8 outdoor spring activities for families to enjoy across the Triangle

With the weather warming up, it’s a great time to start heading outside to celebrate the change in the seasons. From parks to farms to special events, there are numerous outdoor spring activities for families to enjoy this year. The following eight opportunities will provide you with plenty to do with the kids before the end of the school year.

Pullen Park  |  520 Ashe Ave., Raleigh

Raleigh’s Pullen Park is a favorite of families looking to make the most of beautiful spring weather. As the state’s first public park and one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the U.S., Pullen Park offers timeless attractions for the entire family. Enjoy a carousel, miniature train ride, pedal boats, and kiddie boats for just $2 per ride. There are also playgrounds for various age groups that offer swings, slides, sand play areas, and more. Plus, Pullen Park features an aquatic center with an Olympic-sized pool, an arts center with classes, and a theater.

Durham Bulls Athletic Park  |  409 Blackwell St., Durham

It’s officially baseball season, and if you’re looking for outdoor spring activities for families, put the Durham Bulls on your list. Durham has had a baseball team since 1902, and its storied history and taste of Americana is just one of the reasons to attend their games. The league also offers promotions like Kids Run the Bases after Sunday home games, and theme nights like Star Wars Night, Truck Fest, and Dino Night. It’s fun for the whole family.

Phillips Farms  |  6800 Good Hope Church Rd., Cary

The family-owned Phillips Farms has served North Carolina for over 100 years. But in recent years, the family shifted its focus from straw, hay, and tobacco to offer strawberry picking. Today, it’s an unforgettable destination for strawberries and its Family Fun Park, which includes a corn maze, cow train rides, a petting zoo, and seasonal events. The farm also hosts a weekend farmers market, showcasing local produce, artisan goods, and food trucks, fostering community engagement and family-friendly entertainment throughout the year.

Flowers Field at Dix Park  |  2105 Umstead Dr., Raleigh

Celebrate Earth Day with the City of Raleigh and We Plant it Forward on Friday, April 25 from 4 to 10 p.m. at Flowers Field in Dorthea Dix Park. This is a free, family-friendly event that features interactive exhibits, live music, games, demonstrations, and more. You can also enjoy cultural performances from members of the North Carolina Tuscarora tribe, among others. Then stay for an 8:15 p.m. viewing of The Wild Robot.

Museum of Life and Science  |  433 W. Murray Ave., Durham

The Museum of Life and Science is an 84-acre destination that blends science, nature, and hands-on exploration to inspire curiosity across all ages. Founded in 1946, the museum features a diverse array of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including the Magic Wings Butterfly House, the Dinosaur Trail, and the Explore the Wild habitats, which are home to red wolves, black bears, and lemurs. Its acclaimed Aerospace exhibit showcases authentic NASA artifacts, such as a Project Mercury capsule and a lunar module mock-up. The museum’s mission is to foster lifelong learning by encouraging visitors to embrace science as a way of understanding themselves, their community, and the world. With programs like summer camps, early childhood classes, and field trips, the museum serves as a vibrant hub for education and discovery. It’s one of the top spring activities for families across the region.

Little Sprouts Spring Event at Lake Lynn Park  | 7921 Ray Rd., Raleigh

If you have a toddler at home, the Little Sprouts Spring Event will be a hands-on day of activities, crafts, and a scavenger hunt specially designed for ages 3-5. Leesville Library will also host two story times at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. The event will be held on Monday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration is encouraged.

Got to Be NC Festival  |  1025 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh

The annual Got to Be NC Festival takes place May 16 through 18 at the N.C. State Fairgrounds, and there’s a ton for the whole family to enjoy. Enjoy food and beverages from locations across the state. There are kid-specific activities, a carnival featuring rides and games, farm animals, and a massive display of antique tractors and farm equipment. It’s a fantastic way to learn more about everything our state has to offer.

Artsplosure Arts Festival  |  Fayetteville St., Raleigh

The Artsplosure Arts Festival is a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of creativity held annually in downtown Raleigh. Scheduled for May 17 through 18, 2025, this free two-day event transforms Fayetteville Street into an open-air gallery and performance space, drawing over 85,000 attendees each year. The festival offers live music on two stages, large-scale art installations, and Kidsplosure, which is a dedicated area with hands-on art activities for children. With its diverse offerings and inclusive atmosphere, Artsplosure continues to be a cornerstone of North Carolina’s cultural calendar.

From parks to festivals to events, there are numerous spring activities for families to enjoy this year. Check out community calendars in cities like Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill to see all that’s available this spring.