PULLEN PARK

Pullen Park has welcomed Raleigh visitors since 1887. Its historic carousel and miniature train anchor a 66-acre city park with playgrounds, lakefront paths, sports facilities, picnic shelters and an event lawn. Families can spend an hour on the rides or make a full day of play, sports and a picnic.

The amusement area includes the carousel, train and kiddie boats. The park also has six tennis courts, youth baseball and softball fields, and free-use pétanque and bocce courts. Performances and outdoor fitness classes take place on scheduled dates. Lake Howell construction has temporarily suspended pedal boats until spring 2027.

GUIDE TO PULLEN PARK

Hours and the Best Time to Visit

The park and restrooms are open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Amusement hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The train closes around sunset, and rides may close early for weather or darkness. Weekday mornings tend to be a practical choice for a quieter playground visit; weekends bring more families and scheduled activities.

Admission, Rides and Tickets

Park admission is free. The carousel, miniature train and kiddie boats each require one $2 ticket per rider. Children under one year old ride free with a paying adult. Tickets can be purchased through Raleigh Parks’ RecLink online ticket system or at the Welcome Center when ticket staff are available; digital tickets do not expire. The carousel and train require a rider to be at least 42 inches tall to ride alone. A shorter child may ride with a ticketed adult. Kiddie boats are for children 30 to 54 inches tall.

Pedal Boats and Lake Howell

Pedal boats are an established Pullen Park activity, but they are unavailable until spring 2027 during work on Lake Howell. The lakefront construction also affects some paths and adjacent spaces. The carousel, train, cafe and playground remain part of the park visit.

Playgrounds and Sports

The playground areas include swings, climbing structures and slides, sand play, and a fenced preschool area. Six tennis courts are generally first come, first served, with push-button lighting from dusk to 10 p.m. year-round. Two lighted athletic fields include a 270-foot softball field and a 257-foot youth baseball field. Field rentals require an approved reservation and payment through Raleigh Parks’ RecLink.

Pétanque and Bocce

The pétanque and bocce courts are in the upper shelter area. Open play is free. Reservations take priority and cost $7 per hour, including equipment rental; reserve at the Welcome Center or kiosk. We group this activity under Yard Games.

Picnics, Food and Events

Picnic options include outdoor shelters, the carousel pavilion, a gazebo and an event lawn. Shelter rentals are requested through RecLink at least two weeks before the date and are confirmed after approval and payment. Pullen Place Café is near the Welcome Center. The event lawn hosts scheduled outdoor entertainment and fitness classes, including yoga; these are event-based activities rather than daily offerings.

Parking and Accessibility

Pullen Park is at 520 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27606. Parking, including accessible spaces, is available at the park entrance. Paved sidewalks connect many areas and are usable by wheelchairs, scooters and electric conveyance vehicles. Accessible restrooms are available during park hours. The carousel offers a bench option and the train is wheelchair accessible.

Activities at Pullen Park

Train Ride, Pedal Boats, Amusement Rides, Playground, Picnicking, Baseball/Softball, Tennis, Outdoor Entertainment, Outdoor Yoga, and Pétanque/Bocce (Yard Games).

City of Raleigh park details · Amusement tickets and facilities