Fun things to do in Raleigh: 48 fun attractions and activities (2025)

17 lists

My husband and I come here almost everyday for a walk with our dog. It has been a favorite of ours for some time and we even came here after our courthouse wedding celebration. The museum itself is fantastic, but the park is our favorite. The grounds are beautiful at any time of the year and there are so many different paths to choose from. Constant rotations of flowers in bloom and beautiful fields and woods. However, my favorite part of this place is that every afternoon, there are so many different people there taking photos against the park’s beautiful backdrop. There are always people taking photos to celebrate their new babies, engagements, marriages, families, birthdays, graduations, pets, pretty much anything. It makes me so happy to go on my walk and see that everyday there is something to celebrate and just so much joy all around me. This place is one of my favorites and I highly recommend a visit and a stroll.

We had a great time at this museum! We went with a school group with the Expedition School. The focus was on art made by women and on art made of recycled and found objects. The NC Art Museum offered a excellent docent who taught us about many of the works on display. Our teacher had worked with the museum in advance to create a scavenger hunt for the kids to find the art that will fit into their future science, ELA and Art projects. I’ve been to this museum many times before on my own, but I really appreciated how they handled having a slew of middle school kids trying to navigate their assignment. Excellent space and we loved the art!!

The collection of samurai armor and swords was amazing!I haven't been here in twenty years- since the Thinker was first on display! The museum is still every bit as incredible.We came here on a Friday afternoon, so parking was not an issue. There were a few school groups touring inside, but it was never crowded.We viewed the art in the East building. I loved the samurai exhibit and was surprised to learn that most of the pieces on display were from one collector!We had the opportunity to learn about the history of some of the armor and swords- some of which were over 700 years old!I was very impressed and definitely want to go back and see the collection again before it leaves.

An awesome experience if you're looking for something free to do during the week. The art selection is diverse so I feel like there is something for everyone. Take a moment to enjoy the artwork and then head outside for a walk around the museum park pathways. Any day of the week you will find locals going for walks, having picnics, or hanging out with friends.

What an interesting and poignant collection!I was thrilled to find this free experience in Raleigh!There’s a gorgeous park! And there was an outdoor artist market in a shaded area, with live music. It’s the first Saturday.I will come back again my next trip.

This place is an absolute treasure. The permanent collection along with changing exhibits bring so much creative brilliance to the Raleigh area. Additional outdoor trails provide even more opportunities to experience evolving artscapes. The staff here from the store to the security team are available with insights and thoughtful discussion on the works on display. Monet, Picasso, Kusama, Wyeth, Rodin are just the beginning of artists to experience.

We had an amazing day at the art museum! There was so much to see both indoors and outdoors, making it a perfect spot to explore for hours. The rotating special exhibits keep things fresh and exciting. It was also very baby friendly, which made our visit so much easier and more enjoyable as a family. We could truly relax and take our time. Highly recommend for anyone!

A multifaceted place with both indoor and outdoor options. It was just a tad cold for us, so we did not explore the trails (but would very much like to.) It definitely seemed like a regular destination for local folks to visit for outdoor walks with families and with their dogs!Inside it has both the formal/historical, and the more current/local, types of exhibits —in the west and east buildings, respectively.The range of the formal presentations is impressive (I.e., African, European, American, Egyptian). Also, their use of unified/simplified large digital touchscreen displays is both very attractive (less clutter) and very effective. They have even used technology to make ordering food at the restaurant/cafeteria easy, right from your seat. Pretty cool.Being slightly out of town makes them easy to get to and easy to park, all for free.If you like museums at all, this is an easy choice to be sure to include in your visit to Raleigh.

Lovely museum of art. Two buildings, so be sure to check out both. There is also a walking trail with outdoor art on display. It was a great way to spend a few hours. Seems to be a popular photography spot and romantic outing location as well. I would definitely go back again.

A lovely place to walk, run, bike. Rotating flowers in the spring summer and fall. Always some interesting arteork along the back path, in addition to the permanent installations.The paths connect to other trails, if you cross the interstate bridge, and if you go to the left you can eventually reach Shelley lake on the trail (bikers and long-distance runners), and if you go to the left you can run through a north hills neighborhood or go through Meredith college all the way to downtown Raleigh.

This place is Amazing!We walked the trail with our 2 toddlers, and it was just beautiful, super clean and tranquil.They have a musical theme playground which is just magical. Highly recommended as a special day in the park.F.y.i there is no fee for the walking trails

Excellent organization of art. Really enjoyed the modern wing. Had positive interactions with others. Enjoyed the mixed media. Would definitely visit another next time I'm u. NC.

A top notch experience. You need the whole day to take it all in. Loved the homage paid to the artists vision and the history unpacked in each visionary piece. This could be a great date, or day off to just enjoy! Loved the service, parking was easy, and it has a cute coffee shop and store inside. You have to come by here!

I attended the Juneteenth Joy Fest. We had great seats. The concession outside did not accept cash. (Post a sign that states this, so people don't stand in the long line, and they can walk to the inside Concession). My two cents. The talented Maurette Brown Clark & Kirk Franklin were the Gospel Entertainment. Hallelujah Time was held.

Amazing collection! Loved the Egyptian artifacts and the three Monets! You're definitely going to need a whole day to see everything or make several trips and see a little at a time. I'll have to make another trip to see the outdoor art fixtures it was raining when I was there.

Spent time both outside and inside at this wonderful museum. We spent time walking the outside and then walked through the free portion of the inside of the museum. The free section is extensive. It has many Rodan sculptures, and quite a few other rooms including Ancient Roman statuary, African artifacts and many others. We truly enjoyed our time here.

I am not a world traveler but experiencing the historical and artistic treasures we have right in own city took my breath away. Our art museum is top shelf, from the beautiful outside trails full of art displays both made by human and nature to the two inside galleries. Just an incredible place to visit once, twice and annually. It's more than a taste of culture it's a full course meal!

We wnt to the free side and my mind was blown on how phenominal it was! The variety of art and the curated sections were outstanding. I absolutely want to come back and explore this place further. We were just at the Natural History Museum in DC 2 days earlier and the mummies and Egyptian artifacts here were honestly superior. OH, and you HAVE to read the placards. They straight up troll art critics and historians. Truly fun, informative, and interesting.

This place is free all throughout the week The common ground is the free access. there are paid parts of the museum there are paid exhibits. But there is enough there to view for 3 hours of free fun and that's not including outside or reading all of the notes we came in about 12:00 and still left as they were closing. We had a great time. There are also two different buildings that have different exhibits in them. Will definitely be back soon. My favorite part was probably the cigarette machine or the old Roman statues. The cigarette machine has several different artists concept of art. It can arrange from pictures to portraits to sculptures. Definitely read signs around the exhibits some say don't touch some even say do not enter PLEASE READ THE SIGNS AS WE DEFINITELY MADE SOME MISTAKES AS WE WALKED AROUND THE MUSEUM FOR OUR FIRST TIME.

Fantastic museum with plenty to keep you gazing for several hours.. should you feel so inclined. I was short on time and hurried through a bit, but nonetheless, was satisfied with my experience. Every museum in every city brings something different, and this is no different.

Calm and soothing atmosphere. A must see attraction and it’s open Sundays which was a major plus. Great park with walking trail

There were several beautiful famous pieces on display. The architecture of the two buildings was unique. We loved the surrounding landscape and the beautiful park.

Great museum, my favorite part is how eclectic the collection is, you’ll see a historical axe from the 1700s and then whatever this crazy thing is. Fantastic level of diversity in the pieces they have. People writing 1 star reviews for racial art need to calm down, it’s art, you don’t have to like all of it.Only thing I’d say is maybe they could improve the signage of the first building because it would be easy to miss certain sections if you don’t put effort into making sure you see everything.

Massive grounds that you can stay outside of opening hours with some beautiful natural settings with ponds and sculptures. Inside the east or west buildings, there are thousands of art works that are majorly interesting and some inspiring. Good also the history given for some pieces. Love our time here with family.

2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA•https://ncartmuseum.org/•(919) 839-6262•Tips and more reviews for North Carolina Museum of Art