520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606
Pullen Park in Raleigh is our favorite park and it’s easy to understand why – beautiful grounds, a carousel, train and boat rides, and nice playgrounds. Everything my kids want wrapped into one fantastic location.
This park has a nostalgic feel for my family as well – my husband and I were walking around the small lake at Pullen Park, 2 kids sleeping in a stroller, when we finalized our decision to move to Raleigh. The rest is history.
Pullen park in Raleigh is NOT somewhere to go if you are looking for a day to avoid spending money. Although you can do it – the grounds and playground are free – but we usually spend about $20 on ride tickets when we go.
Ride the train, boats, and carousel!
Tickets for the train, carousel and the small, toddler boat rides are $1 a piece, each rider needs one ticket per ride. So me and my 2 kids can ride the carousel (they need adult to accompany them if under 42 inches), the train and kids can ride the boats for $8. We usually get lunch or a snack at the Pullen cafe, although you could skip that part and get in and out for around $10 just doing the rides (assuming an 1 adult with 2 kids).
Playground
The train passes by the playground and all the kids stop playing to run to the fence and watch it. The playground itself is nice, rubber surface with separate toddler and big kid sections. There is also a separate section of a variety of swings and a large sandbox. It can get crowded, especially in the summer or with groups around. None of the rides run until 10 am, but you can get in earlier for just walking around the park and use of the playground.
Pullen Park is definitely worth a drive if you don’t live to close by. It has a variety of activities and is very reasonably priced. I don’t know of anywhere else you can get a $1/person train and carousel rides and kids LOVE them.
The park has 2 really nice bathroom facilities with changing tables. I usually bring a stroller because I don’t want to get stuck carrying 2 tired kids at the end of a day of play.
Want to experience the magic of Christmas at Pullen? Check out Pullen Park Christmas Express. Tickets will go on sale in July and they sell out FAST.
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