family activities in triangle area- young kids (Raleigh, Durham: rentals, chapel)

[tandaphi]

Hello,

My family moved to Holly Springs in July. I have friends visiting next month and I'm trying to learn about good family activities, parks, events, etc. that are within about an hour's drive from Holly Springs. I am looking for something that would be appropriate for children aged 11 months to 4 years old.
I am aware of the Marbles Children's Museum, Boat rentals at Bass Lake Park, Jordan Lake, and Pullen Park. I assume there has got to be alot of other options since the triangle area is so family-friendly, right??

I've looked on triangle.com but have not found much...

I appreciate your input,

Teresa

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

I don't have kids, but I thought I'd help get your post back to the top where it might get a few more responses.

I did a quick google search, how about the Jump Zone in Holly Springs?

[ceili723]

I'm the mom of four, aged 6 weeks to 6 years. I have WAY too much experience with the Shangri-la of kid-dom that is the Triangle.

1. Museum of Life and Science in Durham
2. Pullen Park. Train Ride.
3. Ganyard Hill Farm Ganyard Hill Farm: Old-fashioned fun in Durham, NC
4. Pullen Park. Train Ride. Carousel.
5. Monkey Joe's
6. Pullen Park. Train Ride. Carousel. Boat Ride.
7. the Zoo in Asheboro
8. Did I mention Pullen Park?
9. Planet Child in Cary
10. Southpoint Mall, Durham Bulls play center off of food court
11. Crowder Park in Apex
12. Science Museum in Raleigh (free)
13. The Gabardine Sisters (Polly and Ester, I think?) puppet shows. These are in Raleigh weekly and in Holly Springs once a month.

[J_Lurk]

Originally Posted by North_Raleigh_Guy

I don't have kids, but I thought I'd help get your post back to the top where it might get a few more responses.

I did a quick google search, how about the Jump Zone in Holly Springs?

I haven't been to Jump Zone yet, but I have a friend whose son just broke his arm there last week. She tells me that the slides are VERY big and she wouldn't take a child under 5 or so there again.

Jumpin' Beans is good for smaller kids. JumpinBeans

Other things my kids (3 & 4) enjoy include:

* Morehead Planetarium (the Sol and Company show and the Magic Treehouse Show), though mine started there around age 2. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center~

* Kidzu Children's Museum in Chapel Hill Page 1

* Local live music like the events at Weaver Street Market in Carrboro Weaver Street Market - Carrboro

* The KidsTowne playground at Kelly Road Park in Apex (it looks like a fort and is good for lots of imaginative play).

* Any of many local farmers markets (the state one in Raleigh or the local ones in Durham, Carrboro, Wake Forest, Moore Square, etc.)

* Roller Skating at Jellybeans Jellybeans Skate Center

* Bowling at Buffaloe Lanes (there are bumpers and a fun arcade): Buffaloe Lanes Family Entertainment Centers

* Hiking in Umstead Park, Bond Park, or Hemlock Bluffs

Also, here's a link the the puppet shows the previous poster mentioned: Kazoom Puppet Theatre

[GarnerMama]

I just joined a mailing list called Social Butterflies. Social Butterflies : Mailing List Signup It's made for families with kids. The emails are awesome. I'm a native and have found a ton of new things to do with my kids! Here are a few things in September's email:

Sarah P. Duke Gardens Storytime
Children 2-10
$2, 10-11am
Every Second Saturday

Bugfest 2008 at the Museum of Natural Science
Saturday, September 20th 9am - 9pm
This is awesome, we go every year.

Duke Homstead Tobacco Harvest Festival and Hornworm Festival
Saturday September 6th, 10am - 4pm

Hill Ridge Farms is awesome Welcome to Hill Ridge Farms Our family had a really good time there and their Harvest Festival Starts in mid-September.

Planet Child in Cary

Day out with Thomas is worth the trip if you little ones are into Thomas the Tank Engine
Sept 26-28 Oct 3-5 NC Transportation Museum Spencer, NC

You could also check out the Farmer's Market, there are lots of goods days coming up: Grape Day, Sweet Potato Day, and Apple Day are all in September.

[Janecj]

Try going to www.carolinaparent.com. They have events for kids and things to do for kids and parents together.

[MAtoNC!]

This thread is perfect. Thank you! My kids are on Track 1 and are starting track out next week. This will give me some ideas to keep them busy.

[tandaphi]

I really appreciate the suggestions... I am going to look into each of them and decide which will be the best for out-of-town visitors, and the rest of them I hope to check out on my own!

Thanks again!

Teresa