Family events in Garner, NC

At United Skates Raleigh, a high-energy toddler rave fills the rink with music, movement, and glowing fun made for little ones. Kids can dance, skate, and ride on toys, then visit the glow station for extra sparkle. Admission is $12 per child and includes one free adult, a glow stick, access to skating and ride-on toys, a lively dance party, and a snack of five nuggets with a juice box. Skate rental is available for $6. It is a Mommy & Me experience where little tykes meet roller rave.

Budding Sprouts: Leaves to Roots is a hands-on early childhood class for ages 2-6 where kids explore a demonstration garden and food forest. The group will sort crops into “tops and bottoms,” read a related story, make a craft, and harvest items that are ready. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and families are asked to register in advance due to capacity limits. The meeting point is the Harvest Hub.

Settle into a laid-back summer evening at Smith Farm Goat Sanctuary, where Fat Cat Ice Cream serves frozen treats while guests visit with rescued goats and unwind with lawn games such as cornhole and oversized checkers. Additional snacks and refreshments will be available, including hot dogs, popcorn, chips, and drinks.

Front Porch Friday is a weekly gathering with a new theme each time. Look for a changing mix of live performers and musicians, visiting food trucks, workshops, and other activities for all ages. Ongoing Magic the Gathering campaigns are part of the experience. Adults can browse flower offerings from Haven Herb and order a drink at the bar, while children can enjoy the playground and see the goats. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

This guided walk explores Raleigh’s eeriest folklore, from reports of slimy creatures beneath the streets to the reverberations of a historic train calamity and tales of haunted antebellum mansions. Led by a professional historian, the experience distinguishes myth from documented history and reveals how each story took shape. Hosted at the Raleigh State Capitol, the tour emphasizes research and verification, with every figure, haunting, and urban legend backed by independent sources to keep the focus on evidence over embellishment.

Grasshopper Farms NC hosts its first live music event of the summer featuring Shelby Rae Marshall. Bring a chair and relax on the farm. Admission is free and the atmosphere is family friendly. Food options include a food truck with grilled hotdogs and hamburgers and an ice cream shop. There is free access to the play area, splash park, and goats. Enjoy a laid back day of music and community on the farm.

Saturday mornings in Raleigh bring flavorful options at the North Hills Farmers Market. Shoppers can find 100% Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork, raised in North Carolina, ideal for weekend cookouts, game day spreads, or everyday meals.

Agri Supply hosts a lively monthly farmers market that showcases around 50 small local businesses. Browse one-of-a-kind creations from artisans, such as soaps, toys, taxidermy pieces, handmade crafts, jewelry, mugs, and crochet items. Nearby farm vendors offer seasonal produce and house-made staples including eggs, breads, vegetables, and more. Several food trucks round out the experience with a range of meal options. The market is set up outdoors in the Agri Supply parking area, and parking is free for attendees. Because activities take place outside, scheduling may shift with the weather. Vendors are welcome to participate at no cost. To be considered, contact the Agri Supply Garner store and speak with event coordinator Ryan Brown, then wait for confirmation of your spot. If additional dates become available, the team reaches out directly to offer opportunities, and the store can answer any questions.

Repticon Raleigh brings a two-day reptile and exotic animal expo to the NC State Fairgrounds - Exposition Center. Experience live species from across the globe, purchase pets and supplies directly from knowledgeable vendors, and learn more about reptiles and other exotic animals.

Celebrate the upcoming 2026/2027 school year at a community back to school bash and cookout. Parents, students, and teachers can pick up supplies and information to get ready for a successful year. Enjoy music along with food from the grill, snow cones, and drinks. Admission is free with registration. The gathering also introduces attendees to Strong Tower Christian Fellowship, which emphasizes peace, love, safety, and the freedom to worship.

American Legion Post 116 presents the 4th Annual Bring Your Own Pool Party for members. Bring a small pool or float, with kiddie pools especially welcome, and dress it up for a shot at the Best Decorated Pool prize. A community potluck is part of the fun, so plan to contribute a dish to share. Expect lively music, cold drinks, and plenty of laughs, rain or shine. Remember to pack chairs, towels, and sunscreen. Whether lounging, floating, or aiming for the most creative setup, it offers a laid-back day with the Legion family.

Explore the Garner History Museum and learn about the people who helped build the community along with the stories that have shaped Garner. Visitors can discover new facets of local history and connect with the town’s heritage.

Skate Night returns with the Clayton Community Center gym transformed into an indoor roller rink, complete with a live DJ and a family-friendly vibe. Glide across the basketball court to favorite tunes and bring your own roller skates or roller blades. Pre-registration is required. Residents pay $6 and non-residents pay $9. Light snacks and refreshments are included. Comfortable clothing and appropriate safety gear are encouraged. Skaters 15 and younger must have a parent or guardian on-site for the entire event. Only roller skates and roller blades are permitted, and scooters, skateboards, and bicycles are not allowed.

Enjoy a lighthearted evening of bingo in the company of friendly goats. Expect a lively atmosphere with plenty of laughs, excitement, and lots of bingo fun.

Skate into a playful, Stitch-themed session that brings a tropical twist to the rink with upbeat music and a welcoming vibe for skaters of every age. Make it a hangout with friends or a family outing, and enjoy plenty of laughs, movement, and memorable moments. Expect bright colors, big character, and continuous skating fun that fans of Stitch will appreciate. Admission is $13 online or $15 at the door. Regular skate rental is $6, rollerblade rental is $7, and Skatemate rental is $6. Non-skating spectators pay $4. Every guest must complete a waiver, and adults should list the names of any children they are bringing on their waiver.

MacNair's Country Acres in Raleigh offers a summer horseback riding camp for ages 6 to 14. Camp weeks align with the Wake County Schools Traditional Calendar summer break. Families can choose full-day or half-day sessions, with a half day recommended for ages 6 and 7. Campers are grouped by riding ability and ride once each day. No prior experience is required. Instruction focuses on essential horse care, including grooming, tacking, and post-ride routines, along with beginner riding skills. Lessons take place in the ring and on the trail. When not riding, campers can swim in an on-site pool with a certified lifeguard, build additional horsemanship skills, and enjoy crafts and games.

At the North Carolina Museum of Art, families can enjoy a nature-focused story time that blends reading with playful exploration. The experience begins with a shared story, followed by interactive, hands-on activities that highlight natural themes, and may include a visit to other areas of the museum campus. Meet near the Welcome Center to get started. This free program encourages dressing for the weather and being prepared for a walk. Most walks are stroller friendly. Designed for children ages 7 and younger, and welcoming to all.

Linda Craft Team, REALTORS presents a free, family-friendly screening of The Wild Robot at Triangle Cinemas at Six Forks in Raleigh. There are four showings during the week, providing multiple chances to attend. Admission is free, no tickets are required, and all ages are welcome. Concessions will be available. This screening is part of a summer series of complimentary family movies in Raleigh.

Families are welcome to bring children of all ages to the Haven Shoppe for a free storytime that features a new theme each week. Refreshments such as coffee, tea, juice boxes, lemonades, and ice cream are available for purchase. After the stories wrap up, little ones can enjoy the playground or visit the goats.

Bring your extra pop its, spinners, cubes, and squishies to trade with other fidget fans and discover new favorites. Whether you are a casual collector or a dedicated fidget enthusiast, there is always a new trade waiting. Spin it, pop it, squish it, trade it at Learning Express.

Explore the Garner History Museum and dive into the town’s past. Learn about the residents and contributors who helped build the community, along with the stories and milestones that shaped its identity. Enjoy a relaxed visit and come away with new insights into Garner’s heritage.

A homeschool field trip at the Fuquay location offers a friendly setting to connect with others. Participants will have the chance to dive deeper into the sport of ninja.

The Downtown Clayton Concert Series, presented by Nancy Jo's Homemade, features All My Rowdy Friends with opening act Nicholas Vernon. This nationally touring Hank Jr. tribute brings an outlaw country variety show to Town Square in downtown Clayton. Alongside the live music, attendees can find dinner from local restaurants or food trucks, browse nearby shops, and enjoy drink options. Family friendly extras include a complimentary bounce house for kids and a photo booth for all ages. Support comes from Presenting Sponsor Nancy Jo's Homemade, Official Beer Provider Deep River Brewing Company, Supporting Sponsors Universal Chevrolet, Old Mill Group Real Estate, C & C Auto Glass, and Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston, Downtown Enthusiast Sponsors HTR: Hometown Realty and The Dog Wash, and Friends of Downtown Spinning Mill Loft.