Explore our ultimate guide to kid-approved fun across Durham County, from shopping and hands-on play to animal encounters and outdoor adventures
Compiled by Libby Wakefield | Photography by John Michael Simpson
Consider this your guide to some of the best kid-approved destinations across Durham – an easy way to plan a full day, or even a weekend, of memorable outings close to home. There’s something for every age and interest, from high-energy attractions and hands-on learning to outdoor adventures and farm experiences. Let’s get started in the southern end of our county, and work our way north.
South Durham
The Streets at Southpoint makes it easy to turn a shopping trip into a full family outing. At the heart of the mall is Trails at Southpoint, an on-site play space where friendly animal characters, cheerful colors and hand-painted, nature-inspired structures invite kids up to 8 to climb, slide and explore. Designed with toddlers and crawlers in mind, the whimsical area encourages hands-on play, with minimal seating inside to inspire parents to join the fun, though there are benches just outside for easy supervision of older kids.
Beyond the play space, families can catch the latest blockbuster or animated release at AMC Southpoint 17; browse kid-friendly shops like The Lego Store and Barnes & Noble, and find Labubus, plushies, collectibles and more at Eloise Collections. Let your kids pick out a new outfit at GapKids, Janie and Jack, H&M and/or Abercrombie & Fitch, among other children and teen clothing stores. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, refuel at restaurants that welcome younger diners, including Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Maggiano’s Little Italy and The Cheesecake Factory, or grab Chick-fil-A or Sbarro for a quick bite. With shopping, dining, entertainment and play all in one place, Southpoint offers an easy, all-ages destination for a day out – rain or shine.
Just across the street, Dick’s House of Sport feels less like a store and more like an indoor sports playground, where families can climb, swing for the fences or tee off – all before ever reaching the checkout counter. The 100,000-square-foot experiential space blends shopping with movement and competition, inviting kids and adults alike to try new activities, test gear and connect through sport.
“This store really is every athlete’s dream come true, and we’re really excited to be here in the community,” says Tucker Watson, local marketing specialist at Dick’s House of Sport Durham. He notes that the shop will feel familiar to people who love Dick’s Sporting Goods, and it offers a wide assortment of top brands like Nike, Adidas, Hoka, Free People Movement and more, alongside interactive experiences and community events.
Families can tackle the 35-foot rock wall with certified instructors, rent time in the HiTrax multisport cage for baseball, softball, lacrosse, hockey or soccer, or step into one of three Trackman-equipped golf simulator bays to practice skills or play a virtual round – often using the same equipment available on the sales floor.
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Reserve popular attractions like the rock wall or golf simulators online in advance to skip the wait. Before visiting, check the store’s event calendar – timing your trip with a class or special event can turn an already active outing into an even more memorable experience.
The space truly offers something for all ages and skill levels. Kids as young as 6 can climb the rock wall, while teens and their adults can find activities that match their interests and abilities. Community events, fitness classes and athlete appearances add to the appeal, encouraging families to return again and again.
Hyper Kidz is a go-to destination for families looking to swap screen time for active, imaginative play. The Durham location features a bright, winter-wonderland- themed indoor playground filled with soft foam equipment, gentle moving parts and plenty of space for kids to climb, crawl, slide and explore. Designed to spark creativity while prioritizing safety, the 13,000-square-foot, climate- controlled space encourages children to move, think, interact and let their imaginations run wild – no tablets, arcades or video games in sight.
The experience is geared toward children ages 0-13, with separate areas and challenges that keep both toddlers and older kids engaged. Parents are always free with a paid child’s admission, and infants ages 12 months and younger play free with a paid sibling, making it an easy option for families with multiple ages. Hyper Kidz also offers unlimited open play with no time restrictions, plus three party rooms for stress-free birthday celebrations, group outings, camps and field trips.
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Bring your own socks – any kind will do! – and plan to arrive before noon for a calmer experience. Families looking for a deal should check out Wonderful Wednesdays, when discounted pricing makes it an especially budget-friendly outing.
Old Mill Farm and My Little Farmer offer a chance to slow down and step into the rhythms of farm life, with experiences designed to delight young children and the adults who accompany them. While Old Mill Farm serves as a family-friendly venue, beer garden and agritourism destination, My Little Farmer, located on an adjacent property, focuses on early childhood farm education through hands-on, play-based programming – children ages 1-6 can participate in daily “Grown-Up & Me” farm classes such as Farm Tots, Big Little Farmers and Little Farmers, where curiosity and connection come to life through animal interactions, imaginative play and age-appropriate learning. Seasonal programming adds extra magic, including spring Easter farm visits, Bunny Snuggles and special collaborations with studio photographers that create keepsake-worthy portraits set against a pastoral backdrop.
One of the most anticipated experiences this season is Old Mill Farm’s snuggle sessions, which gives families rare one-on-one time with newborn animals. Spring sessions tend to sell out quickly, making advance planning essential. Meanwhile, My Little Farmer’s Mini Rider Academy introduces ages 3 and older to horses through pony rides, riding lessons and whimsical Unicorn Encounters designed to build confidence in a joyful, supportive environment.
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Snuggle sessions and drop-in classes book fast – subscribe to the properties’ newsletters to stay up to date on availability, open farm days and special programming throughout the year.
West Durham
Waller Family Farm offers a classic springtime outing rooted in tradition, fresh air and hands-on fun. This family-owned, working farm in Durham County has been part of the community since 1943 and has evolved from growing tobacco and grain to becoming a beloved strawberry U-pick destination. Starting around early to mid-April, families are invited into the fields to harvest their own berries, making it a simple, seasonal experience that appeals to all ages, from young children discovering where food comes from to adults eager to fill a bucket with sun-ripened strawberries. There’s no entry fee, plus parking is free, keeping the visit easy and affordable. Depending on availability, guests may also find garden produce, fresh eggs, local honey, homemade pound cake, strawberry jam made from the farm’s own berries and flowers perfect for the table.
Waller Family Farm remains very much a working farm, still home to cows, chickens and horses, and is now operated by Mark Waller and his wife, Pam Waller, continuing a multigenerational legacy. The farm updates visitors frequently during the season to reflect weather conditions and berry availability.
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Before heading out, check the farm’s Facebook page or call 919-225-4305 for updates, as hours and picking conditions can change quickly. When you arrive, you’ll purchase your bucket, receive directions to your row and head straight into the fields – just be sure to leave pets at home and wear shoes ready for the farm.
The Duke Lemur Center gives families a rare chance to see some of the world’s most endangered primates up close while learning about conservation and research in action. Home to the largest collection of lemurs outside of Madagascar, the center serves as a noninvasive research facility dedicated to understanding, protecting and preserving those remarkable animals. Children and adults alike love watching snack, snooze and play while experts share insights that make each visit both entertaining and educational.
The center’s general tours are the most family-friendly option and feel similar to a zoo experience, with no age restrictions and an easy walk along the outdoor tour path. Older children, teens and adults can opt for more in-depth experiences, including Behind the Scenes, Walking with Lemurs tours and Wild Workshop, which are geared toward visitors ages 10 and older. After the tour, families can stop by the Lemur Landing Gift Shop, where purchases directly support lemur care and conservation.
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The tour season runs from May through September, and reservations are required – tickets open up to two months in advance and often book quickly, so planning ahead is key. To extend the experience pair your visit with a stop at the Duke Lemur Center Museum of Natural History on Broad Street, which hosts free open houses on the last Saturday of each month and showcases an impressive fossil collection for curious young scientists.
Notasium is an indoor music playground where kids can learn music the way they learn a language – through play, exploration and hands-on experience. The immersive environment encourages children to experiment with instruments, rhythms and sound in a space designed for creativity and curiosity.
Parents can relax in the on-site café or join in the musical fun alongside their little ones. The play space is geared toward children ages 1-10, while private music lessons are available for any age, making it a destination that grows with your family.
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For a quieter experience, visit in the mornings when school is in session or early afternoons, when the space is less crowded.
Board games, comic books and everything fun come to life at Atomic Empire. Browse the huge selection of games and participate in activities designed for all ages, from toddlers to adults. Younger kids can join Pokémon meetups on Sundays, while teens and parents can test their strategy skills at board game nights or discover new favorites together. The store also hosts special events throughout the year, including the Geek garage Sale in February, a popular opportunity to score gently used games, toys, comics and collectibles.
Notasium and Atomic Empire are within about a mile of kid-friendly Angel Island Fun Park, The Wonder Lab and Chuck E. Cheese, creating a compact hub of family entertainment that provides something for kids of every age and interest. The Wonder Lab offers a more intimate, STEM-focused experience for children 6 months to 6 years, with hands-on parent-child classes, 90-minute open play sessions and thoughtfully designed amenities to make caregivers feel welcome. At Angel Island Fun Park, children can climb through a three-level obstacle course, splash in the ball pit, explore a soft adventure zone, race in electric go-karts, ride bumper cars, test their skills at a VR station or get their game on in the mega arcade, while parents can join the fun or relax in spacious lobbies with free Wi-Fi and snacks. For classic family amusement, Chuck E. Cheese combines arcade games, rides, a trampoline area and casual dining – plus beer for adults! – into one nostalgic spot.
Hollow Rock Racquet & Swim Club has been a cornerstone of the Triangle’s sports and social scene for more than 50 years. This member-owned club is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere and a strong sense of community, making it a favorite among families seeking a safe, active place for recreation among its pools, courts and a full calendar of programming.
The club truly has something for all ages, from young children splashing in the family pool to teens and adults taking advantage of camps, clinics and court time. Summer is the heart of the season, with camps in full swing, pools buzzing with activity and courts consistently in use, while the rest of the year brings a steady lineup of events and opportunities for members to stay engaged.
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Membership at Hollow Rock is in high demand, with a waitlist that can exceed two years, so families interested in joining should plan ahead. Once you’re a member, be sure to mark your calendar for two of the club’s most beloved events: the annual Eggstravaganza in the spring and a festive Oktoberfest celebration in the fall.
East Durham
Wheels Fun Park is Durham’s go-to (and only!) indoor roller skating destination where music, lights and good vibes set the tone for hours of family fun. The spacious rink features smooth floors, state-of-the-art lighting and a live-DJ feel that keeps everyone moving to the beat, whether you’re gliding on classic quad skates or strapping on rollerblades. Adjustable skates and Skate Mates help beginners and little ones build confidence, and adults are welcome to skate alongside the kids or cheer from the sidelines. After a round in the rink, take a break at The Roller Cafe with pizza, soft pretzels, nachos and drinks; challenge one another in the arcade and redeem tickets for prizes at The Stuff Shop; or celebrate special occasions with parties and themed events like Hip-Hop Skates, Kids Roller Skating Lessons and Family Skate Nights. Sessions like Kidz Bop Skates, affordable family nights and character skate events add variety to the calendar.
The Falls Lake State Recreation Area is a sprawling outdoor playground nestled east of Durham where families can immersive themselves in nature, water fun and scenic beauty without traveling far from home. The 12,000-acre reservoir and its surrounding parks offer a mix of activities that appeal to all ages and interests, whether you’re looking for a calm paddle, an easy nature hike or a lakeside picnic.
Visitors can explore 14 miles of biking trails and 25 miles of hiking trails, including sections of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail that wind through forests and along the water’s edge. Bring your kayak, canoe or paddleboard to one of the boat launches for a peaceful day on the water, or cool off at one of the designated swim beaches at Rolling View, Beaverdam and Sandling Beach. Fishing is another perennial favorite, with options from shore, piers or a boat – just be sure anglers 16 and older have a valid NC fishing license.
Picnic areas scattered throughout the park invite families to linger over lunch beneath shade trees, and the visitor center offers exhibits that deepen appreciation for the region’s wildlife and habitats.
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Spring is a lovely time to visit as migrating monarch butterflies and songbirds pass through, making birdwatching especially rewarding.
PARK IT!
Durham Parks and Recreation makes it easy to discover, explore and enjoy life across the city. With 66 parks, multiple recreation centers and a wide variety of programs, DPR offers something for every age and ability, from toddlers taking their first steps on a playground to adults looking to join a sports league or fitness class.
This spring, families can get outside with Historic Walking Tours through May 31 at West Point on the Eno, join in the Spring Egg Dive at Campus Hills Pool on March 22, head to Walltown Park Recreation Center‘s new game room for the ultimate teen experience, play on neighborhood playgrounds, participate in one of the DPR’s seasonal sports leagues and so much more. Cultural experience are also on the calendar, including the annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival, which celebrates African and African American history, music, dance and art – on May 16 at Rock Quarry Park.
Sign up for the DPR’s e-newsletter to stay up to date on all programs, events and seasonal activities.
Xtreme Park Adventures is designed for families and friends who want to play, compete and connect in a safe, high-energy environment. Groups of kids, teens and adults alike love the park, which is designed for all ages and skill levels, thanks to its mix of structured gameplay, wide-open outdoor space and interactive zones that spark teamwork, laughter and lasting memories through its signature experiences of paintball, airsoft and laser tag. (It’s great for older kids’ birthday parties!)
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Don’t miss the family paintball or airsoft sessions, perfect for groups because no prior experience is needed. Visit on weekday afternoons or early evenings for a more relaxed pace and shorter wait times, and enjoy spring’s cooler weather and longer days for optimal outdoor fun. Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes to move quickly through the park’s high-energy zones.
At Avery Family Farm, families can slow down, take a deep breath and reconnect with nature in a peaceful, welcoming setting. This small homestead specializes in thoughtfully curated events that center around calm, meaningful interactions with animals, helping visitors relax and unplug from daily life. Families love the farm’s gentle atmosphere, super sweet animals, handmade farm products and the sense of ease that comes with spending time outdoors.
Most events are best suited for ages 6 and older, though the farm does offer select experiences for all ages. Because animals – including birds, goats and sheep – roam freely, visitors should be able to follow directions, remain relatively calm and treat the animals and other guests with care.
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Don’t miss the farm’s Saturday events, which range from goat yoga and snuggle sessions to tea parties and creative experiences like Art Plus Goat Snuggles. While the farm is best known for its exceptionally calm goats, every visit also includes time with sheep, a friendly farm dog, and curious chickens, ducks and geese.
North Durham
The Museum of Life and Science is a can’t-miss destination for families looking to combine play, discovery and outdoor adventure in one place. Its expansive 84-acre campus, which is located less than 5 miles from downtown, blends a two-story science center with one of the largest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast, an AZA-accredited zoo and a wide range of immersive indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Kids and their caretakers can wander the Dinosaur Trail, ride the Ellerbe Creek Railway, explore Hideaway Woods, cool off at Into the Mist or dive into hands-on science in exhibits like Earth Moves and Aerospace, which houses one of the state’s largest collections of Apollo-era NASA artifacts. The zoo is home to more than 60 species of animals, including rescued black bears, lemurs and endangered red wolves, offering up-close learning moments throughout the day.
The museum truly offers something for all ages, from toddlers discovering textures and movement to teens and adults diving deeper into science and engineering concepts. In early January, the museum unveiled the reimagined Lab and TinkerLab spaces, featuring updated technology and a rotating slate of programs. The Lab invites visitors to experiment with topics ranging from astronomy and biotechnology to zoology, while TinkerLab encourages hands-on creativity through building, tinkering and problem-solving with everyday materials.
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Weekdays and afternoons after 1 p.m. tend to be less crowded. Don’t miss the daily 2 p.m. Animal Care Q&A, which offers a closer look at the museum’s bears, wolves, lemurs and tortoises. Seasonal events and programs run year-round – families can stay in the loop on everything from the Teen Science Cafe and Kids Night Out dates to workshops and special events by checking the museum’s online calendar.
Sky Zone Durham is an indoor trampoline park where families can jump, play and burn off energy together in a fun, safe environment. With attractions like open jump, dodgeball, a foam pit and the Air Court for high-flying basketball or soccer, there’s something for every comfort level. Families also love the arcade games, affordable birthday parties and special events like Friday night karaoke and glow nights. It provides toddlers with quieter, kid-friendly jump times as well as space for teens, adults and even seniors looking for an active way to move and connect.
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Visit weekday mornings or early weekend hours for fewer crowds, especially with younger kids. Ages 6 and younger score big during discounted jump times on Tuesdays, and daily specials – from $12 off an all-day pass on Mondays to Family Four-Packs with $18 jump tickets and a free personal pizza on Fridays and Sundays – make it easy to plan an affordable outing.
The Hub Farm is Durham Public Schools’ 30-acre outdoor learning campus, designed to bring hands-on education to life through its nature trails, an aquatic learning lab, growing spaces and farm animals. The Hub Farm has spent more than a decade offering free, meaningful learning experiences for DPS students. “It is the only program of its kind in North Carolina that is fully part of the school district it serves,” says Geoff Seelen, program manager of the Hub Farm. “One of the best ways families can help make sure students get to experience the Hub Farm is by encouraging teachers and administrators at their schools to sign up for a visit.” Elementary students enjoy curriculum-based field trips, middle schoolers explore agriculture and career pathways, and high school students enrolled in Career and Technical Education pathways participate in modules and work- based learning opportunities that build real-world skills.
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One of the few chances for the broader community to experience the Hub Farm is its Spring Soils Festival, happening 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 25. This free, family-friendly event invites visitors to explore the farm while enjoying hands-on activities focused on soil health, composting and biodiversity. Expect music, arts and crafts, fishing, food, a summer plant giveaway and more.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Durham County Library is more than just a place to borrow books – it’s a vast community hub where families can discover, explore and enjoy lifelong learning together. With multiple branches throughout the county – including the Main Library as well as the East Regional, North Regional, South Regional, Southwest Regional, Stanford L. Warren and Bragtown branches – the library system offers free programs, events and resources for everyone from toddlers to grandparents.
Attend storytimes and early literacy activities, like interactive Family Fables & Fun sessions for young listeners that include songs, action stories and finger plays, or Book Babies for the littlest participants. Older kids and teens can join clubs, crafting sessions, game nights, book groups or STEAM-inspired events, while adults can take part in book clubs, workshops, cultural presentations and business or small-business support programs.
The library also hosts larger annual celebrations that draw the whole community. Library Fest, a weeklong spring celebration tied to National Library Week that takes place April 20-25, features free author talks, interactive workshops and cultural programs across branches. Summer brings its own excitement with DCL’s annual Summer Reading program, encouraging readers of all ages to track books and participate in themed activities, contests and prizes.
Check the Durham County Library calendar for seasonal highlights – each branch offers something new and different nearly every week.
