While this Raleigh location serves as the administrative office for the North Carolina Aquarium Society, families seeking hands-on marine experiences should visit one of the three actual North Carolina Aquarium locations at Fort Fisher, Pine Knoll Shores, or Roanoke Island. This office coordinates educational programs and membership benefits for all three spectacular coastal aquariums featuring touch tanks, ocean exhibits, and interactive learning opportunities.
Contact this office Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM for membership information and program inquiries. For actual aquarium visits, weekday mornings at the coastal locations offer smaller crowds and more interactive time with educators.
This is the administrative headquarters, not a public aquarium facility. For hands-on marine experiences, visit the coastal aquarium locations. Contact this office for memberships, educational programs, and general information about all three North Carolina Aquariums.
Office operates year-round with weekend closures. The three coastal aquarium facilities are open daily year-round with special holiday programming and summer camps available seasonally.
For dining near the office location, family-friendly options in North Raleigh include Chick-fil-A and Panera Bread within a few minutes' drive on Capital Boulevard.
Just a short drive from Raleigh, local orchards offer families the quintessential farm experience with pick-your-own fruit adventures, bouncing hayrides, and hands-on activities that connect kids to where their food comes from. These working farms transform throughout the seasons with apple picking in fall, strawberry harvests in spring, and festive celebrations that make every visit feel special.
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.
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.
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.