The Big List

A Hogwarts-themed birthday party for Harry Potter at East Regional Library with wizarding crafts, trivia, and books for K-5th graders.

Kids bring a favorite stuffed animal for stories, songs, and crafts, then leave it for a library sleepover overnight - pajamas optional, free tickets go fast.

Devil Dogz host the Wilmington Sharks again at Five County Stadium -- cheap Coastal Plain League summer baseball on a Saturday night.

Salamanders host the Martinsville Mustangs for Jeep Night at North Main -- cheap tickets, laid-back Coastal Plain League Saturday ball.

Devil Dogz close their inaugural season with Fan Appreciation Day against the Yorktown Coconuts at Five County Stadium -- cheap tickets, kids run the bases after.

Salamanders close it out with Fan Appreciation Night against the South Wake Shakes at North Main -- cheap tickets, giveaways all game.

Dix Park's free bike-teaching morning for kids working up the nerve to lose the training wheels, with loaner bikes and patient volunteers at Gipson Play Plaza.

The Wake County bookmobile parks at House of Many Porches for a morning of story time and browsing — an easy, free stop if you're already at the park with kids.

Devil Dogz host the Morehead City Marlins at Five County Stadium -- cheap Coastal Plain League tickets for a Friday night at the ballpark.

Salamanders host the Peninsula Pilots at North Main Athletic Complex -- cheap tickets, easy Coastal Plain League summer ball on a Friday night.

NC Courage host Orlando Pride at WakeMed Soccer Park -- NWSL soccer in Cary, a solid pick for a family night out.

Free Friday-night concert at Indian Creek Trailhead featuring The Blenders, with a food truck on site — bring a chair and settle into the summer evening.

North Carolina FC hosts Tampa Bay Rowdies at WakeMed Soccer Park -- USL Championship soccer in Cary, a solid pick for a family night out.

A playful hands-on math session for kids at The Chapel, built more like a puzzle room than a classroom.

Free family story time and library card sign-ups on the porches at House of Many Porches Market, with books, music, and movement for little ones.

NC Courage host Houston Dash at WakeMed Soccer Park -- NWSL soccer in Cary, a solid pick for a family night out.

Preschool nature program for ages 2 to 6 on woodland creatures — deer, bunnies, turtles, and bugs — with games, stories, and songs, free but registration required.

NC Courage host Boston Legacy at WakeMed Soccer Park -- NWSL soccer in Cary, a solid pick for a family night out.

NC Courage host Angel City at WakeMed Soccer Park -- NWSL soccer in Cary, a solid pick for a family night out.

Free, four floors, and the only real Acrocanthosaurus skeleton on display anywhere — all under the giant glowing globe you can spot from the street. The default rainy-Saturday answer for anyone with kids.