Pullen Park

Pullen Park was created on land donated by Richard Stanhope Pullen and is the first public park in North Carolina. It is often cited as the fifth-oldest operating amusement park in the United States. The centerpiece is a hand-carved Gustav Dentzel menagerie carousel built around 1911, which still delights kids and grandparents alike.

Around it you’ll find a miniature train that loops the park, pedal boats on Lake Howell, a large accessible playground, picnic shelters, the Pullen Arts Center and the Theatre in the Park.

The grounds are free; the rides use inexpensive tickets sold on site. Ride hours change with the season and weather, so check the City of Raleigh Parks website before going. Parking fills quickly on warm weekends — arriving at opening time helps. The park borders NC State’s campus and Hillsborough Street, which is an easy add-on for lunch.