Marbles Kids Museum image

Marbles Kids Museum

Tourist attraction Museum Childrens museum Imax theater

One of the Best Places To Visits in Raleigh


Address

201 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States

Website

www.marbleskidsmuseum.org

Contact

+1 919-834-4040

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (6.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 7 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: kids (35) museum (15) time (11) great (8) hours (8) activities (8) enjoyed (7) spend (7) play (7) year (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Michael H. 2 years ago on Google
    Very clean. Masks required, which is great!! This is probably the best kids museum/activity center I've ever been to. My son is 2 and we could have easily spent 4 hours here. In two hours, we almost almost everything (but we were chasing our little guy all over). 5 stars all the way. We will be back - many more times!
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 satyajit d. 2 years ago on Google
    I wish I could give more stars here, this place deserves it. Absolute fun for the kids of any age. Loads of toys, variety of plays spread across a two-storey building. Any kid would have a blast. Tickets prices are fair, ample public parking spots around the vicinity. A must visit place for the kids.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sherry S. 1 year ago on Google
    What a wonderful museum for the kids and adults to explore together! So many activities and learning spaces! My grandchildren had the best time taking me to each and every space and playing while pretending and exploring! The favorites were the Medical van, Veterinary office, farm, helicopter, creative space, Toddler Hollow, Money, Camping, and Hockey! Enjoy this time for ages 8 months (Baby space that is wonderful) and up. Make sure you have plenty of time. We missed a couple of areas because I didn't allot more time (3 hours) so I would say at least 4 hours if you have an active preschooler or older kiddo. We had a 1 year old and 4 year old and could have stayed another couple of hours. Fabulous eating area for snacks and an on site Café for those who want to grab a meal and coffee. We also don't do a movie which is an option that they would have loved. Can't say enough great things. Go here for a day and have fun!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Theresa N. 9 months ago on Google
    We went on a Monday, there was a decent amount of people there. So I would recommend going on a Monday. There are a lot of exhibits here. My 8 month old enjoyed the baby area, there were a lot of soft obstacles for him to climb on. He also liked the toddler area, he could crawl around and there were some stuffed animals and some things for him to crawl on. I strolled him around to the other exhibits, he was too little for most of it but he enjoyed watching the other kids and splashing in the water table. The cafe outside was not great. I got a water and my daughter got a smoothie but the staff at the cafe were very friendly and attentive. There weren’t any handicap doors, which made it a little difficult with a stroller. I think we will be back when he’s 2, I think he’ll enjoy it a lot more! I would say if your child is walking until about 7 years old is perfect for this museum.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fung S. 2 years ago on Google
    My kids absolutely loved this place! So many different rooms with different themes. Easily spend half a day here, no problem. If you have young kids and need something to do. Go here.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pia B. 4 months ago on Google
    We got tickets in advance for the 10:30/11 time slot. Got there a bit later but that wasn't a problem. Easy access with scanning the tickets. The museum was very busy, but with it being the Wednesday before Thanksgiving it was expected. My kids are 7 and 9. They enjoyed the downstairs a lot but they enjoyed the upstairs more. The downstairs area is for smaller children I'd say. The upstairs is definitely more for the older kids. It's a lot of fun and you can easily spend the whole day there. There are plenty of hand sanitizing stations around the museum, there's an elevator, water fill up stations, a nursing station and plenty of bathrooms. The only thing I wish they would have had was free parking. You can street park and pay or pay for parking in one of the lots. But it wasn't a deal breaker. I definitely recommend this museum for children. We did not visit the cafe, gift shop or IMAX.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mr. N. 2 years ago on Google
    We had a blast with our little one. Lots of activity stations with different learning opportunities. (Even marbles on the walls.) We don't live in the area, but will definitely be back again. We especially loved the outside garden, the pirate ship, and the piggy bank "ball room".
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kevin K. 1 year ago on Google
    Marbles is a must for any family with kids. This place has something for all ages including adults. From toddler areas to learning how to use tools, it is even fun for the adults in the group. Today we attended a birthday party. Marbles has a great set up for events in an entirely separate building from the actual museum. The party encompasses three separate rooms that were filled with activities for kids. After cake and presents, the party is invited into the museum for some more crazy fun. In addition to the museum they have a small gift shop to explore as well. They have a limited selection of food if you get hungry as well. Another major plus is the IMAX theater that is located here as well. This is a full day event if you want it to be and is definitely worth spending the day at!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brittany D. 1 year ago on Google
    What a great space for kids to come and play. So many great interactive exhibits and lots of room to get out wiggles and let the imagination run wild. All the staff we encountered we polite and helpful. Lots of unique play experiences for young kids to experience. My little had a blast and cannot wait to return.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robin M. 11 months ago on Google
    It was a nice Saturday afternoon. We had our nieces in town and what better place to take them to then Marbles. Highly recommend tickets in advance as they are $9 per, Vs. $12 the day of. The staff was very friendly upon entry. We were taken back by all of the rooms and activities. Easily can spend 2 hrs here. Great for kids ages 18 months and up to 10-11. There appeared to be a gift store and cafe, but we did not go to either. I highly recommend going here with the little ones.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer B. 2 years ago on Google
    We absolutely LOVED everything about this place! There is something for toddlers and up. It's a place that feels safe and inviting for kids and even some of us parents to play.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M. H. 2 years ago on Google
    It's been about 5 years since I've been to this place. My husband and I decided to bring our youngest since she's never been and I must say, we had a blast. When we resided in North Carolina, we visited numerous times for my oldest daughter and I am very confident to say this is the best kids museum we've ever been to. The kids museum in Indianapolis, IN is much bigger with at least 4 floors and a room dedicated to Barbie; however, Marbles is a lot more interactive which my kids look forward to when visiting these types of places. I believe they're favorite part was the science Kids Grid room but my favorite was the outdoor garden lol 😆. I'm glad to share these experiences with people on google maps! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicole E. 2 years ago on Google
    This is such a great place to take your kids and just let them play all their energy out. My little one loved it, admission is reasonable and there is SO much for them to do. Definitely can't do all the activities in one visit. Definitely reccomend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sunny G. 9 months ago on Google
    We love marbles so much! Plenty of choices for kids with different interests. My toddler loves it here, he can pick whatever interests him and move on to the next fun thing whenever he prefers. Very safe environment and thought out designs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bonnie L. 11 months ago on Google
    This museum is AMAZING. We live in DC where there are museums galore, but this one is fantastic for kids. You could easily spend an entire day here. My kids are 8, 5, and a baby and they were all very entertained. My only regret is not coming here earlier in the day to have more time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Patricia A. 8 months ago on Google
    Our 5 and 9 year old had such fun! We have been visiting occasionally for years and there is always something new and different. The upgraded water play area was truly awesome!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Miranda B. 7 months ago on Google
    My son (autistic) LOVED being here! We have to bring him back because he has asked EVERY WEEKEND! I wish it was closer! It would definitely be an every weekend trip if it was!

  • 5/5 Mickeal R. 10 months ago on Google
    I have been to Marbles for field trips,charity balls and adult events(not sure if they still do the adult game nights). Very friendly staff If you have a big event and want to rent the entire building they are usually accommodating. Great place for children of all ages. They are allowed to learn through many hands on experiences and activities. Field trips are very informative and they usually spread big groups out by grade level and have them rotate on a schedule to ensure every child gets to experience what they have to offer.

  • 5/5 Crystal B. 5 months ago on Google
    Extremely fun. Highly recommend anyone to go. If you do not have a membership please purchase tickets in advance. If you have a membership to a different museum please call and see if you get reciprocal benefits. I would say any child over 12 would be very bored very fast with this place.

  • 5/5 Laura J. 5 months ago on Google
    Spent a delightful 3 hours here with 7 and 4 year olds. We explored nearly all of the exhibits and faced tears when we had to tell the kids it was time to go. Really clean, really fun and creative exhibits. The water table was probably the biggest hit for the 4yr old, followed by the room that lets kids color balloons and cars then projects them moving around on a giant city map. 7 yr old liked the balls in the “economy” exhibit. It was pretty crowded on a Friday but still totally enjoyable. Almost no wait- we got tickets online the evening before.

  • 5/5 D. Heather C. 6 months ago on Google
    SO MUCH FUN to be had here! All of the areas in this city block sized building are set up for hands-on Montessori style learning! Everything from a giant chess set and giant Legos to an exercise/game themed room with loads of fun, educational stuff in between!!! This was my first time visiting, with my friends' kids, and I think I may have had more fun than they did! If you're in Raleigh with children of all ages, this is an absolute MUST for a full half day or so!

  • 5/5 Johnny D. 2 years ago on Google
    It was wonderful, especially for the price. Lots of options and balanced. It has sections for every age and extremely professionally run. It would be perfect for kids 4-8 years old. We took our 1, 3, and 5 year old and the two oldest definitely got the most out of it. Our entire family only cost $35 and compared to kids museums in Chicago this was an incredible deal. Definitely recommend.

  • 5/5 jan t. 4 months ago on Google
    This museum was really fun and my son enjoyed it. We got there at 1100 and it was packed already. I thought we’d only spend an hour but that quickly turned into three lol. There was so much to do that he was knocked out on the drive back home. He really enjoyed being able to color his own car and have it appear on the big screen. We will definitely come back.

  • 5/5 Danda N. 8 months ago on Google
    Must visit place for kids. Right in middle of downtown and many parking options nearby, this is a gem of place. Kids can simulate and play with ambulance, firework, helicopter news, painting, water and many other things. Price around $9 on weekday and $12 weekends. Promotion for bofa customers on price on a particular day. Purchase tickets online as they sometimes have a full board at site.

  • 5/5 William G. 1 year ago on Google
    Affordable and with plenty of things to do and see. The kids will have a full day packed with activities and things to see and do. Great place to spend some quality time with your kids.

  • 5/5 Amy B. 1 year ago on Google
    This place definitely became a bit crowded. However, it is large. We never even made it up the stairs. There was just so many cool and fun exhibits. And if you are looking for some truly decent glass marbles the gift shop has them.

  • 4/5 denise l. 1 year ago on Google
    Cool museum. Very big, has tons of activities for the kids. Very cheap as well. Only things gets very crowded, and in my opinion it's for smaller kids. 6 and under. I won't return my kids were bored. 7&9 Still cool experience.

  • 5/5 AROD 1 year ago on Google
    My girls loved it. We spend more than 6 hours in there. My teenagers give me a hard time for not Taking them when they were little... My girls did not wanted to leave. My excuse was we need to eat but then they figure out that we can take food in... Soo... Great family activity!

  • 5/5 Bugs S. 1 year ago on Google
    We love marbles! Unlimited fun for little ones.... we've been regulars for the past decade and always love going back to see all the new stuff! Definitely a sticky attraction downtown! And we love Beansprouts Cafe! So many vegetarian 🌱 options!

  • 5/5 Santhosh Kumar (. 2 years ago on Google
    Best hang out place kids. Every activity materized and visualized! Kids will enjoy.

  • 5/5 Alan B. 2 years ago on Google
    Took our two year old grandson and his parents and everyone had a great time. Non-stop fun for him and we all enjoyed watching him play (and don't let him know, learn). Plenty of things to do and we did not get around to everything. Definitely will go again.

  • 5/5 Ashly G. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is Amazing! We easily spent 3 hours here and didn’t really get to do everything. The kids loved all the different areas and how colorful and unique all the activities were! If there was a cafe in house we would have stayed longer 😂. We will be back often!


Call +1 919-834-4040 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible lift
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned

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