Week of January 13th: Free (or Nearly Free) Things to Do with Kids in Raleigh, NC During the 3-Day MLK Weekend

Looking for ways to keep the kids busy without spending a fortune during the long MLK weekend? Whether you’re hoping to get out of the house, try something new, or balance fun with learning and service, Raleigh offers plenty of free and nearly free activities for families. From toddler-friendly library programs and hands-on museums to creative workshops for teens and meaningful MLK Day service opportunities, this list makes it easy to plan a fun-filled three-day weekend for kids of all ages—without blowing your budget. Bookmark this guide and start planning your January adventures!

👶 For Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 3–5)

ABC Craft and Learn for Kids
📅 Sunday, 1/19 | 1:30–2:15 PM
📍 Athens Drive Community Library
➡️ This interactive program invites children ages 3–5 and their caregivers to explore letters through crafts that help develop pre-reading and fine motor skills.
👉 Find more about the library and its programs: Wake County Libraries – Athens Drive Community Library

Cost: FREE
Perfect for: Little learners and early literacy practice

🎒 For Elementary-Age Kids

Play & Learn at Marbles Museum
📅 Open all weekend & MLK Day
📍 Downtown Raleigh
✨ Explore hands-on exhibits, play zones, and imagination-sparking activities at Marbles Kids Museum.
💡 Tip: Tickets are cheaper when you buy in advance and can increase if purchased the same day.
🎫 Plan your visit and buy tickets here: https://www.marbleskidsmuseum.org/plan-your-visit

Cost: ~$9.50 advance / ~$12.50 day-of (kids under 1 free)

Science Fun at the NC Natural Sciences Museum
📅 Open Saturday & Sunday
📍 Downtown Raleigh
✨ Visit North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences for free science exhibits perfect for hands-on learning and exploring nature, animals, fossils, and more.

Cost: FREE

🌳 3-Day Weekend Fun for Toddlers & Elementary Kids

Pullen Park Playtime
📍 Pullen Park
Before renovations start in February and March, take advantage of the open green space, playgrounds, and classic rides. Some attractions are free, while others (like the carousel and train) are around $2 each.

Cost: Mostly FREE with small fees on certain attractions

🎨 For Teens

Junk Journaling Workshop
📅 Saturday, 1/18 | 2–3 PM
📍 Southgate Community Library
🧠 Teens can learn to design personalized journals using found paper, souvenirs, and fun crafting techniques. All supplies are provided—and creativity is encouraged!
👉 Details here: Event listing for Junk Journaling at Southgate (check Wake County Public Libraries calendar or RSVP if requested). (Junk Journaling Tickets, Sat, Jan 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM | Eventbrite)

Cost: FREE

🤝 Volunteer Opportunities for Teens on MLK Day — Monday, January 19 (Raleigh, NC)

Spending a day giving back is a meaningful way for teens to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service and community. Here are three great opportunities in Raleigh where teens can volunteer on MLK Day:

MLK Teen Day of Service — YMCA of the Triangle (Raleigh)

📅 Monday, Jan. 19 | 10:00 AM–1:30 PM
📍 A.E. Finley YMCA — Raleigh, NC
Teens are invited to join the MLK Teen Day of Service — “A Day On, Not a Day Off” — a hands-on volunteer experience focused on community projects like assembling literacy kits, hygiene kits, and no-sew blankets for local partners. All volunteers must register through Volunteer Matters.

👉 Sign up & details: MLK Teen Day of Service | YMCA of the Triangle

 MLK Day of Service — YMCA of the Triangle (Raleigh)

📅 Monday, Jan. 19
📍 Multiple YMCA locations in Raleigh
The YMCA MLK Day of Service includes opportunities like transporting food donations and packing care packages for the Raleigh Dream Center, as well as other local service projects happening throughout the day.

👉 Learn more & check opportunities: MLK Day of Service | YMCA of the Triangle

💡 Tip for parents: Some volunteer shifts may require pre-registration or parental consent for youth volunteers. Teens can also check the broader Activate Good Dignity Week listings for additional MLK Day projects around the Triangle (including Raleigh) at Dignity Week - Activate Good — a great resource for ongoing community service beyond the holiday.