What to do with the kids in Chapel Hill? (near campus) (Durham: preschool, university)

[elacklen]

I graduated from UNC too many years ago, and now I'm going to be spending the day there with family. We'll have 2 grandparents, 4 adults, and 6 kids, we run the gamut from elderly to active adults to second graders to newborns. Basically we're looking for a way to keep the kids entertained while the adults chat.

So much has changed since I went there, and I've never been there with kids.

The planetarium is too expensive for such a large group. Aside from hanging out in McCorkle Place, what can we do? Are there playgrounds near campus? I read about the Kidzu museum on Franklin Street, is it worth visiting?

Also looking for lunch suggestions for the group...most of my favorite places are long gone (wishing for Rathskellar or Hector's right now...) I thought maybe Breadman's. I want to avoid the post-church crowd at Mama Dips. Or maybe Buns or Carolina Brewery?

Suggestions appreciated! Thanks!

[J_Lurk]

Assuming that you mean you will be there on a Sunday when you say you want to avoid the post-church crowd, I'd suggest going to the Jazz Brunch at Weaver Street. You can sit outside and folks bring things like hula hoops for the kids. Weaver Street Market - Carrboro Events

[poppydog]

Yeah, Weaver Street is a great place to have a cup of coffee outside and let the kids run. Another place similar to that is Vimala's Curryblossom Cafe (great Indian food) at the Courtyard (near where Pyewacket used to be if that rings any bells).

When are you coming?

Kidzu is moving to UMall — not sure if they're still in their location at University Square or not, but I believe they might be. They haven't been right on Franklin St for a few years. My kids outgrew Kidzu pretty quickly, so depending on your kids ages it might or might not be appropriate. I haven't been in years because it's been way too little for my now 12 and 9 (almost 10) yr olds. It was great when they were 5 and 2. I found that we quit going when the oldest was about 5, maybe 6. I don't know what kinds of exhibits they have now, though, and they might have some that appeal to kids who are a little bit older, but they do say their target range is 0-8 yrs old.

Elmo's is always very popular and great for families. It may be crowded, but will have less hungover college kids than Breadmen's. Do love Breadmen's, though.

The kids might like to run around in the Arboretum (catty-corner behind the planetarium) and the adults could sit on a bench and talk, plus it's free.

Buns has good burger, Top of The Hill might appeal, Carolina Brewery has good something-for-everybody type food (plus beer!), Sutton's is always a Carolina Classic, with great burgers and sandwiches and milkshakes. Fun place to take kids and the grands. It's right across the street from campus, too, so if you do decide to spring for the planetarium ($7.50 for adults, $6 for kids) it's close by. There's always Spanky's too if you're going for "American" grub. If you're up for more ethnic foods I really love Vimala's and enjoyed the new Korean joint "Chopsticks & more" the other day.

I can't think of any real playgrounds right at campus. The Episcopal church beside Morehead has one, but I believe it's gated. If the kids need to run around more and swing, etc, Community Center Park is right across from the post office before University Mall on Estes Dr. Wilson Park in Carrboro is also pretty nice.

[elsbells]

Kidzu is still open at the current location, in University Square on Franklin Street. My toddler loves it, but it probably won't really appeal to older kids. We go there pretty often; while they claim to cater to 0-8 year olds, it seems that it's used almost exclusively by the under-5 crowd. It also isn't really conducive to adults sitting around while the kiddos run. If THAT'S what you're looking for, I would really recommend Stay & Play Snack Cafe in downtown Durham. There are tables for the grown ups to sit, and toys and activities for the littles. Again, it's aimed at the preschool and under crowd, so your older kiddos will probably be bored.

I second the recommendation to go to Weaver Street. Lots to see and the kiddos can run around.

[CHTransplant]

See:

Chapel Hill Kids - Activities, Festivals and Events around Chapel Hill, NC

[mpheels]

The planetarium has free exhibits and shows on their science stage, so you can spend some time there without spending a lot of money.