Best Things to Do with Kids in North Raleigh, NC

North Raleigh stretches from inside the Beltline all the way up to Wake Forest, and it's packed with family-friendly parks, trails, and activities. If you live north of I-440 (or are visiting), here's what to put on your list.

Top Outdoor Spots in North Raleigh

Shelley Lake / Sertoma Park

Shelley Lake (1400 W Millbrook Rd) is the heart of North Raleigh for families. The 2.2-mile paved loop around the lake is perfect for strollers, bikes, and scooters. There's a playground at Sertoma Park on the north side, and the Sertoma Arts Center offers affordable kids' art classes. You can fish in the lake (NC fishing license required for adults), and the scenery is beautiful year-round. Free and open dawn to dusk.

Anderson Point Park

Anderson Point Park (4401 Edwards Mill Rd) is a hidden gem where the Neuse River meets Crabtree Creek. There are easy trails, river access for kayaking, picnic shelters, and a nice playground. It's rarely crowded, which is a plus when you have toddlers who need room to roam.

Durant Nature Preserve

Durant Nature Preserve (8305 Camp Durant Rd) offers hiking trails, a lake for fishing and kayaking, and a nature center. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to moderate. It's free to enter for Raleigh residents, $3 for non-residents. There's a sandy beach area on the lake that's popular in summer.

Best Playgrounds in North Raleigh

Millbrook Exchange Park (1905 Spring Forest Rd) — large playground, pool in summer ($3 admission), tennis courts

Baileywick Park (9425 Baileywick Rd) — newer playground equipment, paved trail

Marsh Creek Park (7401 Old Wake Forest Rd) — great playground near the greenway

Honeycutt Park (1032 Schieffelin Rd) — huge playground, skate park, athletic fields. One of the best in the area.

Indoor Fun

North Hills (4421 Six Forks Rd) is an upscale outdoor mall with restaurants, a movie theater, and seasonal events. The Midtown Farmers Market runs here on Saturdays. During the holidays, there's an ice skating rink.

Triangle Rock Club — North Raleigh (6022 Duraleigh Rd) has excellent youth climbing programs and day passes ($15-18 for kids).

My Gym, The Little Gym, and similar spots have North Raleigh locations perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Drop-in classes typically run $15-20.

Where to Eat with Kids in North Raleigh

Neomonde (3817 Beryl Rd) — Mediterranean bakery and restaurant, huge space, very kid-friendly

Bida Manda (222 S Blount St, a bit south but worth it) — Laotian food, adventurous family dining

Capital Creations Gourmet Cupcakery — seasonal cupcakes, a fun treat stop

Sola Coffee Cafe (7705 Lead Mine Rd) — great coffee for parents, pastries for kids

Pro Tips from a Local Mom

Shelley Lake parking: The main lot on Millbrook fills fast on weekends. Use the lot off Lead Mine Road near the dam for easier access.

Greenway connections: Shelley Lake connects to the Ironwood Trail and the broader Raleigh greenway network. You can walk or bike for miles.

Durant Nature Preserve: Bring bug spray and water — there's limited shade on some trails.

Best free activity: Walking Shelley Lake at sunset. Seriously. It never gets old.

The Bottom Line

Age-by-Age Guide to North Raleigh

Babies and Toddlers (0-3): Shelley Lake's paved loop is the best stroller walk in North Raleigh. The Sertoma Park playground has a small-kid section. My Gym and The Little Gym have classes for babies through preschoolers ($15-20 drop-in). Sola Coffee Cafe is a relaxed parent hangout.

Preschoolers (3-5): Honeycutt Park has a huge playground scaled for this age. Shelley Lake is perfect for first scooter or bike rides. The Sertoma Arts Center has affordable preschool art classes. Storytime at the North Regional Library is a weekly highlight.

School Age (6-10): Biking the Shelley Lake / Ironwood greenway loop, fishing at Durant Nature Preserve, and TriangleRock climbing are all great. Millbrook Exchange Pool is an affordable swim option in summer. North Hills events (outdoor movies, concerts) are family-friendly.

Tweens (11-13): Kayaking at Durant Nature Preserve, longer greenway rides, North Hills shopping and dining, and TriangleRock climbing give older kids independence and engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is North Raleigh exactly? Generally, "North Raleigh" refers to the area north of I-440 (the Beltline) extending to Wake Forest. Major corridors include Six Forks Road, Falls of Neuse Road, and Capital Boulevard.

Is Shelley Lake free? Yes, completely free. The paved 2.2-mile loop trail, Sertoma Park playground, and lake access are all free. There are no entrance fees or parking charges.

What is there to do at Durant Nature Preserve? Hiking trails (easy to moderate), a lake for fishing and kayaking, a sandy beach area for swimming in summer, and a nature center. Free for Raleigh residents, $3 for non-residents.

North Raleigh is park paradise. Between Shelley Lake, Anderson Point, Durant Nature Preserve, and a dozen excellent playgrounds, outdoor families will never run out of options. Add in the North Hills dining and shopping scene, and you've got a complete family destination.

More Guides You'll Love

[Best Parks and Playgrounds in Raleigh, NC](/guides/best-parks-and-playgrounds-in-raleigh)

[Best Things to Do with Kids in Downtown Raleigh, NC](/guides/best-things-to-do-with-kids-in-downtown-raleigh)

[Best Walking and Biking Trails for Families in the Triangle, NC](/guides/best-walking-and-biking-trails-for-families-in-the-triangle)

[Best Neighborhoods for Families in Raleigh](/guides/best-neighborhoods-families-raleigh)

[Best Free Outdoor Activities in the Triangle](/guides/best-free-outdoor-activities-triangle)