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 141-150 of 193
0.0 Miles
Drivers get behind the wheel of a Lamborghini or Ferrari with an instructor for laps around an autocross car-control course
26.5 Miles
44% 27 votes
Movie Theaters 1129 Weaver Dairy Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 MoreLess Info
The Chelsea Theater is a local cinema that specializes in showing independent films to its visitors. The theater uses fully digital projection and boasts of its intimate and unique hometown theater feeling.
27.1 Miles
95% 132 votes
Nature & Wildlife Areas 1940 Hanks Chapel Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312 MoreLess Info
The Carolina Tiger Rescue helps to rehabilitate animals that have often been removed by court order. Visitors can take a tour; help feed the animals including tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, caracals, servals, ocelots, bobcats, bintuwurangs, and kinkojos; or attend a behavior training demonstration.
27.3 Miles
88% 164 votes
River Wilmington, NC MoreLess Info
Located in northeastern North Carolina, the Cape Fear River stretches 200+ miles to the Atlantic Ocean. The basin of the river is the largest in the state. A trail runs along the long stream and popular birding area.
28.4 Miles
100% 1 votes
Hiking Trails 31 Bynum Beach Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312 MoreLess Info
Visitors can view natural scenery and a variety of local wildlife at Bynum Beach Haw River Access Area. The area offers beach access and is also good for hiking, boating, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
29.1 Miles
94% 223 votes
Nature & Wildlife Areas 6101 Cole Mill Rd., Durham, NC MoreLess Info
The expansive Eno River State Park in Durham, North Carolina is one of the most beautiful parks in the eastern United States. Day visits are free, but campers must purchase an inexpensive permit before entering the park. The picnic area and barbecue grills must be reserved in advance.
30.5 Miles
100% 2 votes
Art Gallery 115 Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312 MoreLess Info
Showcasing the work of local artists, ChathamArts Gallery displays a variety of artwork in the mediums of fiber, metal, wood, and more. The gallery holds monthly receptions where the public can meet and view an artist and their work.
32.5 Miles
100% 5 votes
Nature & Wildlife Areas 899 Coleman Ridge Road, Sanford, NC 27330 MoreLess Info
With 275 acres to explore, White Pines Nature Preserve offers visitors an area to hike among the native pine and oak trees. Portions of the preserve are made up of marshland, where visitors can observe ducks and heron.
34.2 Miles
89% 56 votes
Parks 572 Pumping Station Road, Sanford, NC 27330 MoreLess Info
The 177-acre San-Lee Park offers a host of activities including hiking and biking trails, picnic facilities, playground, nature center and two stocked lakes for fishing. Campsite rentals for both RV and tent camping also are available.
34.2 Miles
100% 2 votes
Parks 572 Pumping Station Road, Sanford, NC 27330 MoreLess Info
Measured at 160 acres in area, San-Lee Recreation & Educational Park offers a number of different amenities for its visitors to experience. These amenities include several walking/hiking trails as well as wildlife education programs.
36.0 Miles
- 0 votes
Parks 1420 Bragg Street, Sanford, NC 27330 MoreLess Info
Within O.T. Sloan Park, visitors can access a disc golf course, horseshoe pits, a volleyball area, an outdoor pool that is open during the summer, two ball fields, and a children's playground. The park also offers 10 picnic tables and a shelter which can be rented.
Showing 141-150 of 193
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