Bicycling, hiking, walking, and running. [ more info ]

Includes grills, picnic facilities, play grounds, small shelters, and water fountains. [ more info ]

Thirty-two lanes, video games, and billiards. [ more info ]

Horse rentals, camps, trail rides, holiday-themed rides, and boarding. [ more info ]

Includes picnic facilities and play grounds. [ more info ]

Includes picnic facilities and play grounds. [ more info ]

Location of the largest troop surrender that effectively ended the Civil War. Includes re-enactments, reconstructed farmhouse, outbuildings, interpretive center, and museum. [ more info ]

Includes basketball courts, play grounds, and youth baseball fields. [ more info ]

These repurposed, 1904 Neo-Romanesque brick tobacco warehouses have been home to locally owned shops and acclaimed restaurants since their renovation in 1981. On the National Register of Historic Places, the buildings now anchor a Downtown dining, shopping, and entertainment district. [ more info ]

Bull City Craft is an art boutique and craft lounge with a local, eco-friendly focus and offers art supplies, gifts, craft projects, workshops, and parties. [ more info ]

A celebration of the birthplace of the Piedmont Blues, featuring national, regional, and local blues performers, from the mournful sounds of the Mississippi Delta to the fine finger-picking and rag-time exuberance of the Piedmont Blues. [ more info ]

Includes grills, picnic facilities, and play grounds. [ more info ]

Includes basketball courts, grills, picnic facilities, play grounds, small recreation center, small shelters, and water fountains. [ more info ]

Includes soccer and baseball fields, playground, picnic shelter, parking, and more. [ more info ]

Includes basketball courts, grills, picnic facilities, play grounds, small recreation center, restrooms, small shelters, water fountains, and a youth baseball field. [ more info ]

Includes adult softball field, grills, lights, picnic facilities, play grounds, large recreation center, and water fountains. [ more info ]

Fifteen-screen, stadium-style multiplex with digital sound. [ more info ]

Bicycle club welcoming visitors on weekends for recreational and scenic rides around Durham and Orange counties. [ more info ]

The renovated 1926 Beaux Arts-style building includes magnificent Fletcher Hall for live performances and two adjacent cinemas. Hosts performances of Durham's symphony and opera company, as well as the annual Full Frame Documentary Film Festival and NC Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. [ more info ]

Includes basketball court and picnic facilities. [ more info ]

Four-acre outdoor learning experience at the Museum of Life and Science features a series of large-scale, interactive exhibits that express how wind influences the environment. Included with admission to the Museum of Life and Science. [ more info ]

Black box-style theater hosting music and theater rehearsals, classes, auditions, and performances from local and regional artists. Call for ticket information. [ more info ]

Includes adult baseball field, basketball courts, picnic facilities, play grounds, small recreation center, small shelters, and water fountains. [ more info ]

Horseback riding and lessons, guided trail rides, camping, birthday parties, corporate outings, and other special events on more than 10 miles of wooded trails. [ more info ]

Take an unforgettable journey into the Late Cretaceous period along a half-mile forest path featuring life-sized dinosaur replicas and a fossil dig site. Included with admission to the Museum of Life and Science. [ more info ]

The Doris Duke Center is an 18,000-sq.-ft. complex complementing the existing landscape of Duke Gardens. Features outdoor terrace, education wing and library, horticultural complex with two greenhouses, and special events hall available for rental. Open M-Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 12pm-5pm [ more info ]

North Carolina's first commercial district on the National Register of Historic Places. Includes Main Street, government buildings, central business district, Convention Center, Brightleaf & Warehouse Districts, and American Tobacco & Golden Belt Campuses. [ more info ]

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State-of-the-art, 2,800-seat, live entertainment theater in the American Tobacco District of Downtown specifically designed to present the biggest shows on tour, including the SunTrust Broadway Series, superstar concerts, and family performances. Call or visit website for ticket information. [ more info ]

Includes picnic facilities and play grounds. [ more info ]

Decades of Duke University’s athletic achievements showcased with visual and audio exhibits, theatre, and trophies of national championships. [ more info ]

7,060-acre teaching and research forest of Duke University with a variety of ecosystems represented. Preserved for research and recreation since the 1930s. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and picnics permitted; see website for regulations. [ more info ]

National Historic Landmark where Washington Duke started his worldwide tobacco empire. Duke family's mid-1800s home, tobacco barns, original factory, and museum showcase the beginnings of the modern-day tobacco industry. [ more info ]

The Duke Lemur Center is a non-invasive research, education and conservation facility that houses the world's largest collection of lemurs outside of their native Madagascar. Guided walking tours are available year round by appointment. [ more info ]

Includes greenway access, grills, picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, small shelters, and water fountains. [ more info ]

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NCAA Division I sports teams for Duke University, including several national champions . For schedules and ticket information, call (919) 681-2583 (baseball, basketball); (919) 684-4112 (football); (919) 684-2633 (lacrosse, soccer). [ more info ]

Duke University Blue Devils Basketball NCAA Division I National Champions in 1991, 1992, 2001 and 2010. Seven consecutive "Final Fours." [ more info ]

One of only a few schools to have played in all four major football bowls: Rose, Cotton, Orange, and Sugar. [ more info ]

Built in 1930, the cathedral-like centerpiece of Duke's West Campus soars 210 feet and is one of the last great collegiate Gothic projects in the United States. Features the Flentrop Organ (5,200 pipes), 50-bell carillon, and stained-glass windows. Numerous chapel services and recitals each week. Saturdays often booked for weddings. [ more info ]

Downtown arts center showcases many different art forms in its Allenton, Semans, and CCB galleries and two performance spaces. The DAC serves more than 60 arts organizations and more than 600 artists through classes, exhibits, festivals, and more. [ more info ]

Nationally-acclaimed, 10,000-seat Downtown home of the Durham Bulls Triple-A baseball club, made famous by the movie "Bull Durham." Includes historic ambiance, skyboxes, and year-round Ball Park Corner with Bulls' memorabilia. [ more info ]

The Durham Bulls are the Triple-A Baseball affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. The team plays 144 games per season, 72 at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, overlooking historic Downtown Durham and designed by the architects of Camden Yards. [ more info ]

10,000-sq.-ft. state-of-the-art park features a floating quarter pipe, launch boxes, step-up bank, three stairwells with handrails, a street clam, and an eight-foot trog bowl. Helmets and pads required. [ more info ]

5.8-acre urban park offers gardens, outdoor/public art, an arts pavilion, trails, a 10,000-sq.-ft. skate park, and other amenities. Adjacent to the Durham Farmers' Market Pavilion, the park hosts the Durham Craft Market each Wed and Sat, Apr-Nov. [ more info ]

The first free, tax-supported library in North Carolina, founded in 1898. Inaugurated NC’s first bookmobile in 1923. Now has more than 400,000 volumes in nine branches, serving 975,000-plus patrons annually. Highest per capita student/child use in state. Open M-Th, 9am-9pm; F, 9am-6pm; Sa, 9:30am-6pm; Su, Aug-May), 2-6pm. [ more info ]

Durham’s largest farmers’ market, offering fresh, locally grown produce (including organic), herbs and other plants, eggs, meats, cheeses, and more from over 60 local vendors as well as a hot spot for several mobile food vendors. [ more info ]

Durham Parks and Recreation provides opportunities for the Durham community to "Play More". DPR strives to help citizens discover, explore and enjoy life through creative and challenging recreational choices that contribute to their physical, emotional and social health .  [ more info ]

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Professionally-trained volunteer symphony orchestra offering classical, youth, and pops concerts as well as Rent-a-Symphony service with solo musicians up to full orchestra available for events. [ more info ]

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Includes basketball courts, grills, picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, small shelters, water fountains, and a youth baseball field. [ more info ]

Includes athletic field, basketball courts, grills, lights, picnic facilities, play grounds, small recreation center, restrooms, small shelters, spary ground, tennis courts, water fountains, and a youth baseball field. [ more info ]

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Family-owned farmstead offering goat cheeses, produce, and more for local farmers’ markets and specialty restaurants. Tours available; call in advance. [ more info ]

State park with five access areas in Durham and Orange counties. Enjoy bird-watching, canoeing/rafting, fishing, hiking, and picnic shelters within 3,900 acres of secluded wilderness along the banks of the Eno River. [ more info ]

Preserved natural setting home to black bears, red wolves, and lemurs. Natural observation areas, 750-foot boardwalk, outdoor microscopes, and field cameras look into this dynamic natural landscape, its wildlife, plant life, and supporting habitats. Included with admission to the Museum of Life and Science. [ more info ]

A 34-mile nature trail, the area’s longest, that stretches from NC Highway 98, at the Little Lick Creek crossing along Falls Lake, and east into Wake County. Part of the North Carolina Mountains to Sea Trail. [ more info ]

Designed by William Daniels. Also includes a practice area. [ more info ]

Natural area for boating/sailing, mild whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, and rockhounding. [ more info ]

Includes greenway access, grills, picnic facilities, play grounds, small recreation center, restrooms, large shelters, soccer fields, spary ground, tennis courts, and water fountains. [ more info ]

Guided individual and group tours as well as kayak and canoe rentals. Advance reservations required; no walk-in traffic. [ more info ]

Authentic working farm with family-friendly activities, including hayrides, crop mazes, a pumpkin patch, fishing pond, and barnyard animals. Hours vary by season. [ more info ]

Includes greenway access and picnic facilities. [ more info ]

Once a historic textile mill campus founded by Julian Carr; now a creative arts hub featuring unique dining and shopping, a live music venue, art galleries, green space, festival space, live/work lofts, creative office space, and 35 artist studios that spill into a central artist-run gallery, ROOM 100. On National Register of Historic Places. [ more info ]

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Pick-your-own blueberries, blackberries, and muscadine grapes. Harvest times and available hours vary by season. [ more info ]

Includes basketball courts, grills, lights, picnic facilities, play grounds, large recreation center, restrooms, large shelters, spray ground, water fountains, and a youth baseball field. [ more info ]

Former home (1926-94) of the famous Durham Bulls and film location for the movie Bull Durham. Home to the NCCU Eagles; the Bulls play a mile south in Durham Bulls Athletic Park. [ more info ]

Once among the South's largest plantation holdings, this state historic site features an 18th-century house, slave quarters, and a unique great barn. Dedicated to the preservation and study of African-American historic culture. [ more info ]

After a pioneering sit-in at the Durham Woolworth's lunch counter on Feb. 8, 1960, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continued this form of civil protest in other locations throughout the South to great effect. A portion of this original lunch counter, its seats, and pie rack are now preserved in the James E. Shepard Memorial Library at North Carolina Central University. [ more info ]

Private tennis club with 19 clay and three hard courts and three pools. Guests must have member sponsor. [ more info ]

Includes grills, picnic facilities, play grounds, small shelters, and water fountains. [ more info ]

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Displays of photography and early 20th-century equipment. Contemporary exhibits featured on rotating basis. Call for ticket information. [ more info ]

Includes greenway access, picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, and water fountains. [ more info ]

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Full-size Americana carousel located in Northgate Mall. [ more info ]

Five impoundment areas ranging from 50 to 2,000 acres providing habitats for waterfowl, including ducks and Canadian geese. Bird-watching (duck-hunting, Dec-Jan). [ more info ]

Original artwork and affordable home décor in a relaxed, artist-friendly atmosphere; also provides art rental, art lessons, and selection assistance. [ more info ]

Picnic area/shelters, hiking trails, primitive camping, bird-watching, and rockhounding. Park access is free; fee for camping, boating, and fishing. [ more info ]

Includes basketball courts, grills, picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, small shelters, water fountains, and a youth baseball field. [ more info ]

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Offering ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern dance, yoga, Pilates, and Feldenkrais . Call for class information and fees. [ more info ]

This 90-acre nature preserve is the site of a 19th century plantation which features an antebellum house and a cluster of farm buildings including a dairy, smokehouse, and slaves' quarters. Leigh Farm Park is also home to an 18-hole recreational and professional level disc golf course managed by the Durham Orange Recreational Disc Association. [ more info ]

Recreational area offering bank fishing, motor and rowboat rentals. Fee charged for boating and fishing. Privately-owned boats not permitted. [ more info ]

391-acre park and natural area developed from tobacco farmland. Historic barns, houses, and sheds now serve as picnic shelters, information centers, and landmarks accompanying the more than 15 miles of walking, hiking, mountain-biking, and horseback-riding trails. Playground, wildlife, bird-watching, picnicking, and rockhounding. [ more info ]

Includes basketball courts, greenway access, grills, lights, picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, small shelters, water fountains, and a youth baseball field. [ more info ]

Includes basketball courts, greenway access, grills, lights, picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, small shelters, water fountains, and a youth baseball field. [ more info ]

Three-story tropical butterfly conservatory, the largest on the East Coast, featuring exotic flowers and tropical plants in a rainforest area and stream garden. Insectarium has more than 25 live exotic species of insects and an extensive collection of mounted specimens from around the world. Included with admission to the Museum of Life and Science. [ more info ]

Nationally acclaimed, Durham-based ensemble of professional musicians, performing in small ensembles of three to seven for over 25 years. [ more info ]

Includes play grounds. [ more info ]

24 bowling lanes and video games. [ more info ]

State-of-the-art, engaging indoor/outdoor science-technology center ranked as one of the top family-friendly museums in the Southeast. Includes Magic Wings Butterfly House, Explore the Wild, Catch the Wind, Dinosaur Trail, and many more interactive exhibits. Group rates available. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Days. [ more info ]

65,000-sq.-ft. museum featuring classical to contemporary works of art, including Duke’s permanent collections as well as special exhibitions, sculpture gardens, café, and gift shop. [ more info ]

Full day of traditional Native American dancing, singing, crafts, food, and socializing. [ more info ]

2.2-mile trail through the New Hope Creek flood plain with hiking and walking. Begins near Githens Middle School in Southwest Durham. [ more info ]

Meandering waterway through parts of Duke Forest home to local wildlife. Offers paddling, bird-watching, and hiking. [ more info ]

Founded in 1910, NCCU is the nation's first publicly-supported liberal arts college for African-Americans. The 103-acre campus features a bronze statue of founder Dr. James E. Shepard, the NCCU Art Museum, one of the nation’s highest rated law schools for women, and the L.T. Walker Complex, named for former U.S. Olympic Committee President LeRoy Walker. [ more info ]

For schedules and ticket information, call 560-5170 or 560-6574. [ more info ]

1989 NCAA Division II National Champions. Alternate phone: (919) 560-5170. [ more info ]

North Carolina Central University Eagles play at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. 1990 NCAA quarter finalists. [ more info ]

3.5-mile trail from the Eno River through Downtown Durham ideal for hiking and running. [ more info ]

Includes dog park, greenway access, grills, lights, picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, large shelters, tennis courts, and water fountains. [ more info ]

Ten-screen multiplex with stadium-style seating, digital sound, and internet cafe. [ more info ]

Includes athletic field, basketball courts, grills, picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, small shelters, soccer fields, and water fountains. [ more info ]

Includes grills, picnic facilities, and play grounds, small shelters, and water fountains. [ more info ]

Includes adult softball field, basketball courts, grills, picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, small shelters, tennis courts, and water fountains. [ more info ]

Farm with pick-your-own strawberries, farm tours, hayrides, and pumpkins in season. [ more info ]

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Uncover unusual wildflowers and unique rock formations on this 84-acre peninsula formed by the Eno River. Includes hiking trail; occasional guided tours by the NC Botanical Garden. [ more info ]

Hiking, jogging, and biking trails between Rock Quarry and Northgate Park. [ more info ]

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Seventeen-screen, stadium-style multiplex with digital surround sound and a full IMAX Theater. [ more info ]

Includes basketball courts, grill, picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, small shelters, water fountains, and a youth baseball field. [ more info ]

Includes athletic field, greenway access lights, picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, large recreation center, soccer fields, tennis courts, water fountains, and a youth baseball field. [ more info ]

Includes basketball courts, grills, picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, small shelters, and water fountains. [ more info ]

Includes grills, picnic facilities, and play grounds. [ more info ]

Bird-watching, boating/sailing, boat launches, recreational activities, swimming, beaches, water skiing, windsurfing, as well as 115 tent & trailer campsites. See website for reservations and fees. [ more info ]

55-acre gardens known as one of the premier public gardens in the U.S. , with 200+ colorful plant varieties viewable from more than five miles of walkways and paths. Seasonal plantings ensure that each visit is a new experience. Walking and trolley tours available; call for information. [ more info ]

Includes play ground. [ more info ]

Full-service spa: hair, nail, body treatments, and massage. Packages available. [ more info ]

Includes basketball courts, picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, small shelters, tennis courts, water fountains, and a youth baseball field. [ more info ]

Equestrian training center offering lessons, boarding, and other services. Private, semi-private, and group lessons available. [ more info ]

Gaming arcade for parties only featuring locally made snacks and separate rooms for kid-, teen-, and mature-rated games on Xbox and Wii consoles. [ more info ]

Includes basketball courts, greenway access, grills, picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, large shelters, and water fountains. [ more info ]

Includes basketball courts, greenway access, lights, picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, small shelters, tennis courts, water fountains, and a youth baseball field. [ more info ]

African-American cultural and educational institution that houses a community room, two classrooms/artists' studio, dance studio, the two-level Lyda Moore Merrick Gallery, Rhythm & Blues Gallery, and the 450-seat St. Joseph's Performance Hall. [ more info ]

Restored former sanctuary of St. Joseph's AME Church, one of America's first autonomous African-American churches dating back to 1869. On the National Register of Historic Places, this 1891 Richardsonian Romanesque building includes stained glass windows honoring legendary patrons. Renovated into a performance hall by St. Joseph's Historic Foundation, Inc. [ more info ]

Full service bicycle store offering rentals in the spring and summer. Call ahead for availability. [ more info ]

Fully-equipped gymnastic development facility specially designed for kids ages four months to 12 years, with weekly classes, camps, parties, and more. [ more info ]

Promotes creativity, environmental awareness, and community through re-use. Materials available as well as gallery showcasing creative re-use in art. Craft classes offered throughout the year. [ more info ]

Super-regional mall including an outdoor cityscape called Main Street and 1.3 million sq. ft. of retail space with more than 170 shops and restaurants. Features Nordstrom, Macy’s, JC Penney, Sears, Belk, Crate & Barrel, and a 16-screen cinema including IMAX. Recognized by USA Today as one of the nation’s "10 great places to spend it all in one place." [ more info ]

Features six unique indoor inflatable attractions for kids, arcade games, concessions, and wi-fi access for parents/guardians. Call for advance group reservations. [ more info ]

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Become familiar with the 100 species of trees native to the Eno River valley on a leisurely study-walk guided by Durham native and naturalist Riverdave. Call or visit website for more details, location, and dates. [ more info ]

Durham-based boat tour operator providing numerous options for seeing and enjoying Jordan Lake, the local ecosystem, and the wildlife that calls the lake home. Celebrate birthdays or simply enjoy a sunset cruise with or without the kids. [ more info ]

Individual or group horseback riding lessons, horse boarding, and shows. [ more info ]

Historic low brass musical instrument collection displaying over 250 vintage instruments. [ more info ]

Includes athletic field, boating, fishing, grills, lights, picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, large shelters, soccer fields, and water fountains. [ more info ]

8,500-sq.-ft. of wall-to-wall faux cliffs, caverns, overhangs, and mountainous terrain. [ more info ]

40 bowling lanes, video games, and billiards. [ more info ]

One of the nation's top universities; founded as Trinity College and renamed in 1924 after an endowment by James Buchanan Duke. Highlights include Duke University Chapel, Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Cameron Indoor Stadium, 7,060-acre Duke Forest, Duke Lemur Center, Nasher Museum of Art, and Duke University Medical Center. Student-led campus tours conducted through the admissions office; call for information. [ more info ]

Working farm offering pick-your-own strawberries as well as other fresh-grown fruit and vegetables for sale seasonally. [ more info ]

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Includes basketball courts, grills, lights, picnic facilities, play grounds, recreation center, restrooms, small shelters, water fountains, and a youth baseball field. [ more info ]

Includes basketball courts, greenway access, lights, recreation center, and a youth baseball field. [ more info ]

Located along the Eno River, the park features a reconstructed 1778 working grist mill with cornmeal for sale, the historic McCown-Mangum House dating to the mid-1800s, the Hugh Mangum Museum of Photography, hiking trails, and amphitheater. [ more info ]

Includes greenway access, grills, picnic facilities, play grounds, and water fountains. [ more info ]

Family fun park offering skateboarding, RC cars, go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, indoor roller-skating, and indoor playground. [ more info ]

Includes greenway access, grills, lights, picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, small shelters, tennis courts, water fountains, and a youth baseball field. [ more info ]

Includes basketball courts, picnic facilities, and play grounds. [ more info ]

Includes picnic facilities, play grounds, restrooms, small shelters, and a youth baseball field. [ more info ]