# Free things to do with kids in Raleigh this week

> Yes, plenty is free with little kids in Raleigh this week: we found 28 free outings, including Family Storytime at Dix Park, Kids Voting Mock Election (West Regional Library) and Big Lights, Tiny Smiles: A Family Diwali Celebration (Morrisville Community Library), plus 25 library programs. One free day or event is coming up, including one museum or zoo free day, each with its date. And nine places never charge admission, like Gipson Play Plaza and Knightdale Station Park.

- Last checked: 2026-10-19
- 28 free outings this week; 1 free days and events coming up; 9 always-free places
- Canonical page: https://littlesweekly.com/raleigh/free/
- Indoor play (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/raleigh/indoor-play/index.md
- This week (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/raleigh/index.md
- City index for agents: https://littlesweekly.com/raleigh/llms.txt

## Free days and free events coming up

- **Bank of America Museums on Us weekend** at Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh. When: Sat Nov 7, Sun Nov 8, Sat Dec 5 and Sun Dec 6. Price: Free general admission for Bank of America, Merrill and Private Bank cardholders (one per card, with photo ID). Only the cardholder gets in free, so bring the card and an ID. Official page: https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/museums-on-us-partners (checked 2026-10-19)

## Free this week

- **Family Storytime at Parrish Womble Park** at Parrish Womble Park, 1201 Grigsby Avenue, Holly Springs, NC 27540. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 10:30am–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. An outdoor library storytime at the park's picnic shelter. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/family-storytime-parrish-womble-park-2 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Toddler Storytime (East Regional Library)** at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC 27545. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 9:15am–9:45am. Price: Free. Ages: 1–3. Books, music and movement for new walkers up to age 3. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/toddler-storytime-959 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Preschool Storytime (East Regional Library)** at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC 27545. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 10:15am–10:45am. Price: Free. Ages: 3–5. Books, music, rhymes and movement for preschoolers. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/preschool-storytime-235 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Baby Storytime (Oberlin Regional Library)** at Oberlin Regional Library, 1930 Clark Ave., Raleigh, NC 27605. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 11am–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–1. A seated storytime for babies who aren't crawling yet. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/baby-storytime-1200 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Owl Family Storytime (Wake Forest Community Library)** at Wake Forest Community Library, 400 E. Holding Avenue, Wake Forest, NC 27587-2926. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 11am–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. An owl-themed storytime with books, music and rhymes. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/family-storytime-4398 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Family Storytime at Beech Bluff County Park** at Beech Bluff County Park, Beech Bluff County Park, Wake County, NC. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 10:30am–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. An outdoor library storytime at Beech Bluff County Park. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/family-storytime-beech-bluff-county-park-8 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Family Storytime (Richard B. Harrison Community Library)** at Richard B. Harrison Community Library, 1313 New Bern Ave., Raleigh, NC 27610. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 10:30am–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Babies, toddlers and preschoolers sing, learn and dance. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/family-storytime-4441 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Family Storytime (Green Road Community Library)** at Green Road Community Library, 4101 Green Road, Raleigh, NC 27604. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 10:30am–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Books, music, rhymes and movement for little kids. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/family-storytime-4657 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Family Storytime (Southgate Community Library)** at Southgate Community Library, 1601-14 Cross Link Road, Raleigh, NC 27610. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 10:30am–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Books, music, rhymes and movement for little kids. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/family-storytime-4651 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Evening Stay & Play (Cary Regional Library)** at Cary Regional Library, 315 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary, NC 27511. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 7:15pm–8pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–99. Legos, blocks, puppets and puzzles after the evening storytime. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/stay-play-56 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Baby Storytime (Middle Creek Community Library)** at Middle Creek Community Library, 111 Middle Creek Park Ave., Apex, NC 27539-7983. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 9:30am–10am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–1. A lapsit storytime for babies and their grown-ups. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/baby-storytime-1174 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Toddler Storytime (Eva Perry Regional Library)** at Eva Perry Regional Library, 2100 Shepherd's Vineyard Drive, Apex, NC 27502. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 9:30am–10am. Price: Free. Ages: 1–3. Books, music and movement for new walkers up to age 3. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/toddler-storytime-1113 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Family Storytime at Dix Park** at Dorothea Dix Park, 701 Palmer Dr., Raleigh, NC 27603. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Wake County Public Libraries brings an outdoor family storytime to Dix Park, with books, music, rhymes and movement for young children. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/family-storytime-dix-park-21 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Bookmobile at Dix Park** at Dorothea Dix Park, 701 Palmer Dr., Raleigh, NC 27603. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 10am–12pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–12. The library bookmobile parks near the Gipson Play Plaza: sign up for a card, check out books and return borrowed items, then hit the playground. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/bookmobile-dix-park-2 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Bilingual Family Storytime (Green Road Community Library)** at Green Road Community Library, 4101 Green Road, Raleigh, NC 27604. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. An interactive family storytime in English and Spanish, with books, music, rhymes and movement. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/bilingual-family-storytime-57 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Preschool Storytime (Zebulon Community Library)** at Zebulon Community Library, 1000 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon, NC 27597. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 3–5. Books, music, rhymes and movement to build pre-reading skills. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/preschool-storytime-265 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **ABC Craft and Learn (West Regional Library)** at West Regional Library, 4000 Louis Stephens Drive, Cary, NC 27519. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 2:30–3:15pm. Price: Free. Ages: 3–5. An interactive kindergarten-readiness program for ages 3 to 5 and their grown-ups. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/abc-craft-and-learn-602 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Family Storytime (Leesville Community Library)** at Leesville Community Library, 5105 Country Trail, Raleigh, NC 27613. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 10–10:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Books, music, rhymes and movement to build pre-reading skills. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/family-storytime-4194 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Storytime Stay and Play (Green Road Community Library)** at Green Road Community Library, 4101 Green Road, Raleigh, NC 27604. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 10:30–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 2–5. Storytime followed by activity stations with playdough, building materials and crafts; designed for ages 3 to 5, younger siblings welcome. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/storytime-stay-and-play-52 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Baby Playdate (Oberlin Regional Library)** at Oberlin Regional Library, 1930 Clark Ave., Raleigh, NC 27605. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 11am–12pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–1. Sensory stations for babies from birth to crawling, plus a chance to meet other families. No registration needed. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/baby-playdate-58 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Kids Voting Mock Election (West Regional Library)** at West Regional Library, 4000 Louis Stephens Drive, Cary, NC 27519. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 4–6pm. Price: Free. Ages: 5–12. Kids 5 to 17 cast a mock ballot, play games and learn how voting and elections work. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/kids-voting-3 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Family Storytime (Green Road Community Library)** at Green Road Community Library, 4101 Green Road, Raleigh, NC 27604. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Books, music, rhymes and movement to build pre-reading skills. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/family-storytime-4660 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Bilingual Storytime / Cuentos en Familia (Wendell Community Library)** at Wendell Community Library, 207 S. Hollybrook Road, Wendell, NC 27591. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 11–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. An interactive family storytime in English and Spanish. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/bilingual-storytimecuentos-en-familia-1 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **ABC Craft and Learn (Duraleigh Road Community Library)** at Duraleigh Road Community Library, 5800 Duraleigh Road, Raleigh, NC 27612. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 11–11:45am. Price: Free. Ages: 3–5. An interactive kindergarten-readiness program for ages 3 to 5 and their grown-ups. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/abc-craft-and-learn-638 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Stay and Play (Athens Drive Community Library)** at Athens Drive Community Library, 1420 Athens Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 11–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A short play session for little ones at the library; sign-up is listed on the event page. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/stay-and-play-19 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **ABC Craft and Learn (Zebulon Community Library)** at Zebulon Community Library, 1000 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon, NC 27597. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 11:30am–12pm. Price: Free. Ages: 3–5. A pretend preschool classroom where kids practice pre-literacy, social and fine-motor skills ahead of kindergarten. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/abc-craft-and-learn-624 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Big Lights, Tiny Smiles: A Family Diwali Celebration (Morrisville Community Library)** at Morrisville Community Library, 310 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 12–12:45pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–8. Celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with a family program at the library. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/big-lights-tiny-smiles-family-diwali-celebration (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Ready, Set, School Playdate with Marbles (Zebulon Community Library)** at Zebulon Community Library, 1000 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon, NC 27597. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 2–4pm. Price: Free. Ages: 3–5. Marbles Kids Museum brings hands-on play for ages 3 to 5 that builds language, reading, math and problem-solving skills. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/events/ready-set-school-community-playdates-92 (checked 2026-10-19)

## Always free

- **Gipson Play Plaza**, Dix Park. A big playground at Dix Park. Go early on nice days. Official page: https://dixpark.org (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Knightdale Station Park**, Knightdale. A free splash pad, open daily in season, across from Prime Barbecue. Official page: https://www.knightdalenc.gov/parks-recreation-and-cultural-programs/parks-facilities-and-rentals/splash-pad (checked 2026-10-18)
- **NC Museum of Natural Sciences**, Downtown. A free natural history museum downtown. Official page: https://naturalsciences.org (checked 2026-10-18)
- **NC Museum of Art**, West Raleigh. A free art museum with an outdoor park and trails. Official page: https://ncartmuseum.org (checked 2026-10-18)
- **JC Raulston Arboretum**, NC State. A free public garden at NC State. Official page: https://jcra.ncsu.edu (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Historic Yates Mill County Park**, South Raleigh. A restored gristmill on a pond, with trails. Official page: https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/parks-recreation-open-space/all-parks-trails/historic-yates-mill-county-park (checked 2026-10-18)
- **North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences**, 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601. Free general admission, downtown. Official page: https://naturalsciences.org/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Wake County Public Libraries (Oberlin Regional Library)**, 1930 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC 27605. Free, with books, a children’s area and no ticket to buy. Official page: https://www.wakegov.com/libraries (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Dorothea Dix Park**, 2105 Umstead Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603. Free, with open lawns and a playground. Official page: https://dixpark.org/visit (checked 2026-10-18)

## Free library storytimes

- **Wake County Public Libraries**: Weekly; days and times vary by branch. Baby, toddler, family and sensory storytimes at Wake County branches including Green Road, North Regional, Cary Regional and Southgate. Calendar: https://www.wakegov.com/libraries
- **Durham County Library**: Weekly at 6 locations; Monday–Friday, mostly mornings. Free baby, toddler and preschool storytimes. This fall's regular sessions include Baby Bookworms (Lapsit Storytime) (Mondays 10am, East Regional Library (211 Lick Creek Lane)) and Babies & Bubbles: Lapsit Storytime (Wednesdays 9:45am, Southwest Regional Library (3605 Shannon Rd)), with more at Bragtown Branch Library (3200 Dearborn Dr), Main Library (300 N. Roxboro St), North Regional Library (221 Milton Rd) and South Regional Library (4505 S. Alston Ave). Calendar: https://durhamcountylibrary.libcal.com/calendar?cid=14288

## About this list
- Published by Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/). Free weekly lists for kids ages 0–6, city by city.
- How we choose and check listings, and how to send a correction: https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/ (corrections: hello@littlesweekly.com).
- Sponsored spots are labeled on the HTML pages and are not part of this editorial list.
- How to cite: “According to Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/…), …” and link the page you quote.

## FAQ

### What’s free to do with kids in Raleigh this weekend?
This week we found 28 free outings for ages 0–6, including Family Storytime at Dix Park, Kids Voting Mock Election (West Regional Library), Big Lights, Tiny Smiles: A Family Diwali Celebration (Morrisville Community Library) and Family Storytime at Parrish Womble Park. See [free this week](https://littlesweekly.com/raleigh/free/#this-week); the list is rebuilt every Thursday.

### Are there free museum or zoo days in Raleigh?
Bank of America Museums on Us weekend: Sat Nov 7, Sun Nov 8, Sat Dec 5 and Sun Dec 6. Dates come from each venue’s own page; see [free days and free events](https://littlesweekly.com/raleigh/free/#free-days).

### Where can we go for free any day in Raleigh?
Gipson Play Plaza, Knightdale Station Park, NC Museum of Natural Sciences, NC Museum of Art and JC Raulston Arboretum and 4 more don’t charge admission. Some charge for parking or special exhibits; the cards say so where the place does.

### Is there free indoor play in Raleigh?
Yes: NC Museum of Natural Sciences. See all of them on [indoor play places in Raleigh](https://littlesweekly.com/raleigh/indoor-play/#places).

### Are library storytimes free in Raleigh?
Yes. Wake County Public Libraries and Durham County Library run free storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Times change by branch, so check the calendar linked below.

### How do you check these free listings?
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 19, 2026, and we recheck them every Thursday for dated events and once a month for free places. [How we choose and check](https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/).