Raleigh, NC

The Carolina Hurricanes hit the ice every season and not only do they live up to their name as they storm the opposing team's goal line, but they also stir up their fans in the stands with a ferocity that equals a force worthy of their name. And not only do these accomplished players manage to steer the puck into the net and put points on the board for themselves, they also make time to help area groups and charities. This team is all about proving they know the value of their fans and what's important to them, and the significance of giving back to their community.

Address: RBC Center, 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607 - MAP
Phone: (919) 467-7825
Web: www.hurricanes.nhl.com

Raleigh's Minor League Baseball team, the Mudcats, work hard to bring the magic to the diamond every spring. With a faithful and ever-growing fan base, the players and coaches work hard to not only win games, but to provide a great afternoon or evening of choice family fun. There are always lots of great activities going on at the stadium like Philanthropy Friday Canned Food Drives to benefit the local food bank, baseball clinics for kids, fireworks displays after selected games and awesome giveaways during home games. So batter-up and get set for some great family fun with the Carolina Mudcats!

Address: 1501 NC Highway 39, Zebulon, NC 27597 - MAP
Phone: (919) 269-2287
Web: web.minorleaguebaseball.com

In addition to constantly reaching for academic excellence, the University of Carolina at Chapel Hill takes great pride in its athletic program, represented by the various sports and events that involve the participation of the men and women known as the Carolina Tar Heels. Whether its men's or women's baseball, football, basketball, cross country or fencing - just to name a few - a winning attitude and the highest level of sportsmanship are clearly in display as the student athletes put forth their best efforts to maintain a standard of exceptional performance and a relentless pursuit of victory.

Address: 104 Stadium Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 - MAP
Phone: (800) 722-4335
Web: www.tarheelblue.cstv.com

Raleigh has long been considered a city in a park, and it lives up to that reputation with its lush foliage and greenery that give the city a truly natural essence. And, because of those natural surroundings, the area features nearly 60 miles of trails, many of them unique facilities that make up the city's park system. Such trails as the Allegheny, the Brentwood and the Durant trails all provide inviting opportunities to hike, run or walk through some of the most naturally enticing corners of Raleigh.

Phone: (919) 831-6640
Web: www.raleighnc.gov

If gazing at Raleigh's natural beauty from behind a set of bike handlebars is more to your liking, then the perfect place to pedal is the William B. Umstead State Park. Underneath the hardwood pines, you'll be able to have your choice of canoeing, picnicking, horseback riding or mountain biking. Along the 22 miles of trails in this gem of a park, you'll see a side of Raleigh that will captivate you, no doubt enticing you to return on a regular basis.

Address: 8801 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27617 - MAP
Phone: (919) 571-4170
Web: www.ncparks.com

The big catch awaits in the waters of Shelley Lake. If you'd rather just bask in the lake's beauty and get out on the water, you can canoe, sail, or rowboat to your heart's content. These boats are available for rental, but the picnicking, hiking and biking trails and recreational areas are free of charge. This gorgeous 53-acre lake/park will prove to be just the place for good, clean family fun on the water.

Address: 1400 W. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27614 - MAP
Phone: (919) 420-2331
Web: www.raleighnc.gov

If delving below the water's surface has always been something you've wanted to do but never knew where to start, let the pros at Fantasy Lake Scuba Park lead you on an underwater adventure you'll never forget! The park is the largest of its kind on the east coast, and it offers a wide range of scuba diving recreational activities. Situated in a scenic, 100-acre natural environment, there's indescribable beauty both above and below the water's surface that you'll just have to see for yourself!

Address: 3601 Quarry Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587 - MAP
Phone: (919) 556-1803
Web: www.fantasyscubapark.com

Splash into your vacation by taking an invigorating swim at the Falls Lake State Recreational Area. It's one of the largest recreational facilities in the state and offers a wide variety of activities like camping, biking, and fishing in addition to swimming. Also, there are plentiful picnic and playground areas, ensuring that every member of your family will find fun either in or out of the water.

Address: 13304 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587 - MAP
Phone: (919) 676-1027
Web: www.ncparks.gov

If just riding your bike isn't quite enough for you, let your inner daredevil come to the surface at Capital City BMX. The BMX Track races are organized according to age groups and skill levels to ensure fair but always dramatic competition. The BMX program is sanctioned by the American Bicycle Association. Spectators are admitted for free.

Address: 516 Dennis Avenue, Lions Park, Raleigh, NC 27604 - MAP
Phone: (919) 834-4269
Web: www.ccbmx.com

Put the pedal to the metal at the Rush Hour Karting track. This is a fun, state-of-the-art indoor raceway, where you can get your kart to go as fast as 40 miles per hour as you compete for the best time and the championship title!

Address: 5335 Raynor Road, Garner, NC 27529 - MAP
Phone: (919) 662-9101
Web: www.rushhourkarting.com

Racing fans will be all revved up to catch the action at the Wake County Speedway as the schedule of races gets underway from April until late August. It's a family friendly environment, and the no-alcohol rule ensures that the fun will be strictly monitored and safe. The only drama will be on the speedway, as all the drivers vie to finish first under the checkered flag.

Address: 2109 Simpkins Road, Raleigh, NC 27603 - MAP
Phone: (919) 779-2171
Web: www.wakecountyspeedway.com

The days of shooting pool in a run-down, hole-in-the-wall bar are long gone thanks to the professionals at Brown's Billiards. At Brown's everyone takes the game of billiards seriously, and that fact is obvious when you walk into their classy establishment. You'll find ten full-size tournament tables, high sitting benches and a raised bar area to make it easy for your friends to watch you make that incredible shot. There's also a fully stocked bar, a great kitchen and grill serving up everything from nachos to burgers, and special sections for patrons to enjoy poker and darts.

Address: 5500-107 Atlantic Springs Road, Raleigh, NC 27616 - MAP
Phone: (919) 878-9092
Web: www.brownsbilliards.com

To refer to Sparians as a bowling alley would be just this side of an insult. Sparians is in fact a bowling boutique and bistro. A first class ambiance, an amazing selection of menu items, and big screens that broadcast sports can be found at the end of the clean, impeccably waxed surfaces of the alleys. The bar and lounge areas recall some of the more upscale hotels in Las Vegas rather than what you would expect when enjoying a night out bowling a few frames, but it all goes to help create a unique and unexpected bowling experience that will strike you as the perfect way to spend a leisurely evening with friends.

Address: 141 Park at North Hills Street, Suite 120, Raleigh, NC 27609 - MAP
Phone: (919) 803-3718
Web: www.sparians.com