Free & Cheap Things to Do in Raleigh, NC

  • The list below includes 129 free or cheap things to do in or near Raleigh, North Carolina, including 61 different types of inexpensive activities like Movie Theaters, Science Museums, Malls and Family Fun Center.
  • From Umstead State Park to North Carolina State University, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Raleigh and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Cary, Wake Forest, Durham and Apex.
  • The list below includes 129 free or cheap things to do in or near Raleigh, North Carolina, including 61 different types of inexpensive activities like Movie Theaters, Science Museums, Malls and Family Fun Center.
  • From Umstead State Park to North Carolina State University, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Raleigh and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Cary, Wake Forest, Durham and Apex.
Showing 1-10 of 193
0.0 Miles
During beginner woodworking courses, participants learn how to use a saw, drill press & sander while creating their own wine bottle balancer
9.8 Miles
94% 381 votes
National & State Parks 8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617 MoreLess Info
Umstead State Park offers biking, boating, fishing, camping, cycling, fishing, hiking, and picnicking opportunities on it 5,579 acres. At the Exhibit Hall, visitors can learn about the area's history through the photographs of Carl Mydans.
1.6 Miles
94% 128 votes
Colleges & Universities 2200 Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC MoreLess Info
North Carolina State University is a public research university that is part of the Research Triangle with Duke University and the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. The institution's athletic programs play in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
5.0 Miles
93% 159 votes
Parks 4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh, NC 27603 MoreLess Info
Historic Yates Mill County Park is a 174 acre wildlife refuge and an environmental research center where visitors can learn history and view educational exhibits. The park features opportunities for hiking, picnicking and limited fishing.
4.4 Miles
96% 197 votes
Lake 4601 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606 MoreLess Info
Lake Johnson Park is a lakeside park that offers a variety of amenities. In addition to extensive walking and hiking trails, the park features boat launches and rentals, and allows fishing in designated areas.
1.9 Miles
95% 94 votes
Gardens 301 Pogue St, Raleigh, NC 27607 MoreLess Info
At Raleigh Little Theatre Rose Garden, visitors can watch a play in the outdoor amphitheater surrounded by roses. The garden grows 56 varieties of roses that start blooming late spring.
3.6 Miles
97% 262 votes
Botanical Gardens 4301 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606 MoreLess Info
A nationally acclaimed garden, the J.C Raulston Arboretum is located at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. The garden has been notably listed in the top ten of the '50 most stunning University gardens and arboretums' in the U.S.
1.8 Miles
95% 170 votes
Farmers Markets 1201 Agriculture St, Raleigh, NC 27603 MoreLess Info
While there are some outdoor elements to the State Farmers Market in Raleigh, most of the vendors and events are held in climate controlled buildings for the comfort of merchandisers and shoppers. Most of the market is held in the 30,000 square foot Farmers Building.
37.6 Miles
92% 101 votes
Battlefields 5466 Harper House Road, Raleigh, NC 27524 MoreLess Info
The Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site marks the location of the largest civil war battle in North Carolina, in which 80,000 soldiers fought. Visitors can tour the Harper House, where wounded soldiers were treated, or visit the museum.
0.2 Miles
97% 2947 votes
Science Museums 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601 MoreLess Info
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the largest natural sciences museum in the southeast United States. The four-story building has a three-story movie screen, 20,000 specimens, research labs, and investigation labs.
4.2 Miles
96% 1233 votes
Science Museums 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607 MoreLess Info
The North Carolina Museum of Art features African, American, Egyptian, and European art, including 30 works by Auguste Rodin. The museum also has a 164-acre outside statue and trail area.
Showing 1-10 of 193
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