North Carolina Museum of Art Thanksgiving Weekend Museum Park Sculpture Trail

About this adventure

Spanning 164 picturesque acres in west Raleigh, the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park at the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) is the ultimate Thanksgiving weekend destination for families eager to walk off holiday feasts. Paved multi-use trails guide visitors past world-class outdoor sculptures, including Thomas Sayre's monumental earthcaster rings 'Gyre', Hank Willis Thomas's whimsical word benches, and the serene reflecting pond surrounded by colorful bald cypresses and weeping willows. Kids can run across open rolling hills, participate in a free self-guided Thanksgiving art scavenger hunt booklet, and observe migratory waterfowl. The park bridges culture, modern art, and tranquil Piedmont nature in a completely welcoming, free outdoor setting. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Wide paved multi-use asphalt and concrete trails wind through the entire park, offering effortless rolling for double strollers and wagons. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Heated, modern restrooms with baby changing counters located inside East and West museum buildings and the park Welcome Center. • Age Suitability: Excellent for all ages, from toddlers exploring nature textures to teens photographing giant sculptures. • Sensory Tips: Calm, uncrowded outdoor environment with gentle natural acoustics, offering a peaceful retreat from busy holiday schedules.