Top Picks for Raleigh Parks

Top Picks for Raleigh Parks

The Raleigh Parks system is comprised of a lot of amazing parks! We’ve compiled a list of our favorites and what you can expect to find at each one! What is your favorite park in the Raleigh Parks system? Let us know!

Top Kid-Friendly Park – Pullen Park

Pullen Park has long been known for being one of the most kid-friendly places in the Triangle area! After all, it was the very first public park in North Carolina! There is something to do for children of all ages – and adults, too! Pullen Park is also an amazing place to host friends and family for parties, or corporate celebrations!

Fun Things for Kids to Do:

  • Amusements ($1.50/ticket)
  • Carousel
  • Kiddie Boats
  • C.P. Huntington Miniature Train (a favorite!)
  • Pedal Boats (fun for adults, too!)
  • Theatre in the Park
  • Playgrounds
  • Sand + Water Play Area

Pullen Park also has a community center where you can enjoy programs such as Yoga, Ballroom Dance, Camps, and more! If you’re more of the water type, visit the aquatics center for water exercise or aquatic therapy programs. Other popular attractions include an arts center, on-site café, picnic shelters, tennis courts, and sport’s fields!

Image Credits: raleighnc.gov, visitraleigh.com

Top Nature-Lovers Park – William B. Umstead State Park

Nature lovers can unite at William B. Umstead State Park! This park is comprised of 3 lakes and over 5,000 acres – tons of space for nature lovers of all kinds! This is a favorite in the Raleigh Parks system!

Activities You’ll Love:

  • Hiking Trails
  • Canoe Rentals
  • Horseback Trails
  • Bicycling Trails
  • Fishing
  • Picnic Shelters

If you’re wanting to enjoy nature a little longer – go camping! The tent campground is open April 1 – December 1 with picnic tables and grills. You can also enjoy group camping on two primitive campsites that are open year-round.

Image Credit: visitraleigh.com

Top Instagram Friendly Park – Dorothea Dix Park

It’s easy to see why Dorothea Dix Park is one of the most Instagrammed spots in the Triangle! From the amazing view of Downtown Raleigh to fields of flowers – you can get the perfect picture for the ‘gram!

While you’re there you can catch one of the many community events hosted at Dorothea Dix including concerts, fitness classes, kite flying, and more! This park also has a rich history as Hunter Plantation, Dorothea Dix Hospital, and currently North Carolina DHHS Headquarters. There’s something for everyone at Dorothea Dix park!

Image Credit: visitraleigh.com

Top Outdoor Fitness Park – Peach Road Park

Peach Road Park is comprised of 7 acres and is one of the highest rated Raleigh Parks! The most sought out attractions here are the outdoor fitness area and the only handball court in the area! In addition to these popular adult attractions, this park also offers two playgrounds for the kids!

The community center is a great place to come together with others in the community with after school programs, summer classes, and ESL programs. They also have rooms available to rent for meetings or hosting classes.

Image Credit: raleighnc.gov

Top Historic Park – Historic Oak View County Park

Get ready to fall in love with this 19th century historic Raleigh Parks farmstead! You can take yourself on a tour of the grounds, or enjoy one of the guided tours offered throughout the day. The exhibits are the heart of this historic park and include:

  • The Cotton Gin House
  • The Farm History Center
  • The Plank Kitchen
  • Traveling Exhibits – Available to Loan for events!
  • Chicken Coop + Goat Barn

If enjoying the scenery is more of your interest, you’ll find beautiful landscapes throughout including ponds, picnic grounds, orchards, gardens, and walking trails!

Image Credit: tripadvisor.com

Top #LakeLife Park – Lake Johnson Park

Lake Johnson Park is one of the best places to enjoy life on the water! Whether you’re hoping for a leisurely day of fishing, or getting out on the water for a day of fun – Lake Johnson is a great place to go! For those that love hanging out in groups, you can join one of the exciting events happening at the lake including yoga, nature programs, fitness programs, boating, and more! It’s easy to see why it’s a favorite of Raleigh Parks!

Life on the water just got more exciting with water rentals including boats, single and double kayaks, Jon boats, peddle boats, and sailboats (in season).

Other exciting things to do on the lake include:

  • Fishing
  • QR Fit Trail
  • Waterfront Conference Center
  • Woodland Center
  • Lake Johnson Pool
  • Trails
  • Picnic Shelters

Image Credit: raleighnc.gov


We hope you found this article helpful as you explore Raleigh Parks in North Carolina! If you’re on the lookout for a new home in the Triangle Region or Coastal Region – give us a call! If you liked this article, check out our other blog posts here!

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