BURLINGTON CITY PARK

Burlington City Park is the flagship of Burlington’s park system, bringing historic amusement rides, recreation facilities and community gathering spaces together across more than 75 acres. Its centerpiece is a restored early-1900s Dentzel Menagerie Carousel, joined by a miniature train, children’s rides, playgrounds, athletic facilities and open green space.

The park works equally well for a short family outing or a fuller day of activity. Visitors can walk the park trail, play tennis or pickleball, use the fitness stations, explore the ADA-inclusive playground, cool off at the seasonal splash park, picnic under a shelter or attend one of the park’s concerts and signature events.

Most of the grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset, but rides, concessions, aquatic facilities and reservable spaces follow their own seasonal schedules. Checking the City of Burlington’s current facility pages before traveling is the best way to confirm hours, weather closures, reservations and any activity-specific fees.

GUIDE TO BURLINGTON CITY PARK

Hours and the Best Time to Visit

The park grounds are open every day from sunrise to sunset. Amusement rides and concessions operate on a seasonal schedule and are weather permitting, with the carousel and miniature train generally available on weekends year-round and more weekday service during summer. The splash park is seasonal. Weekday mornings are a practical choice for a quieter walk or playground visit, while weekends and special-event dates offer more attractions but can bring larger crowds.

Rides, Tickets and Age Requirements

Burlington City Park has five nostalgic rides: the Dentzel Carousel, miniature train, planes, cars and boats. Current ride tickets are $1 each. The carousel and train require two tickets per rider, while the smaller children’s rides require one. Children under 42 inches tall must ride the carousel or train with an adult. The planes and cars are for children 36–54 inches tall and under 80 pounds; the boats are for children 30–54 inches tall and under 80 pounds. Tickets are sold at the concession stand, which accepts cash, cards and Apple Pay.

Recreation Around the Park

Beyond the amusement area, the park includes an ADA-inclusive playground, baseball and softball fields, a fitness area, tennis courts, the Burlington Pickleball Complex and open lawn space. The City Park Trail is an easy-to-follow 1.8-mile loop combining gravel, sidewalk and asphalt. It passes many of the park’s main facilities, is stroller- and kid-friendly, and allows leashed dogs.

Water Play and Swimming

The Burlington Splash Park is a seasonal, zero-depth play area at 1400 Overbrook Road. Admission is free, but every guest must be registered; advance online reservations are recommended because walk-in admission depends on available capacity. Children 14 and younger need an adult age 18 or older, and each adult may supervise no more than five children. Proper swimwear is required, cotton clothing is not allowed and children who are not toilet trained must wear swim diapers. The Maynard Aquatic Center is closed for the 2026 summer while its enclosure project is underway, so check the city’s aquatics page for future reopening information.

Accessibility

The park has an ADA-inclusive playground and an ADA-accessible carousel chariot and ramp. The miniature train also has an accessible car, although it is not rated for powered wheelchairs and has a 600-pound maximum capacity; one attendant may accompany each rider on the loading platform and ramp. The carousel house sits at parking-lot grade, and accessible parking is available near the amusement area and Homebuilders Shelter.

Parking and Getting Around

Parking areas are distributed around the park, with the main amusement-area entrance at 1388 South Main Street and additional access from Overbrook Road and East Kitchin Street. The trailhead lot at 273 East Kitchin Street is convenient for the walking loop and has a nearby restroom. During major festivals, follow the event-specific parking and shuttle information because ordinary lots can fill quickly.

Food, Restrooms and Picnics

The amusement-area concession stand sells ride tickets, drinks, classic snacks and some healthier options during ride operating hours. Picnic tables are located throughout the park, and many of the nine reservable shelters and gazebos include grills. Restrooms are documented near the City Park Trail trailhead, at the splash park, inside the carousel event facility and near Homebuilders Shelter; availability may follow facility or event schedules.

Events and Rentals

Annual highlights include the Burlington Carousel Festival, July 3rd in the Park, summer concerts and Christmas in the Park. The Jimmy Combs Stage hosts outdoor performances, while the Carousel Event Space, nine shelters and gazebos can be reserved for private gatherings. Advance reservations are required for shelter rentals.

Pets and Park Rules

Leashed dogs are allowed on the City Park Trail. The nearby Jiggs Askew Memorial Bark Park provides separate fenced areas for smaller or older dogs and larger dogs, but first-time users must register their dogs with Burlington Recreation & Parks. Burlington’s parks and facilities are tobacco-free, including e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.

Before You Go

Because the park is spread across several entrances and facility zones, decide which activities matter most and park near that area. Allow roughly two to four hours for rides, the playground and a short walk; combine the splash park, sports facilities or a special event for a longer visit. Verify ride weather status, splash-park capacity, court availability and event parking on the official City of Burlington pages before leaving home.