The Research Triangle area has consistently been rated among the best places for families, with a host of cultural, active, and dining attractions (e.g., https://livability.com/best-places/2023-top-100-best-places-to-live-in-the-us/#top-one-hundred-list ). The City of Durham has accessible attractions, especially fun for families, on or nearby campus:
The NC Museum of Life and Science (tickets required), includes 84 acres of paths and exhibits (e.g., hideaway woods, butterflies, animals, water features). This venue is a favorite for families of Duke/UNC/NC State faculty.
Duke Lemur Center (tickets and reservation required) is 5 minutes from the Duke campus.
Sarah P. Duke Garden (free, on-campus) is within walking distance of conference sessions and excellent for daytime excursions.
Durham Bulls Baseball (tickets required) games are in downtown Durham, approximately a 10-minute drive from Duke’s campus. The 2025 season schedule will be released in the fall of 2024.
The Duke Forest (free, hiking/walking), has multiple sections for nature walks/runs in Durham County.
The Al Buehler and Sally Meyerhoff Trails (adjacent to campus) are popular 3-mile and 2-mile fitness loops in the Duke Forest surrounding the Washington Duke Inn.
Eno River State Park (free, hiking/walking, multiple trailheads)
Nearby Cary opened Downtown Cary Park in November of 2023 boasting 7 acres of “great lawn”, water features, play areas, food and beverage facilities, and more.
