Chapel Hill and Durham, NC, are like Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton in their heyday. They need each other. They love each other. However, they really just want the spotlight all to themselves. Therefore, if you come this way, you do not want to offend any of these beautiful cities. Here are our favorite Things to Do in Chapel Hill and Durham with kids.
Museum of Life + Science (Durham)
This location is always the #1 choice for families. The Museum of Life + Science offer indoor and outdoor activities for children of all ages and keep you up to date for everyone with special rotating exhibits.
UNC campus (Chapel Hill)
UNC-Chapel Hill is the original school of the UNC system, the oldest public university in the country. It is beautiful. There is a large lawn to sit on and certainly take a photo at the famous old well. Walk through the Arboretum. Enjoy the magical Forest Theater. Do you have older children? See a show at the Morehead Planetarium.
Eat the best food
Both cities offer award-winning food that you will not want to miss. The NY Times has talked about food in Chapel Hill. We know you do not want to spend a lot of money on a fancy dinner with kids who run wild. Then go to Bull City Burger & Brewery (Durham), and Foster’s Market (Durham and Chapel Hill).
Drink at Full steam Brewery (Durham)
We know, yes, with KIDS. Durham and Chapel Hill boarded the microbrewery train years ago, and big breweries are springing up everywhere. At Full steam, you can spend time sampling local beers while the kids play with arcades, ping-pong tables and the antique organ on stage.
NC Botanical Gardens (Chapel Hill)
At any time of year, this garden is worth exploring. The NC Botanic Gardens are more natural and there is a unique area for children to explore. Duke’s Gardens are more pruned and themed, but you can feed the ducks in the pond.
Have tea at The Carolina Inn (Chapel Hill)
The Inn is a member of Historic Hotels of America, an AAA Four Diamond Award winner, and they make a Little Prince and Little Princess tea menu that is so sweet and special. Just call ahead.
Watch live music
After all, Chapel Hill has launched the careers of James Taylor, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Archers of Loaf, Ben Folds Five and more. We love music. Facilities for families include Carolina Inn’s Fridays on the Front Porch (Chapel Hill), Weaver Street’s After Hours (Carrboro), American Tobacco Campus (Durham), the Southern Village Green (Chapel Hill), etc. If you are visiting out of season, you can look into the Durham Performing Arts Center for Broadway shows.
The Lawn at Weaver Street Market (Carrboro)
If you want to see the hippest side of our area, head down the street from Downtown Chapel Hill to Carrboro, NC. This small town is the Paris of Piedmont. At Weaver Street Market, you can get locally grown organic food and sit on the expansive lawn. Almost every month of the year, they offer live music a few times a week.
Chapel Hill has it all: award-winning food, great drinks, elegant places, music, hippies, history, and natural beauty – what are you waiting for? Look at our best travel guides and be amazed.
