The holidays are long gone, but the cold weather isn’t. Who else’s kids have moved well beyond cabin fever? One great way to keep them active and learning is checking out some of the awesome children’s museums we have in North Carolina. They are the perfect indoor winter outing!
Below are six options that are either right here in the Triad or potential day or weekend trip destination ideas. Some even make great train trip ideas! Tip: Marbles Kids Museum is a very doable walk from Raleigh Union Station.
Get ready to combine learning and fun – all within warm spaces!
Children’s Museum of Alamance County
Located just south of Burlington, all the hands-on exhibits in Children’s Museum of Alamance County promote learning a vast array of knowledge. From learning about DNA and teeth in the Health Center to discovering what past life was like in the Then & Now exhibit, the building is filled to the brim with things to explore. If you venture outside, you’ll find the My Own Backyard exhibit with a mini-Haw River, Unity Dome Climber and more outdoor open-ended play experiences.
Location: 217 South Main Street, Graham
Website: childrensmuseumofalamance.org
Kaleideum
In 2017, Kaleideum was born after merging two of Winston-Salem’s amazing museums, the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem and SciWorks. Today, it’s located in the heart of downtown and fosters learning and innovations in all ages. Visitors can learn about all three stages of water in Wonders of Water or see outer space in a whole new way in the Digital Dome. Rooftop Adventure is a two-story playground experience.
Location: 120 West 3rd Street, Winston-Salem
Website: kaleideum.org
Hands On! Children’s Museum
A quaint children’s museum in downtown Hendersonville, Hands On! Children’s Museum provides hands-on exhibits that cover a range of topics. Guests can play in a walk-in firetruck exhibit, dig for fossils, escape danger playing the Floor is Lava or have a full shopping experience in the Publix replica shopping exhibit. Every exhibit brings learning to life in a fun, interactive manner for all ages.
Location: 318 North Main Street, Hendersonville
Website: handsonwnc.org
Marbles Kids Museum
Found in downtown Raleigh, Marbles Kids Museum is a space filled with cool exhibits that allow you to immerse yourself and your kids into a true learning experience. From little babies working on motor skills at Peek-a-boo Bay to pretending to be a meteorologist in Around Town and even shooting hoops at Center Court, guests can expand their minds while staying active. Splash, located on the first floor, brings water fun to new levels – there’s even a sub and pirate ship!
Location: 201 East Hargett Street, Raleigh
Website: marbleskidsmuseum.org
Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum
The Our Town exhibit combines role play and make believe to allow children to remember anything is possible and to always go after their dreams. Construction Zone showcases everything that goes into building and even allows kids to wear hard hats and construction vests. This museum is known for its Outdoor Play Plaza that features two amazing climbing structures connected by a net tunnel.
Location: 220 North Church Street, Greensboro
Website: mbcmuseum.com
Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum
Conveniently located in High Point near all the up-and-coming spots, the Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum is filled with tons of hands-on exhibits. From the solar system suspended in the air when you walk in to STEAM Lab on the second floor, there is learning and fun for all ages. You won’t want to miss their Outdoor Adventure Zone which includes a fossil dig, a trike track and the Double Decker Carousel.
Location: 200 Qubein Avenue, High Point
Website: qubeinchildrensmuseum.org
