Looking for some family-friendly outdoor fun? Our favorite parks and playgrounds across the Triangle have features for children of all ages and abilities to explore and enjoy.
Dorothea Dix Park
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Dorothea Dix Park is situated just outside downtown Raleigh and features one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the Southeast.
Gipson Play Plaza is nearly 20 acres of pure thrilling outdoor adventures.
The outdoor park features an interactive sensory maze, a mini, kid-sized street network perfect for practicing safe walking, biking and rolling skills, a 91-foot-long mega-swing and so much more.
The play area even pays homage to the Historic Yates Mill with the Watermill Mountain. The waterplay area is kid-powered with pulleys, pumps, spouts and dams.
In addition to Gipson’s Play Plaza, Dix Park is the home to many community events and programs, including Dreamville Festival.
The park is free and open daily to the public.
Pullen Park
The nation’s oldest operating amusement park also sits in the heart of Raleigh.
Pullen Park is North Carolina’s first public park and is the 16th oldest amusement park in the world.
Enjoy nature’s beauty on the pedal boat or take a ride on the train. There is something for everyone to enjoy.
In addition, there is also a large carousel and kiddie boats. Each ride does require a ticket. They can be purchased online or at the park's welcome center.
Pullen Park also includes a host of playgrounds and a swing area for children of all ages.
You can also watch a play at Pullen Park’s Theatre in the Park.
The outdoor theater saw more than 40,000 people attend programs in 2024 and is internationally known for its outstanding theatrical achievements.
Pullen Park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. If you plan on riding any of the attractions, park officials encourage calling ahead for the most up-to-date ride hours.
Sassafras All Children’s Playground
Sassafras All Children’s Playground is a part of Laurel Hills Park.
The outdoor play space was designed with inclusivity in mind, creating a space for children of all abilities to play together.
The playground includes towers, bridges, tunnels and swings.
It is free and open to the public.
John Chavis Memorial Park
Built in 1937, John Chavis Memorial Park is home to the historic Allan Herschell carousel.
The nearly 30-acre park has something for the whole family to enjoy.
The playground area was designed for children of all ages to enjoy and includes several features for teens and even adults.
There is adult exercise equipment, a sky-walking climbing feature and several nature play elements.
The park also includes a half-mile section of the Capital Area Greenway Trail and has an outdoor running track.
During the warmer months, the park has an outdoor splash pad area for the family to cool off from the summer heat.
The park is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Downtown Cary Park
Located in the heart of Cary, the Downtown Cary Park was designed with activities the whole family can enjoy.
The park spans 7 acres with many locations, almost like a mini city.
Enjoy lunch in the Academy Pavilion & Plaza, grab a drink and meet other dog lovers at the Bark Bar and Barkyard, or play at the Nest and park Street Courts recreation areas. The park has something for everyone.
The park also holds community events. Be sure to check the website for its upcoming events calendar.
The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Kids Together Playground
Climb up a dragon or dig for imaginary treasure through the sand. Kids Together Playground provides a space where kids can play without limitations.
The multi-sensory park located in Cary was created with a universal design in mind, meaning it can be accessed, understood, and used by anyone regardless of their age, size, ability or disability.
The park is filled with winding paths and ramps, chair swings side-by-side with traditional swings, and playground equipment that helps encourage multi-sensory stimulation.
Let us know your favorite unique park that makes the Triangle so special. Send us your pictures and videos at wral.com/reportit.
