201 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC - (919-834-4040)
Description: discovery museum, open indoor play, day camps
Parking: on street metered or paid garage
Ages: FREE (1 and under), $5 (per adult & child)
Hours: Mon-Sun (9am-5pm), Open until 7pm each Thursday & on First Friday
Notes: The museum tends to be less busy on Monday mornings. Plan to spend at least 2 hours. Bring your own food or eat at the café / gift shop. I would recommend parking in a covered lot as opposed to on the street. The meter always runs out too soon and parking tickets are expensive.
Website: marbleskidsmuseum.org
4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh, NC - (919-856-6675)
Description: historic mill and park (partial shade)
Parking: on site
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE admittance / Mill tours: $5 (adults), $3 (kids & seniors)
Hours: open 7 days a week (8am to sunset)
Notes: Operating since 1756, Yates Mill is a beautiful, well maintained historic site. The mile long hike around the mill pond is very pretty, however you will need to bring your baby slings or toddler packs. Only the bridge section of the trail is stroller friendly. The visitor center has a small play area and books. Bring cash if you want to tour inside the mill and check the website for tour dates. Picnic tables available. Open year round.
Website: http://www.yatesmill.org/
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/
250 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC - (919-962-1236)
Description: indoor discovery
Parking: on street / metered
/ pay lot
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: see website
Hours: see website
Notes: I was not especially impressed with Morehead Planetarium. It seems geared toward the 5 and older set. There is no open play area for toddlers or young kids. Pretty architecture, but the displays are outdated. Also, not stroller friendly. The crowd pleasers are the science presentations and light shows. Check the website for updated events.
Website: http://www.moreheadplanetarium.org/
