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Arts & Theater

🎭 Arts & Theater for Kids in Cary, NC

12 children's theater, art studios, and performing arts rated and reviewed by families.

Activities & Venues in Cary

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North Carolina Museum of Art art museum in Raleigh, NC🎨 Museum
Photo: Elyssa Kivus (Kivus & Camera)
4.8(11,079)$5 mi away

The North Carolina Museum of Art is a fantastic family destination that combines world-class art with outdoor adventure. With free admission to the permanent collection, interactive kid-friendly galleries, and 164 acres of museum park trails dotted with monumental sculptures, it offers the perfect blend of cultural enrichment and active exploration that keeps children engaged and excited about art.

🕑 2.5-4 hours
Marbles Kids Museum movie theater in Raleigh, NC🎨 Museum
Photo: Ashley Hughes
4.8(7,332)$$8 mi away

Marbles Kids Museum is Raleigh's premier interactive play space where children can splash in water features, climb through multi-level structures, and explore hands-on exhibits designed specifically for the infant-through-eight crowd. With an impressive 4.8-star rating from over 7,000 families, this downtown destination delivers hours of educational entertainment across themed areas including art studios, imaginative play zones, and STEM activities.

🕑 3-4 hours
Raleigh Little Theatre performing arts theater in Rolesville, NC🎭 Theater
Photo: Al Thompson
4.8(691)$6 mi · Rolesville

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.

🕑 2-3 hours including pre-show arrival and intermission
Koka Booth Amphitheatre amphitheatre in Cary, NC🎭 Theater
Photo: Richard Hargett

Koka Booth Amphitheatre offers families a magical outdoor concert and movie experience right on the shores of Symphony Lake. This popular Cary venue hosts a fantastic summer concert series and family movie nights where kids can enjoy entertainment under the stars while parents relax on blankets with picnic spreads. The combination of quality performances, beautiful natural surroundings, and lawn seating makes it perfect for introducing children to live entertainment in a relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere.

🕑 3-4 hours including pre-show picnic time and the performance
Holly Springs Cultural Center cultural center in Holly Springs, NC🎭 Theater
Photo: Holly Springs Cultural Center
4.6(53)$10 mi · Holly Springs

The Holly Springs Cultural Center is a vibrant community hub that offers something for every family member, from hands-on art classes and energetic summer camps to captivating theater performances. With its wide range of programs including fitness classes and special family events throughout the year, it's a one-stop destination where kids can explore creativity, learn new skills, and enjoy quality entertainment in a welcoming environment.

🕑 1-3 hours depending on activity (individual classes run 45-90 minutes, theater performances are typically 1-2 hours, while family events may warrant a full afternoon)
Red Hat Amphitheater live music venue in Raleigh, NC🎭 Theater
Photo: WADE SMITH
4.5(3,689)$8 mi away

Red Hat Amphitheater brings world-class entertainment to families in downtown Raleigh with its open-air venue perfect for introducing kids to live music, theater, and cultural performances. The outdoor setting creates a relaxed atmosphere where children can enjoy concerts under the stars, from family-friendly tribute bands to theatrical productions and seasonal festivals that celebrate music and community.

🕑 2-3 hours including pre-show arrival time
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek amphitheatre in Rolesville, NC🎭 Theater
Photo: Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
4.4(6,101)$12 mi · Rolesville

Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek is an outdoor amphitheater that hosts family-friendly concerts and events throughout the year. While primarily known for evening performances, this spacious venue offers lawn seating perfect for families who want to enjoy live music together in a relaxed atmosphere where kids can move around.

🕑 2-4 hours depending on the event
Activity
4.4(82)$6 mi away

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.

🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Regal Brier Creek movie theater in Brier Creek, NC🎮 Entertainment
Photo: RAJAT JAIS
4.2(3,177)$8 mi · Brier Creek

Regal Brier Creek offers a comfortable movie-going experience perfect for family film outings, featuring plush stadium seating and the latest kid-friendly releases. Located in the bustling Brier Creek shopping district, it's easy to combine a movie with lunch or shopping for a full day of family fun.

🕑 2.5-3.5 hours (including arrival time, previews, feature film, and bathroom breaks)
Regal North Hills movie theater in Crabtree Valley, NC🎭 Theater
Photo: Brass Tacks
4.1(2,522)$8 mi · Crabtree Valley

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.

🕑 2-3 hours (including previews and the feature film)
Target department store in Brier Creek, NC Activity
Photo: Tony Russo
3.9(840)$$8 mi · Brier Creek

Target in Brier Creek transforms everyday shopping into a family-friendly outing with its well-stocked toy section, kids' clothing area, and in-store Starbucks where parents can grab a coffee while little ones browse. The spacious layout and convenient location make it easy to combine errands with entertainment, especially on rainy days when you need an indoor activity that keeps kids engaged.

🕑 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
🎨 Museum

Keystone Science Center in Raleigh sparks curiosity through hands-on exploration perfect for young scientists. Kids can dive into interactive physics exhibits, watch mesmerizing planetarium shows, and get their hands dirty in discovery labs designed to make learning feel like play. This engaging science museum turns abstract concepts into tangible fun that keeps children asking questions long after they leave.

🕑 2.5-4 hours

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