Top 11 Best Things to do in Raleigh if Under 21

Founded in 1792 with the sole purpose of having the city become the capital of North Carolina, one could always overlook Raleigh over other cities.

Currently known as the City of Oaks, Raleigh has a lot to offer its visitors, no matter the age.

Raleigh has a charming downtown area. It has several museums where the admission could either be free or cheap.

Because of these museums and other learning establishments, the city’s culture is becoming more sophisticated as the years go by. There are also art galleries, good food, and a lot of music.

The city gained its reputation as another perfect getaway when visiting North Carolina.

Are you 21 or younger and are visiting Raleigh soon?

Fear not because we have everything laid down for you.

Our list has restaurants, museums, and other places of interest that will never make you feel out of place when in Raleigh.

The list starts below.

Enjoy!

1. North Carolina State Capitol

The city of Raleigh is the seat of government in North Carolina.

The city is a great place to visit when you want to enrich your political education.

The North Carolina State Capitol is a beautiful building. Aside from its beauty, it is a historical structure, too.

A visit to Raleigh would not be complete without a tour of this building.

First constructed in 1840, the North Carolina State Capitol underwent several renovations. One of the most stunning updates to the building is its dome. It was an addition done in 1970.

What amazes visitors is always the building’s beautiful Greek Revival design. Such a design remains up to this day.

When you visit, you can take a tour of the state capitol. Here, you will learn everything about the government in North Carolina.

If you want to have full learning experiences, visit the state capitol.

2. North Carolina Museum of Art

It started with an initial display of 74 paintings. The paintings, a donation by local businessman Robert F. Phifer, are on display up to this day.

Visiting the North Carolina Museum of Art is one of the best and most enriching things you can do in Raleigh.

At present, the museum has an impressive collection of paintings from all corners of the globe. The collection includes major European Renaissance paintings and Egyptian funerary art. There are also sculptures and vases from ancient Greece and Rome.

Aside from these artifacts, there are several American and international artworks, pre-Columbian and Oceanic art, and more.

The museum of art also houses more than a dozen oversized art pieces.

These are all in the museum’s park.

The museum of art also hosts temporary exhibits. Once in a while, there are lectures, classes, performances, workshops, and concerts.

The museum has the goal of inspiring teens. The aim is to inspire creativity among teens through online courses in the Art of Game Design. There are also online courses for Art of Fashion.

Aside from these two, there are several other courses teens and young artists can take.

3. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

What is great about visiting downtown Raleigh is the proximity of one attraction.

Downtown Raleigh is full of them.

One of these attractions downtown is the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. And this attraction is one of the biggest there is in the city.

The forces and wonders of nature are all here. And visiting the museum will allow you to be in close contact with some of them.

A visit could sometimes be an overload of information. But there is so much to know and see about our world.

The fascinating exhibits are those that tackle the age of the dinosaurs. There is also a corner that focuses on the tropics. Finally, there is a butterfly room that you can also visit.

And if you want to discuss more the topics you find in the museum, there are experts around you can ask.

The museum and its experts should be great, especially if you come with your little brother or sister. The experts can all explain and even tap into their natural sense of curiosity.

The museum is proof of how great our world is.

4. North Carolina Museum of History

Established in 1902, the North Carolina Museum of History has an extensive artifact collection of more than 150,000.

The total gallery area of the museum is enormous at 55,000 square feet. The gallery houses permanent and temporary exhibits.

There is a research library that you can browse through. There are also several classrooms and a large, well-equipped auditorium that can seat 315 people.

One of the permanent exhibits you should not miss is The Story of North Carolina. It is the largest exhibit ever displayed here.

The exhibit shows the traces of the everyday lives of those that lived in North Carolina. The exhibition covers items of daily life that span more than 14,000 years.

The multimedia exhibit covers fascinating artifacts, dioramas, a few more presentations, and several interactive activities.

If you are searching for something educational to do in Raleigh, visiting the museum is a great option.

5. Marbles Kids Museum

The Marbles Kids Museum is another destination in Raleigh that is fitting if you are coming with your little brother or sister.

Aside from the museum being interactive, it is also fun.

For sure, the kids will be giddy with excitement. And not just the kids, but you will be full of excitement.

In this museum, you will realize that you are never too young (or too old) to be curious about your surroundings.

The most notable highlights in the museum are “Around Town,” which gives kids the chance to simulate everyday adult tasks. Some of these are driving and going to work (or school).

A couple of highlights are Treetunes which is an introduction to music. Sun Sprouts is another must-visit, which talks more about gardening.

As mentioned earlier, it is not only the kids who will enjoy it. The adults will love it here, too.

6. Taste North Carolina Gourmet Food Tours

If there is something about Raleigh, it is their food.

The city is famous for its good food.

Coming here for a limited number of days can sometimes be overwhelming.

Where do you start?

If you do not know where to begin, try going with the Taste North Carolina Gourmet Food Tours. The tour has knowledgeable local guides who will take you on walking tours. The tour will have you visit some of the best restaurants Raleigh offers.

There are signature dishes introduced. There will be some stories too about the town’s history and architecture. All of these while you gobble up some dish a famous chef made before your arrival.

7. Pullen Park

If you love the outdoors, Pullen Park should be a perfect destination in Raleigh.

Here, you will come to enjoy several indoor and outdoor attractions. You can also go through several other corners of the park to unwind.

Established in the late 19th century, Pullen Park continues to be one of the best places to visit in Raleigh.

It has more than 60 acres of land. The park, which is near downtown Raleigh, is a much-loved part of the city.

Locals and tourists alike love coming here.

At the park, you can have a picnic. You can also come here to play some sports.

Once in a while, performances are on show at the theater.

Finally, it is also at the park that you will find the aquatic center. You can come here for a swim.

Of course, coming here for a stroll is also perfect. You can stroll through the park while enjoying the joys of the park’s view.

8. Joel Lane Museum House

When you ask locals, they will refer to the Joel Lane Museum House as the birthplace of Raleigh.

It was in 1769 when plantation owner Joel Lane had the house built.

At the time, the house enjoyed the title of being the Best House for 100 Miles.

Over the past few years, the house underwent several restorations. It is now an important historical destination in Raleigh that could take its guests back to the 18th century.

Currently, the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America owns the property.

It is common to find lectures and guided tours here.

You can also lease the property for special occasions.

So, if you are getting married and would like to have your venue here, send them a message.

9. JC Raulston Arboretum

Imagine seeing thousands of plants all in one place.

That is possible.

If you come to visit JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, you will see thousands of unique plants all in one area.

Visitors who love nature and guests who love plants always find themselves enjoying their visit here.

Visiting the greenhouse is a feast for the eyes and nose. And yes, guests love the enchantment they receive from the natural gems that are the plants.

Of course, there are several trees here, too, aside from the plants.

Among these unique trees are the muku tree, the seven sons tree, and the golden chain tree.

You will also find rare plants here, including the twin-flowering abelia. This greenhouse also has the blue baneberry perennial and the twisted tongue agave.

There are tours within the premises. The tours are educational as they provide you with insights to understand the plants better.

10. Stanbury

Located in a charming old building around the Mordecai neighborhood is a hip and modern restaurant.

The restaurant is a few minutes away from downtown Raleigh.

The decors and ambiance will make you feel Raleigh’s hospitality and warm welcome here.

Once you enter, you will see several wooden tables, a bustling open kitchen, and many other wooden pieces of furniture.

Most days, the restaurant is packed with happy customers.

Through word of mouth, customers always hear about this fantastic restaurant.

The menu is not permanent. It changes daily, depending on the available ingredients.

Every day, the menu features dishes made with the freshest locally-sourced ingredients.

You will also observe that some of the dishes are adventurous takes on American classics.

Stanbury is famous for its imaginative menu. And it would be best if you tried it, too.

11. The Mordecai House

Finally, in 11th place is another fantastic historical home in the city. This home is the Mordecai House.

Finished in 1785, The Mordecai House stood strong for many centuries. It is even older compared to other homes in the whole of Raleigh.

Currently listed as a National Historic Landmark, the house provides visitors with an excellent opportunity to learn more about the home and its owners.

Initially, the Mordecai House was a plantation.

Currently, it is a beautiful museum and park.

It is also fun to ride one of the historic Raleigh Trolley Tours. Riding the trolley will be fun if you are already in the Mordecai House.

The trolley ride starts and ends at the Mordecai House.

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When in Raleigh, there is always fun everywhere. Whenever you come to the city, it always rains.

Several attractions appeal to kids, teens, young adults, and adults.

In Raleigh, you will get only the best southern hospitality.

And you do not have to be 22 to enjoy the city.

You can be 21 (or younger) and have fun in one (or two) of the city’s museums. You can also participate in a food tour and a lot more.

How about you?

Have you been to Raleigh?

Please let me know.