Photo: Valeria Rossi
Photo: Het Thakkar
Photo: Carrie Mae
Pullen Park
★4.7(9,464 reviews)$Park
🕑 3-5 hours👶 Best for ages 1-12. Toddlers adore the gentle carousel and safe playground areas, preschoolers get a thrill from the train rides and pedal boats, while elementary-aged kids love exploring the grounds, renting boats, and playing on the larger playground equipment. The open spaces work well for kids of all ages to run and play.🧡 Saved by 450+ families
About
Pullen Park is one of the oldest amusement parks in America and a beloved Raleigh treasure that offers something for every age. With its iconic carousel, miniature train rides, pedal boats on the lake, multiple playgrounds, and wide-open green spaces, families can easily spend an entire day exploring this historic 150-acre gem without breaking the bank.
Highlights
- ✓Historic 1911 Dentzel carousel with hand-carved animals
- ✓Miniature train that circles through wooded areas of the park
- ✓Pedal boats and canoes for rent on Lake Howell
- ✓Multiple age-appropriate playgrounds including accessible equipment
- ✓Kiddie boat rides for the little ones
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekends (before 10am) to snag parking close to the main attractions and beat the crowds at the carousel and train.
- 2.Bring cash or download the ParkMobile app - ride tickets are affordable ($1-2 per ride) but the ticket booth is cash-only.
- 3.Pack a picnic and claim one of the shaded pavilion tables near the playgrounds for a budget-friendly lunch with a view of the lake.
- 4.Don't miss the historic Dentzel carousel from 1911 - it's a working antique and photo opportunity that grandparents especially love.
- 5.The pedal boats are surprisingly popular, so grab tickets for those first if they're a priority for your family.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings during spring or fall for the most pleasant weather and smallest crowds. Weekend afternoons can get very busy, especially near the carousel and train areas. Early evening visits in summer offer cooler temperatures and beautiful sunset views over the lake.
What to Know
Park admission is free; rides cost $1-2 each with tickets purchased on-site. Ample free parking is available but fills quickly on nice weekends. The park has restrooms, water fountains, and a small concession stand, though many families prefer to bring their own snacks and picnic supplies.
Seasonal Notes
The park is open year-round, but amusement rides (carousel, train, boats) operate seasonally from March through October with limited winter hours. The playgrounds and grounds are always accessible. Check for special events like the Pullen Park Arts Festival in September and holiday light displays in December.
Nearby Eats
The Pharmacy Cafe (1.5 miles away) offers creative comfort food in a quirky setting with a good kids menu. For quicker bites, the Five Points area just north of the park has Sosta Cafe with outdoor seating and fresh sandwiches perfect for families.
More Activities Near Raleigh
Park
Dix Park
★4.7Free❤️38
Dix Park is a sprawling 308-acre urban oasis in Raleigh that offers something for every family member. With multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, a refreshing splash pad for hot summer days, wide-open fields perfect for flying kites or playing catch, and scenic trails for nature walks, this historic park has become a favorite destination for local families and visitors alike.
Farm
Orchards
$
Just a short drive from Raleigh, local orchards offer families the quintessential farm experience with pick-your-own fruit adventures, bouncing hayrides, and hands-on activities that connect kids to where their food comes from. These working farms transform throughout the seasons with apple picking in fall, strawberry harvests in spring, and festive celebrations that make every visit feel special.
Museum
Keystone Science Center
$$
Keystone Science Center in Raleigh sparks curiosity through hands-on exploration perfect for young scientists. Kids can dive into interactive physics exhibits, watch mesmerizing planetarium shows, and get their hands dirty in discovery labs designed to make learning feel like play. This engaging science museum turns abstract concepts into tangible fun that keeps children asking questions long after they leave.
Museum
North Carolina Museum of Art
★4.8$❤️217
The North Carolina Museum of Art is a fantastic family destination that combines world-class art with outdoor adventure. With free admission to the permanent collection, interactive kid-friendly galleries, and 164 acres of museum park trails dotted with monumental sculptures, it offers the perfect blend of cultural enrichment and active exploration that keeps children engaged and excited about art.