Go on a date, get together a group of friends, or just adventure by yourself to these at-home destinations. Your wallet can be filled with little to no cash in order to participate in these fun, inexpensive things to do around Raleigh. All activities listed below are located in downtown Raleigh or surrounding areas for little driving and easy access. Your wallet will thank you later.
Umstead State Park
8801 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, N.C. 27617
Although this park is in the midst of the city you wouldn’t believe it exploring its 5,599 acres of nature, lakes, and wildlife. You can hike, bike, canoe, kayak, or whatever your outdoors man heart desires at the Umstead State Park. Take some stress out of your day by getting lost in the natural serenity of this park, and it doesn’t cost a thing!
Pullen Park
408 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh, N.C. 27606
This park is said to be the fifth oldest amusement park in the United States. Now that’s fascinating! Pullen Park may not be what you think of when the term ‘Amusement Park’ comes to mind. Although there is no fast roller coasters, no pop the balloon games, or people dressed in cartoon costumes, Pullen Park is a stroll through history. As you walk through its 66 acres imagine yourself in the same place several decades earlier. Pullen Park’s features are the train ride, the carousel, the paddle boats, the indoor pool, and the beautiful walking trails.
Carmike Cinemas Blue Ridge 14 Theater
600 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, N.C. 27606
Perhaps movie theaters are compensating for things like Netflix, Redbox, and Movies On Demand these days. With that being said, we can all agree that going to the movies puts a big ding in your bank account. Carmike Cinemas is a solution to the movie going blues. You can still get the theater experience for only $2.25. Listings for this theater are only a few months old, but still relevant in the celebrity and entertainment scene.
Historic Oakwood Cemetery/Neighborhood
701 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh, N.C. 27601
It is completely enthralling to stroll through the acres and acres of this huge historical cemetery. So much history is buried in this one place from the 1860s to now. You cannot help but to wonder every person’s story as you pass by their grave. In the cemetery there are confederate soldiers, Great Depression survivors, wives, husbands, children and graves that date back to the 1700’s who have witnessed so much American history being made. Graves upon graves in this cemetery are so old their headstones are no longer legible. Even if you are not into ghosts, goblins, and spooky things, taking a walk through the Oakwood cemetery is worth it for the history lesson.
Raleigh Flea Market
1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, N.C. 27607
Chocked full of interesting items, antiques, novelties, and vendors upon vendors makes up the Raleigh Flea Market. Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM – 6 PM are when the Raleigh Flea Market operates. The earlier you go the better to beat the heat if you’re going in the summer, and to grab the cool finds before anyone else. Everyone should experience a Flea Market at least once in their life, so why not in Raleigh! The Flea Market resembles a village market, and is definitely an alternate shopping experience. You don’t have to go with a purchase in mind, go to smell the smells, see the sights, and enjoy the experience.
State Farmers Market
1201 Agriculture St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Rows upon rows of fresh vegetables and produce line the elongated shelter that makes up the State Farmers Market. This can be considered a second home to farmers, as they sell their produce to make profit for their hard work. There is nothing like some fresh NC veggies. “Got To be NC,” right!? There is also honey, fresh flowers, and baked goods located at the State Farmers Market. Across the street is the State Farmers Market restaurant that serves good ‘ole country cookin’ courtesy of the produce sold at the State Farmers Market.
J.C. Raulston Arboretum
4415 Beryl Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606
Smell the roses, literally! The J.C. Raulston Arboretum, operated by NC State is a 10 acre garden for public enjoyment at no cost. There are seasonal gardens, so you can enjoy the flowers and plants all year! Yes, even in the winter; J.C. Raulston has an exclusive winter garden. You will find color trails, the white garden, the Japanese gardens, the Lath House, perennials, annuals, and much, much more at the J.C. Raulston Arboretum. This arboretum is an NC State Horticulture student’s safe haven. Enjoy the beautiful work exhibited here every season.
The Alley
2512 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607
You can’t be a Raleigh resident and not know about The Alley. It is most definitely a rule (not actually). For those of you who don’t know about The Alley it is an old school bowling alley. Pull on your bell-bottoms because it feels like you are stepping straight back into the 70’s as soon as you walk in the door. Cheap bowling, cheap beer, and a unique experience is what you will find at the Alley. Wednesday nights are college night and The Alley transforms into a dance club scene equipped with a DJ.
