WRAL Soccer Park – Free Activities

In order to have a successful outing at WRAL Soccer Park, everyone needs to bring enthusiasm and energy onto the field. This is exactly what citizens of Raleigh, North Carolina, bring to their city every day.

Over the years, Raleigh has grown into a fantastic destination that offers many unique experiences. The natural wonder of North Carolina provides an excellent backdrop for art, dining, eclectic neighborhoods, and history. The city has a hometown atmosphere, so visitors won’t feel lost in the mix.

Luckily, visitors to WRAL Soccer Park can experience Raleigh on a budget while still getting the most out of their trip. The destinations below provide an awesome time without spending a dime.

Warehouse District

First off is the Warehouse District of Raleigh, located 19 minutes from WRAL Soccer Park. This area is popular with younger crowds that wants to experience the bars, restaurants, and breweries in the area. These sites attract visitors with their arcade games, outdoor seating, and casual atmosphere.

The Warehouse District is a walkable neighborhood, making it easy to explore. As a result, you’ll likely see locals and tourists alike walking around there on a beautiful day.

In addition to dining and drinking options, the Warehouse District is home to The Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh. This free museum features unique exhibits containing all kinds of modern art. The Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh is a non-collecting establishment, which means it does not hold onto any art permanently. This allows them to showcase new pieces every so often.

Overall, the Warehouse District of Raleigh is a lovely neighborhood perfect for those who want to experience an affordable destination.

Historic Oakwood

The Victorian neighborhood of Historic Oakwood is located 20 minutes from WRAL Soccer Park. This lovingly maintained neighborhood spans 30 blocks and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Hundreds of homes fill the area, making Historic Oakwood the largest 19th-century residential neighborhood still intact.

You can freely walk around the neighborhood and admire the architecture and pristinely kept gardens. Free walking tours of Historic Oakwood are also available, and the town’s website has a downloadable guide. Other neighborhood tours include a Candlelight Tour, during which the homeowners welcome visitors to see the inside of their historic houses. Lastly, the ever-popular Garden Tour provides a traditional tea experience and takes guests on a guided tour of the beautiful gardens in the neighborhood.

North Carolina State Capitol

Since Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina, a visit to the North Carolina State Capitol is a must. This National Historic Landmark was built in 1840 and is one of the best examples of Greek Revival architecture. This style of architecture was popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Because of this, the North Carolina State Capitol is an impressive sight to behold. To this day, it serves as the main office of the governor and their staff.

Visitors can take a free, self-guided tour of the Capitol from Mondays through Friday. Guided tours are available on Saturdays. The North Carolina State Capitol is 20 minutes from WRAL Soccer Park, and this free destination is definitely worth the trip.

Museums

North Carolina is an ideal destination for museum lovers; the state has more than 500 of them. Raleigh is no exception, and luckily for you, many of these museums are free.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the state’s most-visited museum and the largest natural history museum in the Southeast. Tourists can easily spot the three-story globe located on the outside the building, which is often referred to as the “Daily Planet.”

In the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, visitors learn about past and present wildlife in the area. Get a glimpse into prehistoric North Carolina, come face to face with a blue whale, and see the natural habitats of native species. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is 20 minutes from WRAL Soccer Park.

Also located 20 minutes away from WRAL Soccer Park, and next door to the Museum of Natural Sciences, is the North Carolina Museum of History. You can easily spend hours exploring the exhibits there and poring over their collection of nearly 150,000 artifacts. The museum covers 14,000 years of history, so of course there’s plenty to see. The North Carolina Museum of History also features a kid’s section, where little ones can learn about North Carolina history in a more accessible way. This is one outstanding destination that won’t cost you a thing.

Last on our list of free museums is the North Carolina Museum of Art, which is 21 minutes from WRAL Soccer Park. Their 12-plus galleries feature European, American, African, Egyptian, and Jewish art. If the weather is agreeable, guests can wander outside to enjoy the outdoor sculptures. Those who want a more in-depth experience can also take a free guided tour, which are available daily.

City Market

City Market in Raleigh is a historic marketplace that has been in operation since 1914. It’s a collection of artisan shops, restaurants with outdoor seating, and trendy bars along original, cobblestone streets lit up by lanterns.

Spend a few hours window shopping, people watching, and perhaps ending the afternoon with a fresh cocktail. City Market is only a 22-minute drive from WRAL Soccer Park.

Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden

One of the most photogenic places in Raleigh is also a free attraction. The Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden, located 22 minutes from WRAL Soccer Park, is a beautiful destination for all to enjoy.

The garden contains approximately 1,200 roses, representing 60 different varieties. There is also a fountain and stone gazebo, both of which are perfect for small events and photo shoots. The roses are in bloom from around Mother’s Day to October, so if you’re in the area during that time, definitely pay the Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden a visit.

As you can see, no matter what kind of budget you’re working with, there is plenty to do in Raleigh. These options are just the start of your jam-packed visit to the capital of North Carolina. While you’re visiting WRAL Soccer Park, carve out some time for your group to experience what Raleigh has to offer.