# JC Raulston Arboretum Winter Camellia Collection, Rose Garden & Japanese Garden

> Place to go for families in the Raleigh–Cary area (NC). Times are Eastern Time.

- When: Open on its own schedule
- Where: JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606
- Ages: All ages (flat paved paths perfect for strollers, toddlers, and multi-generational family strolls)
- Price: Free admission for all visitors; free visitor parking; donations appreciated
- Organizer: NC State University Department of Horticultural Science
- Official page: https://jcra.ncsu.edu/
- 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/jc-raulston-arboretum-winter-camellia-collection-rose-garden-and-japan--listing-f848d69bc19db870aa8b7fb5

## About

Operated by NC State University, the JC Raulston Arboretum is a nationally acclaimed 10-acre botanical garden showcasing one of the most diverse plant collections in the Southeast. While winter puts many gardens to sleep, JC Raulston comes alive with vibrant winter interest: hundreds of blooming winter camellias showing off deep pinks, reds, and whites, sweet-smelling winter daphne, paperbush, colorful winter berry displays, and striking conifer textures. Children love exploring the winding stone pathways of the Japanese Garden, walking across the wooden bridges, and discovering hidden garden rooms. Paved paths make pushing a stroller effortless, and educational plant markers give budding young botanists a fun way to learn about world flora during a gentle, sunny afternoon stroll.

Family Experience & Accessibility:
• Stroller Accessibility: Smoothly paved concrete pathways wind through almost all garden collections, making the arboretum exceptionally stroller and wheelchair accessible.
• Nursing & Rest Spots: Ruby C. McSwain Education Center offers climate-controlled seating, clean modern restrooms with changing stations, and garden view benches.
• Age Suitability: Delightful for all ages, particularly peaceful for parents with infants and toddlers discovering colors and flowers.
• Sensory Tips: Rich sensory experience with sweet winter floral fragrances, rustling bamboo groves, and peaceful running water in the Asian garden.

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