You may have noticed by now that the site posts are divided into 2 major categories. One is meant to provide information and drive traffic to the site (Posts), while this journal is a place for me to speak openly about our experiences traveling all over the country in pursuit of adventure.
Sometimes this may be a story about how Elkin NC or St. Paul VA touched my heart in a way that only travel can do. Other times it may be behind the scenes stories, or a just a chance to wax philosophical. In any case, I’m honored you’re taking a moment to read.
All of the journal content will be my own words, not augmented by AI, made for search engine optimization or clicks. The journal is my chance to “get this out of my system”. Writing may not be a highly valued skillset in the near future, but it’s something I’ve always enjoyed.
Thanks for being here, and be sure to look around, and of course contact us if you need any drone videography, video editing, or a small team to highlight your AirBnB, Hotel, Restaurant, or travel experience!
When the skies open up in North Carolina’s Triangle region, it doesn’t mean fun is canceled. Whether you’re based in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, or Chapel Hill, there are plenty of indoor activities for kids and families that will keep the good times rolling — no umbrellas needed.
Here are 10 of our favorite indoor adventures in the Triangle that will entertain your crew no matter the weather. Don’t forget to follow @NCMomAdventures on Instagram for more rainy day fun!
1. 🧩 Marbles Kids Museum – Raleigh
Marbles Kids Museum is an absolute must for young kids. Hands-on exhibits, pretend-play zones, and an on-site IMAX theater make this downtown Raleigh gem a go-to for families.
✅ Best For: Ages 2–10 🎟️ Budget: $ 📍 Location: 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC
2. 🎳 Kings Dining & Entertainment – North Hills, Raleigh
Bowling, billiards, shuffleboard, and kid-friendly food — Kings North Hills offers upscale, all-ages entertainment in a stylish retro space. Reserve ahead on rainy weekends!
3. 🧗♀️ The Climbing Place or Triangle Rock Club – Morrisville / Durham / Raleigh
Indoor rock climbing at Triangle Rock Club is perfect for burning off energy and building confidence. They offer kids’ areas and day passes.
4. 🕹️ Boxcar Bar + Arcade – Durham + Raleigh
Boxcar offers retro arcade games and pinball for grownups and kids (before 9 p.m.). Boxcar Durham and Boxcar Raleigh both have open seating and family-friendly vibes earlier in the day.
5. 🎨 Museum of Life and Science – Durham
While some exhibits are outdoors, The Museum of Life and Science has fantastic indoor areas including aerospace, weather, and “Hideaway Woods” indoor play structures. Plan a full-day adventure.
Older kids (8+) and parents will love teaming up to solve mysteries at Cipher Escape. Great for birthdays, too.
7. 🍿 Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Raleigh
More than just a movie theater, Alamo Drafthouse offers family matinees, retro screenings, and an extensive food menu — all from your seat.
8. 🤹♀️ Defy or SkyZone Trampoline Parks – Durham / Raleigh / Cary
Let your kids bounce out their rainy-day energy at Defy Apex or SkyZone. Most have toddler zones and obstacle courses.
9. 🎯 Partee Shack – Raleigh
Partee shack has enough to keep you and your older kids entertained for hours on a rainy day. This includes putting through a school bus, a plinko golf obstacle, putting through a photo booth and more! Here’s a great video showcasing some of the fun:
Explore the interactive LEGO Store, Build-a-Bear, or simply let the kids ride the train at The Streets at Southpoint. Bonus: KidZania is scheduled to open in Durham, bringing a whole world of roleplay fun indoors.
🎥 Bonus: Follow the Fun on Video
Like I mentioned at the top, the beautiful @NCMomAdventures is always covering new fun indoor activities on her Instagram!
Final Thoughts
Rain doesn’t have to ruin your plans — not in the Triangle! Whether you’re wrangling toddlers, entertaining tweens, or just looking for an easy escape from the weather, there’s plenty to explore indoors.
Let me know your favorites — or if I missed any — and be sure to check back for more family-friendly finds at OverTheMap.com.
Whether you’re chasing weekend plans or just looking to get the kids out of the house without breaking the bank, Raleigh is full of family fun—you just have to know where to look.
These four websites make it easy to discover the best local events, hidden gems, and seasonal fun. Plus, we’ll introduce you to one of Raleigh’s most helpful Instagram accounts for real-time family ideas and honest reviews. Of course I’m personally a fan of @NCMomAdventures. She’s got a perfect mix of free activities, hidden gems, and I handle all of her drone videography.
This is your one-stop-shop for all things family in Raleigh. With a constantly updated calendar and directories for everything from local events to kids’ classes and birthday venues, Fun 4 Raleigh Kids is incredibly parent-friendly and well organized.
Why parents love it:
Free & low-cost events for all ages
Parks, playgrounds, camps, and storytimes
Easy filters for different ages and interests
Pro Tip: Bookmark their event calendar—it’s one of the most useful tools for planning your week.
The official site for Raleigh tourism, this one’s packed with top-tier family attractions like Marbles Kids Museum, Pullen Park, and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
While it leans a little more “big picture” than local blogs, it’s ideal when you want a guaranteed good time or need ideas for visiting friends and family.
Run by one of Raleigh’s most trusted news outlets, WRAL’s Go Ask Mom section is filled with useful weekly event roundups, parenting tips, and timely updates. It’s also a reliable source for discovering new exhibits, family performances, or outdoor movie nights.
This locally run blog shines with personal recommendations, honest reviews, and creative ideas for families with young kids. From hidden playgrounds to U-pick farms and indoor play spaces, Amy adds a fresh, personal lens to everything it covers.
Looking for real-life, visual inspiration from a fellow North Carolina parent? Follow @NCMomAdventures on Instagram. She shares short-form video reviews and mini-adventures from all over the state—including hidden gems in Raleigh, budget-friendly tips, and what outings are really like with kids in tow.
Expect 1-minute reels, honest insights, and ideas you won’t find on tourism sites.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Family fun in Raleigh is everywhere—you just need the right guides to uncover it. These trusted sites (and one amazing local mom creator) will help you turn everyday weekends into unforgettable memories.
Know a hidden gem or can’t-miss family spot? Drop it in the comments!
Whether you’re trying to stretch a few dollars on a weekend outing or just looking for a blast of nostalgia with your kids, Frankie’s Fun Park in Raleigh, NC delivers big fun on a small budget.
We recently spent an afternoon exploring go-karts, arcade games, and neon-lit chaos—and honestly? It was worth every penny. If you’re strategic, you can have a great time here without blowing your whole entertainment budget.
This was hands-down our favorite part of Frankie’s. You can choose from different tracks depending on your age and nerve level. The main course delivers just the right blend of speed, safety, and sibling competition.
Tip: Rides start around $8–$10, so if you’re trying to keep costs low, go once—then let the memory live forever.
🎯 2. Play the Ticket Games (Skill + Luck + Glitter)
If you’re going to spend money at the arcade, make it count by hitting the ticket-earning games. We loved:
Down the Clown – surprisingly satisfying, and a decent payout
Big Bass Wheel – pure luck, but tons of fun
Skee-Ball – a classic, and one of the best skill-based options
Wizard of Oz – This is a new take on the old coin pushing machine, where you shoot coins to earn tickets, tokens, and cards that can be redeemed. Highly addictive and a favorite of our family.
Pro tip: Swipe your card on ticket games with higher odds or a visible jackpot. Your digital card keeps track of everything, and you can redeem prizes later without pressure.
🕹️ 3. Don’t Skip the Claw Machines
Yes, they’re rigged. Yes, we still play them. Frankie’s has a whole lineup of plush claw machines and more intense setups with electronics or gaming gear.
We saw someone win an enormous squishmallow while we were there—so, it can happen. Just maybe not to you.
🍔 4. Grab a Snack (and Skip the Fancy Stuff)
Frankie’s has food options ranging from burgers and fries to full meals. If you’re keeping things affordable, we recommend:
Grabbing a hot dog or chicken tenders combo
Splitting a pizza with friends or siblings
Going light and saving your money for games
The food is convenient and kid-approved. It’s hard to beat the vibe of snacking with arcade tokens in your pocket and neon lights bouncing off your soda.
📹 Watch the Full Experience in 60 Seconds
Watch our Frankie’s Fun Park review on YouTube to see what it’s like in action—complete with game highlights, our go-kart lap, and real-time reactions to some questionable claw machine physics.
It’s a quick hit that might help you plan your visit—or just give you 60 seconds of pure fun.
🎉 Final Thoughts
You don’t have to spend a fortune to make great memories at Frankie’s Fun Park in Raleigh. With a little planning, you can enjoy the best rides, rack up tickets, and still walk out with some change in your pocket (plus maybe a rubber duck and some candy from the prize counter).
Tucked into the Yadkin Valley like a best-kept secret, Elkin, North Carolina is the kind of place that surprises you—in all the right ways. While it’s known for its award-winning wineries, there’s a lot more to this charming small town than swirling a glass of merlot.
We recently spent a weekend in Elkin and didn’t step foot in a vineyard (many of them are not kid friendly)—and yet? We left feeling full, inspired, and already planning our next trip.
Here are 7 unforgettable things to do in Elkin, NC (besides vineyards)—each one tested and loved. You can view a video of some of the areas mentioned here on Youtube.
Our home base for the weekend was Three Trails, a thoughtfully designed cottage tucked near the downtown strip. It’s part of Carolina Experience, a boutique rental group that specializes in places with soul—and it shows.
This spot was peaceful, walkable, and filled with warm, local touches. It’s named for the three hiking trails that converge right in Elkin—and whether you’re a nature lover, cyclist, or porch-sitter, you’ll feel right at home.
Inside a restored historic warehouse, Angry Troll Brewing delivers big flavor in a laid-back setting. It’s the kind of place where locals gather, travelers linger, and the smell of smoked wings and fresh hops lures you from a block away.
We tried the wood-fired pizza, the Angry Amber, and their flagship IPA—every bite and sip hit the spot.
Pro tip: Sit upstairs for a view of the brewing tanks and a cozy vibe with brick walls and good energy.
Just a short drive from downtown is the wide, winding Yadkin River—a place that invites you to slow down. You can kayak, fish, or just breathe in the stillness.
We took a walk along the water and caught golden hour peeking through the trees. It’s the kind of place that resets your pace—and your perspective.
The staff was friendly, welcoming, and brimming with local knowledge—from trail maps and seasonal events to little-known spots you won’t find on TripAdvisor. It felt less like a brochure stop and more like a warm local handshake.
🛍️ 5. Stroll Through Downtown Elkin
Downtown Elkin feels like something from a storybook—but with just enough grit to give it soul. It’s lined with historic buildings, locally owned shops, and murals that make you stop and smile.
We wandered into antique stores, browsed a used bookstore, and grabbed coffee from a cheerful café. It’s a walkable downtown that rewards curiosity. The highlight for me was a Saturday morning farmers market with a string band playing violins, a cello and more.
You wouldn’t expect to find a craft cocktail bar in a small town—but Fruition Cocktail Bar is a total gem.
From smoked bourbon to botanical gin creations, every drink is crafted with intention—and looks as good as it tastes. The vibe is intimate, polished, and welcoming. It’s the kind of spot you sink into at the end of a day and wonder why you don’t have one of these back home.
While we didn’t visit a vineyard this time, it’s worth noting: Elkin is the beating heart of the Yadkin Valley wine region. There are more than a dozen wineries within a short drive—each with its own charm, views, and varietals. But, many of these are not necessarily family friendly. So if you are traveling without the kids, or can leave them with Grandma and Grandpa for a few hours, you should absolutely take a wine tour that departs from downtown.
Whether you’re into dry reds or sweet muscadines, there’s a vineyard for you. Check out the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail to start mapping your next adventure.
✨ Final Thoughts
Elkin may not shout for attention—but it rewards those who listen. Whether you’re chasing trails, toasting local brews, or wandering without a plan, this town has a way of settling into your bones.
So if you’re looking for a North Carolina getaway that’s equal parts restful and real, Elkin’s ready to welcome you.
Have you been to Elkin? Got a hidden gem to share? Drop it in the comments—because we’re already planning our next visit.
Views from Above. Moments that Matter. 