The best things to do in Raleigh

“Happy Feet Planet Wake Forest is the indoor playground where little feet go wild and you get a breather this week. Open play keeps the wiggles in check, and birthday parties come with private room time, pizza, and a dedicated staff so you can actually enjoy the celebration.”

From the Wake Forest newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Falls Village Golf Club is a locally loved 18-hole championship course carved through Carolina pines just outside RTP, with rolling terrain, real elevation changes, and 48 strategically placed bunkers. Five sets of tees, Champion bermudagrass greens, and a friendly vibe make it perfect for a fun, thoughtful round.”

From the Durham newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Bentwinds Country Club is a private spot in Fuquay-Varina for serious golf days, friendly rounds, and a lively pool-and-tennis scene. They host tournaments, weddings, and social events, so book a tour this week and see if it feels like your new home course.”

From the Fuquay-Varina newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Because your couch can wait. The Rialto is Raleigh’s enduring neighborhood theater curating great movies, live music, and the kind of small-town-within-the-city vibe that makes Tuesday feel like an event. Grab a friend, pick a flick, let the popcorn be your personality for the night.”

From the Apex newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Round up the crew and hit ParTee Shack - Raleigh for mini golf reimagined on two over-the-top courses, plus an obstacle-packed VR laser tag arena, duckpin bowling with epic light shows, and an arcade. Easy weeknight reset or rainy-day saver, with food and drinks so you can actually linger.”

From the Goldsboro newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Skip the couch this week and do dinner-and-a-movie properly at CMX CinéBistro at Waverly Place, where you pick your seats ahead of time and order from a legit menu while the lights dim. Their lineup swings from nostalgic favorites to new releases, so everyone wins.”

From the Holly Springs newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Whether you’re chasing a fast after-work nine or a full-on practice binge this week, Knights Play Golf Center nails it with a fully illuminated par-3 course and 60-station range, 27 walkable holes with three tees per, lessons from PGA pros, plus a clubhouse grill when you’re done.”

“Rainbow Lanes Family Fun Center keeps weeknights interesting with classic lanes, glow-in-the-dark Cosmic Bowling, and bumper lanes that keep kids smiling. Queue up a game of billiards between frames, grab something from the snack bar, and enjoy a 100% smoke free hang that’s easy to rally friends for.”

From the Johnston County newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Lochmere Golf Club is a semi-private, tree-lined 18-hole track that welcomes both members and daily players. Book a round this week, grab a lesson or clinic to fix that slice, and see why locals keep choosing it for friendly games and charity outings.”

From the Cary newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“Clean play area for toddlers and their families, with padded surfaces and interactive features.”

“Kid-friendly venue with a playground, trampolines, a ropes course, and other diversions, including a zipline.”

“Golf club featuring a course with a driving range, practice greens, and pro shop.”

“Relaxed country club with a golf course, tennis courts, a pool and a dining room.”

“Golf-themed eatery and bar featuring indoor golf simulators and courses for practice and lessons.”

“Public golf course and driving range featuring fast greens, a grill, and pro shop.”

“Trampoline center featuring a foam pit, dodgeball court and ninja-style obstacle courses.”

“Family amusement center with several attractions, including mini-golf, go-karts & a roller rink.”

“Formal place for hosting weddings as well as parties such as birthday gatherings.”

“Indoor and outdoor facility with 25-yard lap pools and a playground.”

“Community recreation center with an indoor track, fitness center, and basketball court, plus classes.”

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“Go-karts, laser tag, batting cages, bumper boats, flight simulators, mini-golf, arcade games & more.”

“Cinema offering feature films in 6 auditoriums & beer & wine at the concession stand.”

“Tom Kite–designed golf course with a driving range, in a wooded, rolling setting.”

“Wildlife refuge & agricultural-history site centered around an 18th-century water-powered gristmill.”

“Designed by Arnold Palmer, this 18-hole public course offers a clubhouse restaurant.”

“Large-scale indoor trampoline center hosting open jump, fitness classes, dodgeball & parties.”

“Historical theater screening current movies & hosting film festivals & live performances.”

“Venue hosting weddings and events, with a modern interior featuring white walls and gold chandeliers.”

“Trampoline park, laser tag and go-kart spot for all ages.”

“Cultural center featuring a gallery and space for classes, meetings, and children's birthday parties.”

“Independent stadium-style cineplex offering feature & art films, plus food, beer & wine.”

“Golf club featuring practice facilities, a pro shop, and a course that includes varied terrain.”

“Elegant hotel set on 300 acres offering luxe quarters, a golf course & multiple dining options.”

“Private golf course featuring rolling fairways and hardwoods, plus an event room.”

“Golf course, tennis court and pool complex inside a country club featuring a restaurant menu.”

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“High-end private golf course since 1910 with a Southern style clubhouse, pool & tennis courts.”

“Public golf course offering a swimming pool, event venue, and banquet hall.”

“Family-run attraction featuring three 18-hole indoor mini golf courses alongside arcade games and a snack bar.”

“Private golf course and tennis club offering facilities for weddings and other events, plus food.”

“Established in 1986, this golf course features a variety of tee options and Champion Bermuda Grass greens.”

“First-run movie theater chain featuring plush seating, all-digital presentations & 3D screenings.”

“Aquatic complex chain with additional land attractions including mini-golf, laser tag & go-karts.”

“Indoor playground featuring slides, a ball pit and a toddler-friendly zone.”

“Private country club offering golf, swimming, tennis, and dining, plus a ballroom.”

“Public, 18-hole golf course, with a pro shop and friendly staff, featuring open, scenic fairways.”

“Indoor sports facility featuring multiple simulators for golfing and other athletic activities, plus a bar.”

“Challenging rooms with themes such as airship, spaceship and wizard, for groups to solve puzzles and escape.”

“Warehouse-style trampoline park with bright murals hosts family days, open jumps & fitness programs.”

“Modern entertainment venue offering interactive golf games, American eats, cocktails & draft brews.”

“Established in 1988, this country club features a private golf course, updated fitness center, and tennis courts.”