When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Laurel Hills Community Center
Why Laurel Hills Community Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Laurel Hills Community Center in Raleigh is a welcoming and versatile destination perfect for meeting up with friends, families, and members of the community. It offers a range of amenities including a gymnasium, several multipurpose rooms, parking, wheelchair accessibility, air conditioning, and well-maintained restrooms, making it an accommodating space for gatherings and recreational activities. Located conveniently at 3808 Edwards Mill Road, this center serves as an accessible indoor space in the city for community events and programs for all ages. Complementing the center is the nearby Laurel Hills Park and Recreational Center, which features a highly praised playground appealing to kids of various ages. The park is known for its clean environment, multiple play options, and special attractions such as a zip line and nature trails, providing an engaging outdoor experience for families and friends to enjoy together. This blend of indoor and outdoor facilities strengthens the center's reputation as a great spot to meet, unwind, and participate in leisure activities year-round in Raleigh.
Here's what people think of Laurel Hills Community Center
As of recent, Laurel Hills Community Center holds a 4.6-star rating based on 123 reviews.
User reviews for Laurel Hills Community Center and the adjacent park highlight a generally positive experience with a strong community feel. Visitors frequently commend the playground as one of the best in the area, praising its variety of equipment suitable for young and older children, cleanliness, and family-friendly atmosphere. Many reviewers note how it has become a regular destination for family outings and birthday celebrations, emphasizing the enjoyable and safe environment. Positive reviews often mention the friendly staff and the well-maintained facilities, including ample parking and accessibility features. On the other hand, some critiques center around the lack of sufficient shade in parts of the playground, particularly near the zip line, which can make the area less comfortable during hot summer days. Despite this, users appreciate the shade overall but wish for more coverage to protect young children from direct sun exposure. In summary, the community center and park receive high marks for providing a welcoming, fun, and clean environment that caters well to families and groups, with minor suggestions for improving shade in outdoor play areas.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Amber Fisher
My family and I love coming to this park, and have been coming here for almost 10 years, so the park itself is wonderful, 5 stars. However, I called to try and reserve a shelter for my daughter's birthday, and we were 13 instead of the 14 days in advance required to reserve. The website says call the facility if you need to reserve something outside of the 14 day minimum, and when I called, Sherrill was so unbelievably rude to me, and unaccomidating. Its availability is wide open and she could have easily helped me reserve it, but decided to be rude and abrasive. 1 star for Sherrill.
heather Shirley
Loved this park,we drove from Fayetteville NC to see this park and it was well worth the drive. I'll definitely be bringing my kids here again.
C Valdez
Awesome playground. Lots of kid (and adult) friendly equipment. And nice walking trails
Joshua Broughton
Awesome place and fun with the kids, exciting
Sk Pk
Huge outdoor playground for kids! It is really nice and clean. Just be sure to watch your kids because you can lose sight of them. Swings, sand play area, and metal structure/fort to climb are the things I can remember. There is a community center right next door that has restrooms, but it has hours so it closes. I was told that there are outdoor restrooms, a walk away from the play area, but we didn't use it personally. Kids loved it!
How to reach Laurel Hills Community Center
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Website: None
Rallying with your friends at Laurel Hills Community Center offers an ideal blend of fun, fitness, and fellowship in a welcoming and versatile environment. Whether you're seeking an active day of sports, creative group activities, or simply a comfortable venue for socializing, this community center meets the need. Its spacious gymnasium, multiple multipurpose rooms, and attractive surrounding park create a natural gathering place where groups can connect and enjoy quality time together. The center’s highly positive rating of 4.6 from over 120 reviewers reflects its excellence in facilities and programming, making it a trusted spot for memorable meetups. Additionally, the accessible outdoor green space, including a pond with a boardwalk and extensive playground, enhances your experience by allowing indoor and outdoor options for groups of all ages. The combination of recreational opportunities and social amenities makes Laurel Hills Community Center a standout destination for hosting group activities where everyone can feel included, entertained, and active.
What activities can you enjoy at Laurel Hills Community Center with your group?
Laurel Hills Community Center offers a diverse range of activities suited for all ages and interests, ensuring there’s something engaging for every group member. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the large gymnasium, which features two full-size basketball courts—perfect for friendly games or organized tournaments. Beyond basketball, the park surrounding the center includes multiple outdoor basketball courts and two baseball fields, offering more choices for group sports. For those who enjoy walking or relaxing in nature, the community center is adjacent to a scenic pond with a boardwalk and overlook, creating a peaceful setting for group strolls or picnics.
Children can delight in the Sassafras All Children’s Playground, a beautifully designed space that welcomes children of all physical abilities. The playground features elaborately crafted wooden structures with tunnels, bridges, towers, swings, and rings, built over soft sand to ensure safety. This makes it an excellent spot for family meetups where kids can play freely while adults socialize nearby. Community programs expand the center’s offerings further, including activities like basketball skills classes for young children that teach teamwork and coordination in a fun, noncompetitive environment. This mix of structured programs and open recreational spaces makes Laurel Hills Community Center perfect for group meetups that require variety and space to accommodate different ages and interests.
Why is Laurel Hills Community Center the perfect venue for a group meetup?
The versatility and spaciousness of Laurel Hills Community Center stand out as key reasons it suits group gatherings so well. The facility includes several multipurpose rooms that can be reserved, allowing your group to tailor the space to your needs—whether for a casual hangout, workshop, or celebration. The large meeting room and dance studio add extra value, supporting a wide range of activities from fitness classes to creative get-togethers. Groups can easily book these spaces online or in person, providing convenience and certainty before arrival.
Additionally, the presence of outdoor amenities such as picnic shelters and green fields enhances the overall meetup experience by giving groups options for both shade and open-air enjoyment. This flexibility is especially appealing when hosting mixed-age groups or combining activities; adults can relax at the picnic area while kids play nearby. The community center’s staff are dedicated to supporting visitors, providing information and assistance to help plan and make the most of your visit. Given the center’s reputation for cleanliness, safety, and community engagement, groups can feel confident holding their events here. These features collectively make Laurel Hills Community Center not just a community hub but a reliable and accommodating gathering spot for friends and families.
How accessible and inclusive is Laurel Hills Community Center for all group members?
Accessibility and inclusivity are central to the design and operation of Laurel Hills Community Center, ensuring that all group members, regardless of age or ability, can participate fully. The Sassafras All Children’s Playground is a prime example, created to accommodate children of all physical capabilities with safe, adaptive play equipment. Inside the center, the gymnasium and multipurpose areas are designed to comply with accessibility standards, allowing ease of movement for individuals using mobility aids.
The variety of programs also reflects a commitment to inclusion, offering options for different skill levels and interests. From toddler pro sports classes that foster early motor skills to adult-focused fitness and dance sessions, the center supports physical health and social connection across the lifespan. Its location in Midtown Raleigh with ample parking and public transport options further facilitates easy access for local and visiting groups alike. This welcoming environment encourages diversity in gatherings, making it a top choice for community members wanting a shared space where everyone feels valued and accommodated.
What additional amenities support a great group meetup experience at Laurel Hills Community Center?
Beyond recreational and programmatic offerings, Laurel Hills Community Center provides several key amenities that enhance the convenience and enjoyment of your time with friends or family. On-site parking is ample and free, reducing stress and enabling easy arrival and departure for larger groups. The center is also well-maintained with clean restrooms and comfortable seating areas, making longer visits pleasant for all attendees.
For groups looking to combine their visit with dining, the picnic shelter and park grounds are perfect for a casual outdoor meal. Whether you bring a potluck spread, have a barbecue, or just pack snacks, the green spaces and shaded areas provide an inviting atmosphere for shared dining experiences. Wi-Fi access and electrical outlets in some indoor rooms allow groups to stay connected or power up devices, facilitating events like meetings, presentations, or casual digital interactions.
The community center also frequently hosts special events and workshops, giving your group opportunities to participate in or even organize themed gatherings, learning sessions, or celebrations supported by center staff. These thoughtful amenities and conveniences combine to create a seamless and satisfying meetup setting tailored to your group’s social and recreational needs.
Through its welcoming atmosphere, rich program variety, flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, and strong focus on accessibility, Laurel Hills Community Center clearly stands out as a premier destination for hosting group meetups that are fun, memorable, and inclusive. Whether your group desires active play, relaxing social time, or skill-building workshops, this community hub offers everything needed to bring friends and family together with ease and enjoyment.