North Wake Landfill Park

9300 Deponie Drive, Raleigh, NC - (919-856-6670)
Description: park, hill top views, trails (full sun)
Parking: provided
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Notes: This used to be a land fill, but the land has been returned to nature. What used to be a mountain of garbage is now the best vista in Raleigh. Enjoy the views, hikes and modern playground.
Website: http://www.wakegov.com/parks/northwake/Pages/default.aspx

Indian Creek Park

101 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, NC  - (919-463-7110)
Description: park, gated playground, trails (partial shade)
Parking: provided
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Notes: When you have more than one small child, gated parks are a good find.

Website: http://www.townofmorrisville.org/index.aspx?NID=198

Three Bears Acres

711 Beaver Dam Road, Creedmoor NC - (919-609-9967)
Description: Outdoor Recreation Theme Park (full sun / partial shade)
Parking: on site
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: based on age and group size
Hours: seasonal hours
Notes: This is a commitment money wise, but there is nothing like it. Activities include: toboggan slides, tree houses, a 68ft jumping pillow, paddle boats and obstacle courses. Prepare to spend hours here. You can bring a picnic or eat at the concession stand. This is a seasonal destination. Dress accordingly. We like to go in the fall when the weather is cooler. Love the pumpkin cannon!
Website: http://www.threebearsacres.com/

Apex Nature Park

2600 Evans Road Apex, NC  - (919-249-3402)
Description: park, playground, trails (full sun)
Parking: provided
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Notes: 

Website: http://www.apexnc.org/800/Nature-Park-Seymour-Athletic-Fields

Kelly Road Park

1609 Kelly Road, Apex, NC - (919-249-3402)
Description: park, playground, trails (full sun / evening shade)
Parking: on site
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Notes:
Website: https://www.apexnc.org/799/Kelly-Road-Park

Umstead Park

399 Umstead Road, Chapel Hill, NC - (919-968-2743)
Description: park (full sun / evening shade)
Parking: on site
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Notes:
Website: http://www.townofchapelhill.org/town-hall/departments-services/parks-recreation/facilities-greenways-parks/parks/umstead-park 

Hunter Street Park

1250 Ambergate Station, Apex, NC  - (919-249-3402)
Description: park, gated playground, (full sun)
Parking: provided
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Notes: Play at the playground, check out the dog park and the fancy soccer field. Watch and listen to the nearby trains. Walk down the path to the skate park and watch the stunts.

Website: https://www.apexnc.org/798/Hunter-Street-Park

Harris Park

2112 County Park Drive New Hill, NC  - (919-387-4342)
Description: park, playground, fishing (partial shade)
Parking: provided
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Notes: Harris park is adjacent to the Shearon Harris Reservoir which also serves as a cooling pond for the Harris power plant.

Website: http://www.wakegov.com/parks/harrislake/Pages/default.aspx

Kelly Glen Park

1700 Kelly Glen Dr, Apex, NC  - (919-249-3400)
Description: playground (full sun / evening shade)
Parking: on street / small cul de sac
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Notes: Quiet and not crowded

Website: https://www.apexnc.org/796/Neighborhood-Parks

Clairmont Park

801 E Chatham St Apex, NC  - (919-249-3400)
Description: playground (partial shade)
Parking: on street
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Notes: 

Website: https://www.apexnc.org/796/Neighborhood-Parks

Crowder District Park

Crowder Park Drive, Apex, NC - (919-662-2850)
Description: park and playground (partial shade)
Parking: on site
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Notes: Come see the geese and turtle at the pond boardwalk.
Website: http://www.wakegov.com/parks/crowder/Pages/default.aspx

Jack Smith Park

9725 Penny Rd, Raleigh, NC - (919-469-4061)
Description: splash pad, playground (full sun)
Parking: on site
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Notes: 

Website: http://www.townofcary.org/recreation-enjoyment/parks-greenways-environment/parks/jack-smith-park

Waverly Place

2001 Kildaire Farm Road Cary, NC - (919-859-5818)
Description: restaurants, water features, splash pad, gated playground
(full sun / evening shade)
Parking: on site
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE
Hours: sunrise to sunset - events in the evening
Notes: summer concert series, Christmas events

Website: http://waverlycary.com/

Lake Crabtree

1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC - (919-460-3390)
Description: park (full shade)
Parking: on site
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Notes: Two shaded playground areas, small lake beach, canoe rental and fishing.
Website: http://www.wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree/Pages/default.aspx

Fred G. Bond Metro Park

801 High House Road, Cary, NC - (919-469-4100)
Description: park (partial shade)
Parking: on site
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Notes: With 310 acres to explore, Bond Park is one of the largest in Wake County. It includes a playground, baseball fields, a lake, canoe and boat rentals, fishing and access to the Cary greenway system. (stroller friendly) Lot's of ducks and geese to feed. A great park for winter sledding. Don't miss the arts and craft festivals held in April and August each year.
Website: townofcary.org

Pullen Park

398 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC - (919-831-6468)
Description: park (partial shade)
Parking: on site
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE entry, ride tickets $1 (13 months - adult), free (1 & under)
Hours: open 7 days a week (10:00 am - 9:00 pm) rides are seasonal
Notes: This historic park (open since 1887) was renovated in 2012 to the tune of $6 million dollars. Attractions include a carousel, miniature train, concession stand, duck pond, greenways, gardens and playgrounds.
Website: http://www.raleighnc.gov/parks/content/ParksRec/Articles/Parks/Pullen.html

Marla Dorrel Park

111 Thurston Drive Cary, NC - (919-469-4061)
Description: park (partial shade)
Parking: on site
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Notes: This park is a group of 3 playgrounds with picnic areas and climbing sculptures. It is shady and well maintained. One of our favorites. Access to the Cary greenway system. (stroller friendly)
Website: http://kidstogethercary.org/

Durham Museum of Life & Science

433 West Murray Ave, Durham, NC - (919-220-5429)

Description: indoor/outdoor discovery museum
Ages: 0-Adult
Parking: on site
Cost: $13 (adult), $10 (3-12), FREE (3 and under), $11 (seniors and active military), FREE for Durham County residents on Wednesdays from 1pm–5pm
Hours: Mon-Sat (10am-5pm),Sun (noon-5pm)
Closed Monday Sept 13 - Dec 13, 2010
Notes: This museum has it all. Play areas (indoor and out), exotic animals, a butterfly house, train rides, dinosaur park, the list goes on. Bring your lunch or eat at the museum café. One visit isn't enough to see it all. Ask about membership prices. Baby friendly, toddler friendly, stroller friendly.
Website: http://www.ncmls.org/

Southern Community Park

1300 US Highway 15-501 South, Chapel Hill, NC - (919-968-2743)
Description: park (full sun/evening shade)
Ages: 0-Adult
Parking: on site
Cost: FREE
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Notes: Playground and access to trails and greenways. Most trails are stroller friendly. No sand box at this park.
Website: http://www.ci.chapel-hill.nc.us/index.aspx?page=529

North Cary Park

1100 Norwell Blvd, Cary, NC - (919-469-4000)
Description: park (full sun)
Parking: provided
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Notes: Playground and climbing boulders. Well maintained and has top notch equipment. Access to the Black Creek Greenway. (stroller friendly)
Website: townofcary.org