Family Fun
Durham doesn't just welcome families, we celebrate them. Here, adventure is accessible, curiosity is contagious and everyone from toddlers to grandparents finds their groove.
Lots of destinations boast about family-friendliness. In Durham, you'll find more children, young adults and fur babies in tow on family adventures than in many urban epicenters. That's why it was ranked the second-best city for families raising kids in 2026. What makes Durham different? It's a city that genuinely gets families. Where museums spark wonder, outdoor spaces invite exploration and even a trip to grab lunch can turn into an adventure. Whether your crew craves hands-on learning, outdoor thrills or a cool escape from the summer heat, Durham has something for every generation to enjoy together.
Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities in Durham
Get Outside and Get After It
If your family is looking for adventure, you won't have to travel far to find it in Durham. From guided paddle trips and winding, pet-friendly hiking trails to outdoor parks, splash pads and playgrounds, there are plenty of opportunities to explore, just minutes from downtown. The grandparents can also join for leisurely strolls along paved paths. Catch a Durham Bulls game at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, where minor league baseball meets family fun, or venture to the Duke Lemur Center to observe the world's largest collection of endangered primates in their naturalistic habitats – a truly unforgettable wildlife experience.
Family-Friendly Indoor Activities in Durham
Explore the Great Indoors
While Durham's temperate climate is generally conducive to being outdoors, Durham also has some fantastic places to go when you want to escape the heat or rain. Enjoy indoor play places that cater to multiple interests from STEM at the Wonder Lab to music at Notasium, or let the whole famiy burn off energy at an indoor adventure park. Find a place to sit down and create some arts and crafts with the family at The Scrap Exchange, challenge each other to classic and modern games at Boxcar Bar + Arcade, grab a set of skates at Wheels Durham, or just grab a table for a tasty bite together at one of our many family-friendly local pizzerias.
Where Curiosity Meets Discovery
For the more inquisitive minds, Durham's museums offer a host of engaging educational opportunities suitable for every generation of the family. Watch as your kids or grandkids learn through hands-on, engaging exhibits at places like the Museum of Life and Science. Sports fans won't want to miss the Duke Basketball Museum and Sports Hall of Fame, where the area's storied basketball history comes alive. Enjoy the wonder of discovery alongside your family as you witness the natural world on display, from exotic butterflies to leaping lemurs.
What's Happening In The Bull City
Plan Your Trip to the Museum of Life and Science
A Durham treasure for children and adults alike, the Museum of Life and Science is full of exciting experiences, amazing sights and rewarding education opportunities.
Discover Durham This Fall, Y’all
As the temperature drops and the crisp fall winds blow, autumn activities heat up in the Bull City. Take advantage of all there is to do in Durham this fall with this guide.
Let’s Talk About Lemurs
Visit the Duke Lemur Center for an unforgettable experience learning all about aye-ayes, blue-eyed black lemurs, grey mouse lemurs and Coquerel’s sifakas.
The Best Ways to Enjoy a Durham Bulls Baseball Game
Take us out to a Bulls game. Take us out for some fun. Buy us a t-shirt and Cracker Jacks. We'll have a great time, and yes, we'll be back.
Events Happening
Loading results...
No results were found.
None of the results have location data.
out of results don't have location data.
To view the distance from a specific location, turn on the "Near Me" filter, then click and drag the blue point on the map.
