Things To Do With Kids in Brier Creek, NC

WakeMed Soccer Park is one of the premier youth sports destinations in the Triangle, offering families the chance to watch professional women's soccer with the NC Courage or participate in countless youth tournaments throughout the year. With multiple pristine fields and a family-friendly atmosphere, it's a fantastic spot whether your kids are budding soccer stars or just love the energy of live sports.

REI North Hills transforms outdoor gear shopping into an interactive family adventure with its impressive indoor climbing wall, hands-on gear displays, and free educational workshops that teach kids outdoor skills. Beyond shopping, families can explore bike trails, get expert advice on camping with children, and participate in weekend classes that inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

This charming historic train depot offers a unique blend of art and history that captures kids' imaginations. The rotating exhibits keep things fresh, while dedicated children's art programs provide hands-on creative experiences that make learning about Cary's railroad heritage fun and interactive.

North Hills is a vibrant open-air shopping and entertainment district that offers families much more than typical mall shopping. With interactive fountains perfect for splashing on warm days, plenty of green space for running around, and regular seasonal events like movie nights and holiday celebrations, it's an ideal destination for a relaxed family outing that combines retail therapy with genuine kid-friendly fun.

Lassiter Mill Park is a peaceful retreat along Crabtree Creek that offers families a perfect blend of nature exploration and outdoor play. With well-maintained walking trails winding through wooded areas and open spaces ideal for picnics, it's a wonderful spot for families seeking a quieter alternative to crowded playgrounds while still giving kids plenty of room to run and explore.

Annelore's German Bakery is a delightful neighborhood café that welcomes families with open arms and a dedicated kids menu. This authentic German bakery serves up fresh-baked pretzels, strudels, and cookies that kids can watch being made, plus quality locally-roasted coffee for parents. The casual, relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to linger over breakfast or an afternoon treat without worrying about little ones getting restless.

Regal North Hills offers families a modern movie-going experience in the heart of Crabtree Valley, with comfortable seating and the latest family-friendly blockbusters. With its convenient location in the North Hills shopping district, it's perfect for combining a movie with dining or shopping for an easy weekend outing with the kids.

Step back in time at this charming 1940s-style soda fountain in historic Ashworth Village, where kids can experience old-fashioned ice cream treats just like grandma and grandpa enjoyed. The authentic retro atmosphere makes it a fun, educational outing combined with delicious milkshakes, ice cream floats, and classic lunch fare that appeals to all generations.

Downtown Cary Park is a vibrant urban oasis that has quickly become a family favorite destination. This modern park combines classic outdoor fun with contemporary amenities including a popular splash pad, open lawn spaces perfect for running and playing, oversized lawn games, and regular food truck visits that make dinner planning easy for parents.

Falls Lake State Recreation Area is an outdoor paradise spanning over 12,000 acres where families can enjoy swimming at sandy beaches, paddling across calm waters, and exploring miles of kid-friendly hiking trails. With multiple access points around the lake, it's perfect for everything from afternoon picnics to weekend camping adventures that will tire out even the most energetic kids.

Kilwins in North Hills is a delightful sweet shop where kids can watch candy makers hand-pulling fudge and crafting chocolates right through large viewing windows. Beyond the entertainment of watching treats being made, families can indulge in premium hand-dipped ice cream, waffle cones made fresh throughout the day, and an impressive selection of handcrafted chocolates and caramel apples that make perfect treats or gifts.

Shinleaf Group Campsites at Falls Lake offers families a serene outdoor escape with direct lakeside access and plenty of space for kids to explore nature. With fishing opportunities, scenic hiking trails, and open areas perfect for running around, it's an ideal spot for families looking to unplug and enjoy quality time together in a beautiful natural setting.

Happy + Hale offers a refreshing alternative for health-conscious families looking for nutritious meals that kids will actually enjoy. This bright, welcoming cafe serves up colorful smoothie bowls, fresh-pressed juices, and wholesome breakfast and lunch options that strike the perfect balance between healthy and delicious, making it easy for parents to feel good about what their children are eating.

Falls Lake Trail offers families over 35 miles of scenic, multi-use trails that wind along the beautiful lake shoreline, perfect for both beginner and experienced young adventurers. With relatively flat sections ideal for little legs and more challenging terrain for older kids, this trail system lets you customize your outdoor adventure to match your family's energy level and abilities.

Fred G. Bond Metro Park is Cary's crown jewel for family fun, sprawling across 310 acres with something for every age. From paddle boating on the lake to navigating the mini golf course, this park offers a full day of adventure without breaking the bank. The multiple playgrounds, paved trails perfect for bikes and strollers, and wide-open spaces make it a go-to destination for Triangle-area families.

Falls Lake SRA Sandling Beach offers families a classic lake beach experience with calm, supervised swimming in a designated area perfect for young swimmers. The sandy shores and shallow entry make it ideal for building sandcastles and wading, while picnic facilities let you make a full day of sun and fun at this peaceful Wake Forest retreat.

Reader's Corner is a beloved independent bookstore near NC State's campus that creates a welcoming space for young readers with its thoughtfully curated children's section, weekly story times, and special author events. The cozy atmosphere encourages browsing, and the knowledgeable staff excels at recommending age-appropriate titles that will spark your child's imagination.

Dave & Buster's Cary in Crabtree Valley offers the ultimate combo of eat-and-play entertainment that keeps kids engaged for hours. With hundreds of arcade games ranging from classic favorites to cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, plus sports simulators and prize redemption, it's a one-stop destination where families can enjoy a meal and endless gaming fun under one roof.

Raleigh Little Theatre brings the magic of live performance to families through high-quality community productions and exceptional youth theater programs. With a strong tradition of family-friendly shows ranging from classic musicals to beloved children's tales, this intimate theater creates memorable experiences where kids can enjoy professional-caliber performances and even take the stage themselves through various acting classes and summer camps.

Turn grocery shopping into a fun family adventure at this North Hills Trader Joe's! Kids love pushing their own pint-sized shopping carts, hunting for hidden treasure (stuffed animals throughout the store), sampling free treats, and picking out affordable goodies like their famous Joe-Joe's cookies. The cheerful Hawaiian-shirt-clad staff creates a welcoming atmosphere that makes even routine errands feel special.

Bruster's Real Ice Cream in Knightdale is a family favorite where kids can watch their sweet treats being made fresh daily. With dozens of rotating flavors, colorful sundaes, and thick shakes, it's the perfect spot for a quick after-dinner treat or to celebrate small victories. The outdoor seating makes it easy for kids to enjoy their cones without worrying about spills, and the friendly staff is patient with little ones who need extra time deciding.

The Fresh Market in Crabtree Valley transforms grocery shopping into a fun family outing with its welcoming atmosphere and kid-friendly perks. Children love receiving complimentary cookies from the bakery, exploring the colorful produce displays, and sampling fresh items throughout the store, making it a surprisingly enjoyable stop when you need to combine errands with family time.

Tazza Kitchen Village District is a welcoming neighborhood spot where parents can actually relax while kids enjoy good food in a casual, no-stress atmosphere. The wood-fired pizzas are a crowd-pleaser, and the play areas keep little ones entertained while you finish your meal,making it a rare win-win for the whole family.