Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh (must see)

Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh’s Moore Square Historic District, Marbles Kids Museum is a vibrant nonprofit children’s museum dedicated to sparking imagination, discovery, and learning through play. Established in 2007 from the merger of Exploris and Playspace, Marbles has become a cornerstone for family fun and educational development in the community.

With over a dozen interactive, play-based exhibits, Marbles offers a wide range of creative and practical experiences that encourage intellectual, emotional, physical, and social development. From the thrilling underwater exploration of Splash to the hands-on creativity of imagiFAB, which focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities, there’s something to engage every child’s curiosity.

Marbles’ Around Town exhibit, a pint-sized version of the adult world, allows children to role-play and learn about different professions and community roles. Meanwhile, Moneypalooza introduces kids to the basics of financial literacy through vibrant, playful activities.

A standout feature of the museum is its 3D-capable IMAX theater, boasting the largest conventional IMAX screen in North Carolina. Visitors can immerse themselves in educational documentaries or enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters on a 70-foot-wide screen that promises an exhilarating viewing experience.

For those looking to take a piece of the museum home, the Marbles store offers a curated selection of educational toys and games that complement the exhibits. Additionally, the award-winning Bean Sprouts Café provides healthy, whimsical food options that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat, catering to both children and adults.

Marbles Kids Museum is designed primarily for children aged 10 and under. With so many interactive and engaging exhibits, visitors are encouraged to allocate at least two hours to fully enjoy the museum’s offerings.

Whether it's dressing up as a pirate, stepping into the shoes of a reporter, or creating a masterpiece in the art studio, Marbles Kids Museum invites kids to think, explore, and, above all, have fun—because at Marbles, play is serious business.