Bailey’s Love Tips: Ten Free Date Ideas in Raleigh, NC

When it comes to keeping your relationship fresh, the best way to breathe new life into your routine is to try something you have never done before! Sampling new foods, seeing new places or listening to new music can be a great way to unwind and reconnect with the person who means the most to you. We are firm believers that love is about the little things and trying something new doesn’t have to mean spending your whole paycheck on a nice dinner or expensive concert tickets. Here in Raleigh, where our flagship Village District and Crabtree Valley Mall stores are located, there are so many amazing things to see and do that won’t break the bank. In fact, they won’t even touch the bank! Here are our top 10 free date ideas to try with your favorite person in Raleigh.

1. Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park

The North Carolina Museum of Art is without a doubt one of the most widely visited attractions in Raleigh for both locals and visitors. The museum boasts unique rotating exhibits, a delicious bistro, and stunning architecture. The Museum itself is not free to visitors, however, the spectacular grounds of the museum are free to visitors everyday, from dawn to dusk. The Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park at NCMA features both temporary and permanent outdoor works of art positioned along walking trails, a reflecting pond, picnic tables, and a spectacular landscape. 

With more than 30 works of art created by artists around the world, you could spend hours meandering through the park, having a picnic, or doing a workout together! NCMA also offers a free scavenger hunt through the park that you can download from their website! Free events like outdoor movies are often held in the park, which can offer a long list of budget-friendly possibilities!

2. North Carolina State Farmers Market

The State Farmers Market in Raleigh is not only a place to buy fresh, locally grown fruits and veggies but is a true North Carolina agricultural experience! Created during World War II, the Farmers Market offered the first central location for farmers all over the state to buy, sell, share trade secrets, and make connections. Today, considered one of the country’s most incredible farmers markets, this Raleigh institution is built on 75 acres, featuring both indoor and outdoor facilities and two farm-to-table restaurants. Enjoy free samples, locally grown and homemade goods, some of the most stunning flowers you have ever seen, and more! The Farmer’s Market is a Raleigh favorite for a free afternoon activity.

3. North Carolina’s Largest Flea Market

Located on the State Fairgrounds and known as “North Carolina’s greatest treasure hunt”, the Raleigh Market is a treasure trove of unique finds. For the last 50 years, this market has housed vintage, uncommon, and homemade goods available for purchase and perusing. Admission to this amazing market and parking are completely free. You could spend hours looking through the 500-plus vendor collections, eating yummy fair foods, and walking the acres of area it covers. The Raleigh Market is not only the largest flea market in the state but was also rated in the top 10 flea markets in the country! Explore this amazing North Carolina attraction every Saturday and Sunday from 9-5, rain or shine!

4. Picnic at Dorothea Dix Park

Dorothea Dix Park is a gem that Raleigh locals absolutely love and cherish. This expansive green space with an incredible view of the Raleigh skyline has made huge strides in the last few years to become a beautiful space that everyone can enjoy. Dorothea Dix Park is home to a huge fenced-in dog park, free yoga classes, a live music series, and more – most of which are free to the public! They also plant huge seasonal flower fields a few times a year including the famous sunflower field that blooms in early July. Each summer, Dorothea Dix also hosts movies on their lawn that looks over the Raleigh skyline. Choosing one of these free events would make for the perfect budget-friendly date! Kick the romance up a notch by packing your favorite foods and a blanket for a sunset picnic. 

5. Hike at William B. Umstead State Park

Umstead Park is nestled right in the middle of The Triangle and offers the perfect natural oasis from all of the hustle and bustle. This state park covers almost 5,600 acres and offers walking trails, bike paths, man-made lakes, kayaking and canoeing, fishing, camping, and more! Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or just looking for a breath of fresh air, Umstead Park has something for everyone. Grab your partner and your sneakers and head out for a hike!

6. Downtown Raleigh Museums

Downtown Raleigh is proud to offer free admission to The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina Museum of History. Both of these museums offer wonderful exhibits, both permanent and rotating. Located on the same block Downtown, you could spend your whole day exploring, learning, and discovering – all for free! Learn all about local history at the Museum of History including a sports hall of fame, a 1920’s drugstore replica, and all about the 1950’s toy boom! Also, be sure to check out the “Underground North Carolina” exhibit at the Natural Sciences museum which features emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds, all found in North Carolina! It’s our personal favorite. 

7. The Raleigh Rose garden

Tucked away behind the Raleigh Little Theater in the University Park area, the Raleigh Rose Garden is a stunning attraction that always seems to be in bloom. Admission to the Rose Garden is free to the public seven days a week. This garden offers 60 varieties of roses, perennials, and other blooms. If you stick around long enough, you might just see a wedding or proposal – how romantic! The roses are typically in bloom between Mother’s Day and Labor Day but the park is beautiful year-round. During the summer, the Raleigh Rose Garden also offers an outdoor movie series which would be perfect for a date night!

8. Take a Trip to NC State’s Campus

Centrally located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina State University is home to almost 40,000 students, faculty and staff, and is the largest university in North Carolina. Even if you aren’t interested in student life, NC State is home to a wide range of budget-friendly activities that would make for the perfect date. Sample the famous Howling Cow ice cream which is made entirely on NC State’s campus – the milk is from the cows at the Vet School, the production takes place at the food sciences building on West Campus, and the finished product is only sold on campus at the student union and library. Take a stroll around the historic red brick walkways, catch some rays in the Court of Carolina, or visit the historic Bell Tower. If it’s lit up red, that means something great just happened on campus like winning a sporting event or academic grant!

9. First Friday Raleigh

First Friday takes place, you guessed it, on the first Friday of every month during the summer! Boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, bars, and parks around the city will participate by creating special offers, giving free drinks and snacks, or offering discounts! Admission to First Friday is completely free and it can be a great way to get to know new businesses in the area! Often during First Friday, you can expect to see live music, bustling streets, and delicious eats all around the city. This would be the perfect way to plan an inexpensive date with a lot of excitement!

10. Downtown Raleigh Mural Walking Tour

Stunning murals are popping up all over the city and locals are loving it! Make a fun, free date out of visiting all of Raleigh’s most Instagrammable walls. Bring a tripod and take some vibrant photos at “Color Pop Corner” outside of Marbles Kids Museum. Within a couple of mile radius, you can also visit the “All are Welcome” mural outside of Poole’side Pies, “Morgan Street Jazz Monsters” outside of Trophy Brewing Company, and the “No Damsel” murals in the Warehouse District that feature Disney Princesses as modern, empowered women. One of our personal favorites is “Sprinkles the Bobcat”, painted outside of C. Grace on Glenwood Avenue, featuring a very fancy bobcat, dripping in jewels.