NC State Farmer's Market

1225 Farmers Market Dr, Raleigh, NC - (919-829-1699)

Description: local, fresh produce, breads and cheeses (partial shade) 
Parking: provided 
Ages: 0-Adult 
Cost: FREE 
Hours: Mon-Sat, 5:00am - 6:00pm & Sun 8:00am - 6:00pm
Notes: Over 45,000 square feet of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, bakery items, plants & N.C. wines. Also, shops with NC crafts, custom picture framing, soaps, and lotions. Have lunch at the a market grill.
Website: http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/facilities/markets/raleigh/

Downtown Apex

220 N Salem St, Apex, NC - (919-249-3402)
Description: shops and restaurants (full sun)
Parking: on street / metered or pay lots. Free on Sundays.
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE
Hours: Most shops run Mon-Sat, 11am-5pm and close after 2pm on Sunday.
Notes: Restaurants, shops festivals and lots of good people watching. See the events calendar and don't miss the old train yard.
Website: www.apexnc.org/428/Special-Events-Festivals

www.apexfarmersmarket.com

http://www.apexdowntown.com/

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/

Buckwheat Farms

2700 Holland Rd, Apex, NC  - (919-303-0339)

Description: berry farm and small zoo (full sun)
Parking: provided
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: free entry, products vary
Hours: Check online or call ahead. Crops are weather dependent.
Notes: One of my favorite places to visit. Pick berries or buy them pre-picked. Products include: Strawberries, blueberries, honey, mushrooms, ice cream, jams and BBQ. Visit the horses, goats and peacocks. One of them is named "Kevin." 

Website: http://www.ncagr.gov/ncproducts/ShowSite.asp?ID=1822

New Hope Valley Railway

3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill, NC  - (919-396-5833)
Description:  outdoor train museum and railway (full sun)
Parking: provided
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: FREE entry / pre-order train tickets online
Hours: see website to plan your visit http://www.triangletrain.com/schedule/
Notes: bathrooms in the train yard, but no bathrooms on the train.

Website: http://www.triangletrain.com

Green Acres Corn Maze

1132 Morrisville Carpenter Road, Cary, NC - (919-481-2435)
Description: corn maze and pumpkin patch
Parking: on site
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: Check website for seasonal prices, coupons and group rates.
Hours: Open for the Halloween and Christmas seasons only. Visit site for updated hours.
Notes: This farm has a corn maze, hay rides, tunnels, bouncers, a sand pile for toddlers, a toddler maze, pony rides, face painting, tractors and fire trucks. There seems to be something for everyone. Pony rides and face painting cost extra. Food available for purchase.
Website: http://www.greenacrescary.com/

DJ's Berry Patch

1223 Salem Church Road, Apex, NC - (919-600-4020)
Description: pick-your-own produce farm (full sun)
Parking: provided
Ages: 0-Adult
Cost: Free entry. Prices are determined by how much you pick.
Hours: Varies with the season. Check the website.
Notes: Check the web site to see what crops are in season. Strawberries, pumpkins, Christmas trees, etc. Bring your sunblock in the summer.
Website: http://www.djsberrypatch.com/