# Durant Nature Preserve Winter Forest Trails & Nature Exploration Center > Place to go for families in the Raleigh–Cary area (NC). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Open on its own schedule - Where: Durant Nature Preserve, 8305 Camp Durant Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614 - Ages: All ages (stroller-accessible paths, nature playspace for toddlers and kids, family fishing docks) - Price: Free admission to nature preserve, hiking trails, sensory garden, and nature center; free parking - Organizer: City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources - Official page: https://www.raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation - Last checked: Thu, Nov 5 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 10, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/raleigh/activities/durant-nature-preserve-winter-forest-trails-and-nature-exploration-cen--listing-58bba1c0b102d887fed866d5 ## About Tucked away in North Raleigh, Durant Nature Preserve encompasses 237 acres of protected pine and hardwood forests, two quiet lakes, and babbling streams. Winter visitors enjoy five miles of multi-use trails that weave across wooden footbridges, along stream banks, and through open meadows. Families with young children will love the Nature Play Area near the Campbell Center, where children can climb on natural logs, balance on stepping stumps, and explore a whimsical children's sensory garden. Wooden fishing docks extending into upper and lower lakes provide scenic spots to look for painted turtles, kingfishers, and winter ducks. Inside the park nature center, live education animals including native snakes and turtles offer curious kids an up-close wildlife encounter. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Paved and crushed-stone paths connect the main parking area to the playground, lakes, and nature center; woodland trails feature packed earth. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Heated park nature center and park office provide indoor seating, rocking chairs, and clean restrooms with changing tables. • Age Suitability: Great for toddlers, kids, and parents; gentle terrain and interactive play area make it a relaxing family day out. • Sensory Tips: Serene woodland setting with sounds of trickling creek water and woodpecker taps; tactile nature play area encourages sensory exploration. ## Similar picks in Raleigh - [Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve Winter Neuse River Greenway & Open Meadows](https://grassyknees.com/raleigh/activities/horseshoe-farm-nature-preserve-winter-neuse-river-greenway-and-open-me--listing-4efe4b15145dd426bfbafb84) — Open on its own schedule · Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve, Wake Forest · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. 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