Family events in Raleigh, NC

United Skates Raleigh hosts a high-energy toddler event filled with music, movement and glowing fun. Designed for little ones and their caregivers, the experience features skating, ride on toys, a lively dance party and a dedicated glow area. Each child ticket is $12 and includes one adult admission, plus a glow stick, five nuggets and a juice box. Skate rental is available for $6.

Experience a three-day consignment sale spanning all seasons and sizes, showcasing boutique, sustainable, and high-end designer brands. Browse quality clothing, shoes, and accessories for women, men, and children, plus purses, toys, infant gear, indoor and outdoor play equipment, and nursery furniture contributed by hundreds of families. A limited selection of upscale housewares is also available. Tickets are required for crowd management and to secure early access to deals, with both free and paid presale options. Sponsored by Kids EveryWEAR, this event extends well beyond kids’ items and has been repeatedly recognized as the Triangle’s top consignment sale.

Front Porch Friday offers a weekly mix of rotating performers, musicians, food trucks, workshops, and activities for all ages, with a different theme each week. Weekly Magic the Gathering campaigns are included. Adults can browse flower offerings from Haven Herb and find drinks at the bar. Children can enjoy the playground and visit the goats. Free to attend and open to all.

Grasshopper Farms hosts its first live music event of the summer featuring Shelby Rae Marshall. Guests may bring their own chairs and unwind in the farm setting. Admission is free and family friendly. A food truck will serve classics such as grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, and the ice cream shop will be available. The day also includes complimentary access to the play area, the splash park, and the goats, creating an easygoing blend of live music and farm fun.

Agri Supply in Garner hosts a monthly farmers market that brings together about 50 small local businesses. Set up outdoors in the store’s parking lot, the market showcases handmade goods such as soaps, toys, taxidermy pieces, crafts, jewelry, mugs, and crochet, along with farmers offering fresh produce and homemade items like eggs, bread, and vegetables. Several food trucks provide a variety of meal options while you browse. Parking is free in the Agri Supply lot. Vendor participation is free as well; those interested can call the Garner store at (919) 772-0865 and ask for event coordinator Ryan Brown to be considered for a spot, with confirmations provided after selection and outreach possible for additional dates. Plans may shift if weather affects scheduling.

Repticon Raleigh brings two days of reptiles and exotic animals to the NC State Fairgrounds - Exposition Center, showcasing live species from around the world. Explore a wide range of pets and pet care products offered directly by experienced experts, and take time to learn more about reptile care and exotic wildlife. The expo blends hands-on viewing with education and shopping for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Celebrate the coming 2026 to 2027 school year with a back to school bash and cookout for parents, students, and teachers. Pick up supplies and helpful information to start the year prepared, then enjoy music along with bites from the grill, snow cones, and drinks. Admission is free with registration. The event also offers an introduction to Strong Tower Christian Fellowship, a community centered on peace, love, safety, and the freedom to worship.

Visit the Garner History Museum to explore the town’s past, from the people who built the community to the stories that shaped its identity. Take a moment to look around and discover something new about Garner.

Now in its fourth year, the Volleynati charity tournament returns to Jaycee Park in Raleigh to celebrate volleyball, community, competition, and giving back. Twenty teams will compete in a 5v5 format, with jerseys provided for participants. A live DJ, giveaways, and extensive photo and video coverage on Instagram are also planned. Team registration is open.

Kristine Freeman, the resident Pokémon Professor, runs this casual league and serves as both trading card game judge and tournament organizer. It offers a community space to play and trade, with the Pokémon TCG as the primary focus and room for the video game and Pokémon Go as well, though those receive less support. League play is relaxed and centered on having fun, allowing a Legacy-style format with cards from any set. Proxies, World Championship cards, and foreign-language cards are permitted when both players understand their effects. Newcomers can learn the basics of the TCG with guidance from Kristine, who also provides resources for practicing at home. For young attendees or anyone less interested in matches, there are coloring and activity pages with stickers as rewards. On tournament days, sessions take place at East Coast Gaming.

Enjoy a playful themed skating session inspired by Stitch, bringing island vibes, lively music, and a friendly atmosphere for skaters of all ages. It is a fun pick for families or groups of friends, with plenty of laughs, movement, and colorful energy throughout the session. 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. A waiver is required for entry, and adults must include the names of any children they are bringing. Expect a spirited skate packed with character and nonstop fun for fans of Stitch.

A summer horseback riding camp in Raleigh, NC welcomes children ages 6 to 14. Sessions line up with the traditional summer break for Wake County Schools and are offered in both full day and half day formats, with a suggestion that campers who are 6 or 7 choose the half day option. Campers are placed in riding groups that match their skill level and they ride once each day. No previous experience is needed. Instruction emphasizes the essentials of horse care, including grooming, tacking, and after-ride care, along with introductory riding skills. Lessons include time in the ring as well as trail rides. When not riding, campers can swim in an on-site pool with a certified lifeguard on duty, build additional horsemanship knowledge, and enjoy crafts and games.

Explore the wonders of nature during a family-friendly story time at the North Carolina Museum of Art, followed by interactive, hands-on activities that build on the tale. Meet near the Welcome Center to begin. Activities may include a stroll to other parts of the art museum campus, and most routes accommodate strollers. This free program is designed for children ages 7 and under, and everyone is welcome. Dress for the weather and be ready to walk.

Free family screenings of The Wild Robot are presented at Triangle Cinemas at Six Forks in Raleigh, sponsored by Linda Craft Team, REALTORS. Admission is free and no tickets are needed. All ages are welcome and concessions are available. With four showings, there are multiple opportunities to catch the film. This screening is part of a summer series of complimentary family movies in Raleigh.

This free Kids Storytime at the Haven Shoppe welcomes children of all ages. Stories feature a new theme each week. The shop sells coffee, tea, juice boxes, lemonades, and ice cream. After the reading, families can enjoy the playground or visit the goats.

Take a docent-led look inside the Ivey-Ellington House, a Gothic Revival cottage set within the Downtown Cary Historic District. This brief tour shares how the home was designed, who lived there, and how preservation efforts brought it back to life, including a noteworthy historical find uncovered during restoration. Admission is free and no tickets or appointments are required. Recognized as a Local Historic Landmark, the house is a late nineteenth-century example of Gothic Revival cottage architecture and is uncommon in Wake County, where most surviving buildings in this style are religious. Situated near the former Raleigh and Chatham Railroad, it reflects how architectural ideas moved from cities to rural communities and aligns with national movements in housing reform and the widespread use of pattern books. After a careful two-year restoration by the Town of Cary, supported by years of advocacy from the Friends of the Page-Walker, the property’s future was secured so that this piece of North Carolina’s architectural heritage can be appreciated for generations.

Bring extra pop-its, spinners, cubes, and squishies to a swap where fidget fans exchange items and find new favorites. Designed for both casual collectors and dedicated enthusiasts, this gathering offers chances to trade duplicates and refresh a collection. Explore a variety of tactile toys to spin, pop, and squish, then trade for pieces that suit your style at Learning Express.

Spend some time at the Garner History Museum and delve into the town’s heritage, from the individuals who built the community to the narratives that continue to define it. A casual visit offers a chance to uncover new insights about the town of Garner and its past.

Step into a celebration with a prehistoric twist, packed with hands-on fun for kids. Diggery Digger’s Dino Adventure brings an interactive performance that blends fossils, magic, music, and towering dinosaur characters. After the show, young explorers can get creative with dinosaur-themed crafts and activities that spark curiosity. Admission is free, and registration helps ensure there are enough supplies for everyone. Designed for children of all ages. School supplies will be collected during the event to support local schools in Wake County, and families can plan to enjoy lunch at nearby restaurants once the fun wraps up.