There is an abundance of park space in Raleigh, and each one offers something different. For now I will feature four parks here, but I will post more as I visit!
Pullen Park
520 Ashe Ave
Raleigh, NC 27606-2150
919-831-6468
Pullen Park is located next to NCSU, just west of downtown Raleigh. Pullen Park dates back to 1887 when Richard Stanhope Pullen donated farmland to the City of Raleigh for use as a park. In 1976, the Pullen Park carousel was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The park is free, but the carousel, train, pedal boats, and bumper boats charge a nominal fee. There is a snack bar that serves locally sourced fare and restrooms.
Park Highlights
Carousel – Pullen Park’s best known attraction is the 1921 Dentzel carousel. Featuring more than 50 hand carved and hand painted animals, it was accepted into the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Some of the animals move, some are stationary. In addition to 30 horses, you and your child will have fun choosing which animal to ride among the ostriches, rabbits, cats, pigs, a tiger, a goat, and a lion. The cost to ride it is $1, which is a bargain considering the length of the ride.
- Playgrounds – A couple of very large playgrounds
- Tennis courts
- Lake with pedal boats ($) available
- Picnic Shelters
- Paved walking trails
Aquatic Center – Indoor Olympic sized pool open year round. Offers many programs as well as recreational swimming and classes. The facility also hosts many competitions. $2.75 for residents, $5.50 for visitors.
Aquatic center phone: (919) 831-6197
Miniature Train Ride – A 1950’s era small train ride. Parents can ride with the kids on this train ride. It loops through the park and is very scenic. Sit up front if you want to really experience the train horn! Highly recommended ($1)
Kiddie Boat ride – Basically a small above ground pool with small boats that go around in a circle. From what I saw, little kids love to ride around in circles in a boat! ($1)
Umstead State Park
8801 Glenwood Ave.
Raleigh, NC 27612
(919) 571-4170
With over 16 miles of hiking trails, and 17 miles of bridal trails for those of you with horses, William B. Umstead State Park offers a more natural and rustic park experience. There are some paved trails, but most are unpaved. The trails are usually well marked, but do pay attention to your map, I’ve met up with many lost people while there! Bug repellant might not be a bad idea either, and be sure to check for ticks afterwards. That advice is for all parks actually, but Umstead is particularly “woodsy”. Ruins of old mills can be observed on some trails.
There are three lakes, all of which offer good fishing, and two of the lakes have swimming areas. The Big Lake has boat rentals (not free), no swimming. There are also picnic (free), camping, and lodging (not free) sites for use.
The visitors center is relatively new, and is very nice. I’d recommend stopping in to pick up a free map, ask any questions, and use the nice restrooms before heading out onto the trails. A really nice unpaved trail loop starts just behind the visitors center – quite convenient.
Buffaloe Road Athletic Park
5900 Buffaloe Rd
Raleigh, NC 27604
Bufflaoe Road Athletic Parkis the venue for sports enthusiasts and is home to some of the nicest ball fields in Raleigh. Constructed in 2003, the park includes five fields and bleacher seating that can accommodate up to 1,000 people. This park is host to many local and national softball and baseball competitions.
The five fields are all lit and maintained via underground irrigation. Nearby is a 400 meter track and a large multi-purpose field. Near the entrance to the park, there’s a good-sized playground area and restrooms. What’s more, there is a Greenway trail running along the south side of the park. The trail cuts through a small wetland; a raised boardwalk always visitors to enjoy this serene space.
Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center
5908 Buffaloe Rd Raleigh, NC 27616 (919)996-5600
This aquatic center is very close to me, and what a lucky girl I am to have such a gem nearby. Though this is a paid entry facility, the $3 child and $7 adult Raleigh resident rate is more than reasonable.
This facility is the newest addition to the Raleigh water parks and recreation family, it offers:
- 3 story water slide
- Lazy river
- Water basketball
- Water vortex
- Birthday party areas
- changing rooms (including very nice family changing rooms)
- Life vests and other flotation devices
There is also a lap pool, but during our visit we made use of the kiddie pool. The center also provides various cups, water toys, balls, and diving sticks. Even older kids can’t resist playing with toys in the water. I only recently discovered this center, but with four walls and a roof, I predict we’ll be spending a lot of time here this summer.
Visit this link to read more about all of Raleigh’s parks, green spaces, and wet spaces.