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Best Parks in Raleigh
Are you searching for the best parks in Raleigh, NC? Check out these great parks in the Raleigh area that the whole family will enjoy.
The City of Oaks has over 200 parks spanning the metropolitan area, each offering unique experiences for residents and visitors alike. From world-class adventure playgrounds to serene nature preserves, Raleigh's park system provides something for everyone.
Raleigh is known for its stunning lakes and green spaces, so there is always something to do, especially if you are an outdoor lover. The parks in Raleigh feature many amenities, including art centers, athletic facilities, community centers, lakes, playgrounds, and open spaces.
Raleigh's park system is regularly rated as one of the best in the country. The area's parks are well-maintained and provide residents and visitors with ample opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the city's beauty.
Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, or peaceful retreats, these ten exceptional parks showcase why Raleigh is consistently ranked among America's best places to live.
Here are the best parks in Raleigh, NC.
1. Pullen Park
Address: 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC, 27606
Pullen Park is one of Raleigh's finest parks and an excellent spot for family fun. This park offers various amenities such as a carousel, train, kiddie boat ride, playgrounds, a nice picnic area, a lake, and so much more, all across 66 acres of land.
Located in Raleigh's historic Oakwood neighborhood, a short drive from downtown Raleigh. It is perfect for families. Pullen Park is the top attraction for kids, dating back to 1887. It is the first public park in North Carolina and the fifth oldest operating amusement park in the United States.
Unique Features:
- Historic Carousel: Features hand-carved animals and plays traditional carnival music
- Theatre in the Park: Theatre In The Park, located at the northern end of Raleigh's scenic Pullen Park, is internationally acclaimed for outstanding theatrical achievements. More than 40,000 people attended our programming last year alone.
- Train Rides: Miniature train takes families on scenic rides around the park
- Pedal Boats: Enjoy the lake from a different perspective
- Playground and Picnic Areas: Perfect for birthday parties and family gatherings
2. William B. Umstead State Park
Address: 8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC, 27617
William B. Umstead State Park is a beautiful park that offers a range of recreational activities, such as hiking, fishing, camping, and biking. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic trails, stunning lakes, and wildlife around them. Whether searching for an escape from busy city life or just planning a summer date outdoors, William B. Umstead State Park is the place to go.
Located 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh, this park is perfect for hikers, mountain bikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts. If you love nature trails, camping, boating, or enjoying the wildlife, this state park is one of the best places to visit. With over 5,599 acres of forest, this park is one of North Carolina's most visited state parks and a popular spot for fall hiking.
Unique Features:
- Extensive Trail System: Over 13 miles of hiking trails and 12 miles of bridle trails
- Big Lake and Sycamore Lake: Excellent for fishing, kayaking, and peaceful reflection
- Mountain Biking: Dedicated single-track trails for various skill levels
- Wildlife Viewing: Home to deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species
- Camping: Both tent and RV camping options are available
3. Dorothea Dix Park
Address: 1030 Richardson Dr, Raleigh, NC
Dorothea Dix Park is one of the biggest parks in Raleigh. It is 308 acres and located just five minutes south of downtown Raleigh. This park is lively, with vast open fields and fun things to do.
By far one of the most popular and well-known parks in the Triangle, this park is home to many local events, historic architecture, and lush landscaping, all within a welcoming atmosphere. It is a staple destination in the area. Dix Park hosts numerous events and festivals, including Dreamville, the Field of Sunflowers, and Falling for Local.
This former mental hospital site has been transformed into one of America's most exciting new park projects. If you are looking for a staple park that is dog-friendly where you can enjoy all the amenities, visiting Dorothea Dix Park should be next on your list.
Unique Features:
- Gipson Play Plaza: Gipson has extensive playground facilities for kids, including a sand pit, waterfall, sensory maze, climbing tower, and swings. This world-class adventure playground opened in 2025 and caters to all ages.
- Historic Architecture: The park preserves original buildings from the Dorothea Dix Hospital, which have been repurposed as visitor centers and event venues.
- Raleigh Skyline Views: Rolling meadows and dramatic hills provide stunning panoramic views of downtown Raleigh.
- Annual Sunflower Fields: The iconic Raleigh sunflowers bloom in July, drawing thousands of people to Dix Park.
4. Moore Square Park
Address: 201 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC
Moore Square Park is a public gathering space and one of Raleigh's two surviving original parks. It has been a place of gathering, reflection, entertainment, and recreation for Raleigh citizens since 1792.
The four-acre park is located in downtown Raleigh, an urban green space that offers many different events throughout the year. This area can be used every day to enjoy the outdoors, walk on the trails, or visit the attractions.
Located in the heart of the town, this park is popular with people who enjoy parks within a city. The square surrounds Raleigh's charming old and new and is a perfect destination on a sunny day.
At Moore Square, you can enjoy the open lawn area, beautiful old oak trees throughout, a shaded "tree house" area, 30-foot-wide sidewalks around the square, and a splash pad for kids during the warmer months.
Unique Features:
- Recent Renovations: It recently underwent a two-year renovation to rejuvenate the space and create a welcoming and inviting space in downtown.
- Interactive Water Feature: An interactive water feature provides fun for children and cooling relief during hot summer days
- Event Programming: Moore Square hosts numerous events and programs, including music festivals, markets, and movie nights.
- Century-Old Oak Trees: All this, while ensuring the beautiful bordering grove of 100-year-old oak trees remains untouched.
5. Lake Johnson Park
Address: 4601 Avent Ferry Road, Raleigh, NC 27606
Lake Johnson Park comprises more than 300 acres of land surrounding the 150-acre lake, making it one of Raleigh's premier waterfront destinations. This beloved park offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational amenities, all within minutes of downtown.
This park is perfect for families, fitness enthusiasts, nature photographers, and anyone looking for a peaceful waterfront escape near the city. Many Raleigh residents love to walk their dogs here when the weather is nice.
Unique Features:
- Comprehensive Waterfront Center: The focus of the Waterfront Center is water-based outdoor recreation. The center offers a variety of seasonal paddling and fishing programs
- Extensive Boat Rental Program: The lake/park offers boating (jonboats, paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and personal launches), making it accessible for all skill levels
- Scenic 700-Foot Boardwalk: There's also a 700-foot-long boardwalk across the lake that provides stunning water views and accessible fishing opportunities
- Multi-Use Trail System: Lake Johnson has a paved greenway and natural surface trails, offering options for walkers, joggers, and cyclists
- Fishing Opportunities: The lake is well-stocked, and fishing is permitted from multiple locations, including the boardwalk
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6. Lake Crabtree County Park
Address: 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC, 27560
Lake Crabtree County Park is located on a 215-acre site adjacent to a 520-acre flood control lake. The park hosts more than 16 miles of trails for its main activity. This expansive park offers some of the Triangle area's most diverse outdoor recreation opportunities.
Unique Features:
- Extensive Trail Network: Of the 16 miles of trails at Lake Crabtree, six of them are the loop that goes all the way around the lake, providing options for hiking, single-track mountain biking, and nature study
- Observation Tower: The main entrance is on the Aviation Parkway side and is equipped with two playgrounds (for different age groups), a boat dock (as well as rentable sailboats), bathrooms, an observation tower, and other amenities
- Accessible Fishing: The park also offers fishing by boat and from a fishing pier and platform for the physically challenged
- Volleyball Courts: Visitor amenities such as the park's walking paths, picnic facilities, playgrounds, boat rental, fishing pier, volleyball courts, open play area, and waterfront
- Family-Friendly Design: Two separate playgrounds are designed for different age groups to ensure safe play for all children
7. Historic Yates Mill County Park
Address: 4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh, NC, 27603
Historic Yates Mill County Park is a 174-acre wildlife park with hiking trails, Historic Yates Mill, Wake County's last remaining gristmill, and the mill's 24-acre pond, which Steep Hill Creek feeds. This unique park combines history, nature, and education in an authentic 18th-century setting.
Unique Features:
- Fully Operational Gristmill: The 18th-century water-powered mill is fully restored and operable. Volunteers have assisted mainly in the following areas: mill interpretation during guided tours, corn-grinding demonstrations, and selling cornmeal
- Extensive Trail System: There are three nature trails on the property. One circles Yates Mill Pond, which is enormous for a pond; it's more like a lake. There are about four miles of trails in all
- Historic Significance: Yates Mill served Wake County as a water-powered mill for over 200 years. Of the 70 gristmills that once served Wake County, this is the sole survivor
- Affordable Access: Free admission to the park; mill tour fee: $3-5
Methodology
Data was sourced from local Raleigh parks and the Government of Raleigh to determine the best parks in Raleigh, NC.
FAQs
What is the oldest park in Raleigh?
Pullen Park is the oldest and first public park in North Carolina, the fifth-oldest amusement park in the US, and the 16th-oldest in the world.
How many parks are in Raleigh?
There are more than 200 parks in Raleigh, each featuring unique amenities.
How big is Dorothea Dix Park?
Dorothea Dix Park is one of Raleigh's largest parks. With over 308 acres of land, this park offers historic architecture and rich landscapes, all in the heart of Raleigh.
Best Parks in Raleigh, NC - The Bottom Line
As you explore these incredible green spaces, remember that Raleigh has more than 200 parks, featuring classes and programs, art centers, athletic facilities, community centers, lakes, nature preserves, dog parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, greenway trails, historic sites, open spaces, and more. Each park offers unique character and amenities, contributing to Raleigh's reputation as a highly livable city.
Whether you're drawn to Pullen Park's historic charm, Umstead State Park's natural beauty, or Dorothea Dix Park's innovative design, Raleigh's park system enhances the quality of life for residents across all neighborhoods.
When house hunting in Raleigh, consider proximity to these parks as a valuable amenity that will enrich your daily life and provide endless opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and community connection. Welcome to Raleigh, where great parks and living go hand in hand.
Are you ready to find your perfect home near these amazing parks? Contact Raleigh Realty to explore neighborhoods that put you close to the outdoor lifestyle you love.
