Effective 10/7/2024: Group lunches must be stored either at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, located at 11 West Jones Street, or on your mode of transportation. If you choose to store lunches at the museum, their front-line staff will provide directions upon arrival. Please note that the NC Museum of Natural Sciences opens at 10:00 AM and is closed to the public on Mondays. If your group arrives before 10:00 AM on Tuesday – Friday, please contact the NC Museum of Natural Sciences at (919)707-9805 for assistance. If your group plans to visit on a Monday, lunches must remain on your mode of transportation; if this is not possible, please contact us at capitalarea.visitorservices@dncr.nc.gov. 

Raleigh's downtown sites do not have indoor dining facilities for groups. Fire regulations prohibit groups from sitting inside the facilities while eating and do not allow waiting inside to escape the weather.

Several tables with seating are available in Fletcher Garden, between the Museum of History and the Museum of Natural Sciences. Buses may stop along Jones Street long enough to unload lunches, but they may not park at the curb. Tables may not be reserved. Groups are responsible for cleaning up after themselves, so bring heavy-duty garbage bags to collect trash for disposal.

Check out the map below to see where your group can eat lunch.

On days with inclement weather, you will need to eat lunch on your buses. If your bus has had to park at the Museum of Art, you must have a way to contact your bus driver.

You may purchase brown-bag or box lunches to eat outside. Many restaurants can provide these lunches with two-week advance notice. Contact them directly for menu options, prices, and arrangements.