Things to do with kids in Durham, NC
Checked · All times are local Eastern Time (Durham time)
Coming up in Durham: TROSA Turkey Trot 5K (Nov 26), Downtown Durham Holiday Tree Lighting (Nov 21), Durham Holiday Parade (Dec 12) and 3 more events. 6 always-open places, led by Duke Lemur Center and Museum of Life and Science. Prices and hours come from each official site.
Thanksgiving events in Durham
TROSA Turkey Trot 5K
- When
- Thu, Nov 26 · 8am start
- Cost
- Registration fee (see site)
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Durham’s Thanksgiving-morning 5K starting and finishing at TROSA’s campus. Strollers are allowed (aim to finish within an hour). Park in nearby lots or on the street; don’t drive to the campus.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Christmas & holiday events: Santa, lights and tree lightings
Downtown Durham Holiday Tree Lighting
- When
- Sat, Nov 21 · 4–8pm
- Cost
- Not stated
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Music, dancing, Santa, treats and a kid zone at CCB Plaza downtown.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Durham Holiday Parade
- When
- Sat, Dec 12 · 10am
- Cost
- Free Event (rain or shine)
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Hometown bands, drill teams, schools and community groups parade down Main Street, ending with a guest appearance from Santa.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
New Year's events in Durham
Noon Year’s Eve at the Museum of Life and Science
- When
- Thu, Dec 31 · 10am–1pm; countdown at noon
- Cost
- Included with museum admission (adults $24, ages 3–15 $19, 2 and under free)
- Ages
- All ages · Indoor
Get a head start on the New Year with a kid-friendly noon countdown and celebration at the museum.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Storytimes
Storytime with Ms. Chloe at the Main Library
- When
- Thu, Oct 29 – Thu, Dec 17 (Thursdays (not Thanksgiving week)) · 10:30–11:15am
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- All ages · Indoor
A noisy storytime full of reading, singing, dancing, rhythm sticks and bubbles for babies through kindergartners.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Preschool Storytime at the Main Library
- When
- Fri, Oct 30 – Fri, Dec 18 (Fridays (not Thanksgiving week)) · 10:30–11am
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- Ages 3-5 · Indoor
Friday storytime for ages 3–5 with books, songs, movement and a simple craft or coloring activity.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Always-open family places
Most popular first: zoos, aquariums and museums, then nature spots, parks and libraries. Prices come from each official site; "Not stated" means the site doesn't list one.
Duke Lemur Center
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
See endangered lemurs on guided tours; a prepaid tour reservation is required (no walk-ins)
Museum of Life and Science
- Price
- Adults $24; children 3–15 $19; 2 and under free; free parking
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Science museum in north Durham; Tue–Sun 10am–5pm, closed Mondays Labor Day to Memorial Day
✓ Price verified Oct 26, 2026 · source
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
- Price
- Free admission; Duke parking lots charge $2 per hour
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
55 acres of gardens with five miles of paths, open 8am to sunset every day of the year
✓ Price verified Oct 26, 2026 · source
Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
- Price
- Free admission for all
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Duke’s art museum on Campus Drive
✓ Price verified Oct 26, 2026 · source
Eno River State Park
- Price
- $ (estimated price level)
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Riverside trails through several park accesses; the Fews Ford access is off Cole Mill Road. Some areas may be closed, so check trail status before you go
Durham County Library – Main Library
- Price
- $ (estimated price level)
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Durham County Library’s main library downtown, with storytimes and family programs
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do with kids in Durham this weekend?
This weekend (Oct 30–Nov 1) we list 1 family event in Durham: Preschool Storytime at the Main Library (Fri).
What time is trick-or-treating in Durham?
Sunset on Halloween in Durham is at 6:20 p.m. Durham doesn't list official trick-or-treat hours, so plan around dusk.
What are free things to do with kids in Durham?
These are free according to their official sites: 2 places and 1 upcoming event in Durham, including Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University and Durham Holiday Parade (Sat, Dec 12).
Where can kids play indoors in Durham when it's too hot or rainy?
We list 2 indoor places in Durham: Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University (Free admission for all) and Durham County Library – Main Library.
What Thanksgiving events can I take my kids to in Durham?
We list 1 Thanksgiving event in Durham: TROSA Turkey Trot 5K (Thu, Nov 26).
When and where can kids see Santa in Durham?
We list 2 events with Santa in Durham, 1 free: Downtown Durham Holiday Tree Lighting (Nov 21) and Durham Holiday Parade (Dec 12).
Where can I take my kids to see Christmas lights in Durham?
We list 1 holiday light event in Durham: Downtown Durham Holiday Tree Lighting (Nov 21).
Are there storytimes or regular kids' programs in Durham?
We list 2 everyday programs in Durham: Storytime with Ms. Chloe at the Main Library (Thursdays, not Thanksgiving week) and Preschool Storytime at the Main Library (Fridays, not Thanksgiving week).
What is there to do with toddlers in Durham?
We list 4 places in Durham that welcome kids under 2, including Duke Lemur Center, Sarah P. Duke Gardens and Eno River State Park. See all 4 above. Age ranges for places are our own guidance.
What are the big family attractions in Durham?
The best-known family attractions we list in Durham are Duke Lemur Center and Museum of Life and Science (kids 3–15 $19). They're listed first under always-open places.
How much do Durham family attractions cost?
Prices from the official sites for 1 place in Durham: Museum of Life and Science (adult $24, kids 3–15 $19). Confirm before you go; prices change.
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How we build this page: each event comes from the organizer's official website and shows the date we checked it. Prices marked verified were copied from the venue's official site; others show an estimated price level or "Not stated". A place is called free only when its official site says so. Read how we verify listings · Arizona weekend search.
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