For Kids

Burwell School (The)

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319 North Churton St (Downtown)
Hillsborough, NC 27278

phone (919) 732-7451

Open Wed.-Sat., 11am-4pm; Sun., 1-4pm; closed mid-Dec. to -mid-Jan. and major holidays.

Site of the Rev. and Mrs. Burwell’s School for Young Ladies from 1837-1857 and home to the prominent Collins family during the Civil War. The site offers free docent-led and self-guided tours, a variety of cultural events, and engaging and innovative programs for children and young adults. Parking.

Free Bus Service

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Since 2002, all buses serving Chapel Hill, Carrboro and the University of North Carolina have been free. And you can use any of five Park & Ride lots to catch the bus during regular service hours. For more details, look in the By Train or Bus section under How to Get Here

Kidzu Children’s Museum

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105 East Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

phone (919) 933-1455

Open Tue.-Sat., 10am-5pm; Sun., 1-5pm.

Please Note: Kidzu will be CLOSED JUNE 2-30 to install their exciting new exhibit, KidZoom: The Power of Creativity.

The museum offers a hands-on and learning environment for young children (up to 8) and the adults in their lives, with interactive exhibits, weekly programs (including Sat. morning art explorations for ages 3-8) and other special events. Laughing Turtle Gift Shop. Adults and children 2 and over, $4; under 2, free.

Make-Your-Own Pottery

See the Make-Your-Own Pottery section in Arts & Entertainment under What to Do & See.

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center

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250 East Franklin St
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3480

phone (919) 962-1236

Open Tue.-Thu., 10am-5pm; Fri.-Sat., 10am-9:30pm; Sun., 12:30-5pm.

The first such facility in the south, Morehead Planetarium has been a leader in science education since 1949 (including training NASA astronauts). Features public shows in the 68-ft. domed Star Theater (with its world-class Zeiss Model VI projector), a digital theater, educational exhibits, gift shop and sundial rose garden outside. Parking (limited). Snacks and beverages. Star Theater shows: Adults, $6; students, children and senior citizens, $5. Call for shows and times.

North Carolina Botanical Garden

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Old Mason Farm Rd (off US Highway 15-501)
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3375

phone (919) 962-0522

Open year-round Mon.-Fri., 8am-5pm; Sat., 9am-5pm; Sun., 1-5pm; and Apr.-Oct., one hour later on weekends.

Natural botanical garden, consisting of more than 800 total acres of preserved land with nature trails, carnivorous plants collections, aquatics and herb gardens. It also offers classes, workshops, exhibits, sculpture and more. Free guided tours of the display gardens take place every Saturday from 10-11 am March-November.  In 2008 construction begins on new “Green” Visitors Education Center.

North Carolina Collection Gallery

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In the Wilson Library, Polk Place at South Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3930

phone (919) 962-1172

Open Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm; Sat., 9am-1pm; Sun., 1-5pm; closed major holidays. Guided tours every Wed. at 2pm and by appointment

Guided tours every Wed at 2pm and by appointment; self-guided at other times. Eclectic collection of artifacts and exhibits related to North Carolina and University history, including the library and furnishings from Hayes Plantation in Edenton and the Sir Walter Raleigh Rooms featuring English paneling and furnishing from the late 1500s and 1600s.

Occaneechi Village Restoration

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Foot of Cameron St (on the Eno River),
Hillsborough, NC 27278

phone (919) 304-3723.

Open daily during daylight hours.

This Indian village was reconstructed with a palisade (stockade fence), huts, cooking site and sweat lodge, just as it was in the general area during the late 17th century when Indian tribes in south central Virginia and western North Carolina used it along their trading path.

Parks, Lakes and Reservoirs

Orange County has a long list of local, regional and state parks with facilities, equipment and activities for children, inlcuding swimming pools, plus several lakes and reservoirs for picnicking and other family activities. For details, see the Sports & Recreation section under What to Do & See.