Little-kid fun in New Bern, NC

Covers New Bern, Pollocksville and Oriental. 19 places: 5 indoor and 14 outdoor or seasonal. Tap a source link to double-check before you go.

🌦️ 7-day forecast: New Bern

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☔ Indoor (rainy-day friendly)

Illustration: indoor play space with climbing frames and a ball pit — 🎨 Example illustration, not a photo of this place. Tap “See on Google Maps” for real photos.

📍 New Bern

Little Bee Indoor Playground

☔ Indoor👶 Under 3Indoor playground

Climbing structure with slide, bounce area, swing, pretend play, parent lounge and private nursing space. Separate area for crawlers to age 2.

Where: 1910 S Glenburnie Rd, New Bern, NC 28562
Ages: Crawlers to age 10
Cost: $12 per child for 2 hours; $8 per sibling; $90 for 10 visits; $40/month membership
Hours: Hours change week to week; posted on their Facebook page. Reservations recommended.

Grip socks required for kids, socks for adults. Parents stay on site.

⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Weekly hours (venue says check Facebook)

See on Google MapsReviews, photos, hours WebsiteOfficial site

✅ Last checked Oct 22, 2026 · Source: littlebeeindoorplay.com

Illustration: hands-on children's museum exhibits — 🎨 Example illustration, not a photo of this place. Tap “See on Google Maps” for real photos.

📍 New Bern

Pepsi Family Center at the NC History Center

☔ IndoorMuseum (hands-on)

Interactive exhibit at Tryon Palace's NC History Center where kids explore life in a North Carolina coastal town in 1835.

Where: 529 S Front St, New Bern, NC 28562
Ages: Venue doesn't give an age range; kids 5 and under get in free
Cost: Included with Galleries & Gardens Pass: adults $15, ages 6-14 $8, 5 and under free (plus tax)
Hours: Wed-Sat 10 AM-3 PM; closed in January. History Center itself: Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun noon-5.

Some History Center galleries are free during business hours.

⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Age fit

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✅ Last checked Oct 22, 2026 · Source: tryonpalace.org

Illustration: children's story time in a library — 🎨 Example illustration, not a photo of this place. Tap “See on Google Maps” for real photos.

📍 New Bern

New Bern-Craven County Public Library

☔ Indoor🆓 Free👶 Under 3Library story time

Main library with a children's area. Story times include Books & Babies Lapsit Storytime and StoryBlocks.

Where: 400 Johnson St, New Bern, NC 28560
Ages: Books & Babies: babies; other story times vary
Cost: Free
Hours: Mon-Thu 9 AM-8 PM; Fri-Sat 9 AM-6 PM; Sun closed

Upcoming: StoryBlocks Sat Oct 24, 10:30 AM (registration requested); Books & Babies Wed Oct 28 at 9:30, 10:30 and 1:30 (registration required).

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✅ Last checked Oct 22, 2026 · Source: mycprl.org

Illustration: roller skate on a rink — 🎨 Example illustration, not a photo of this place. Tap “See on Google Maps” for real photos.

📍 New Bern

Rollerland

☔ IndoorRoller skating rink

Neighborhood roller rink that hosts public skating and birthday parties.

Where: 3502 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC 28560
Ages: Not stated
Cost: Not posted; cash only
Hours: Not posted on its Facebook page; call 252-633-3804 for session times

Cash only, per its Facebook page.

⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Session times, prices and age fit

See on Google MapsReviews, photos, hours FacebookTheir Facebook page

✅ Last checked Oct 22, 2026 · Source: facebook.com

📍 Pollocksville · New Bern area

Pollocksville Public Library

☔ Indoor🆓 FreeLibrary story time

Small Neuse Regional Libraries branch in Pollocksville. The library system lists a monthly bilingual hour here.

Where: 415 Green Hill St, Pollocksville, NC 28573
Ages: Not stated
Cost: Free
Hours: Tue 1-7 PM; Wed-Fri noon-6 PM

Bilingual Hour: 2nd Friday of the month at 4 PM. Phone 252-224-5011. Call before going for a program.

See on Google MapsReviews, photos, hours WebsiteOfficial site

✅ Last checked Oct 23, 2026 · Source: neuselibrary.org

🌳 Outdoor and seasonal

Illustration: kids playing in splash pad fountains — 🎨 Example illustration, not a photo of this place. Tap “See on Google Maps” for real photos.

📍 New Bern

George Street Park Sprayground

🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeSplash pad

City splash pad (sprayground) at George Street Park.

Where: 807 George St, New Bern, NC 28560
Ages: Not stated
Cost: Free
Hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day, noon-6 PM daily (closed for the season now)

Groups can reserve mornings 9-noon by calling New Bern Parks & Rec, 252-639-2901.

See on Google MapsReviews, photos, hours WebsiteOfficial site

✅ Last checked Oct 22, 2026 · Source: newbernnc.gov

Illustration: playground with a slide and swings — 🎨 Example illustration, not a photo of this place. Tap “See on Google Maps” for real photos.

📍 New Bern

Kidsville at Seth West Parrott Park

🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreePlayground

Large community playground with a reservable picnic shelter.

Where: 1225 Pinetree Dr, New Bern, NC 28562
Ages: Not stated
Cost: Free
Hours: 8 AM-8 PM daily (city's listed shelter hours)

⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Age fit; playground hours (the city lists the shelter's hours)

See on Google MapsReviews, photos, hours WebsiteOfficial site

✅ Last checked Oct 22, 2026 · Source: newbern.recdesk.com

📷 Lawson Creek Park entrance sign. Photo: ncwetlands.org (NC Division of Water Resources), CC0 1.0, via source.

📷 Path through Lawson Creek Park. Photo: ncwetlands.org (NC Division of Water Resources), CC0 1.0, via source.

📷 River view at Lawson Creek Park. Photo: ncwetlands.org (NC Division of Water Resources), CC0 1.0, via source.

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📍 New Bern

Lawson Creek Park

🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreePark and playground

140-acre riverside park on the Trent River with a 0.8-mile trail, a playground and restrooms.

Where: 1309 Country Club Rd, New Bern, NC 28560
Ages: Not stated
Cost: Free
Hours: 6 AM-7 PM daily

See on Google MapsReviews, photos, hours WebsiteOfficial site

✅ Last checked Oct 22, 2026 · Source: cravencountync.gov

📷 Riverwalk drawbridge at Union Point Park. Photo: Drummike55, CC BY-SA 4.0, via source.

📷 Sunset over the Riverwalk Bridge at Union Point Park. Photo: Drummike55, CC BY-SA 4.0, via source.

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📍 New Bern

Union Point Park

🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreePark and playground

Six-acre downtown park where the Neuse and Trent rivers meet, with a small playground, restrooms, picnic tables and fishing piers.

Where: 210 E Front St, New Bern, NC 28560
Ages: Not stated
Cost: Free
Hours: 8 AM-8 PM daily

See on Google MapsReviews, photos, hours WebsiteOfficial site

✅ Last checked Oct 22, 2026 · Source: newbern.recdesk.com

📍 New Bern

Fort Totten Park

🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreePlayground

Neighborhood park with a playground.

Where: 490 Fort Totten Dr, New Bern, NC 28560
Ages: 2-12
Cost: Free
Hours: Not posted

New Bern Parks & Rec: 252-639-2901.

⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Hours

See on Google MapsReviews, photos, hours WebsiteOfficial site

✅ Last checked Oct 22, 2026 · Source: newbernnc.gov

Illustration: swimming pool with lanes and a float ring — 🎨 Example illustration, not a photo of this place. Tap “See on Google Maps” for real photos.

📍 New Bern

New Bern Aquatic Center

🚫 Closed until summer 2027. This outdoor city pool is open only from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

🌳 Seasonal poolPublic pool (seasonal)

Outdoor city pool with zero-depth entry, interactive water features, slides and swim lanes, plus family locker rooms and concessions. Lifeguards on duty. Family night swims and pool parties.

Where: 1155 Laura Ln, New Bern, NC 28562
Ages: All ages
Cost: Daily: up to age 2 $2 resident / $4 non-resident; ages 3-17 $2.50 / $5; adults 18-54 $3 / $6. Parent with one child up to age 2: $4 / $8.
Hours: Closed for the season (last day was Sept 7, 2026). Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

2026 season pass $60 resident / $120 non-resident. New Bern Parks & Rec 252-639-2901.

⚠️ Not yet confirmed: 2027 opening date. The city plans to add a lazy river, slides and a splash play area, with construction targeted to start in early 2027, which could affect next season.

See on Google MapsReviews, photos, hours WebsiteOfficial site

✅ Last checked Oct 23, 2026 · Source: newbern.recdesk.com

Illustration: riverside park with trees and a path — 🎨 Example illustration, not a photo of this place. Tap “See on Google Maps” for real photos.

📍 New Bern

Martin Marietta Park

🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreePark, playground and nature trail

The city's biggest park, on an old quarry: an adventure playground, a StoryWalk trail with children's book pages, 7+ miles of soft-surface trails, fishing piers, a wildlife deck and restrooms.

Where: 700 S Glenburnie Rd, New Bern, NC 28562
Ages: Not stated
Cost: Free
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk

The playground and StoryWalk are next to Lake Shelter #2, which has restrooms. Fishing license needed for ages 16 and up. Wildlife lives here, so stay on the trails. New Bern Parks & Rec 252-639-2901.

⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Age range for the playground

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✅ Last checked Oct 23, 2026 · Source: newbernnc.gov

📍 New Bern

Creekside Park

🌳 Outdoor🆓 Free👶 Under 3Park and playground

Big county park with three playgrounds, including an inclusive one with separate areas for ages 2-5 and 6-11, a triple zip line, a musical play area and a wheelchair swing. Also a dock on Brice's Creek, walking trail and restrooms.

Where: 1821 Old Airport Rd, New Bern, NC 28562
Ages: Inclusive playground has areas for ages 2-5 and 6-11
Cost: Free
Hours: Opens daily at 8 AM; gates generally close at dusk (later during scheduled games)

The inclusive playground is next to the Rotary Shelter by the soccer fields; the other two are by the youth ball fields and the waterfront. Closing time can vary with scheduled games. Craven County Recreation & Parks 252-636-6606.

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✅ Last checked Oct 23, 2026 · Source: cravencounty.recdesk.com

📍 New Bern

Glenburnie Park

🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreePark and playground

51-acre city park on the Neuse River with a playground, a fishing pier, picnic shelters, restrooms, disc golf and shady woods.

Where: 340 Glenburnie Park, New Bern, NC 28560
Ages: Not stated
Cost: Free
Hours: 8 AM-8 PM daily (city facility listing)

Also has a public boat ramp. New Bern Parks & Rec 252-639-2901.

⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Age range for the playground

See on Google MapsReviews, photos, hours WebsiteOfficial site

✅ Last checked Oct 23, 2026 · Source: newbern.recdesk.com

📷 Boardwalk over the marsh at Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park. Photo: Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 4.0, via source.

📷 Dock on Broad Creek at Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park. Photo: Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 4.0, via source.

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📍 New Bern

Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park

🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeNature trail

133-acre county nature park near Fairfield Harbour with short color-coded trails (0.16-0.8 mile), a tree-ID trail and a 2,000-foot boardwalk and dock over Broad Creek.

Where: 1095 Broad Creek Rd, New Bern, NC 28560
Ages: Not stated
Cost: Free
Hours: 8 AM-8 PM daily (county facility listing)

Restrooms at the entrance and near the waterfront. Picnic tables along the trails. No playground. Craven County Recreation & Parks 252-636-6606.

⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Age fit; whether trails are stroller-friendly

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✅ Last checked Oct 23, 2026 · Source: cravencounty.recdesk.com

📷 Island Creek in the Croatan National Forest. Photo: Fredlyfish4, CC BY 4.0, via source.

📍 Croatan National Forest (near Pollocksville) · New Bern area

Island Creek Forest Walk

🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeNature trail

Easy half-mile self-guided forest walk in the Croatan National Forest, with numbered posts that match a pamphlet in the box at the trailhead.

Where: Trailhead on SR 1004, 7.5 miles from US 70, Croatan National Forest, Jones County, NC
Ages: Not stated
Cost: Free
Hours: Open year-round

No restrooms or drinking water. Dogs must be leashed. Forest Service directions: take US 70 south of New Bern, turn at Trent East Crossing shopping center, go left at the stop sign onto SR 1004 and drive 7.5 miles; the trailhead is on the right. Croatan Ranger District 252-638-5628.

⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Age fit; whether the trail is stroller-friendly

See on Google MapsReviews, photos, hours WebsiteOfficial site

✅ Last checked Oct 23, 2026 · Source: fs.usda.gov

📍 Oriental · New Bern area

Edward D. Lupton Park

🌳 Outdoor🆓 Free👶 Under 3Playground

Small, shady town park with playground equipment for young children and toddlers, a covered picnic pavilion with a grill, and a tennis/pickleball court.

Where: 702 3rd Ave, Oriental, NC 28571
Ages: Young children and toddlers
Cost: Free
Hours: Court open daily, dawn to dusk (town page)

Two blocks inland from the river. Pickleball paddles and balls are kept on site. Oriental Town Hall 252-249-0555.

⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Playground hours (the town lists court hours); restrooms

See on Google MapsReviews, photos, hours WebsiteOfficial site

✅ Last checked Oct 23, 2026 · Source: townoforiental.com

📍 Oriental · New Bern area

Oriental Recreation Park (Straight Road)

🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreePlayground

Town park behind the fire station with swings, a giant shaded sandbox, a pavilion with a grill, picnic tables and horseshoe pits.

Where: 130 Straight Rd, Oriental, NC 28571
Ages: Not stated
Cost: Free
Hours: Not posted

Shares the site with the town dog park (dog registration required for that area only). Oriental Town Hall 252-249-0555.

⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Hours; restrooms; age fit

See on Google MapsReviews, photos, hours WebsiteOfficial site

✅ Last checked Oct 23, 2026 · Source: townoforiental.com

Illustration: beach with an umbrella, waves and a sand bucket — 🎨 Example illustration, not a photo of this place. Tap “See on Google Maps” for real photos.

📍 Oriental · New Bern area

John Bond Town Beach

🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeRiver beach

Small, sheltered sandy beach on the Neuse River where kids can dig in the sand and look for minnows, crabs and turtles. Covered picnic table for shade.

Where: Neuse Dr, just past Ragan Rd, Oriental, NC 28571
Ages: All ages (town page)
Cost: Free
Hours: Not posted

No lifeguards are mentioned. Oriental Town Hall 252-249-0555.

⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Hours; restrooms; parking

See on Google MapsReviews, photos, hours WebsiteOfficial site

✅ Last checked Oct 23, 2026 · Source: townoforiental.com

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