Hospitality

🟨 Group Rate for HSWS Teams
Special discounted group rates are available exclusively for teams participating in the 2026 Homeschool Softball World Series. Booking within the group block ensures easy access to tournament amenities and keeps your team together in one convenient location.

Things to Do in Raleigh, NC

While You're Here for the Homeschool Softball World Series

Welcome to Raleigh! As teams and families arrive for the Homeschool Softball World Series, wake up your downtime with these top-rated things to see, eat, and do around the city—ideal for groups of all ages and interests.

🏛️ Must-See Museums & Educational Stops

• North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
  Dive into the Southeast's largest natural history museum. With dinosaur skeletons, live animals, interactive science exhibits, and even onsite research centers, it’s a full-day adventure—completely free to the public.

• North Carolina Museum of Art & Museum Park
  Explore the galleries showcasing global art followed by a stroll through the scenic 164-acre outdoor sculpture park. Bike or walk the Art to Heart Trail, which connects the museum to downtown Raleigh through beautiful landscapes. Admission to permanent collection and park is free.

• North Carolina Museum of History
  Located just across from the Natural Sciences museum, this cultural highlight houses rotating and permanent exhibits tracing the rich history of North Carolina.

🌳 Parks, Trails & Outdoor Fun

• Pullen Park
  Raleigh's oldest public park (since 1887), Pullen Park offers pedal boats, a historic carousel, miniature train rides, playgrounds and picnic areas—all great for a relaxing afternoon between games.

• Capital Area Greenway & Lake Johnson / Lake Lynn Trails
  Over 180 miles of paved trails, boardwalks, lakes, and natural areas. Perfect for walking, biking, and letting the kids burn off energy outdoors. Don’t miss the scenic loops at Lake Johnson and Lake Lynn.

• William B. Umstead State Park
  Just 15 minutes from downtown, this park offers hiking, biking, equestrian trails and boat rentals. A refreshing escape into nature when you’re ready for more greenery.

🍽️ Food & Dining Highlights

Raleigh’s food scene is booming—whether you want quick bites or local flavor:

• Grab authentic North Carolina barbecue at The Pit or quirky local favorites like Bad Daddy's Burger Bar.

• For adventurous tastes, try new culinary spots like Peregrine, offering bold fusion dishes, or discover rotating dessert stalls at Al Baraka Market.

• In the Triangle (Raleigh–Durham–Chapel Hill), there’s everything from food halls like Transfer Co. to globally inspired cocktails and breweries.

🧒 Kid-Friendly and Family Activities

• Marbles Kids Museum (Downtown)—hands-on science, art, and interactive play zones. Perfect for younger siblings needing fun while parents watch the games.

• Homeschool Sports Programs & Events—check local listings on Fun4RaleighKids for organized homeschool‐friendly activities, crafts, lawn games, and possible pickleball or soccer meetups.

📅 Suggested Itineraries

Morning:

• Start your day with a museum visit—Natural Sciences or Art Museum.

Afternoon (between games):

• Head to Pullen Park or rent bikes to ride the Art to Heart Trail.

Evening:

• Casual dinner at a local favorite followed by stroll through downtown or a brewery visit.

Rainy or Game-Off Day Option:

• Explore indoor history exhibits or get creative at Marbles Kids Museum.

✅ Tips & Local Advice

• Parking & admission: Many museums offer free entry; metered downtown parking by hour or daily.

• Group-friendly: Museums and parks support group schedules—great for coordinating teams and families.

• Weather prep: Bring water bottles and light layers—spring weather in Raleigh can shift from cool to warm.

🌟 Why Raleigh Works for This Trip

Raleigh is celebrated as the “Smithsonian of the South,” thanks to its impressive and accessible museum scene while offering lush greenways, great food, and walkable neighborhoods—making it ideal for homeschool families traveling together.

Whether cheering on your team or exploring together, Raleigh delivers experiences to match every pace—without stretching the budget or time.