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/

Yates Mill

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/

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

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

North Carolina Museum of Art

2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC - (919-839-NCMA)
Description: art museum (indoors) and museum park (full sun)
Parking: on site
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE
Hours: Tues–Thur (10am–5pm), Fri (10am–9pm), Sat–Sun (10am–5pm), Closed Mondays, Museum park open 7 days a week (sunrise to sunset)
Notes:
Website: http://ncartmuseum.org/visit/plan_your_visit

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/

Ayr Mount and Poet's Walk

376 St. Mary's Road, Hillsborough, NC - (919-732-6886)
Description: restored plantation home and grounds (partial shade)
Parking: on site
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE entry / home tours $10 per person
Hours: open 7 days a week / Jan-Dec (9am–5pm), March-Oct (9am–6pm),
May-Aug (9am–7pm), June-July (9am–8pm)
Notes: Ayr Mount, named by it's original owner from Ayr, Scotland, is a restored 1815 plantation home and is part of the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust of North Carolina. Take a guided tour of the home or just enjoy the grounds. Stroll the 1 mile Poet's Walk trail. Bring baby slings or tot packs if you have them, as this is an unpaved trail. Beautiful fall colors. Check the website for more history on Ayr Mount and for tour times.
Website: http://www.presnc.org/Travel/Ayr-Mount-Hillsborough

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