Family events in Wake Forest, NC

The Appalachian Festival is a two-day community event in Raleigh celebrating Appalachian culture and entertainment. It’s expected to draw a large crowd, with plenty of programming over the course of the weekend.

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.

Teens ages 12-18 can join a relaxed, semi-private drawing and painting studio at The Makery. You’ll work on a project you choose, with tailored help from an instructor, and you’ll provide your own materials based on what you want to create. The class runs for two hours, giving you a chance to build skills and make progress at your own pace.

Ready to try the pottery wheel for the first time? This one-time beginners intro class will walk you through the essentials of wheel throwing, including how to center clay, pull up your walls, and use the wheel safely, plus how to clean up afterward. No prior experience is needed, and it is for ages 8 and up. Pieces go through bisque firing, and you will be emailed when they are ready. You can then return at your convenience to apply glaze at no extra cost.

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.

Celebrate local agriculture at the South Durham Farmers' Market at Hub RTP, a weekly gathering focused on connecting the community with fresh, locally grown food. The market supports sustainable farming that preserves farmland and cares for the local environment. Shoppers can meet the farmers who grow the fruits and vegetables they buy and explore one-of-a-kind items from local artisans. Whether searching for peak season ingredients or aiming to support local businesses and sustainable practices, there is something for every taste. Weekly vendor lineups and special happenings are shared on the market’s website calendar.

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.

Prepare for your newest addition in an engaging, hands-on class designed to build confidence in early parenting. Over three hours, the class explores supportive mantras for the transition to parenthood, what to expect from a newborn’s appearance and behavior, calming and soothing methods, practical skills for bathing and diapering, safe sleep practices, and ways to strengthen protective factors while caring for yourself as a new parent, along with other helpful guidance. The fee is $150 for the birthing person and a partner.

NAMI Durham invites middle school and high school students to take part in Hoops 4 Hope, a youth basketball event that also features a 3-point shooting contest. Participants will build leadership skills, connect with first responders and community leaders, promote mental health awareness, and practice teamwork and sportsmanship in a supportive setting. Jerseys will be provided to all players, and students can proudly represent their schools and neighborhoods. Parents can expect an uplifting experience that helps young people stay engaged, grow confidence, and form positive relationships while contributing to a community effort centered on hope, wellness, and youth empowerment. Space is limited. To register, email vicepresident2@namidurham.org and use the subject line Hoops 4 Hope Player Registration.

This group class blends clear, evidence-based teaching with interactive, hands-on practice. Led by an Infant Feeding Specialist, it covers breastfeeding and chestfeeding, pumping techniques, bottle feeding, hand expression, and formula use, along with guidance on when each method may be introduced. Participants receive a brief historical overview of breast and chestfeeding, learn to recognize their baby's feeding cues, practice positioning, paced bottle feeding, burping, hand expression, and pumping, and talk through common challenges and where to find support. The fee is $150 for the birthing person and their support partner.

Durham Parks and Recreation presents a free, family-friendly Summer Concerts in the Park event now hosted at Rock Quarry Park, featuring live music, a relaxed setting, and food trucks. This date spotlights Ally J with a mix of country, soul, R&B, Motown, and funk. Bring a blanket or chair and settle in with friends and family to enjoy the music. The concert is rain or shine, and alcohol and smoking are not permitted.

Part of the Tween Moon series, this gathering centers on Moontime creativity for girls ages 9 to 15. With guidance from Nana Shemora in a traditional rites of passage approach, participants explore menstrual empowerment during this coming-of-age season. Time is devoted to reconnecting with nature and caring for mind, body, and soul, encouraging practices of self-care and self-love. Every session is interactive and opens with bellydance.

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.

Young riders can spend a week immersed in horsemanship at JAKS Stables. This summer camp nurtures confidence and independence while highlighting the bond between people and horses. Campers go beyond basic riding lessons, make new friends, and practice skills in a welcoming setting. Open to ages 6 to 16, it is suited for beginners through intermediate riders. Tuition is $500, with optional early drop off or late pick up available for $550, or both for $575.

Animal-loving kids can dive into a week of painting, drawing, and crafting inspired by beloved pets, from energetic puppies and cute kittens to brightly colored birds and fish. The camp fosters creativity and imagination with engaging, hands-on art projects throughout the week. It all concludes with a special art show where campers proudly share their creations with friends and family. Designed for ages 6 to 12. Early bird pricing is 275 dollars per week, with tuition increasing afterward. Registration covers the full week, and single day options, if offered, will be announced closer to the start. For a smooth experience, have your child wear clothes that can get messy, and pack a nut free lunch, a snack, and a water bottle each day.

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.

Enjoy a family-friendly nature story time at the North Carolina Museum of Art. The experience begins with a shared story, then continues with hands-on, interactive activities that explore natural themes, and may include visits to other areas of the museum campus. This free program meets near the Welcome Center. Dress for the weather and be prepared for a walk, and keep in mind that most routes are stroller friendly. Geared toward children 7 and younger, with all ages welcome.

A free family screening of The Wild Robot takes place at Triangle Cinemas at Six Forks in Raleigh, presented by Linda Craft Team, REALTORS. Admission is free and no tickets are required, so families, grandparents with grandkids, and summer camps can enjoy an animated adventure together. Multiple showings provide plenty of chances to attend. All ages are welcome, and concessions are available. This screening is part of a summer series of complimentary movies in Raleigh, sponsored by Linda Craft Team, REALTORS, which has been part of the local community since 1987.

Each week throughout the summer, families meet for informal playground playdates at parks across the Durham area. There is no cost or registration. Bring a snack, a water bottle, and a towel. The series offers a low-key way to meet the Family Preschool community, ask questions, and learn more about its supportive village. Locations rotate among Forest Hills Park, Rockwood Park, Sassafrass All Children's Playground, Gold Park, Saxapahaw Island Park, Trinity Park Playground, and Piney Woods Park. This session is set for Trinity Park Playground.

JAKS Stables Horse Club offers the community a chance to deepen equine knowledge across topics such as anatomy, diseases, etiquette, saddle fitting, and nutrition. The club is free to attend and geared toward ages 6 to 16. Riding is not included. It is also an opportunity for kids to meet fellow horse lovers and build friendships.

Memphis visits Durham for Homestand 11 at Durham Bulls Athletic Park as the Redbirds make their first trip to town. The series features rotating promotions that include Tendies & Tallboys and Dollar Dogs. Friday Night Fireworks light up the ballpark alongside a COPA celebration. Augtoberfest brings more festivities with Saturday Night Fireworks and an appearance by Champ the Bat Dog. The homestand wraps with Princess & Pirates Night, and kids can take a victory lap during Kids Run the Bases.

Bring extra pop its, spinners, cubes, and squishies to trade with fellow fidget fans and discover new favorites. Whether you are a casual collector or a serious enthusiast, this meet-up centers on simple swapping... share what you have, connect with others, and find fresh pieces for your collection. Give it a spin, a pop, a squish, and make a trade at Learning Express.

This six week childbirth series follows a flipped classroom approach, combining self-paced video lessons at home with in person, small group discussions and hands-on practice. Two seasoned perinatal professionals guide each session, focusing on current, research-based guidance to support informed decision-making throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. Enrollment includes three months of access to Evidence Based Birth® class videos and additional newborn care content. Participants receive a workbook filled with useful information and extras to use before, during, and after birth, as well as a digital library of PDFs and videos that review key topics such as eating and drinking in labor, vitamin K, due dates, and more. Registration covers the birthing person and a support person.