Top picks
Happy Birthday America Party at Marbles
This is the big ticket item for the weekend if you want to get out of the house but stay cool. Marbles is hosting a massive, free indoor celebration for America’s 250th birthday with live music, art activities, a birthday parade, and even a songwriting workshop with Trey Charlez starting at 10:00 AM. It is going to be loud, busy, and incredibly fun, so prepare yourself for crowds. * Logistics: Saturday, June 27, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM at 201 East Hargett Street, Raleigh. Free. * Who is this for: The whole family, especially preschoolers and elementary-aged kids.Summer Sax by the Tracks at New Hope Valley Railway
If you have a train-obsessed kid, this is a no-brainer. You get to take a real train ride through the countryside and then hang out in the rail yard to listen to live saxophone music. It is a great mix of movement, outdoor time, and a little bit of culture without the pressure of a quiet concert hall. * Logistics: Saturday, June 27, departures at 10:30 AM and 12:00 PM at 3900 Bonsal Rd., New Hill. Free admission to the yard, but you will want to check train ticket availability online before you drive out. * Who is this for: Toddlers, big kids, and train-loving grandparents.Preschool & Toddler D is for Dirt!
Let’s be honest, your kids are going to get dirty anyway, so you might as well let someone else clean up the mess. Green Road Community Library is hosting a playdate dedicated entirely to dirt, worms, and planting seeds. They even have edible "dirt" made of gummy worms and cookies, which is always a massive hit. * Logistics: Saturday, June 27, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM at Green Road Community Library, Raleigh. Free. * Who is this for: Toddlers and preschoolers who do not mind getting their hands dirty.Grand Opening of Fit4Mom Hillsborough-Mebane
If you have been looking for a workout community where nobody cares if your kid is crying or eating a snack off the floor, this is your chance to check out Fit4Mom. They are celebrating their grand opening with a free workout class, kids' activities, and prizes. Register online ahead of time if you want to snag one of their swag bags and get the paperwork out of the way. * Logistics: Saturday, June 27, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at River Park, 144 E Margaret Lane, Hillsborough. Free. * Who is this for: Moms of all fitness levels and their stroller-aged kids.Budding Explorers at JC Raulston Arboretum
For the older kids who have outgrown standard storytimes, this hands-on reptile program is a fantastic outdoor option. Kids get to act as junior herpetologists, learn about snake adaptations, and practice identifying local North Carolina snakes. The arboretum is beautiful, but it will get hot, so bring plenty of water. * Logistics: Saturday, June 27, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh. Free. Suggested for ages 8 to 10. * Who is this for: Elementary-aged kids who love critters and science.Also worth knowing
* Blaze AUSL Signature Series — 201 Corcoran Street, Durham · Thursday, June 25 · Watch the Carolina Blaze professional softball team take on the defending champions, the Utah Talons. * Sunflowers planted in 4 spots at Dix Park — Dix Park, Raleigh · Saturday, June 27, 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM · The main blooms are expected in mid-July, but you can plan your future photo ops and learn which local fields allow cutting. * June StoryWalks® of Wake County Parks — Various Wake County Parks · Saturday, June 27, 8:00 AM · Free · Read a children's book page-by-page while taking a self-guided nature walk. * The Girl Scouts Market June 27 — Reaching All Minds Academy, 2703 Holloway Street, Durham · Saturday, June 27, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM · Support local young entrepreneurs at this yard sale featuring snacks and drinks. * Take a step for Wake County children and teens! — Knightdale Station Park, Knightdale · Saturday, June 27, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM · Free · A family-friendly community walk and run to raise awareness for foster parenting. * Family Storytime (Cary) — Cary Regional Library · Saturday, June 27, 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM · Free · Interactive books and music for ages 0-5; arrive early to grab a ticket at the desk. * Family Storytime (North Regional) — North Regional Library, Raleigh · Saturday, June 27, 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM · Free · Music, movement, and stories to build pre-reading skills; tickets required at the desk. * Family Storytime (Fuquay-Varina) — Fuquay-Varina Community Library · Saturday, June 27, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM · Free · A fun, interactive morning of rhymes and books for babies through kindergarteners. * Family Storytime (East Regional) — East Regional Library, Knightdale · Saturday, June 27, 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM · Free · Active early literacy program with books and movement. * Family Storytime (Northeast Regional) — Northeast Regional Library, Raleigh · Saturday, June 27, 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM · Free · Rhymes, songs, and books to get little ones moving and learning. * Family Storytime (West Regional) — West Regional Library, Cary · Saturday, June 27, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM · Free · Interactive story program designed for young children and their caregivers. * Family Storytime (Athens Drive) — Athens Drive Community Library, Raleigh · Saturday, June 27, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM · Free · A morning of books, music, and movement for early learners. * Family Storytime (Richard B. Harrison) — Richard B. Harrison Community Library, Raleigh · Saturday, June 27, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM · Free · Sing, learn, and dance along at this interactive library session. * Family Storytime (Morrisville) — Morrisville Community Library · Saturday, June 27, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM · Free · Early literacy fun; make sure to arrive early to secure your entry ticket. * Ready, Set, School Community Playdates — East Regional Library, Knightdale · Saturday, June 27, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM · Free · Play-based school readiness activities hosted by Marbles Kids Museum for ages 3-5. * Page 158 Books Storytime — 415 Brooks St., Wake Forest · Saturday, June 27, 11:00 AM · Free · A cozy, local bookstore storytime held every Tuesday and Saturday. * Bilingual Storytime — Wendell Community Library · Saturday, June 27, 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM · Free · An interactive family storytime presented in both English and Spanish. * ABC Craft and Learn (Duraleigh Road) — Duraleigh Road Community Library, Raleigh · Saturday, June 27, 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM · Free · Kindergarten readiness program featuring hands-on crafts for ages 3-5. * ABC Craft and Learn (Wake County) — Wake County Library Location · Saturday, June 27, 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM · Free · Interactive skill-building and crafting for preschoolers preparing for school. * Family Storytime (Wake Forest) — Wake Forest Community Library · Saturday, June 27, 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM · Free · This week's interactive story and movement theme is all about cars.
See you out there! — Nina